A Very Sticky Situation (Completed)

24: Months

Ana's POV

"Ana, what are you doing to yourself?" Oluchi implores as she ambles into the living room in short tights and a baggy t-shirt to meet me munching on cookies and cream with bread for breakfast in a robe, a weird combination I know.

"What do you mean?" I ask in confusion, gazing at her as I sniff.

"You are crying," she indicates, coming to where I'm seated.

"I'm not," I croak out, wiping the wetness from my cheeks.

"Ana it has been two months, stop punishing yourself and forgive him already," she advises.

"No, he needs to grovel for it," I speak up.

"I know but it's long overdue, you are not even answering his calls or listening to his pleas," she sighs, leaning an elbow on the headrest to peer at me in concern.

"That's what he deserves," I grumble, taking a bite of bread and filling my mouth with ice cream.

"But it's hurting the both of you for goodness sake, you are a mess and he looked like a mad man the last time I ran into him about a week ago," she informs, rubbing a palm on my lap comfortingly.

"Have you forgotten that Ike is engaged?" I query in shock.

"Yes, to a woman he doesn't want. The guy postponed the wedding for you, what else do you want him to do?" She consults.

"He's still going to get married to her, there are no two ways about it," I grunt, chunks of cream dropping on the robe.

"You are not sure of that," she exhales. "Anyway, I just don't want you to keep looking this way."

"Looking which way?" I poll, lifting a brow.

"Wet bloated cheeks, and fat," she murmurs and I gasp.

"Don't be insulting," I frown.

"I'm not, just letting you in on the truth," she voices, squeezing my leg affectionately. "You look horrible."

"I'm pregnant, my hormones are acting up, how am I supposed to appear, thin and dashing as a model?" I raise a question, shaking my head.

"Less miserable, you happen to be, sad, girl. You've got work to do, a company to run, and you are carrying a child. You told Ike yourself that you are a strong woman so act that way." She compels her words stern.

"It's not easy Olu, my parents don't even know about this yet," I say, gesturing to my now visible bump.

"I know it's not," she admits, shifting close to pull me in an embrace. "But you need to take it a step at a time."

"I'm trying," I whimper into her arms. "But it gets overwhelming."

"It always will, you simply need to learn how to haul yourself together and weave your way out of the situation," she urges lowly, patting my back.

"Thank you, Olu," I murmur.

"That's what I'm here for alright?" She invites and I nod. "Now get up and be ready for your meeting with that new wedding vow client. Oh, how I'm grateful you didn't sleep with this one's fiancee."

"Sometimes I hate you and Glory," I groan while she breaks out in a hearty laugh, her shoulders vibrating as my body does the same due to our position.

*****

Adhering to her words I reach 'Sweeties' a well-known eaterie where I'm meeting up with Chinonye, her fiancee, and Glory who called while I was driving to say she's already here and sitting at their table.