Chapter Four: Moving On and Moving Forward

Chapter Four: Moving On and Moving Forward

Two weeks had passed since Frederick's devastating departure, two weeks of emotional turmoil and quiet reflection, a period of mourning and reluctant acceptance. Today, I decided it was time to reclaim my space, to purge the lingering echoes of a relationship that had ended so abruptly, to cleanse my home of the memories that haunted every corner. "Rhys, sit down already. Why are you carrying those boxes? What’s inside them?" Orion asked in confusion, his eyes following my movements as I struggled with a stack of heavy boxes, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Uh... trash?" I replied, my voice slightly strained as I shifted the weight of the boxes, the physical exertion a welcome distraction from the emotional weight I carried.

He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features, before opening the box he had taken from me, his movements swift and decisive. Inside were Frederick’s belongings, remnants of a life we had built together, tangible reminders of a love that had turned to ashes. I knew there was no chance of us getting back together, not after what he had said, not after the chasm of disbelief that had opened between us, so I had decided to get rid of everything that reminded me of him, to create a space that was solely mine. "So, you’ve finally decided to move on?" His voice was sharp, a hint of approval in his tone as he closed the box, placing his hands on his hips like a teacher waiting for an answer from a student, his posture a silent demand for accountability.

"It’s been two weeks, Orion. You were right—if he really loved me, he would have come back. It’s natural to be shocked, but if he truly cared, he would’ve realized he wanted to be with me. But he hasn’t. And I can’t stress over this anymore. I have a baby to think about now." My voice was firm, resolute, the words a declaration of my newfound determination, a promise to myself and the life growing within me.

Orion nodded in agreement, his expression softening as he pulled me into a tight hug, his embrace a comforting warmth. He had been the one constantly telling me to let Frederick go and to focus on my baby instead, his words a constant refrain of encouragement. He was right. I had spent nearly two weeks locked in my room, drowning in misery, replaying the hurtful words over and over, trapped in a cycle of pain and regret. But now, I had finally realized that I shouldn't waste my energy on someone who didn't value me, that my happiness was not contingent on his acceptance. I had a new family to love and care for, a precious life growing within me, a responsibility that eclipsed all others. "Oh, you have a check-up today, right? I’m coming with you!"

Today was my follow-up appointment with Dr. Collins. Sammy had promised to go with me, and now Orion was joining too, his enthusiasm a welcome distraction from my lingering sadness, his presence a comforting reassurance.

"Okay. Sammy's coming as well."

Orion's eyes widened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features, before his face turned red, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Ugh! Why does he have to come? Ugh. Whatever. I’m still coming!"

I chuckled at his reaction. That was so Orion, his dramatic outbursts a constant source of amusement, a familiar and comforting presence. "Alright."

At the hospital, Dr. Collins's words were a balm to my anxious soul, a soothing reassurance that eased the knots in my stomach. "There are no abnormalities in the baby. The heartbeat is normal. For now, that’s all I can confirm. I need to run more tests to fully assess the baby’s condition. But so far, your baby is healthy. Just remember my advice—no stress, no heavy lifting. Take your vitamins regularly. Since you’re still in the early stages of pregnancy, we can’t determine the gender yet. By the fourth month, we should be able to."

I smiled and thanked Dr. Collins, her reassurance a weight lifted from my shoulders, a sense of relief washing over me. She reminded me once more before her assistant, Mina, entered to announce that the next patient had arrived, her presence a gentle reminder of the passage of time. I stood up and thanked her again before heading to the waiting room, where Sammy and Orion were—arguing, as usual, their voices a familiar and comforting sound, a constant backdrop to our lives.

"Sammy, Orion," Dr. Collins greeted as we passed her in the hallway, her voice warm and friendly. The two instantly stopped their bickering, looking startled, their expressions a mixture of surprise and sheepishness. Orion quickly walked over to me, his eyes filled with concern, his protectiveness unwavering. "Take care of Rhys, okay? I’ll see you at your next check-up. Drive safely, Sammy. Bye, Orion."

We bid her farewell and left the clinic. Sammy drove us back to the apartment, but as we arrived, we noticed a car parked outside, an unfamiliar vehicle that piqued our curiosity. Did someone move into the apartment next door? We stepped out of the car, about to head inside, when a man approached us, his presence a sudden and unexpected interruption. He was good-looking, a bit on the shorter side, with fair skin and an air of wealth around him, a polished demeanor that hinted at a life of privilege. Why would someone like him live in this apartment complex?

"Hi. I’m Elijah. Elijah Parker. I’m your new neighbor. I hope we can be friends." He extended his hand with a friendly smile, his eyes warm and inviting, his demeanor disarming.

One Month After the Breakup

"Rhys!" Elijah's voice echoed through the apartment, a familiar sound that had become a constant presence in my life.

"Elijah, I'm in the kitchen." I called back, my voice laced with a hint of amusement, a gentle affection that had blossomed in the aftermath of Frederick's departure.

In less than a minute, he was there, carrying plastic bags full of groceries, his expression a mix of concern and affection, his actions a constant display of his unwavering support. "Ah, you went grocery shopping for me again? Elijah, you really don’t have to do this. I already appreciate you just being here for me. Being a friend is more than enough."

Elijah and I had become friends, a bond forged in the aftermath of Frederick's departure. He was kind, considerate, and always willing to lend a helping hand, a constant source of comfort and support. He would always bring me food and other essentials for my house, his presence a constant source of support, a gentle reminder that I was not alone. I had stopped going to school, the thought of facing Frederick too painful to bear, a wound that was still too fresh. Given my situation, it was better to stay at home, to create a safe haven where I could heal. That’s what Orion, Tyler, and Lucas wanted too. They thought it would be too stressful for me, especially since I’d see Fredrick there all the time, their concern a testament to their unwavering friendship.

"I like helping you. I actually want you to depend on me—to the point where you can’t do things without me." His words were spoken with a playful lilt, but there was an underlying seriousness that made my cheeks flush, a subtle declaration of his affection. He always said things like that, his affection evident in his actions and words, a constant reminder of his growing feelings. I could tell he had feelings for me, and honestly, he wasn’t hard to like, his presence a comforting warmth in the void left by Frederick. But deep down, I was still hoping Frederick would come back to me, a foolish hope that lingered in the deepest recesses of my heart, a stubborn ember that refused to be extinguished. "Uh... thank you," I replied, unsure of what else to say, my voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. He smiled at me, a warm, genuine smile, and I returned the gesture, a flicker of gratitude in my eyes, a silent acknowledgement of his kindness.

"Wow. Smiling at each other like that—why don’t you just kiss and end the drama already?" We both turned toward Orion, who was grinning mischievously, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Behind him stood Sammy, while Lucas and Tyler flanked him on either side, arms crossed but smiling, their presence a sudden and unexpected intrusion.

"H-how long have you been standing there?" I asked, my voice slightly flustered, and they all nodded in unison, their smiles widening, their expressions a mixture of amusement and playful teasing.

"Bambiiiii~~~" Tyler rushed toward me and wrapped me in a hug, his enthusiasm infectious, his presence a burst of energy. I hugged him back, grateful that he and Lucas had accepted my situation without judgment, their support unwavering, their friendship a lifeline.

"Hey, Tyler! You’re gonna squish the baby!" Orion shouted, pulling Tyler away from me, his protectiveness a constant presence. He pinched Tyler’s arm, making him yelp in pain, his actions a playful reprimand.

"Ouch! You’re so annoying, Orion! Tsk. You’re so grumpy. Are you sex-deprived or something?"

Orion's eyes widened, and we all burst into laughter, the tension in the room dissipating, the air filled with the sound of our shared amusement.