𝙸𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚊

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚃𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢𝙽𝚒𝚗𝚎 [Ꮇ]

Constant Spring| Kingston|
Sunday| April 23, 2023|

I sat across from Natalie, wearing an embarrassed expression, fully aware of my mistake.

"I'm sorry," I murmured quietly.

She shook her head, indicating her refusal to accept my apology.

"Natty, I'm genuinely sorry. Lately, life has been incredibly challenging, and I'm very sorry for canceling on you," I pleaded.

"Four times... You've canceled on me four times, India. I'm your best friend, yet it seems like I have to beg you to spend time together. You know I don't have any other friends to hang out with, and each time you prioritize your new friends over me it makes me feel like I'm being replaced," she expressed with a sorrowful gaze, leaving me frustrated with myself for causing her such pain.

Natalie is truly one of the most remarkable individuals I've had the privilege to know. Our friendship dates back to our eighth-grade year in high school, and it has undoubtedly been the most meaningful connection I've experienced. She has stood by my side during my darkest moments without ever questioning or making me feel guilty. Her unwavering support and willingness to assist me in any way possible have been invaluable.

Natalie is an introvert, even more so than myself, which explains why she doesn't have a large circle of friends. It amplifies my guilt for not reciprocating the same level of friendship she has shown me. I can't help but feel like an awful person for falling short in being the friend she deserves.

"Natalie, I genuinely, sincerely apologize. You know I would never intentionally cause you pain. I promise you that I will go above and beyond to show how much I truly value our friendship," I expressed, fully willing to beg for her forgiveness. Natalie is likely the only person I would ever go to such lengths to salvage a friendship with.

"...Alright, but you have some making up to do," she said, a smile forming on her face, which instantly made me grin in response.

"Anything," I replied, determined to fulfill whatever it takes to make things right.

The waitress arrived with our food, and we thanked her before continuing our conversation.

"So, what have you been up to? How's lover boy? Love how all now mi cyan meet him even though him somehow get mi numba fi ask bout yuh," she remarked, taking a bite of her fish.

I chuckled. "Oh, girl, that's a whole story," I said, proceeding to give her a detailed account of everything I hadn't previously shared with her.

"Suh why him vex wid yuh now?"

"Um... I'm actually pregnant, and at first, I was considering having an abortion. However, I had a change of heart, but before I could inform him about the pregnancy, he discovered the abortion pills I had bought. Now, he's angry because I initially wanted to terminate the pregnancy," I explained rapidly. I anticipated a lecture from Natalie, as she often played a motherly role in my life, despite the fact that I'm a month older than her.