Heartstrings and Secrets

The next day, I arrived at the store for another shift as a stocker, feeling a little more confident after the fun day with Trevor. But just as I was organizing the produce section, I spotted her-Sheryl-standing by the aisle with a smug look on her face. She glared at me, her eyes cold and calculating.

"Well, look at you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Stacking vegetables now. How the mighty have fallen."

I tried to ignore her, focusing on the task at hand, but her words stung.

"I'm just here to do my job, Sheryl," I said, keeping my tone calm.

"Gabriel's mom was right, you know," Sheryl said now, stepping closer.

"You didn't belong in his world. And look where you are now-a stocker in a little grocery store. How fitting."

Her words were like daggers, but I forced myself to stay calm. "I'm just here to do my job, Sheryl," I said quietly.

Before she could say more, Trevor appeared at my side, giving Sheryl a sharp, almost mocking grin.

"Well, if it isn't the queen of unsolicited opinions," he said.

"What's the matter, lady? Did someone cancel your spa appointment, so you decided to come and spread your misery here?"

Sheryl glared at him, her confidence faltering.

"Who are you?" she snapped.

"Someone who doesn't have time for your high school drama," Trevor quipped.

"Seriously, don't you have anything better to do than loiter and insult hardworking people?"

Sheryl's face flushed as she seethed.

"You're pathetic," she spat at me before storming out of the store.

I let out a shaky breath, realizing I'd been holding it in. Trevor gave me a wink.

"Don't let people like her get to you. You're doing great."

"Thanks, Trevor," I said, managing a small smile.

"I think you just saved me from a full-on meltdown."

Later that evening, I was on a video call with Teagen, my heart lifting at the sight of her face.

"I'll be home tonight," she said excitedly.

"I can't wait to see you! We'll catch up, okay?"

I nodded, and the anticipation of her return gave me a sense of relief.

"I'm looking forward to it, Teag."

I told Trevor about Teagen's return as we finished our shift.

"Teag's back tonight! I'm so glad," I said, my voice upbeat.

"Well, I'll drop you home then"

Trevor said, offering a warm smile.

"I'll make sure you get there safely."

We drove back to my house, but as we reached the door, a wave of dizziness hit me suddenly. I grasped the doorframe, feeling my legs go weak.

"Lila?" Trevor called, his voice filled with concern. "You okay?"

Before I could respond, my vision blurred, and my body collapsed.

I woke up in a hospital bed, the soft beep of machines in the background. My head felt heavy, and everything was blurry for a moment. Then I saw them-Teagen sitting beside me, Trevor standing by the window, his face filled with worry.

"Lila, oh my God,"

Teagen said, her voice shaky but relieved. "I'm so glad you're awake."

I blinked, trying to piece together what had happened.

"What happened? Why am I here?"

"You fainted," Trevor explained, his voice gentle.

"I brought you here. You've been out for a while."

I tried to sit up but felt lightheaded again. Teagen gently placed a hand on my arm. "You're okay now, just rest."

After a moment, Teagen pulled out a small wrapped box. "I brought you a little surprise," she said, smiling warmly.

I opened it to find a delicate bracelet with a charm that said

"Hope" engraved on it. Tears welled up in my eyes. "Thank you, Teag," I whispered.

"This means so much to me."

Trevor leaned against the wall, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

"Okay, okay," he said, with a grin.

"You're awake, you've got a beautiful bracelet, and now we just need to get some coffee. But first, let's see if I can make you laugh."

He cleared his throat dramatically. "Why don't skeletons fight each other? Because they don't have the guts!"

Teagen and I exchanged glances, and then we both burst out laughing. The sound filled the room, lightening the atmosphere. I hadn't laughed like this in so long.

As the laughter died down, a doctor entered the room, holding my chart.

"Good news, Lila," he said, glancing at me.

"Your test results came back clear. But there's something else we need to discuss."

I frowned, sensing the tension in his tone.

"You're pregnant," he said simply, his voice steady but not without empathy.

I stared at him, stunned, my mind racing.

'Pregnant?'

My heart pounded in my chest.

Teagen's eyes met mine, and without saying a word, I could see the question forming in her mind: Who's the father?

After being discharged, the three of us walked out of the hospital, the weight of the doctor's words hanging over me. We decided to stop at a nearby café for a drink.

As we sat down, I looked out the window, gathering my thoughts. Teagen and Trevor were talking quietly, but I could feel their eyes on me.

Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke. "There's something I need to tell you both."

Trevor tilted his head, sensing the seriousness of my tone. "What's going on, Lila?"

I hesitated, my fingers trembling.

"The night I collapsed... I don't remember everything clearly. But there was a man. A man with blue eyes. I... I slept with him that night, and I think he's the father of this baby."

Teagen's eyes widened, and Trevor looked at me, concern and confusion written all over his face.

"The blue-eyed man?" Teagen whispered.

"Lila, do you remember his name? Do you know anything about him?"

I shook my head. "No. It was a blur, and I haven't seen him since."

Trevor leaned forward, his usual humor replaced by a soft seriousness.

"Lila, we'll figure this out. Together, okay? You're not alone in this."

Teagen gave me a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with concern. "We'll be here for you, Lila. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

As I sat there, I realized how lucky I was to have friends like Teagen and Trevor. The road ahead would be difficult, but with them by my side, maybe I could find the strength to face whatever came next.