When Mrs. Infamous Loved The Masochist... (BOOK 2)

Chapter 17

Carina's POV

As the semester breezed by like the autumn winds, it became increasingly hard to get through not seeing Remington as much as I used to during thr first year of our relationship. I know I shouldn't act so selfish because he's doing what he's always wanted to do, but I guess a small part of me is insecure that he might forget about me and I might lose him. But that idea is ridiculous because he still manages to stay in touch with me and remind me how much he misses me and loves me. I realized that I should find some time to visit him when I can since I don't think he'll come to visit me until he says he'll have time to. But I thought it might be a good idea to do so as a surprise and not tell him so he won't expect it. The thought of him smiling to see me again brought a smile to my face.

Outside of that, my friends Del and Nina were going through some things as well as I met them one day in November after classes at our favorite diner. Del was the first to give some special news that she was excited to tell us about. With a face full of glee, she announced, "I'm pregnant!" Me and Nina gasped so loudly at the news, some people heard us and we were slightly embarrassed but still overjoyed at Del's news. "Congratulations, Del!", I exclaimed, "I'm so happy for you and Scott. Do you know how far along you are?" She nodded before answering, "About a few weeks. I'm pretty sure the baby happened when we celebrated our five-month anniversary back in October. It was...our first time together..." Me and Nina blushed in sync and Nina stated, "This is so great for you, Del! Do you know what you'll name your baby?" Del was caught off-guard and thought about it, "Hmm, I'm not sure yet. I don't even know if it'll be a boy or a girl. But I'm excited anyway, and maybe a little nervous."

I reached for Del's hand across the table and told her, "It's okay to be nervous. You're about to become a mother and I have zero doubt you'll be the best mother to your kid. Scott was lucky to have someone like you and start a family." That brought tears to her eyes and she nodded as she thanked me for my kind words. I smiled in response as I was only being honest. Then it was Nina's turn to tell her news, most likely about the music academy in Europe she's hoping to attend next year. "So I've finally sent an application to enroll at the music school in Europe next fall", Nina started to explain, "and they've placed me under consideration. Theres just one thing that's eating at my insides." Del asked her, "What could it be?" Nina answered, "I got a call from the school last week that if I wanted to be guaranteed a spot in their enrollment list for next year, I have to personally travel there to audition and demonstrate my musical skill in front of them." She looked down and seemed extremely nervous after just saying that.

"Are you nervous about the audition or traveling there?", I asked her. She looked up at me and clarified, "Oh, I'll be able to travel there fine, but what scares me the most is if I audition and give them my best, they still might not choose me as a student and I won't know where else to go. I shouldn't be this anxious, but I can't help it!" I pulled Nina into a hug and Del got up from her seat to do so as well. "I understand how scary it seems", I told Nina as me and Del tried calming her down, "It seems like a very big deal, but I know you deserves just as much of a chance to attend the school as anyone does." Del told Nina, "The difference between you and the majority of students at that school...is that you play with your heart while they play with their fingers. Every time you play the piano, it's like we're outside of reality and nothing could harm the soft atmosphere you make." Our words seemed to help Nina calm down as she wiped away her tears and hugged us back with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, girls", she told us, "It means more than you think to have people in my life to actually care about me for who I am and what I love instead of what I should. I promise to give them the best performance of my life." We both smiled as Del looked at me and asked, "So, what about you, Carina? Anyhting new going on besides experiencing a long-distance relationship?" I chuckled nervously at her question not wanting to go into it too much and just said, "Well, not really. Besides school and work, nothing really exciting." We were about to move on when we heard someone call my name out, "Carina? Is that you?", and only I recognized the voice. I turned to find Finn standing a couple feet away from our booth and he gave me a polite wave before walking towards me. God, how many times are we going to bump into each other like this?

"Finn, hi", I greeted him politely, "Are you here for lunch?" He nodded, "Yeah, I was just waiting for my order when I saw you sitting at the end. How have you been?" I nodded in response, "Fine, I guess", then I gestured towards Nina and Del, "Finn, these two are my friends, Nina Moon and Delilah Soleil-Preston. Girls, this is my old friend from back in my hometown, Finn Sawyer." They waved at him and greeted him politely as he waved back in the same manner. The diner owner called Finn's name along with his order, and then Finn stated, "Well, I guess I'll catch up with you later. I have to get back to my dorm soon after this to study for some exams and stuff. Bye, Carina." As soon as he grabbed his food, he waved bye at me and I waved back before he glanced once more at me and stepped out of the diner. As I turned back to my friends after that awkward encounter, they looked at me funny and then I asked, "What?" Del exclaimed, "You must still be bad at reading people because it seems your childhood friend is really into you!"