No Filter

Chapter XXXI (31)

I sigh heavily, looking at my phone in my hand. I was in my car, behind the wheels, debating whether I should call him or not. I have to, right? It's the only way to find out how he feels about me. I dial Liam's phone number and place my phone against my ear. After three rings, he answers, "Ally?!" His voice was anxious.

"Yes?" I question.

"I have some news for you," he says. "You have to meet me in the park." I look out my window and see the sky gray and cloudy.

"Are you sure? It seems like it's going to rain or snow," I said.

"No, trust me, it's super important," he says.

I nod my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Okay, but I also have some news as well."

"Okay, just hurry," he says, anxiously.

"Okay," I reply. He hangs up, and I start my engine. I waited a couple of seconds to let it heat up.

I drove on the road, and after a couple of minutes, I parked in a parking lane at the park. I turn off the engine and clench my hands on the steering wheel. My stomach got jitters. Literally. I didn't know if I can do this, but I have to. I need to tell him.

I exit the vehicle and tuck my hands in the pockets of my jacket. Smoke came out of my mouth as I breathe in and out. I look over in the field and search for Liam. He stood by a tree with his back facing me. He wore his brown leather jacket with blue jeans. As I walk to him, he turns around, looking distraught and happy at the same time. "Ally, I need you to listen to me. I don't know how you're going to react, but I just want to get this out first before I can actually tell you."

I stand in front of him and reply, "Can you listen to me first? I have something important to talk to you about."

"I'm sorry, but I can't hold mine back any longer," He says. "I've been bottling this for weeks, but ever since Thanksgiving break, I finally recognize something I haven't before."

My brows crease, wondering if it was about that drunken night. Did he remember that night? If he did, what could he possibly hold on to? I made myself a fool that night.

"What is it?" I ask.

He sighs and takes my hand. He smiles at me, and that warms me up from the inside, despite the chilly weather. He takes a step closer and gazed into my eyes. My heart races, hoping he would say what I want him to say. He speaks, "I love Cheryl."

I blanked out a short second. I shift my eyes, breaking eye contact with him. I stare off into the empty space beside him as my heart dropped. His hands still hold a tight grip on mine as he continues to speak, "Ever since that night, I couldn't help but feel as though she is the one. Because she is."

"That's, um," I swallow, "that's great. I'm...I'm really...I'm really happy for you."

"And now, here's the actual news," he says.

"Liam, can I tell you my news first?" I croak.

"But it's only getting better," he chuckles. And I put on a smile and let him talk. My news didn't seem to matter as much anymore. He says, "I just found out yesterday when Cheryl and I went to the hospital. She wasn't sick. She's pregnant."

I flinch and release my hand from his. I take a step back and stare at him. My heart came from dropping to shattering. Tears sting my eyes, and I try to hold them off.

His smile widens, making the crinkles in his eyes visible, and I couldn't help but smile when he smiles like that. "She's pregnant," he repeats. "I'm going to be a father. I'm really happy. I can't describe how I'm feeling right now."