Goodbye

They clearly didn't get along. And suddenly everything changed, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Both Alice and I suspected that they'd had something, but for me it was just sexual tension, not anything that deep. After a while she had her vacation out of season. I thought it was because of the love disappointment. My heart ached with his story. Poor Vivian, for a moment she'd had everything and the next moment there was nothing left.

- After that, I really went on vacation. I spent two weeks in Italy, and that time was good for me, but it didn't and won't heal this emptiness here. - She said, putting her hands towards her heart. - And my father presented me with my silicones. - She winked at me and let out a sad laugh.

- I'm sorry, Vivian, I didn't know you'd been through this. I

I don't know, I could have done anything.

- It's that strength that I'd like you to have over yourself. You can, Nicole! For the first time in your life, you can choose what you really want! I know, I know... I think about what I've been through every day, and it hurts so much. So I tell you, if you really want this child, you have to fight. You have to...

- Vivian, I want to, you know, but I... I can't.

- Yes! Yes, you can! You're just as capable as Alice and me! And that's what I'm here for. - She held out the bag, which I hadn't seen until then, and said: - Here's the solution.

I looked at her as if a giant question mark was stamped on my forehead. She opened the bag and showed me a card.

- Mr. Colleri Tunner. - I read it out loud and then looked at her, still not understanding.

She smiled broadly.

- "Yes," I said calmly. - About eight years ago, my father rescued a man from captivity. He didn't recognize it at the time, but later came to recognize it as Colle. He's a former SEAL and owner of the multi-million dollar Security Enterprises. He said that he would do anything my father needed, at any time, just one phone call and the problems would be solved.

I tried to speak, but I lost my voice.

- Err... uh... that Security Enterprises?

- "Yes!" she said. - He and my father are great friends.

Security Enterprises was a world-renowned company that did big jobs such as personal security for celebrities and companies as big as Madeleine. Yes, they also provided services for my mother.

- But what could he do for me? I don't even know him.

- I know, Nicole, but he owes my father favors. After I heard your conversation today, I stole his card from my father's office and called. I left a message and he didn't answer. But in the evening he answered me. I knew you'd have the abortion in the morning and that we couldn't waste any more time.

- What? Vivian, what are you thinking? Vivian, what are you thinking? I can't run away, I have nowhere to drop dead, I have no money! How am I going to support myself? How am I going to keep this baby?

- Calm down! Alice and I have thought of everything.

Vivian looked nervous, she got out of bed and started pacing back and forth.

side to side.

- As I was saying, he called back. I told him I was calling at my father's request, and that it was time to pay off his debt. He kindly accepted. I said it was a favor for a family friend who needed shelter for a while. And also a job, anything that would support him for a while. He then said that he was retiring his housekeeper and was looking for someone who could help her and replace her in the future. It's not a heavy job, as it's a summer house. He needs someone to just keep things in order and keep an eye on the property. So I confirmed it. And you have a flight leaving in two hours. I know you don't have many clothes, so Alice and I will pack everything for you. It's not like it's a real getaway, after all, the mansion is in Dallas, and you don't have to worry about anything, you just have to go. We've already arranged everything. - She finally stopped talking and then took a breath of air.

- I... I... I don't know... this is all happening so fast! - I stood up and approached her.

- Look, I know it's hard, but you need to think fast. If you really want this child, I don't see any other option. But if you don't want to... I promise, Nicole, that there will be no judgments. You can move on as normal and none of us will ever touch on this subject again. - She shrugged and gave a half-smile. - Look, it's not much... - she said, holding out her hand with a banknote wrapped in a rubber band. - Alice and I took a small part of our savings because we figured Madeleine must have blocked yours and you'll probably need all the money you can get.

I was speechless, they had thought of everything. I couldn't ask for better friends. So I hugged her and just cried. I was so sad and, at the same time, so happy that I didn't know how such a mixture of feelings was possible. I wanted the baby, I know it seemed hard to understand, but I needed to feel the purest love possible, the love I'd never felt, the love I was ready to give. I wanted the sweet feeling of protecting, of being protected, of having a real family.

- It's okay," I said afterwards. Only then did I realize that Vivian was crying too.

- Yes, girl, courage! - She released me from the bear hug. - So, let's go!

- What? Like, we're going now? - I looked at her in amazement.

- Yes! Your flight leaves... well... - she said, looking at her watch. - In an hour and a half.

- Okay. I just need to... - I looked around. There's nothing I need here. Not really. - I need to change," I said, looking down at my pajamas.

- Yes, dear, but do it quickly, we don't want to be late. - She picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. - Oh, and we're going out the door. - She smiled and I went into the bathroom to change.

- I love you. Please don't cry," I said, holding back the tears.

- Sorry, I'm emotional. Promise you'll call us! - Alice hugged me tightly.

- Yes, of course! Every day!

- I swear I'll land in Dallas if you don't call me! - Vivian

I made a little peck.

Next flight to Dallas, leaving in eight minutes. The announcer's voice announced.

- So that's it, girls. - I let out a deep breath. Then they hugged me deeply, like never before. We cried together and exchanged words of affection and support. The people around us stared, but honestly, we didn't care, they were my best friends. You were my family. They were everything to me.

- Goodbye, little one. - Vivian shook my hair as if I were a five-year-old child.

- Goodbye, Vivian.

- Goodbye, Nicole. - Alice waved at me.

- Bye, Alice