With A Cherry On Top

Chapter Twenty-four: Cue the dramatic tears that always come out in soap operas

Song: Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo; Harriet

Chapter Twenty-four: Cue the dramatic tears that always come out in soap operas

"I think someone is following us." Reveka said, looking back again.

Rev had been repeating throughout the drive from the hospital to home that someone was following us. I don't see why anyone would want to follow us. Unless they wanted to rob Zane, and I gotta tell them, they had another thing coming.

I rolled my eyes for the 24th time. "Don't be paranoid. For the 24th time Rev, no one is following us."

She sat properly again. "Don't exaggerate. I've said it like only 5 times."

"As if."

"I think she's right." I turned to Zane who had just said that.

"What? What do you mean 'she's right'? Even if she was, you're meant to be supporting me." I crossed my arms.

"My bad." He turned to me as he parked his car in front of Dad's house.

"I don't think anyone would be following us this closely to the house. It just won't make any sense."

"Fine." She huffed as she got down from the car.

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?" Zane surprised me by asking Rev.

I know he knew about my Dad from our first encounter, and he knew how strained our relationship was. I just didn't expect him to ask.

Rev turned and smirked. "Bruny... Aww... You care."

He shrugged and looked away. "I don't. I was just asking."

She smiled, wide. "Mmhmm." We pulled out of the driveway and I think I heard her murmur, "Trying to impress the in-laws, are we?"

I might just be paranoid because I was thinking that far.

Charvi Rivers.

That sounds horrible.

Char Rivers.

Better. How about Cherry Rivers?

That's worse. That's not even your name.

Then how are we going to make this work?

We're not, remember...

True. The painful reality that is my life.

Couldn't have said it better.

Oh my God! I put my face in my hands. Imagine what he would think if he found out I was pairing my name with his. Why did I have to be so freaking weird? This is why people like me don't have boyfriends.

Exactly why Axel is weird as hell for thinking he likes you.

Brain, snap out of it! I programmed you to not bring up Axel until I'm settled things with Leyla.

Too bad your mind always wonders.

Zane must have thought something was wrong because I felt his hand on my shoulder. "What are you thinking of?"

"Oh, nothing serious. Just me imagining a life with you where we get married and we'll have two children preferably twins. Both genders. That's very important. We'll live in a big house and kiss every second of every minute of every hour of every day forever." Is what I would have said if I wanted him to think I was a complete psycho.

Who knew you could catch feelings so fast? It's only been a few weeks.

Well they've felt like months, okay? Leave me be.