Layla's advice

"How have you been? Do you have a special guy yet? " I asked humorously.

I hadn't seen Layla in a long time, and I realized how much I missed her. She was my confidante, friend, and sister, all rolled into one. She was one of those uncommonly kind and sincere friends. I missed her advice.

Her cheek was splattered with crimson. Her skin tone couldn't allow for a blush, but I could tell.

I lifted my brow. I wasn't expecting this.

"Hmmm, is that a blush I see, Layla? Who is the lucky man, and how come I didn't hear about it!" I poked her shoulder with a dramatic pout.

We made sure to stay in contact, but I was never much of a texting person. So I sometimes texted her to make sure she was fine; and if she needed any help or anything.

Layla tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked like a high school girl in love.

"Well, his name is Samuel."

"Yes, go on," I said; with expectation.

"I met him like two years ago, and we have been hitting it off. He is a sweet and nice guy, so I knew I wanted to date him right away. And guess what? " She asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"You are dating, and you just found out you are pregnant." I guessed, half-joking and half-serious.

Layla burst out laughing. She showed me her hand that I now realized she kept hidden.

The bud was small but held great meaning. It brought a new beginning with someone you could be with for the rest of your life. That bud that hugged her finger was commitment and love.

"I'm getting married!" she screamed.

"Congratulations!" I exclaimed and jumped on Layla to give her a bear-crushing hug.

"Ok! 0w! You are squeezing me too hard! " She said with a breath of laughter.

Layla deserved this happiness. Her life has been a constant struggle: from living in poverty, being the breadwinner of her family, and taking counseling thanks to her abusive ex.

I've seen her in pieces like shattering glass, but now she was slowly picking them up and throwing them in the bin, never to be found again.

"So, tell me how things have been going on with you?" she asked and then started to look around. "Where is Mia, by the way?"

A frown etched on my face.

~~

I told her everything. I told her about Mia, how I had to see a psychologist to deal with this pressure and fear, that Alex was back, and finally about Miguel.

"I can't imagine what you're going through right now, Sasha," Layla whispered as she patted my arm.

"It's okay. Let's just avoid talking about all the horrible things going on in my life right now."

She nodded and then perked up.

"So... Miguel, huh?" she inquired, gladly changing the subject.

My face began to warm. I would have preferred that Layla not move the subject to Miguel.

"So, have you confessed yet?" she inquired, her eyes twinkling.

"No," I muttered.

"What?!" she exclaimed.

I felt myself wince.

"The man you've been dying to have is back, and you'll just friendzone him? Sasha, where is your bold and fierceness? I understand you couldn't confess in the past: since you were, you know, pregnant, but nothing is stopping you now!"

I sighed. "I know..."

Layla softened her tone and touched my hand. "What's stopping you, Sasha? Are you scared of being rejected?"

I nodded.

Layla sighed, "Sasha, you are a wonderful woman. You are both beautiful, as you are strong. Look at how you raised a kid by yourself! I doubt he'll say no-"

"What if he does?" I refuted.

Layla grinned. "Never say never, Sasha. I can see that Miguel is a great man who'll make you happy. Trust me. I may not be great in my relationship, but I do have an eye on others. "

I bit my lip. "I don't think now is the time to think about a relationship when Mia is not feeling well..."

Layla scoffed in annoyance. "Don't use Mia as an excuse to be a chicken. All I want you to do is confess to Miguel. You are not going to ignore Mia when you date Miguel. Am I right?"

I nodded. "Plus, I believe Mia will get healed. Trust me on that, "she said and rubbed my arm.

It was true that remission was possible, and cancer could be cured if found fast enough.

I nodded once again, hoping with all my heart she was right. Mia could be healed. It was possible.

I smiled at Layla. That's why I love her. She gives me a shred of hope.

~~

"So let's get back to business. I found info about him, " Layla said, switching her tone to a somber tone. She took out a stack of papers from her bag.

I gulped. I hoped the truth would finally answer my questions.