CHAPTER FIVE

Carla’s POV:

It was already late, but Lexien still hadn’t gotten up, so I went to her room to wake her—and there she was, lying comfortably in bed, sleeping soundly.

Wow, it’s like she doesn’t have work or something. She’s been like this for days now. She used to wake up early. Maybe she’s dating someone and just hasn’t told me about it,” I said to myself, shaking my head as I approached her bed.

“Hey, skinny! Wake up!” I called.

She was still fast asleep, so I shook her shoulder.

“Lexien, wake up!”

“Uhhmm… five more minutes,” she mumbled, pulling a pillow over her face.

“Seriously? You’re still in bed? You’ve got work, It’s already late!” I said, pulling the pillow away from her head.

“What time is it?!” she asked, suddenly sitting up.

“It’s 9:50 a.m.”

“Oh no! I’m late again!” she said, quickly getting out of bed.

“You’re unbelievable. Now you’re going to rush again—why didn’t you tell me so I could wake you up earlier—”

“I’m kidding. It’s my day off today,” she laughed and lay back down.

I gave her a light smack with the pillow I was holding

“You’re insane!”

“Ahhh! Sorry! I didn’t tell you on purpose—it was supposed to be a surprise,” she said, crossing her arms in front of her to shield herself from another pillow hit.

“You’re really something. Come on, get up and have breakfast before I hit you again with this pillow.”

“Okay, okay, I’m getting up,” she said as she stood up. But then I frowned when I noticed the bruises on her thigh. She saw me looking at them, too.

“Lexien… have you seen a doctor about that?”

“Yes.”

“Hm. What did the doctor say?”

“They said it’s anemia.”

“Anemia? So… that’s why you bruise

“uHmm.” nodded slowly,

But I couldn’t help feeling even more worried. Lately, I’ve been noticing strange symptoms in her, and something tells me it’s not just anemia. I wanted to ask more, but she suddenly came closer and threw her arm around my shoulder.

“Let’s go out, bestie. Where do you want to go?”

“I think you should rest. I’m really worried about you.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m totally fine, see?”

“It’s just that… your symptoms are getting weirder lately…”

“Oh, come on, you’re so dramatic. Is that how pregnant women act now?” she laughed.

“Crazy!”

“What? You don’t want to go out? Fine. I was going to treat you.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll get ready,” I said, leaving her room to prepare.

Sigh... How am I supposed to tell her that next week, Eros and I are leaving for America? His family wants us to stay there for a while so they can take care of me during the pregnancy. Even now, I’m already sad… I’ll miss her so much.

*****

Lexien’s POV:

I asked Ma’am Esmeralda for a day off so Carla and I could go out and, hopefully, so I could finally get myself checked. I lied to her, saying I had anemia—but the truth is, I haven’t gone for a check-up yet. That was just an excuse so she wouldn’t worry even more.

I’ve been noticing Carla acting quiet all day. Even on our way home, she was still deep in thought.

“She probably wants to tell me something but can’t bring herself to say it,” I thought.

“Hey bestie, are you okay? You’ve been zoning out all day.”

“Hmm, well… bestie…”

“I knew it! You’ve been holding something back, haven’t you? Come on—what is it?”

“It’s just that… Eros and I… we’re leaving for America next week. His parents are worried about the pregnancy, and they want me there so they can take care of me…”

She said it with her head bowed.

I was stunned. I felt my heart tighten immediately. Then I heard her sniffling—she was crying. When I looked at her, she avoided my gaze. Don’t cry… please don’t cry in front of her… control yourself…

“I’m going to miss you, ugly,” I said, and hugged her tightly.

She hugged me back and cried even harder.

“Hey now, stop crying. There’s still video call! We’ve got Hello Messenger, right?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood, but she just sobbed harder.

lighten the mood, but she just sobbed harder. “Come on, stop it. Crying won’t help you or the baby.”

“It’s just… ugh…” she sobbed.

I let go for a moment to get her a glass of water.

“Here, drink this.” I wanted to break down too, but I kept it in—otherwise, we’d just end up crying all over again.

“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself and Eros, okay? And tell him I said he better not neglect you or the baby. Take extra good care of that little one—it better be as cute as me, but not as skinny.” I joked, and thankfully, she let out a soft laugh, even though her hiccupping sobs.

“You’re so annoying,” she said, “I’m just scared for you. What if you get lonely and there’s no Carla here to hug you anymore? I won’t be by your side.”

And that’s it. The tears finally came down. My chest felt so tight.

Yeah… what now?

Our families both live in the province, so ever since, we’ve been each other’s only support—through the struggles, the craziness. I’ve always felt so lucky to have a best friend like her—someone who always puts me first, no matter what.

You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got this. What matters is you’re going to be somewhere safe, with someone to care for you and the baby. You’re still as stubborn as ever. And don’t even try to deny it, you love me more than Eros. I should tell him.

“Crazy!” she laughed and gave me a little smack on the head.

“Ouch!” I spoke.

“If anything happens, promise me you’ll tell me. I mean it—I’ll come get you, even if I have to fly across the world.”

"Yes, I promise,” she replied with a chuckle, rolling her eyes.

“Come on, stop crying now,” I said, rubbing her back gently. “Shhh… you’re okay.”

“Promise me you’ll stay healthy while I’m away. Eat well… I expect to see some cute little cheeks when I come back.”

“I promise. Cross my heart. But you have to promise me, too—take care of yourself over there, especially now that you’re not alone. It’s you and your baby. You both have to be healthy.”

She nodded softly, and I just hugged her tighter.