FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 14

I found myself increasingly helping my mom with daily tasks as her pregnancy progressed, noticing her energy waning with each passing day.

"Do you think I've grown overnight?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.

"Oh, Mom," I chuckled softly. "Not overnight," I replied with a smile, slinging my handbag over my shoulder. "It's a gradual process."

"Send my regards to Eva," she said with a warm smile, leaning in for a hug.

"Take care of my sister," I said, returning her smile.

"It might not be a girl, you know," she teased, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Well, we'll find out soon enough," I replied, smiling back before stepping out of the house.

We were eagerly awaiting next week's gender reveal; I secretly hoped for a girl, especially since my brother had promised me $10,000 if it turned out that way.

Driving to school, I sighed as I contemplated the day ahead.

Another long day...

Meeting Eva, we exchanged a heartfelt hug before heading to our first class. As the weeks passed, our bond had grown stronger, becoming inseparable.

"I need to tell you something," Eva said one day, catching my attention as I glanced up from my book.

"What's on your mind?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"It's about Ezra," she began hesitantly.

"Go on," I urged, sensing there was more.

"He's been trying to reconnect with me," she admitted, her expression conflicted.

"And?" I prompted, sensing there was more to the story.

"I've been avoiding him," she confessed, frustration evident in her voice. "He claims he still cares about me, but I can't shake the feeling he just wants..."

"To get into your pants again?" I finished, understanding dawning on me.

"Yeah," she sighed, relieved that I understood.

"I'll talk to him," I promised, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Make sure he understands where you stand."

"If only he truly cared for me," she mused, leaning into me for support.

"I wish he did too," I said softly, offering her a comforting smile.

"You're the best," she murmured, her gratitude evident as she leaned her head against my shoulder.

---

After school, I made plans to spend some time at Eva's house. We packed our bags and were ready to leave when I unexpectedly spotted Cyrus. It had been quite some time since our last encounter, especially after the incident in the school parking lot.

"SELENA!" Cyrus called out, striding over to where Eva and I stood.

I turned to face him, mustering a polite but cautious smile. "Hey," I greeted tentatively.

"Hey," he replied, his tone surprisingly calm, which seemed to catch Eva off guard.

"I'll give you a ride home," he offered, his eyes lingering on me.

"Um... actually, I'm going to hang out with Eva," I said, squeezing Eva's hand slightly for support.

He glanced between us, a hint of frustration crossing his features.

"Lena, I'll take you home," he insisted firmly, starting to walk past us.

"What the hell?" Eva exclaimed in a hushed tone, shooting me a puzzled look.