Fallen (Lingorm)

Chapter 18

Lingling and Freen were seated at a quaint little table in Lingling's garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the smell of fresh morning dew. 

They were digging into breakfast, a spread of cereal and fruit, while casually discussing the latest laws and regulations—because, you know, that's what young professionals do on a Sunday morning.

"So yeah, that new regulation would probably mean..." Freen was saying, but Lingling barely heard her.

Koy's voice cut through the morning air, "I'm telling you, Ari, my daughter hasn't been herself at all lately."

Lingling's ears perked up, trying not to look too obvious as she strained to hear every word. Freen noticed her distraction, but shrugged, thinking Lingling was just spacing out.

Ariya glanced at Koy, looking doubtful. "Not herself? She seems perfectly fine to me. We talk every day."

Koy shook her head, clearly not buying it. "What if she's pregnant?"

Lingling nearly spilled her juice all over the table, her eyes wide.Pregnant? her mind screamed. What the hell?! She didn't dare say anything, but her shocked expression was enough to make Freen pause mid-sentence and give her a weird look.

"You good?" Freen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lingling waved it off, eyes still darting back to the two moms, her heart pounding

Koy continued with a dramatic sigh, "I mean, you said she's been going on all those dates, right? What if something... happened?"

Lingling choked on her food for real this time, her face turning red as she tried to regain her breath. She was coughing so hard that Koy rushed over, patting her back with motherly concern.

"Oh dear, take a sip of water!" Koy fussed, handing her a glass.

Lingling took the water, swallowing hard, she was horrified. 'Dates? What dates?' Her thoughts raced faster than her breathing.

She glanced at Freen, who looked amused by the whole scene, casually sipping her coffee like she was her best friend wasn't about to die.