Bumping Accident | Englot

Chapter 25

Engfa's POV.

"Are you in love with her?" Nudee asks, lounging on my bed as I hustle in the bathroom, prepping for the evening ahead.

"Why are you here again? I'm trying to get ready, and you're bothering me," I call out over the shower.

"Are you?" she persists. "What makes you think I am?"

"You bought a car seat, and who buys someone a Tiffany and Co bracelet when you're not even dating?" she points out.

"Two bracelets. I got one for Olivia too," I clarify.

"You really like her, don't you?" she prods, and I fall silent, stepping out of the shower to change.

"So much, I can't describe how she makes me feel. Everything seems more colorful since I've met her. The sun feels a little warmer. I pay more attention to my surroundings," I confess, finally opening up.

Nudee beams at me. "I don't want to work late anymore, it's like every second of every day I'm thinking about her and her daughter," I continue, sharing the depth of my feelings.

"I'm really happy for you. You deserve this," Nudee says, coming over to give me a hug before her gaze falls to my scars.

"You know, you never told me how you got those scars," she mentions, pointing to my stomach.

Since I'm wearing a crop top you can clearly see some of the scars.

“Here you go again with the questions.”

“What happened to you in that year?  Where did you go?” She questions.

Every so often, Nudee delves into her detective mode, peppering me with questions about that mysterious year of my absence. Despite my return for a few years now, they remain clueless about the secrets veiled by that time's shroud.

I sigh, pulling on a shirt to cover them. "Nudee, please, now's not the time. I have to get ready," I interject firmly, cutting off her line of questioning. She sighs, her gaze locking onto mine, guilt flickering in her eyes. "I'm sorry it's my fau—"

"No, it's not. End of conversation," I assert, shutting down any guilt or blame she might feel. Maybe someday I'll reveal the truth to her. Perhaps I'll even confide in Charlotte.

"Alright, I'm gonna go home. Text the group chat once you've asked her," she says, changing the subject.

"Do you think she's gonna say no?" I ask, nervousness bubbling up.

"Of course not. I can't believe you're finally going to have a girlfriend," she teases, her smirk echoing her excitement.

"Okay, okay, off you go," I chuckle, ushering her towards the door.

She chuckles as she heads out the door, the sound trailing behind her like a mischievous melody. Moments later, the faint creak of my front door signals her departure. Hastily, I sift through my closet for something casual, adrenaline coursing through me.

Downstairs, I snatch up the car seat intended for Olivia, a tangible reminder of the night's significance. With a determined stride, I make my way to the car, the weight of uncertainty pressing against my chest.

As I settle behind the wheel, I shoot a quick text to Charlotte, notifying her of my imminent arrival. Yet, even as I navigate the familiar streets, Nudee's probing questions echo in my mind, amplifying my nervousness. The thought of revealing the truth to Charlotte weighs heavily on me, mingling with anticipation and anxiety. If I want this to work out, I have to tell Charlotte. But I push those thoughts aside, tonight is about us.