Fate || BENNIFER

Catching Up

Jennifer's P.O.V

Leah and I had a lot of catching up to do over our lunch at home. We had been planning it for weeks while she was still in New York. It felt like we hadn't seen each other for decades, but we were always in touch through texts, phone calls, and video chat.

"Girl, you're so pregnant and glowing." She said gesturing exaggeratedly.

I understood that she couldn't believe how quickly time had flown because I couldn't believe it either.

"You look amazing. How are you feeling?" She asked enthusiastically.

"Oh, you know. The usual pregnancy stuff. Morning sickness, fatigue, and all the rest." I said in a humorous tone. "But I'm really excited."

"Aw... I'm so happy for you. I mean... this is all you wanted ten years ago. No one gets that lucky." She said in a tone of disbelief.

"I just couldn't be more grateful." I replied. "Still feels like a dream."

"And where's the hot baby daddy?" She said looking around in a comical way.

"He's with the kids. They love him." I said as I found myself pondering on it. "Everything's perfect."

"But...?" She asked.

"There's no but." I said shrugging.

"Oh yes, there is." She said waiting for an answer.

"He's still married to her." I said in a low voice.

"He will fix it." She said.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"Come on... It's Ben we're talking about. He's mad about you. He's always been." She answered. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed."

I knew I couldn't argue against that point.

"Anyway, how's life in New York?" I asked with a specific tone of voice.

"I'd like to give you the usual answer, but I know that's not what you're asking." She answered with an ironic tone.

"Have you talked to him?" I asked.

"We met a few times." She said nodding.

"Emme and Max... they ask a lot about him." There was a hint of sadness in my voice. "I just don't know what to tell them anymore. They even ask if Ben is their new dad." The concern was also evident. "And I don't know how to clear this up for them without making them feel like their father doesn't love them."

"Isn't he in touch with them?" She asked confused.

"He called them twice and then... nothing." I answered.

"He's dating someone." She replied. "That doesn't excuse him, but you should know."

"Him and his priorities. I shouldn't be surprised." I said.

"Hey, I didn't come here to make you sad." She changed to a happier tone of voice.

"I know." I let out a little laugh. "The hormones."

"Those come with their own set of advantages." She said in a funny way.

"It's crazy how I can't get enough." I couldn't hide the amusement in my voice. "I'm kinda sorry for Ben."

"What?" She said in a high-pitched voice. "He must be loving it."

I smacked her playfully in the arm, and we both laughed for a while longer, enjoying the carefree moment we had created and the pleasure of each other's company. It was moments like these that made our friendship so special, simple moments of laughter and joy that brought us closer together.