Bella's fury burned hotter the more she thought about it. Christian had kept Dylla her precious car for six whole months without a single word. Six months of her running from one bus stop to another, of begging rides, of carrying the weight of her life on tired feet. And all that time, he had her car sitting safely with him.
How dare he.
She had stormed out of the restaurant without letting him take her home, too angry to even look at him again. Instead she called a taxi, her mind still replaying his confession over and over.
But when she arrived home and saw Dylla parked neatly in the driveway, her heart betrayed her. Relief washed over her so fast she almost forgot her anger. She ran to the car, hugging it like a long-lost friend. The leather seats smelled familiar, the steering wheel felt right in her hands. Not a single scratch. Perfectly cared for.
Tears pricked her eyes, though she would never admit it.
That night she tossed in bed, unable to rest. Her thoughts spun in circles her mother still in the hospital, the twins with their endless studies, and then Christian. Always Christian.
What exactly did he want from her? Everyone knew him as ruthless, cold, untouchable. Yet he had shown her moments of softness, staying with her at the hospital, holding her hand, returning Dylla without a word of demand. He kept calling her Butterfly. Why? What did he mean when he said she had asked him to?
Bella buried her face into the pillow and let out a laugh at the absurd thought that maybe she had met him in another life. "Ridiculous," she whispered. "No one forgets a man like Christian Hampson."
Still, when she finally drifted off to sleep, it was with the sound of his voice in her ears.
The shrill buzz of her alarm woke her. She dragged herself from bed, forcing her body into her uniform. Her Stewardship training would end in just two weeks, and then she would finally become a certified flight attendant. She would not let exhaustion or confusion stop her now.
That day's class focused on safety demonstrations. Bella fastened and unfastened seat belts with ease, displayed how to use the oxygen masks, pointed out the six emergency exits, and explained the use of life jackets. Her movements were precise, her tone calm. The trainer nodded with approval.
"Excellent demonstration, Bella," he said.
Her classmates' glares burned against her skin, but she ignored them. Let them hate. She had no space left in her heart for their pettiness.
She left early, driving Dylla straight to the hospital. The moment she stepped inside, she saw Bianca, Austin, and the twins already there. Relief filled her when she saw her mother sitting up a little straighter, colour returning to her cheeks. She was not out of danger yet, but she was better.
Bella had barely sat down when Bianca tugged her arm. "I need to talk to you. Privately."
The serious tone made Bella follow her outside without protest.
"What is it, B?" Bella asked, studying her best friend's pale face.
Bianca hesitated before whispering, "I think I might be pregnant, Bell."
Bella's mouth fell open. "Pregnant? Oh my God, that's amazing! I can't wait to be a godmother." Her grin widened, but it quickly faded when she noticed Bianca's lack of excitement. "Wait... you don't look happy. What's wrong?"
Bianca's eyes filled with tears. She wrapped her arms around herself as though bracing for impact. "I really want this child, Bell. I do. But I am scared. What if Austin is not ready? What if he is disappointed? We were not planning to have kids this soon."
Bella softened, reaching to squeeze her friend's hand. "B, does Austin know?"
"No," Bianca whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know how to tell him."
Bella tilted her head. "Hold on. You said you might be pregnant, right? Have you even confirmed it?"
Bianca gave a broken laugh, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I have confirmed it, Bell. Five test kits. All positive. And the gynaecologist confirmed it too. I am pregnant." She said the words with a strange mix of fear and joy, as though speaking them out loud made them real.
Bella's heart swelled. She pulled her best friend into a tight embrace. "Then listen to me. Do not hurt yourself or your baby with fear. Austin loves you more than anything. I know he does. And he knows, just like you do, that even with protection, surprises happen. This baby is a gift, B. If for some strange reason he struggles at first, I promise you he will come around. And if he doesn't, then I'll step in as father and godmother both." She smiled, brushing away Bianca's tears. "You are not alone."
Bianca sniffled, a weak smile tugging at her lips. "You always know what to say. Thank you, Bell." She kissed Bella on the cheek before rushing back inside.
"I still hate that you call me Bell," Bella called after her with a laugh.
"Whatever, Bell," Bianca tossed back, giggling.
Bella watched her go, her heart lighter. For a moment she allowed herself to believe that everything would be all right her mother, Bianca's baby, maybe even herself.