I stared at the scene in front of me with surprised numbness. I mostly wasn't sure how to feel. Normally I should be mad. Seething really, but I'd rather not waste my energy when I knew this would happen.

I mean when you expect something from the start and then you get it.....it doesn't really surprise you anymore.

So I did what I always did. I shrugged and strolled into the ice cream shop. Bought myself a large tub and left all the while his eyes followed my every move, leaving the girl in front of him pouting from the lack of attention.

I even waved when I finally met his eye. He averts his gaze. I snorted.

It wasn't that serious. Our relationship was doomed from the start. I don't even know why I let it get to this. I should've broken up with him months ago.

We barely even saw each other. Our texts only consisted of "hi"s and "hope you're great" and sometimes we didn't bother replying.

We're we ever in a stable boyfriend and girlfriend relationship?  Maybe at first.

I was making my way back to my apartment. Strolling down an adoption center for animals,I decided to get one.

I stepped into the building. It was a fairly small center compared to the ones I've worked at. Immediately my mood was lifted as I  take in the view of all the animals ranging from lizards to birds.

The content smiles of everyone around lifts my spirit even more. It always gladdens me when I witness the relationship between humans and animals. The Good ones.

I've always loved-Adored animals. Literally since I was a child. I lived in Africa , Nigeria, so my contact with animals were pretty much limited except on the rare days we visited the zoos.

I first fell for animals when I witnessed a mama bird feeding it's young. It reminded me of when my mom took care of us too and it made me realize we weren't that different from animals.

We immigrated from Nigeria to Texas when I was nine. It was hard adjusting but I've always been a...I think I should call it erm...detached? I dunno but I've never really cared enough about anything that didn't add to my growth as a person

I didn't even care when I was bullied in school for my accent,hair and skin. I loved everything about myself and had enough people around who loved me too so I never really bothered about mean kids who had nothing better to do.

Instead,I made sure I had good grades and applied for scholarships at various universities in America to study to become a vet.

Placing the bag i had my ice cream in at a safe corner I smiled.

I already had a goldfish,a cat and a lizard but I'd like more.

"Hi I'm Fechi and I'd like to adopt a pet" I said to the front desk person.

The older woman with doe eyes and warmest smile ever blinks "Feki?"

"No it's Fe-CHI.... nevermind" I sigh. I was used to it so I didn't bother.

"Oh okay. What pet would you like to adopt?"

"A puppy!"

"I'm gonna name you dazzle" I giggled at the little Yorkshire terrier mix. He was so adorable.

He yaps at his new name and I assume he loves it. I pick him up and shower him with kisses.

"Thank you!" I tell as I make my way out of the center.

"Fe?"

I stop dead on my tracks. There's only one person who calls me that In this world. And that's my male bestie Derek.

But Derek and I haven't spoken in a while,not since THE night. I honestly still can't face him yet so I continue walking.

"Fe!"

Ignore him please.

Before I could start sprinting he had grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him. I refused to meet his eyes.

"Why are you walking away?" He asked.

I stutter,mumbling incoherent words. What was I supposed to say?.

"Come on. We need to talk"

I panic "No!... Well...I actually have a lot to do right now"

"With what? The last time I checked you didn't have a job...anymore"

Ouch. But he was right. Since I lost my job I have got nothing better to do. That's how we ended up that night. Because I was bored. That's what I'm telling myself.

"Fine then. What do you wanna talk about?" I said once he had successfully dragged me to a cafe.

"Can you please look at me?" He asked in a pained voice.

"....I can't" I sigh. I honestly couldn't look him in the eye after what we've done. It just felt weird.

"Why not?"  He sounded desperate.

"Because!" I snap and stare at him,warmth filled my chest when his deep caramel eyes meets mine. I swallow almost forgetting what I wanted to say. "I don't know how to feel about you anymore okay?" I muttered but he heard me.

"Why's that? Is because of what happened two months ago? It's been two freaking months since it happened. I gave you time since I know you're one to overthink but I can't stay away any longer. I miss us"

I blush and bite my bottom lip. "I miss us too. But.... doesn't it feel awkward?"

"Not really. I mean I can't say what we did was meaningless because it definitely wasn't. But There's nothing to be awkward about"

He placed his hand on mine and interlocked them.

"Tell you what. If you feel so awkward about it let's agree to forget about it. I promise I won't bring it up unless you want me to." He smiles.

That adorable tilt his lips, the tiny dimple on his right cheek gently peeking through.

I breathe in and out. Why was my heart racing when all I felt was relief?.

"Okay" I smiled back.

"Yap yap!"

"Oh! I see you got a new pet. Now you're a mother of four" he chuckles and I laugh alongside him.

I couldn't help but stare at him as he picks up dazzle and plays with him. How should I tell him? How could I? Should I?. I didn't wanna ruin his life. He already has so much going on. This news would probably just add to his stress.

But I couldn't help but smile at him as he cradles dazzle. He definitely would make a great dad.

"Thanks for walking me home. I didn't realize time had flown by" I said to him

"It's okay. I do it all the time I don't know why you're thanking me" his eyes sparkled.

I sighed deeply and without thinking about it I went in for a hug. I wasn't lying when I said I missed us. I missed him. So much

He wrapped his arms around me and that familiar smell of lemon and wild honey wafts into my nose. I inhaled deeply.

Tears suddenly pricked my eyes. I sniffled.

"Are you okay?" He whispered as he smoothens his palm on my back. And I broke down.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. All the pent up frustrations of not able to find a job and finding out I was pregnant.

He was a bit startled at the sight of my tears but he pulled me closer and comforted me. I couldn't be more grateful.

"I broke up with Daniel"

He didn't seem surprised "it's okay. You'll be fine."

"That's not all but I'd like to take my time before telling you cause I'm not sure how you'd feel"

He frowned "Can't you just tell me now?"

"No sorry"

"Okay." He sighed "I'll wait"

I shivered when he pulled away from me. He noticed and pushed me towards my apartment door.

"Aren't you coming in?" I asked casually.

"No...well do you want me to?" He asked unsure.

"Of course I want you. To" I coughed and avoided his eyes.

"Okay"

I was sure the awkwardness was only in my head because Derek seemed comfortable. He was sprawled on my couch, casually flipping through channels on my TV.

"Hey. Our show's on. Come on Fe" he said excitedly tapping the seat besides him.

Biting my lip I sat down.

"Why are you so far away? Scooch closer" he stares at me.

"What do you mean? I'm close" I was not. There was too much space between us and I'd like to keep it that way.

"Your butt is literally perched on the edge of the seat. It's your apartment. You're acting like it's your first time at your crush's house" he said jokingly.

I giggled nervously "Right"

I hesitantly moved closer, he groaned and grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to himself. He smiled contentedly while my heart beat literally rang in my head.

I could feel his warmth through his flimsy shirt. His scent.

It was too much.

"Derek-"

"Hush Fe. It's starting" he said so softly.

I blinked at him.

He stares back with a knowing look. His face said it all.

Let's just go with the flow.

I nodded and finally let myself relax.