FUCKED.

24

Travis dropped us off today, and as soon as we got out of the car, we were swarmed. It felt like the moment we touched the ground, a small army of onlookers descended on us, their eyes filled with curiosity and judgment. Some offered pitiful glances, others approached to apologize, and a few even tried to touch my baby bump, which was absolutely crossing a line. Hunter, ever the protector, intervened swiftly, ensuring that no one crossed that boundary again.

Despite Hunter's protective stance, Sapphire seemed unusually down today. We all noticed that she hadn't babbled or cried yet. That changed when Jason, who had been trying to talk to her, approached. His mere presence was enough to bring out her tears. I had to control myself from slapping him across the face, but Hunter's intervention came just in time.

"Bro, she doesn't want to see you. Back off already," Hunter's voice was firm and authoritative. His intensity was both reassuring and a little frightening.

"What now, Wolfe? You're her new knight in shining armor, huh? I knew you had feelings for her. Replacing me, filling my position as a father and a boyfriend—it's pathetic because she still loves ME," Jason spat out, his words laced with bitterness. Sapphire ignored him, her face red with distress.

"Look, Jason, it's best if you leave. You're causing a commotion here," I said, trying to guide Sapphire away. She hesitated for a moment but eventually took my hand.

"And if it isn't the rising star of today backing you up, who else would?" Jason sneered, glancing at Sapphire with contempt.

"Look, you imbecile, as much as I'd love to sit and chat, you've lost your chance with her. Your girl moved on quickly, so take your comments somewhere else. You don't want to start a fight with me, especially when your only girl was pregnant and you were cheating on her with her best friend. So piss off before I get my hands on you," I warned, my anger barely contained. Hunter pulled me back, but my frustration was palpable.

With that, I led Sapphire away, glancing back at the stunned crowd. We entered our arts class, and I stayed close to her, keeping her mind off the earlier confrontation. She seemed to relax a bit as we settled into our seats, though I could tell she was still upset.

Hunter left to handle some errands, so I took notes while Sapphire napped. The class dragged on with lectures about Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra, and I was relieved when it finally ended. I woke Sapphire gently and suggested we head out.

"I want ice cream," Sapphire moaned, her spirits lifting at the thought. I couldn't deny the craving myself, so we headed to the grocery store. Sapphire picked strawberry, while I chose chocolate. We devoured the ice cream bars quickly, relishing the simple pleasure as we walked back to our new house.

At the House

When we got home, things took an unexpected turn. Sapphire and I were wrapped in blankets, watching Titanic and crying our hearts out over Jack and Rose's tragic love story. The guys came back, looking disoriented and confused. They exchanged worried glances as they saw us in tears.

"Did something happen? Why are you guys crying? Is something wrong with the baby, Sapph? Talk to us," Hunter asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Jack left Rose. That was so unfair. He promised," Sapphire and I said simultaneously, our voices tinged with emotion. The guys looked even more puzzled.

"If I'm getting this straight, you're both crying over Titanic right now?" Travis asked, incredulity in his voice. We nodded, and he couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh Lord! Here I thought something serious had happened. You women will be the death of me," Hunter groaned, grabbing Sapph in a comforting embrace while Travis playfully smacked me on the ass.