Evie
I was asleep when I woke up in an empty apartment. Dad did say he was going to the shop to continue his work.
I was happy and greatly relieved that he had employees. All he did now was direct… manage. He was even planning to expand his shop.
I couldn't be more grateful for him… for his support. I didn't know what I’d do if he decided to leave me in this state.
My hands found my belly. It was slowly becoming an everyday thing when I woke up.
I didn't know if this was how pregnant women were. Or it was just me.
My stomach was barely there, still, I placed my hands there to try to not only feel a heartbeat but also let my baby know that mommy was here. Mommy would always be there.
I didn't know what Mom would think about me now. She might not be proud of me, but I hoped she was. I hoped she would be proud of me throughout this journey.
Tears pooled in my eyes when I recalled Dad’s words from two nights ago.
The child needs its father, Evie.
That meant he didn't mind Ethan being involved in all this. But did I? Did I mind?
Truly the child needed its father, but did I need Ethan? Did I need whatever he was to me?
Perhaps only time could tell. Wait, time?
My eyes flitted to the time when I saw it was a quarter to ten.
Shit.
My interview was scheduled for 10 a.m. How could I have slept in? Why did my fucking alarm not wake me? And dad too?
All I recalled was a feathery kiss on my head. Why didn't he wake me?
I jumped off the bed, sprinting inside the bathroom. The shower was the quickest I took in my entire life.
I rushed out and shrugged on a black gown. It was a body con long-sleeved with collars around the neck.
After that, I sat in the chair and set to do my makeup. I was a bit relieved when I saw I didn't need much.
My eyebags were slowly fading, my eyes didn't seem as empty. But my heart… my heart remained the same, lonely, empty, and yearning…
I dabbed a bit of powder and smothered on a small amount of clear lip gloss.
I hesitated before diving into my drawer to bring out a box of jewelry— the one he’d given me on my birthday.
I tried to keep it locked away. I didn't want to deal with the emotions it brought, but now… Scratch that. Now I didn't even know why I brought it out.
I also didn’t know why I picked the silver necklace and stared at the butterfly-shaped pendant.
I’d only opened the box once after he gave it to me. It was a few days after my birthday.
I placed the necklace in my palm, lightly tracing the pendant.
My breath turned shaky as I tried to imagine what he’d felt when he was getting this.
Was this solely a reciprocation because of how I helped Sophie? Or… I quickly shook my head. Like every one of my neckpieces, it was ordinary. I wore it and refocused my attention to my face.
All good things, all good things.