Wrong Injection

CHAPTER 33

Bella held my hand tightly as we navigated the crowded mall, shopping for our baby girl's essentials. We'd just found out the baby's sex the previous weekend, and I still couldn't contain my excitement. I had a feeling I'd have a girl, and the confirmation was pure joy. "Careful, careful," Bella said, her grip on my hand firm. I chuckled and gently pulled my hand free.

"I'm fine, I won't fall," I teased, knowing she could be overprotective at times.

"Just be careful with your steps," she cautioned, her concern evident. I smiled and shook my head, appreciating her care.

As we shopped, I asked, "What time are you heading to the pub tonight?" But she surprised me with her response.

"I'm not going," she said, and I stopped in my tracks, curious.

"Why not?" I asked.

"I'm spending the night at your place," she replied, and I couldn't help but gasp in delight. It had been four weeks since she'd last slept over, so this felt like a welcome change.

"Really?" I asked, my excitement evident. She nodded, and I beamed. "That'll be great," I said, barely containing my enthusiasm.

"Just to clarify, Lani, I hope you're only going to be friends with this Jack guy and nothing more," she said out of the blue, her tone cautious. And I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.

"Of course."

"It's just that I don't really vibe with him, sorry." I smiled, sensing her unease.

"No worries."

We chatted about the restaurant, and I reassured her it would run smoothly without me. Then, she asked a question that caught me off guard. "Have you heard from Sultan?" I kept my expression neutral.

"No, should I have?" She shrugged, adding a pair of baby pajamas to my basket.

"Just asking." I raised an eyebrow, skeptical of her innocence, but let it slide as we continued shopping.
~~~
"I miss you so much, Max. When are you coming back?" I asked, feeling the distance between us acutely. It had been months since I'd seen my best friend, and the ache of missing him was real.

"Soon. How's my little girl doing?" He always asked about her.

"She's thriving, six months old now. You need to be here before she starts walking," I teased, trying to keep the seriousness out of my tone.

"I'll try my best, Lani," he promised.

"I trust you," I said, just as the doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation. "Hold on, someone's at the door," I said, reluctantly putting the call on hold.

"Don't worry, Lani, go get it. We'll talk tomorrow," Max said, and I couldn't help but pout.

"Alright, I love you, and be good," I said, trying to prolong our conversation.

"I will, I love you too," he replied, and I reluctantly hung up. I made my way to the door, and my eyes widened in surprise as I saw mom standing there with a young man carrying an assortment of baby items.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, my gaze scanning the stacks of baby clothes, toys, and gear. Mom seemed focused on directing the young man, instructing him to take the items upstairs, and barely acknowledged my greeting.