Rule Four || Dream

⏮Red String: 8⏮

{Shizuka}

Over the next few weeks, I wasn't feeling like my usual self. In the mornings, I would get sick, and Hiroshi would have to help me with whatever I needed to do, which included cooking breakfast. He had a talent like Erie, which was cooking. Then, at work, I would get a bit moody for no reason whatsoever. Once, I had to leave the room because I accidentally snapped at Erie, and I cried in my office. She came in right after, and told me it wasn't my fault. And on top of that, I get weird food cravings, and whatever I felt like, Erie would get it for me from the cafeteria.

"Are you okay?" Erie asked one day while we were in my office, alone.

I was eating tempura, because that's what my tastebuds were screaming for. "Yeah. Why wouldn't I?"

"You're acting different. Really different."

"Really? How so?"

"For one, you're a bit emotional. And you're eating weird things."

"Tempura isn't weird," I argued.

"It is if you're dipping it in ketchup."

I looked down at the small cup of ketchup Erie had supplied me with. I waved my hand because, even though I noticed these things, I didn't want her to worry about me. Her worrying is the last thing I need.

"It's nothing. I want to try new things."

Erie still gave me a concerned look, so I reached over my desk and placed my hand on hers. She immediately turned hers around so we could hold hands on the desk.

"Have you went to the doctor?" She asked.

"I told you, I'm fine, Erie-chan. Don't worry about me."

"I can't not worry about you, Shi-chan. I care about and love you too much. And if something's wrong, I want you to go see a doctor. Can you do that after we leave today?" She was gripping my hand tighter than what she used to.

"Yes, I will."

She gave me a small smile, and leaned over to place a small kiss on my lips. It's wrong for us to act like this because of Hiroshi, but it didn't feel wrong to me. It's as if Erie and I are actually meant to be together. Like something was connecting us, trying to pull us back together.

Going through with my promise, I went to the doctor's office. I've been in there for an hour before I finally realized why I was like this. And the results shocked me.

"You're pregnant!"

She said it with so much happiness, while I just looked at her in confusion. Pregnant? How was that even possible?

"Are you sure? Can we do another test?" I asked. I cannot be pregnant. I just can't be.

"We've already done five pregnancy tests, Nishida-san. The answer still remains. Congratulations!" The doctor smiled at me.

Oh no. That night where I practically begged Hiroshi to...It was the only time we've done that. I can't believe that I'm actually...

When I left, I knew I couldn't tell anybody. Not my parents, not Ami, not Hiroshi, and definitely not Erie. This had to be kept a secret. I was only ten weeks in. I could get an abortion and call it a day.

But why was there something telling me not to do that? To not get rid of the baby growing inside me at that very moment? Why shouldn't I get rid of it? It was a mistake, and an unplanned pregnancy, all because I was desperate to forget about Erie for a few hours.

"Oh, Erie. You're going to hate me," I sighed, already imagining her reaction.

She would be so hurt at the fact. Her beautiful smile would turn into a frown, and she'd ask me why I didn't tell her. Either that, or she would be furious at me for sleeping with her cousin.