CHAPTER 36
We rode in silence for a while before I spoke up. I was waiting for the right time to ask him the question that has been on my mind since he made mention of Damien. I didn't want him to figure out anything.
"About Damien", I cleared my throat.
He looked at me. "What about him?"
I couldn't find my voice. I didn't even know what I wanted to ask him anymore. I was damn scared.
Finally, I said. "Do you know him that much? How come? He was not our schoolmate."
"Of course I do. He was Eric's buddy."
"Eric?"I asked with astonishment. "Maria's boyfriend?"
He nodded and stared at me with curiosity written all over him.
"How come I never knew?"
"I got to know him from Eric. He's not based in New York. He was only there for high school."
"So that means he will be out of New York by now?"
"Yea, probably. I think that was why he was asking you. Is there anything between you two?"
"Of course not, "I lied.
"He looked smitten", he chuckled. "Who wouldn't feel for a beautiful lady like you?"
"Don't be funny."
"He laughed. "Where do you stay?"
"You don't want to know."
"Of course, I do want to know. Don't worry, I won't come visiting without you knowing."
I stared at him with doubts as he placed his hand on his chest.
"I live two streets away from here."We were already at Ellah's school.
"Yep, my lady."
We talked about other random stuff and before I knew it, we were already at the avenue. I thanked him and got down.
"See you tomorrow, Daisy."
"Tomorrow? Stanley, you promised."
"I'm informing you already."
"Whatever", I said and walked to the gate.
Stanley would never change. Always looking for opportunities to grab but I enjoyed his company. He had changed indeed. I knew him to be a flirt. I walked inside and suddenly remembered I forgot to get Eric's contact from him again.
"Shit", I cursed. "How could I have forgotten such a significant thing?"
I needed to reach Maria. It's been so long and I missed her so much. She'd be so surprised and mad at me when she eventually gets to know that I was pregnant and I have a child already. I also needed to get Damien's number from Eric, if truly they were buddies like Stanley claimed.
Then, my phone rang, jerking me out of my thoughts.
"Hi, babe."
"Hello, Sidney."
"I've been searching all around for you. Where are you?"
"I just got home."
"Oh! I hope you've not forgotten about Jayden's birthday?"
"Of course not."
"Should I come to take you to get a dress?"
"Don't worry. That is taken care of already."
"Great. See you tonight. I love you."
"Same here."I rolled my eyes and disconnected the call.
"That must be Sidney", Nina appeared from nowhere.
"Yeah." I rolled my eyes again.
"Come on. Forgive him already."
"I have already, mom. If I haven't, I won't even pick his calls."
"Your dress is on your bed. I had to order it because I was feeling too lazy to go out and get it."
"Thanks, mom", I said tiredly and went upstairs. I know Ellah would be in our neighbor's house. She always goes there after school. She is a teacher and she takes them some lessons after school. I was so tired that I fell asleep immediately when I got to the room.
By the time I woke up, it was already 7 pm and Sidney was already calling me. I missed his calls twice.
"Hello", I said sleepily.
"Babe, you've forgotten?" He said more like a shout.
"Of course not."
"But you are sleeping."
"Are you here already, Sidney?"He was getting on my nerves again.
"On my way."
"I'll be ready before you get here."
"Please, be ready. I can't afford to be late for my best friend's party."
I hung up immediately. I was angry and I was having second thoughts about going. But I knew mom would scold me if I didn't go. I groaned and stood up. I quickly took my bath and got dressed. Sidney was right on time. I was putting on my shoes when I heard his horn. I went downstairs and kissed mom on the forehead before heading out. He was sitting on the bonnet of his car when I got out. He was looking cute in his black tux and well-combed hair.
"Good evening, love." He kissed me.
"Good evening, " I replied as we both hopped into the car. I was really In no mood to talk and the drive was silent all through.
We were almost at Jayden's apartment when he said. "Jayden's dad is a politician. And he's a friend of my dad. I'd like to introduce you to some of their kids. A lot of them would be there."
"Ok", I said. I wanted to nod in response but I had to say something so he wouldn't notice something was amiss.
We got there and he got out to open the door of the car for me. Today is indeed a good day, I thought.
"I forgot to say earlier that you look gorgeous and ravishing."
I smiled at him. "Thank you."
We got inside and I got fed up with going from one table to the other as he introduced me to some of the classic ladies there, politician's daughters like he claimed, I thought and rolled my eyes at the last lady who looked at me from head to toes. I was already feeling uncomfortable with the whole setting and was about to tell Sidney that I needed to use the restroom when my phone rang. It was Nina.
"Mom, I'm there already."
"Daisy, you need to come home right now", she said with agitation.
"What happened?" I questioned, trying to act calm.
"It's Ellah", she said.
"Ellah? What happened to my baby?" That got Sidney's attention. The lady I greeted also looked at me strangely but I didn't care.
"We're in the hospital...."She was saying when I cried.
"Oh My God" and disconnected the call.
"Sidney", I need to go. I could see the flash of hurt that crossed his face, which was replaced by regrets.
"Ellah is sick. Mom said she is in the hospital."I explained and he nodded, without moving an inch. There was no time to care about his reaction as I turned to go out. My baby was more important than any fucking relationship. To hell with the relationship.