PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

Earlier, I went to work with Naomi. The same goes for the trip back. I often give Naomi a ride too. Our homes are in the same direction, but Naomi prefers staying in a boarding house rather than an apartment. As for me, I don’t know why, but I feel comfortable living in a place like this. Dona, on the other hand, lives in a completely opposite direction, but she always keeps an eye on us no matter where we go.

Including today.

“I want to hitch a ride to Anya’s apartment. Yesterday, I bought lots of French fries and sausages in Anya’s fridge,” she said before leaving this evening. Naomi just shook her head and didn’t object. Why would she?

Throughout the day, Cedric was as usual. Nothing had changed, except for him slipping notes between my coffee cups. He said he wouldn’t comply with my requests. Well, it’s just some notes, so I don’t care. There’s no point in prohibiting him because he’ll do it again anyway.

“When I was on a coffee break, I bumped into Dewa,” Dona proudly exclaimed from the backseat. I could see her raising her eyebrows at me through the rearview mirror, teasing me.

“Well, that’s your favorite thing to do,” I chuckled, agreeing with Naomi’s recent comment.

“Yeah, I guess. When he looks at me… my heart beats faster, like a drum ready for battle,” Dona sang her words, turning them into a playful tune. My friend here is quite fond of singing little snippets like this.

“But, Anya, I’m curious,” I responded with a small yawn. “If you don’t like Kelvin, we all know the reasons. He’s so annoying. I’d feel uncomfortable too if I were approached by someone like Kelvin.”

Naomi nodded in agreement, saying, “I agree with you this time, Don.”

“But what about Dewa? Why?”

I didn’t feel like explaining why my heart didn’t lean towards Dewa. Despite Kelvin having both visual appeal and attitude, Dewa was even more outstanding. I just smiled in response. Plus, my phone demanded attention.

Cedric K: Miss, I’m coming to your apartment. What do you want to eat? I’ll bring it.

“Why on earth is he bothering me? Can’t he see?” I muttered, unintentionally making Naomi, who was driving, turn her head towards me.

“What’s wrong, Anya? Why are you getting mad for no reason?”

“It’s Cedric. He has nothing better to do than come to my apartment. What’s the point?!”

It might be a good idea to give them both a nickname as well. Dona and Naomi burst into laughter because of my complaints. Naomi even teased me relentlessly.

“You and Cedric are connected, you know. Whether you like it or not, you can’t deny it anymore. Just accept that there might be a sequel to the military invasion.”

Damn it!

***

“Oh, Cedric. You’re so skilled in the kitchen,” Dona praised, and I felt like stuffing her mouth to stop her constant compliments about Cedric. That’s not all; even Naomi was amazed by this guy who didn’t allow me, Naomi, or Dona to enter the kitchen.

We were asked to sit and watch him like he wanted to show off his cooking skills. I don’t know, but I was incredibly annoyed. Just being forced to sit on the visitor’s sofa in the lobby was enough to get on my nerves. And now this. I thought to myself that I should tell Cedric not to smile so much.

I hate it!

His cooking was simple, just fried rice with sliced cabbage and Chinese cabbage. It was Naomi’s special request; she said she wanted to eat that. But hey, I’m the one who’s pregnant here. Why does Cedric have to comply with Naomi’s request? Cedric did ask me what I wanted to eat. It’s true that I didn’t answer right away, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have my own desires, right?

“No, thank you, Mas. But I usually cook at home,” he said, smiling. I pouted in frustration. Seriously, Cedric!

“Wow, where do you live, by the way?”

“Diamond Road, Miss.”

I live in the Boulevard Avenue area, not too far from the office. Naomi lives on Palm Street. It’s different for Dona; she chose to live with her sister in the Rose Street area. I thought about it, and Diamond Road, where Cedric lives, is quite a distance away.

“Just for Anya, huh, Cedric? That’s quite a commitment.”

Cedric only responded with a small smile that made his hidden dimples-didn’t know he had those-clearly visible.

“You’re so childish,” I told Naomi, and she responded by sticking her tongue out.

“Do you go to college, Cedric?” Dona asked suddenly. This made Cedric, who was probably stirring the sauce to make it even, pause. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

The guy, now wearing a black collared shirt, seemed reluctant to respond. He chose to continue his work.

“Here it is. I’ll put it on a big plate for you, Miss Anya. Should I bring it-”

“I can get it myself,” I retorted, receiving a sharp look from Naomi. I didn’t care. Right now, Dona’s unanswered question was dominating my thoughts. Why? If he’s attending college, just say it. Is there a restriction? I don’t think so.

I wonder if he’d answer if I asked him the same question?

The four of us had dinner together. Dona and Naomi controlled the conversation, conducting an interview session about Cedric’s life. I learned that he had been called to the club with his band a few times, which probably explains why I saw him there when I visited the bar.

Then they asked about his family. Naomi and Dona thoroughly delved into every detail. I just listened because I didn’t feel like asking. I preferred sitting with a plate of warm French fries. Even though Cedric works under Blaxton Express, he’s just an outsourcing employee.

“Hey, it’s getting late. Anya must be tired,” Dona finally realized. I responded with a small smile, “Yeah, I should go home.”

They laughed at my joke. But I was glad they were here; at least my mood wasn’t too bad. The feeling of nausea and wanting to vomit slowly diminished.

I noticed that only the two of them said goodbye and left, while Cedric remained here. Naomi even casually said, “You can stay over, Cedric.” Then she mischievously winked at me, as if Cedric was truly accepted into our circle.

Gosh! I can’t understand what Cedric did to make Naomi and Dona act like that. Is it because he made me pregnant? Or is it the perfect words and gestures that made them think he’s taking responsibility for me? Seriously?

“You should go home,” I said curtly, reminding myself of my friend’s behavior, making myself angry again.

“Yeah, I’ll go home soon. In a bit.”

Cedric was once again making a sweeping move. I hated to admit that what Cedric did was effective, but he didn’t enter my room. It seems like he knows his limits.

“Can I pick you up tomorrow morning?”

“On a motorcycle? You know I’m pregnant, right? I’m going to the office by car.” Seriously, I don’t mean to offend or anything. It’s just… can you imagine me riding a motorcycle with Cedric? Oh dear…

I didn’t do anything wrong, right? I asked him first. If he feels uncomfortable, well… it’s not my fault.

He just smiled. “As long as you permit it.”

***

Cedric showed up at my apartment. I made him wait for thirty minutes after my phone kept ringing incessantly early in the morning. The receptionist said Cedric was there. I was startled because I didn’t expect that annoying guy to carry out his plan.

And when I looked at my phone, there was a pile of messages from Cedric. Incredible. But that didn’t make me hurry to go down. I intentionally slowed down, wanting to see if he’d become more anxious about my arrival or not. Besides, he had work in the morning. Why would he bother picking me up from the office? It’s just a waste of time.

When we faced each other, he immediately stood up and approached me, smiling as if the time he spent waiting meant nothing when he saw me walking towards him.

“Morning,” he greeted. I didn’t respond. What’s the point?

“I parked the car in the visitor’s area.”

As if it matters, it’s right in front of the lobby. Security could tow it away. But… Cedric actually droves a car? Seriously! I didn’t take it too seriously when I mentioned it yesterday. I even brought a thick jacket neatly folded in a paper bag, just in case Cedric was on a motorcycle.

Cedric asked me to get in slowly. I was a bit worried about the unfamiliar car’s scent. I didn’t want to feel nauseous and make things complicated. However, my fear disappeared when my senses picked up the soft scent of Eucalyptus.

The car’s interior was ordinary, like most other cars. Maybe I’d say it’s like a ride-sharing car. Yeah, something like that. Is Cedric doing a side job as a driver?

“Whose car is this? Yours?” I asked without beating around the bush as soon as Cedric got into the car and buckled his seatbelt.

“No, it’s the company’s car. Today, I have a task to pick up some managers.”

“So, because of this, you had the guts to pick me up?”

I heard him chuckle softly. “I’ll exchange it for my personal car someday. For you, Anya.” Cedric glanced at me briefly before starting the car’s engine. “Just pray that it’ll happen soon.”

“You’re talking as if we have an intimate relationship.”

“I hope for that very much.”

I gave a sardonic smile. “I already said you don’t have to bother. I know it was a huge mistake, but I never asked you to take responsibility. I also haven’t allowed you to get too close, Cedric.”

He nodded, seemingly understanding what I said. “In that case, may I have your permission to get closer?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I refuse,” I replied quickly without much thought.

“I’ll make sure you won’t refuse, Anya.”

“Pushy!” I glared at him sharply. My hands also instinctively clasped in a defensive manner.

“In this matter, I’m not afraid to be persistent with you, Anya.”

“As long as you know, Cedric. My mind is made up and not swayed at all. It’s up to you how you want to perceive me; it’s none of my concern. What matters is that I don’t want my life to get even more chaotic. Understand?!”

Once again, Cedric smiled. Oh my gosh! I’m still talking, you know! He’s not deaf, right? Why does his response always involve smiling, constantly smiling, like there’s nothing else he can do but smile? It’s really puzzling!

Instead of getting more annoyed talking to Cedric, I decided to focus on the road. It’s more productive. The roads in Washington DC weren’t too crowded this morning. I’m grateful for that; at least I could get to the office quickly and avoid being close to Cedric again. Wait, it seems like I missed something.

“Earlier, you mentioned picking up managers?”

“Yes, Miss. I have to be at La Meridien at nine o’clock.”

I furrowed my brows. “What’s the occasion?”

“Miss Krystal said it’s an office tour,” he said with a chuckle.

I don’t really care about that information, but what concerns me is the office tour this time. How did I miss this? Damn! Krystal had mentioned that there would be visits from branches all over Indonesia in the near future, but what I didn’t know was that the visit was scheduled for now. Normally, Krystal always asks me to oversee the progress of such visits, just like in previous years.

Did Krystal lose faith in me? Suddenly, I felt sad. What if the assistant who helps me is more capable and skilled? Will Krystal then prefer them and… remove me from the position? Is that it?

“Have you had breakfast, Miss Anya?”

For some reason, my heart felt so heavy. Could it be that I’m about to be replaced by Krystal? But yesterday, Krystal said she liked the way I work. What’s going on now? I have no idea about this.

“Miss Anya?”

A sob escaped me.

“What’s wrong, Miss Anya? Are you feeling unwell?”

I shook my head but kept my gaze down. Thinking about all the possibilities at work only made things worse. Tears flowed uncontrollably.

“Anya? What’s happening to you?”

Maybe Cedric pulled over the car; I’m not sure. What I do know is that he gently pulled me into a hug, something I wanted to reject, but I couldn’t.