(Alys Prov)
I looked around the condo unit. It was still the same as before, nothing had changed. I guess I was the only one who had changed here, huh.
Mommy had just left here. She was also trying to get me to go home but I said no. I was getting older. I needed to learn to be on my own. I didn't want to live under their shadow for the rest of my life. I knew they meant well but I just needed this for myself.
Drake had checked on me as well. I really didn't want him to feel guilty. I was having a hard time. It didn't matter, it's been less than a year. After Fier was born, everything would be fine. Hopefully.
I went out to eat since I also lost my appetite to eat alone inside the unit. I felt so sad when I did that.
I grabbed my purse and a cardigan and went straight to the elevator.
"Alys!"
I stopped when Shakira suddenly came out of the elevator with Tripp.
"Shakira?"
Suddenly she slapped me on the arm.
""Don't hit me, Shakira," Tripp scolded her. Shaira didn't even listen and slapped me on the arm again.
She was shaking me when she spoke. "You! If I hadn't Skyped here with Tripp, I wouldn't have known how wrecked your life is!" she said.
I looked at Tripp and he gave me a half smile. The noise was, oh. I was trying to keep the situation a secret. I don't want to ruin Drake for anyone else. We live in a moral country. And what we're doing is considered immoral, I know. But what can I do? He's here. And I would definitely not leave Drake.
Shakira suddenly pulled me into the elevator just as it was about to close.
"Come on, talk!" she said. "I traveled for hours for you so give me something!" she continued.
Tripp and I just shook our heads. We thought that Shakira would mature a little. No, she didn't. She's still a brat.
We got into the elevator because there was nothing else I could do. Instead of being beaten by Shakira, I'll just go with her. And this is better than eating alone, right?
"So, who's Fier?" she started to me after we ordered food at Lim Chinese Restaurant.
"Shakira, let Zyril eat first," Tripp said.
Shakira glared at him. Still not changing. Still a child's mind. "Time is important, noh! Besides, there's no food yet!" she said. "So, spill everything now! I'm all ears!"
I just sighed and started to tell my story. Shakira, was so absorbed in everything I was saying. Tripp, on the other hand, just shook his head. I know Tripp is having a hard time with my situation but as we agreed, I can handle this. This is just a test, eh...
"Fier is pregnant so I just understand. Hormones maybe?" I said.
Shakira rolled her eyes. "Hormones my ass! I have a cousin who's pregnant but she's not like that noh! Tell her she's crazy as hell!"
I just laughed.
"What are you laughing at there? OMG, Alys! I knew you're stupid but not to this extent, please!"
Tripp, just eat. We're used to Shakira. It's only been college days, you know how pushy she is. She destroyed my debut, remember? When she wants something, she'll sure as hell get it.
I smiled at her, to stop her relentless nagging. "Anyhow, done's done, Shaira. I moved out of the house. No biggie."
"SAY WHAT?!"
I nodded. "I'm leaving. I did mention that Fier was hitting Drake, right? I don't like that. I'd rather leave than have that happen."
She took a deep breath and stood up. "That's it. I'm out of patience. I'll smack some sense in that woman!" she said and then stormed out of the restaurant.
Tripp and I heard her call the valet. Did she leave us? She was bringing her car. Shakira, really.
Tripp and I looked at each other afterwards.
"Are you okay?"
I nodded and forced a smile. "Yes, I can."
I can. What's this about all the crying I did before? Now that I know Drake loves me so much. I know I have someone to lean on. If when we were in high school I was able to trust him even though he wasn't vocal about his feelings, would he still be able to tell me I love you now?
"I'm just here, okay?"
"Sure, I know."
He leaned back in his chair. "You know, sometimes I wonder why Drake? I'm more handsome, right?"
"Are you serious about what you're saying?"
He nodded.
"Yeah, don't argue. That's all I can do to appease you. I'm more handsome than Drake," he said then called the waiter for the bill. He paid it and then stood up. "Come on, let's follow Shaira, maybe she'll go crazy again and what will happen to Fier."
I stood up too and we started walking. Before he could leave, I grabbed his arm.
"Tripp?"
"Hmm?"
""Don't leave me, okay? Not now. I can't do it yet."
He smiled. "Not yet. I still can't."
We got into the cab together that arrived. It took us almost 30 minutes to get to Drake's house. And what I heard made me weak on the knees.
"Shit," Tripp cursed.
We quickly ran inside. We found Shakira and Fier screaming.
"You bitch! Who are you?!"
Shakira crossed her arms. "I'm the best friend of the man you impregnated! Don't call me a bitch!"
I couldn't move. I was shocked by what I saw. The two of them were standing there shouting. Even Drake's maids didn't know what to do.
"Would you rather I call you market?! You went here to shout at me?! Are you crazy?!"
Shakira pointed at Fier. "OMG what did Drake eat to decide to get you pregnant? Let alone kiss you! You're a horrible person!"
Fier looked like she was going to pass out from annoyance anytime soon. Goodness, Shakira!
"Shakira, stop it!" I exclaimed.
Shakira pointed at me. "No, you stop it! Honestly, Alys, I don't know why you're accepting all of this crap! You're married to him yet in your pretty, little mind, you don't seem to understand. YOU ARE HIS WIFE. Why did you leave the house?!"
"Oh fuck it," Fier said and then turned and started climbing the stairs.
"I'm not done with you, Miss Home-wrecker!"
Fier stopped walking and turned to face Shakira. "Miss whoever-you-are, watch your words. You don't know."
"I know enough, okay? If Alys doesn't complain, I sure as hell will!"
"I don't know about you. You're in charge of your own life," Fier said and then continued walking away.
Shaira? She's been pacing around in frustration for a while. Maybe if we were at their house, she'd throw stones at everything she sees. She has panic episodes. We've known that since college school so we're just patient.
"Let's go," Tripp said.
"What?! No! I'm waiting for Drake! Is he crazy? OMG yes he is crazy!" she said and then she started pacing back and forth.
[ Honestly I feel Shakira is a great Friend for Alys because I feel Shakira is more concerned about Alys than Anna it's my opinion. She took stand for her as soon she heard about her situation she came to her she is more like a best friend to Alys good they are not more rival]
Tripp and I just left her alone and instead went to the back of Drake's house.
Like we did before, we sat on the edge of the pool and dipped our feet in the pool. Feeling nostalgic.
"I have a question," Tripp suddenly said. "Why are you so calm? I mean, maybe if it was another girl, everything in Uncle Steve's house would probably be broken."
I also thought. Why am I like this? My mind told me to get angry. But I tried to understand Fier. I heard from her herself that she didn't want to live here. She was just a victim of her father's decision. Maybe it's unfair in my situation... But have other people thought about what Fier feels? It hurts to be told off by a boyfriend, it hurts to have a child that others will call a bastard. Fier's situation is difficult. The only understanding I can give him is my own.
"Because I'm a girl too."
"But I'm having a hard time with you."
I smiled at him. "You said it's normal to cry. I said it's normal to be hurt."
He suddenly stretched out his hands. "Our lives are complicated."
I nodded at him. "But all the complications make the ending much sweeter, don't you agree?"
He shook his head. "You're really different," he said and then offered me his hands. "Drake's probably there, let's go before Shakira hurts him."
Tripp and I stood up and sure enough, Drake was there. Shakira was giving a sermon when we arrived.
"...yelling at me! Goodness, Drake! Where did you pick that girl up from?! Ugh!"
She was walking back and forth.
"How can she be godmotherr? Oh, my! Maybe she's not breeding! I thought you were the smartest person I know, but you're not! If you want a child, Alys is the one, or any of your exes! Why that girl?!"
Drake went straight to the chair and sat down. "Shaira, I'm tired."
"Tired? You think Alys isn't tired? I know Alys is kind but I also know she doesn't like what's happening," she said then she turned to me. "Am I right, Alys?"
I couldn't answer. Was she right?
"Shakira, stop bothering them," Tripp said.
She arched her brow. "No. Alys is my friend and I hate what's happening. It's unfair on so many levels. You married her, Drake. Take responsibility."
"What do you want me to do?" Drake said. I felt chills. I was scared by what he said. He only just started talking about it. He's always been quiet.
"Be with Alys, for Christ's sake! Take Fier back to his family! Goodness, Drake! Your 10 is so high but your EQ is so low! Do you think her parents would leave their only daughter to beg on the street?! Oh, goodness! Am I smarter than you now?!"
Drake looked at me. "Are you struggling?" he asked me.
I couldn't speak. It was the first time he asked me how I felt.
I tried to smile but it was damn hard when you know that everything's just really hard.
He stood up and then walked up. Shakira and I were silent as we watched Drake climb up.
Tripp then clapped his hands. "Okay, show's over. Shakira, let's go take you home." He pushed Shakira out gently. She looked at me. "We're leaving. Let's talk, okay?"
I nodded at her. She smiled at me and then walked away.
I was nervous as I walked towards Fier's room. I was afraid of what I would hear.
I walked slowly. I couldn't knock. I just leaned against the side of Fier's door, hoping for the cracked hole in the door.
And then I heard a slap.
"Do you love her that much, huh?!"
I closed my eyes. I didn't know if I could bear to look. I just heard her slap Drake, and I was already hurt.
"Answer me!"
I mustered up the courage and looked inside Fier's room. I covered my mouth to stop myself from crying.
Drake...
"Stand up, Drake! Do you think you can get past me on your knees?!"
Drake just bowed his head. He didn't speak anymore. He seemed very tired...
"What, Drake! If you're struggling, I'm struggling too! Is this my fault, huh?! No way! Why are they telling me to be flirty? Did I kidnap you? Did you have a girlfriend when we were together before? No way! I've always been the bad guy... Didn't they think I was hurting too? No woman has ever wanted to be your hookup. I don't want to. I never dreamed of it. But what? It's here. What else can I do? You married Alys even though you knew I was here, she would be the mother of your child. Did you hear me scold you? No, right? I fucking accepted it all! Because I knew it wasn't there. It's really Alys. Drake, even just now, think about me. I'm hurting too."
Drake stood up.
"Fier..." Drake said.
I couldn't help it anymore. I was crying, I felt sorry for everything that was happening. I didn't want to.
"I'll be a good father but I can never be your husband."
And then there was silence.