emma's pov.
The bell above the door rings when I push it open.
"It's been a while, mija,"
"Hey Pablo," I sigh taking a seat at one of the stools.
"Seems like anything that happens with Ethan, you seem to forget your old man," He laughs.
"Pablo, I'm sorry. You know it's not like that. I've just bee-"
"I know, I know Emma. I was kidding with you."
"I have so much to fill you in," I sigh taking my head in my hands causing him to laugh.
After a good hour talking to Pablo about everything, he's also a mess.
"I cant say you did the right thing, but I also cant say you did the wrong thing," He says.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think you and Ethan weren't meant to be together. If that was the case, you wouldn't be always drawn to each other. But I do think you guys need time apart. For the both of you. But don't say you guys can't ever get back together," He explains.
He honestly wasn't wrong. We do need time apart. Whether it's a couple months or a year, we need time to ourselves.
"You're right Pablo. And this is why I come to you instead of a therapist." I smile.
"No, you come to me because I'm free," He laughs causing me to join.
Not really having a father figure around you in LA really makes you feel good about yourself when you have somebody like Pablo. My dads usually pretty busy with work, and also lives miles away from me.
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"Hey kitty girl!" James screams running into my apartment.
"Hi," I croak, from his tight hug.
"I'm so glad to see you after so long sister!" He exclaims.
"Me too," I respond smiling. I already told James about everything over the phone. And he was proud of me, which honestly made me feel good. But he also told me to give Ethan another chance, and I told him I would think about it.
"So did you think about it?" He quickly asks.
"Yea, I have," I say fiddling with my fingers. I look up and see him nod, signaling me to go on.
"I've decided that I am going to give him another chance. For being friends, and friends only."
"Emmaaaaaaa,"
"I'm sorry, but a relationship is just not what I need right now for my mental health. Being friends is more than enough for me right now," I explain.
"Alright, I guess your right. It's your decision and I'm happy for whatever you do."
I smile, genuinely appreciating his words. I didn't realize all I needed was just a few nice words from people I love to make me feel better about myself.
My phone chimes, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I open it up, seeing it's a DM. From Kristina. Again.
"James," I tap him showing him my phone.
"Oh fuck no. Open it,"
I swipe on the message.
kristinaalice1- hey girlie ! i never caught your number, so i have to keep dming you lol. i really need to talk to you. girl to girl. please don't tell the twins. can we meet up?
"Well?" James asks.
"I'm gonna go."
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I hear a knock on my door.
It was Kristina.
James left a while ago, telling me to spill all the tea once she leaves.
I open the door, seeing Kristina, who honestly looked like a mess. She had dark bags under her eyes, her hair was pretty frizzy, she wore a gray hoodie with some plain leggings, and her hands were shoved in her pockets, but somehow she managed to still pull a crooked smile.
"Come in," I say.
I close the door behind us and walk over to the couch where we both sit.
All of a sudden, she starts crying, loud crying.
"W-what happened?" I ask.
"I fucked up, Emma. I really did. My parents are gonna hate me, Graysons gonna hate me, Ethan's gonna hate me, YOU are gonna hate me. I messed up so bad, Emma!" She sobs louder.
I quickly run to get her some water and make her drink it.
"Look at me, breathe in and out," She copies my movements and soon starts to calm down a little bit more.
"Ok. Good. Now explain everything."
"I came to you because I had no one else to go to. If i told my friends they would for sure tell my parents, and I cant tell my parents, they would disown me, and Grayson would hate me."
"What happened?"
"Emma. I-I'm pregnant."
Oh.
"Kristina, dont worry, look breathe in and out again." She does it again, drinking some more water. "Kristina, why would Grayson hate you? You know he's super understanding. If anything, he'd be happy."
"No! Emma you don't get it," She cries.
"Don't get what?"
"The b-baby. It's not Graysons!"
Holy shit. She's right. Grayson would freak.
"Do you know who's it is?" I ask hoping she gives me the answer I want. She nods her head slowly.
Thank god.
"Ok good, well why don't you first contact him?"
"I cant," she wipes some tears under her eyes.
"Why?" I ask.
"Because, i-it's, the baby it isn't Graysons, it-" She can't seem to get the words out, causing me to worry more.
"Kristina it's ok, It's just me, you can tell me,"
She slowly looks up, making eye contact
"It's Ethan's baby."
