FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 46

SELENA

I smiled as I carefully adjusted the cap on Cyrus's head, then turned to do the same for my brother. "You both look so handsome," I said, my voice filled with pride. They both rolled their eyes playfully, but I could see the small smiles tugging at their lips.

"Say 'happy graduation' to the camera," Dad instructed, his smile wide.

"Happy graduation," they both said sluggishly.

"Stop being grumpy, you two," Mom said, with baby Roma strapped to her front, adding a touch of lightheartedness.

"Very soon, I'll be graduating," Blue chimed in, making everyone laugh.

"You still have two years," Mom reminded him, and he scoffed.

"You don't have to kill my joy," Blue replied playfully.

"Family picture time!" Mom announced, and everyone quickly moved to their spots.

"Come, Eva," I called out, noticing she wasn't standing with us.

"You're family," Mom added, smiling warmly at her. Eva's face lit up as she joined us.

"Everyone screams 'worst graduation ever'!" Blue suggested, grinning mischievously.

"Shut up," Dad said, and everyone burst out laughing.

"Happy graduation!" we all yelled in unison, the moment captured perfectly as the camera clicked.

It's been a while, and today was Ezra and Cyrus' Graduation.. my relationship with Cyrus has been nice.. we went on dates. Well, I made sure the appointment was booked, and The day for his surgery was just two weeks from now.

I am so scared, but at the same time, I have to act strong for both of us. I pray every day that whenever Cyrus enters that place, he comes out safely. I hope God answers my prayers. The fear gnaws at me, but I can't let it show. He needs my strength now more than ever.

"You look lost," Eva said, her voice breaking into my thoughts as she took a chip from my bag.

"Chips thief," I teased, my voice a mix of affection and distraction as I swatted her hand playfully.

"Oh, I don't want your chips, your niece or nephew does," she said, her hand resting protectively on her swelling stomach.

"And Goddaughter or son," I reminded her with a smile, and we both laughed, the sound a brief respite from the tension that had settled over us.

"How is Ezra?" I asked, trying to shift my focus.

"He's Ezra," she replied, rolling her eyes with a playful smirk.

"Seriously?" I pressed, needing more than a casual dismissal.

"Fine... he's been good. He's a good father, gets me whatever I want, even when I don't ask him," she said, and her words held a mixture of gratitude and frustration. It made me chuckle, a small relief in my chest.

"So, are you gonna forgive him and take him back?" I asked gently, knowing how complicated her feelings must be.

"Uhm... for that, I don't know. He has a habit of playing with my heart. I need my precious little heart to rest for now," she said, her hands instinctively moving to cradle her stomach.

"I already feel a bond with my child. I just love him or her so much already," she said, her eyes shining with a mix of wonder and love. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of warmth for my best friend.

"I can't wait for six more months," I said, my excitement for her evident in my voice.

"Then you're gonna help me push the baby out," she said, her tone half-joking, half-serious.