THREE - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 81 - Happening

AMY

Max and Lando swiftly escorted Rachel downstairs whilst I prepared myself to face her. The colour completely drained from my complexion as soon as I heard her distinct voice. Daniel froze beside me like a piece of ice.

"Babe, remember to stay calm. She's your friend." Daniel said as he removed himself from the bed, walking over towards me as I paced around the room, desperately trying to find clothing items to cover up my naked figure.

"She was my friend, Dan. She can't just walk back in here and expect everything to be okay." I told him as he placed his hands onto the tops of my arms, steadying his eyes onto mine. "I feel anxious."

"Do you need your meds?" Daniel asked in concern, cocking his head to the side.

"I haven't taken them in so long, Dan. I was doing so well." I exhaled and closed my eyes, remembering the last time I had to use any medication was months ago.

I felt so proud of myself for gaining some sort of normality in my mental health, where I could live my day to day life without the need to use drugs.

"There's no shame in needing your medication, Ame. I know you've been off them for a while now but they are sat in the bathroom cabinet for a reason, they are here for when you need them." Daniel's finger gingerly pointed across to the en-suite as he spoke.

Once he had convinced me to take at least one tablet, I looked at my self in the mirror before running my fingers though my disheveled hair and brushed my clothes over with the palms of my hands to appear more presentable.

As I walked down the stairs, I could see Lando talking to Rachel outside as Max chatted alongside Blake in the kitchen.

"Max, I'm sorry she's dragged you out here. I bet you were looking forward to New Years with Kelly." I told him as I walked past, only for him to nod in response and look down at his nails.

"She sounded desperate to come here, Ames. Lando and I were worried for her and didn't want her to travel all this way, alone." Max said honestly as I nodded over at him before I moved across the room to the sliding doors which lead to the patio area.

As I pushed the glass open, Lando looked across and stood up from his seat, swapping places with myself so I could take the available chair next to Rachel.

The silence wrapped around our reunion as I took a careful seat, ensuring my hand was placed in its usual position; directly across the front of my stomach.

"You're really glowing." Rachel commented with a smile as I moved some hair from my face to smile back at her. "You're at least 30 weeks now?"

"Nearly 34." I nodded and corrected her information.

"Have you spoken to Poppy?" Rachel asked as she crossed her legs. "She's got to be due soon-"

"Today is her due date." I butted in, my nerves taking over my mouth. "I texted her last night. She's uncomfortable and just wants her baby boy."

Rachel smiled before the silence continued between us once more.

"Rach, what are you doing here?" I asked courtly. "You can't just turn up, unannounced, at my front door like this."

"I can't?" Rachel questioned as she raised her eyebrow. "I've been your best friend since we were 6 years old. We've lived together for god knows how many years but I'm now not allowed to come to your home?"

Placing my hands across my thighs, I looked over at the blonde lady sat opposite me. Someone who I regarded to be practically my sister was now no more than a stranger.