Love Thy Neighbor (Friend-Zoned)(97)

Her face softens and she whispers, “Time heals all wounds. I promise, it does get better. You were there with me, you know it.” I nod and she goes on, “I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but there will be a day where you wake up in the morning and colors will seem a little brighter, the sunshine will stay out longer, and the birds will sing just for you.”

My vision blurs and I lower my head.

Tina whispers, “It’s gonna happen for you, honey. I promise.”

***

Three months later…

Ash grabs me around the waist from behind and I burst into laughter. His body shakes with silent laughter and he says, “You think I’d let you get away with that, pretty girl? I don’t think so.”

Next thing I know, a mangled pancake is being shoved into my mouth. Not just any pancake. The one I threw across the room and into Asher’s face before running like I stole something and locking myself in the bathroom.

Stupidly, I thought the coast was clear.

So now I must eat said mangled pancake. And I eat it with pride.

I chew loudly through my whimpers mixed with giggles while Pizza and Donut jump up and down at our feet knowing mommy and daddy are being silly.

Asher laughs, “You better eat the whole thing. Don’t make me get the syrup, girl.”

Just as I swallow, the doorbell rings.

Ash and I look at each other through narrowed eyes before he walks over to the door and throws it open. He snatches Tatiana out of Nik’s hands and throws her up and down in the air. Smiling like a fool, he walks her into the apartment and says to Nik and Tina, “Well, this is a surprise. A good one, I mean. Come on in, guys.”

Even though I only saw Tina a few hours ago, I tightly hug her and kiss Nik’s cheek. I ask in mock horror, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would’ve at least tidied up!”

Tina chuckles. “Oh please, you should see our place. We came here to be somewhere cleaner!”

Tina follows me into the kitchen while Nik and Ash show Tatiana the doggies. She can’t walk yet but can stand with little assistance. Pizza and Donut jump around her playfully. She smiles and kicks her little legs out.

Adorable.

Tina helps me make coffee for everyone and we bring them over. Nik and Tina sit on the sofa while I sit on Ash in the single armchair. Nik looks at Tina with a sly smile. I look down at Ash through narrowed eyes but he just shrugs.

Nik smiles so hard his dimple pops out, “We were hoping to discuss something with you guys…”





Epilogue

Good things come to those who wait





As soon as I say it, I know I’ve f*cked up. “Should you be eating that?”

Her face falls and she throws the donut aside.

Great work, ass.

I quickly amend what I said, “No, no! I meant are you allowed to eat that?”

Nat looks at me through wide eyes and mouths, “What is wrong with you?”

Fix this, quick!

Walking over to the box, I pick out two new donuts and bring them over to Tina. I tell her, “Here, I know you like the glazed ones.”

She smiles up at me and cups my cheek, “Ghost, honey, you don’t need to watch me like a hawk. I’m not ill. And it’s kinda creepy.”

But I want to watch her!

Playing it cool, I utter, “I know but I just want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

Tina throws me a sweet smile, “Ash, are- are you nervous?”

Fuck yeah, I am.

I scoff, “What? No. You’re crazy.”

Nat sighs, “Well, I’m nervous. When is Nik coming home?”

Tina explains, “He called, he has to meet us there. So we can leave anytime you like.”

We make a move out to Nat’s car and I help Tina sit. When I try to buckle her in, she slaps my hands away, glares at me and says in warning, “No.”

Commence project drive like an old lady.

Nat says, “Babe, I think you can go a little faster than this.”

Tina agrees, “Yeah, you can at least go the speed limit, honey.”

I ignore them both. I’m driving, therefore, my rules.

We finally arrive at the big white building and I spot Nik out front waiting on us. He comes over to me and says, “Nervous, bro?”

Yep. So much that I might just barf.

I wave him off and utter, “No way. Let’s do this.”

When I reach for Tina’s arm to escort her in, she karate chops me and scowls at me. I throw my arms up in defeat and back away.

Okay. I get it. Overkill.

Nat walks next to me and says out of the side of her mouth, “Calm the f*ck down, ass.”

Nat and Tina are escorted into a room leaving me and Nik out in the hall. Nik says reassuringly, “This is all procedure. Just the way it goes, man. You’ll see, everything’s fine.”

Ten minutes pass and I’m officially anxious as f*ck. I’m ready to knock down the door, throw Tina over my shoulder and run like the wind. Just as I say, “What the f*ck’s taking so long?” the door opens and Tanya steps out. Smiling, she says, “Come on in guys, we’re ready for you.”

Nik and I follow her in to find Tina lying on a reclined medical chair with her belly showing. Nat stands next to her holding her hand.