Chapter 13

Chapter 13 

Daniella's POV 

I wasn't sure how exactly I got home, especially with the way my eyes were blinded with tears. Somehow I stumbled my way through campus and back to my apartment as quickly as I could. Something told me if I waited any longer, Freya would find me. 

As I pushed my keys blindly into the keyhole of my apartment, I sensed something was wrong. I looked around, wondering who or what it could be but found nothing. The door opened with one click and I walked into my room, shutting it quickly behind me. 

That was when the perfume first hit my nose, startling me and then her voice. 

“Hey" 

Despite it's softness, I cried out, pushing back to the door, “What the fuck" my eyes found her lighter ones that always shone with a smile. “Rayne" I said, shaking my head in disbelief and pleasant surprise. 

She smiled, “Of course it's me, who else would it be." She raised her keys up. “Who else would have a key anyway?" 

I shook my head, wondering if it was actually her. When the tears had cleared up, I finally accepted it. Before she could say anything else, I jumped from the door and into her arms, pulling her soft and warm body into mine. 

She giggled, hugging me tighter and we stayed that way. I didn't want to let go of her but eventually we did. 

Rayne stepped back, "I thought to come surprise you since it's been too long of a while. You've been ignoring my calls and messages. I thought something had gone terribly wrong" she gave me a once over. 

She must have seen the expression of regret on my face because her mouth fell open. “Wait, Dani?" She stepped closer, a questioning look on her face. 

I sighed, “Look, it's too much to say all at once" I walked past her and into my room where I dropped my bag on the bed. “It's a very long story" I said as I fell on the bed, hugging the pillow to myself. 

She sat down beside me, a worried look on her face. Her brows were knit together, lips pursed as well. Rayne hardly ever got worried and it made me wonder what she would do when she found out the full story. 

"Well I'm spending at least a week here so there's enough time for that” she didn't push any longer, instead she stood up. "I went into your kitchen and you're barely surviving Dani.” There was disappointment in her voice. 

Rayne was a workout and diet freak. One thing she always made sure of was that I was well fed. “I haven't had any energy to go shopping," I told her. 

From where I lay, I could sense her rolling her eyes. “Well you'd better get up then. We're going to do some grocery shopping." She clicked her tongue, “This fridge is literally empty. A lot of shopping will be done and then when we're back, I'll make dinner”

I couldn't deny the drop of excitement I felt at the idea. Despite the events of the day, I was excited to spend time with Rayne. She was my best friend and somehow, she lifted my mood in ways I didn't know was possible. 

After a while, I sat up, cleaning any trace of tears away. I will deal with Professor Kent and Freya tomorrow. That decision could wait at least a few hours more. 

“Let's go" she took my hand and led us both out the apartment and to her car. 

“You got a new one" I exclaimed when I saw the car. 

Her previous black Bentley was now a dark green 2027 Mercedes. It was her dream car a year ago and somehow she had done it. I couldn't help the shock I felt. She really was a spoiled brat but it wasn't just that. She worked as well and it was paying off well. 

She shrugged like it was nothing, “Mom thought it'd make a good birthday gift and i think she was right" 

“Your birthday isn't even here yet" I noted. 

Rayne nodded, “You know how she is. She couldn't wait any longer to give it to me" she went around, opening the passenger door for me. “Get in baby" her voice was light and playful as she deepened it for effect. 

I tossed my head back as I laughed, the first real one in weeks. It was the Rayne effect. 

Inside the car, we both exchanged stories, many of mine fake. I told her about school and the friends I had made (ones that didn't exist) 

She might have sensed something because she asked, “And Gareth? I was expecting to see him but he's nowhere in sight. Are you both good?" She glanced over at me before looking back at the road. 

I looked out the window, contemplating what answer to give. “Well, that didn't work out. I forgot to tell you. We stopped talking a few weeks ago. I'm back on the market" along with a pregnancy. But I didn't add that. I couldn't imagine what her reaction would be. 

She gave me a side eye but didn't say anything else. “Alright then. I might need to do some matchmaking is what i hear" 

“No!" I cried out quickly before the idea formed solidly in her head. She would never let me hear the end of it if I allowed it to happen. 

She grinned, "We'll talk about all that later anyway. You look like you have so much else to tell me”

There were no words of agreement but it felt like I didn't have to say it. She was right, there was plenty to tell her. Now I wondered why I hadn't told her long before considering the fact that she wouldn't be judgemental. 

After a while of driving, the car came to a stop in front of a popular grocery store. I opened my door and we both walked into the store. 

While we shopped, we spoke especially about her. She told me about the new fitness company she was working for. She was also modelling a few merchandise for them. It gave her enough money to plan a vacation for her birthday. 

"Of course you're going to be there” she didn't look at me as she said it. 

Even though I didn't say anything to that, I knew it wouldn't be possible, not if I had a baby coming. Her birthday was in two months, i would only be two months and a few weeks gone. Still, I knew she would understand when she had that information. 

Soon we were done shopping and after paying we headed back home. 

As we arranged the groceries in the fridge and up on the counters, she asked, “So, tell me all I need to know" she looked back at me. “Don't think I didnt notice you were crying when you walked in. What made you cry? The shitty Gareth?" 

I couldn't help but laugh, “You don't even know him to say that" 

She shrugged, “Anyone who loses you has to be a piece of shit. You're literally perfect" she paused, “So tell me" 

I sighed, releasing the breath I had been holding, "I'm pregnant”

 

She spun around quickly, eyes wide with shock. "What?”