PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

“Delete it, Naomi,” I said during our lunch break. Naomi laughed contentedly. Although when we met in the elevator, she was already smiling inexplicably, causing some of the people inside the lift to look at Naomi with puzzled expressions. They might have been confused because someone was behaving strangely.

“Oh, this is concrete evidence that Anya Joice wants to get close to Cedric.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

“There’s nothing wrong with your closeness. You’re both human. Unless Cedric is a ghost, maybe I’ll stop you, Anya,” Dona added, and Naomi immediately agreed. My two best friends are exceptional at cornering someone.

“Do you even think about who Cedric is?”

“I know. A human,” Dona answered nonchalantly. She then enjoyed the cold fruit she ordered after finishing her bowl of corn soup with carrot.

“Office boy,” I whispered. This is the cafeteria, and I don’t want my words to be overheard and misunderstood. I didn’t mean to disrespect him. Since I got to know him recently, I eventually learned and became somewhat sure that Cedric is a good guy. He’s genuine and responsible.

But, come on… I still think realistically, right?ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Have you talked about this with Cedric?” Naomi asked bluntly, making me slightly flustered, but I tried to control it.

“I don’t want to expect too much. And besides, I won’t deviate from my plans.”

“Just wait and see, Dona. Who will lose? The foolish determination or Cedric’s charm.”

I hated hearing that. As if I’d be attracted to him? No. I can be very clear about that.

“Yeah. Don’t be sad if you suddenly realize how you feel,” Dona said, always managing to ally with Naomi through her words.

“Moreover, there’s nothing you can avoid if Cedric is the one who got you pregnant. Whether he’s an office boy or a manager. Don’t let your pregnancy become a burden to the point of harming the fetus. That’s all I can say. You’re an adult. You know the difference between right and wrong. There’s no point in being stubborn about it, Anya. So I hope you handle what’s happened in your life wisely.”

I chose to finish my order. I didn’t want to pay attention to Naomi’s words, although they were pounding hard on my heart. Naomi is my closest friend, but can she understand how afraid I am if this becomes more public?

All my worries have truly shredded my sanity. This is for the best, and I wholeheartedly believe it. I executed the plan last night. I stayed up late, making sure Cedric got home safely. It was around two in the morning when I finally fell asleep.

My office work was finished by half-past midnight. I deliberately checked again to make sure nothing was missed for the data on the early 2018 mid-semester. Once I confirmed that everything was in order, I packed up, including the bag I would take with me the next day. I set my alarm half an hour earlier than usual.

I really started to exhaust myself slowly. It wouldn’t be too noticeable after just one day. But if I kept up this routine, I’m sure I’d burn out within a week. I haven’t been taking my vitamins regularly either.

“That’s enough, Nao. It’s Anya’s business. We’ve warned her,” Dona said.

Naomi nodded silently.

“Hey, have you heard the latest gossip?” Doni Hasta always has a way of steering the conversation back to a relaxed atmosphere. Not as tense as before. For me, Dona is the mediator when Naomi and I have a disagreement. Dona and Naomi rarely argue, except for trivial things. Afterward, they always reconcile.

“Kelvin is going to throw a farewell party,” she said with sparkling eyes. Oh, dear. I wonder what kind of information she’s bringing and presenting. Actually, I already know about it. Kelvin himself informed me, though the location is still vague to me.

“We’ll have it at our regular club for dancing.”

I closed my eyes. The image of wearing a black dress again started to whirl uncontrollably in my mind.

“I also heard he rented a venue just for us.”

“Crazy. He’s not holding back with this event,” Naomi commented, impressed or something. “You’re not allowed to come,” she warned me directly.

I just snorted quietly. “Not interested anyway.” That’s the truth. Usually, for events like this, Dona and I are the most enthusiastic. We’d then persuade a somewhat sober Naomi when we were drunk together to be our bodyguard. But this time, I don’t know why I’m not interested at all.

“But I think you won’t be able to avoid it.”

I looked at Dona with a puzzled look. When I followed the direction of her gaze, I finally understood.

“Hi, Anya,” he greeted. Then he sat down without asking first. Well, this is the cafeteria. Anyone can sit anywhere they like. It’s just that… it shouldn’t be at our table, right?

I just gave a small smile, as usual.

“I thought you had a lunch appointment with someone. Turns out it’s with your friends,” he chuckled.

“Yes. We’re always together.”

I felt like laughing when it was Kelvin who responded instead of me.

“That’s right. Hey, do you know about the event I’m organizing? The invitation will follow, but all staff, including Ms. Krystal, must attend. Especially you, Anya.”

I always manage to keep my composure in front of Kelvin. Maybe because I understand how to deal with a show-off like him.

“I’ll make sure my boss attends, don’t worry.”

He nodded in response. “You should also be there with your full team. When else can we party together, right?”

The show-off will always be a show-off.

“True. Especially when there’s Vodka and its friends, right, sir?” Dona retorted with a tone of feigned enthusiasm. I’m pretty sure she’s mocking me. Out of all the alcoholic names, why mention Vodka? Why not Tequila?

“Whatever you want. Just don’t cause a ruckus,” Kelvin quipped with a laugh.

“The one who gets rowdy when drunk is Anya, Vin,” Naomi said, making me give her a sharp and suspicious look.

Kelvin immediately turned to look at me, as if asking me to respond or at least refute Naomi’s statement. But no. I don’t want to get caught up in this teasing game.

“When Anya’s drunk, she kisses people indiscriminately,” Naomi satisfied her thirst for teasing me to the max.

“Really?” Kelvin looked back and forth between Naomi and me. “Well, in that case, I should stay close to Anya all the time. So if Anya gets drunk, she’ll kiss me.”

“Do you wish I would kiss you when I’m drunk, Kelvin?” I said as I finished the last of my strawberry juice. Wiping the corner of my lips with a tissue, I got up and walked away from them.