Elevator – Blake Corporation Parking Lot
The elevator to the parking lot slid open, and Xander and Adrian stepped out.
"You shouldn't have done that," Adrian muttered, his tone low.
"Done what—tell him the truth?" Xander shot back. "I was just trying to bring him back to his senses. There's nothing wrong with what I said."
"Why are you so stubborn?" Adrian asked, frustrated.
"It's the Lord's doing," Xander said dramatically as he slid into his car.
"Asshole," Adrian mumbled before getting into his own car. The two friends drove off in silence.
Columbia University Living Medical Center
Avery was finishing up a session with a group of clients, discussing balanced nutrition and eating habits. Afterward, she headed toward Bree's unit to check in.
When she got there, Bree was wrapping up a conversation with her patients.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me. And please, stay away from anything that'll harm you. Rebuke any temptation from the devil!" Bree said with a warm smile.
The patients laughed softly.
"Yes, Miss Bree," they chorused.
"Have a nice night's rest," she added.
"Same to you, Miss Bree."
As Bree turned to leave, she spotted Avery standing at the doorway.
"Hey," Avery said.
"Hey," Bree replied.
"So…" Avery began.
"So… what are you doing here?" Bree asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I came to check on you," Avery said with a small smile.
"Really? It's already closing time," Bree noted, checking her watch.
"Oh… I didn't notice," Avery said, still smiling.
"Look, Avery… you don't have to do this. I'm fine," Bree said as she began packing up her things.
"Yeah. I know. I just…"
"I know you're trying to make me feel better," Bree cut in gently, "but if you keep treating me like I'm fragile, it'll only remind me of what happened."
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Avery said quietly. "Let me go grab my stuff."
"I'll wait at the parking lot," Bree said, brushing past her.
Avery offered a small, bitter smile, then walked back to her office. She picked up her bag, tidied her desk, switched off the lights, and locked the door.
When she arrived at the parking lot, Bree was leaning against the car.
"I'm here," Avery said, unlocking the doors with a click.
Bree smiled faintly and got in, followed by Avery.
The ride home was silent—each of them lost in their thoughts, neither ready to start a conversation.
Their ApartmentA few minutes later, they pulled into their apartment complex. Avery parked neatly and the two got out.
"I'll make dinner. Go freshen up," Avery said.
"Won't you shower before cooking?" Bree asked.
"I'll use the other room," Avery replied.
"Oh right… I keep forgetting we have a second room," Bree said as she walked into their shared bedroom.
Avery sighed and headed into the spare room. They rarely used it—almost everything they did, they did together.
Bree undressed and tossed her clothes in the laundry basket. She stepped into the shower, closing her eyes as the water poured over her.
Later, she stood in front of the mirror, her gaze fixed on her reflection. Slowly, she placed her hands on her still-flat stomach.
"I can't believe there's another life growing inside me," she whispered, smiling bitterly.
She wrapped herself in a robe, tied a towel around her hair, and walked out. After drying her hair, she changed into black shorts and a grey T-shirt, picked up her phone, and headed for the living room.
Hearing sounds from the kitchen, she followed them.
"What are you making?" she asked.
"Mac and cheese," Avery replied.
"Oh, that's nice," Bree said softly.
"Mmm. Almost done," Avery said.
Bree returned to the living room to wait. A few minutes later, Avery emerged with two plates of food and handed one to Bree. She fetched two glasses of water, and they quietly ate together.
Once they finished, Avery collected the dishes, washed them, and cleaned the kitchen. Then she headed to the bedroom, where Bree was already lying on the bed.
Avery slipped under the covers beside her.
"Avery," Bree whispered.
"Mmm?"
"I'm sorry," Bree murmured.
"For what?" Avery asked, though she already knew.
"For the way I spoke to you at work. I didn't mean it."
"There's no need to apologize, Bree. I get it. It's probably the mood swings—or just everything going on. You don't need to say sorry."
"Thanks," Bree said, her voice softer.
"You're keeping it, right?" Avery asked gently.
"I can't kill my baby," Bree replied. "I'm keeping it."
"Okay. Are you… planning to look for him? The father?"
"Where would I even begin?" Bree said. "I don't need him. I can raise my child on my own. I won't be the first single mother in the world."
"Are you sure?" Avery asked. "We could go back to the club—maybe we'd run into him again."
"What if I tell him, and he pays me to get rid of it? Or worse, he outright rejects me? He already offered me money after that night—as if I meant nothing."
Her voice trembled. The memory of that morning stung like a fresh wound.
"Hey… it's okay," Avery said softly, wrapping an arm around her. "You're not alone in this. I'm with you all the way."
"Why am I so unfortunate?" Bree asked as tears finally spilled down her cheeks.
"Don't say that. You're no longer in college, Bree. You're smart, capable, and stronger than you think. You don't need that bastard."
Avery held her until her sobs calmed.
"Tomorrow we'll go see a doctor," Avery said. "We'll check on the baby and set your first appointment."
"Thank you, Avery. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," Bree said, hugging her.
"Anything for you, girl."
"Bree…" Avery started.
"Hm?"
"Are you going to tell Mom?"
"No. Not yet. I will... just not now."
"Okay. But don't wait too long. She deserves to know."
"Yeah. I won't."
Just then, Bree's phone rang.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Avery asked.
Bree checked the caller ID and froze. "It's… Mum. What do I do?"
"Calm down and pick up. Don't act suspicious," Avery urged.
"I could ignore it—say I was asleep."
"Bree, just answer. What if it's important?"
"Fine," Bree sighed, clearing her throat before answering.
"Darling, you're still awake?" Braddy Adams' voice came through.
"I was just about to sleep. How are you, Mum?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm good. How's Betty? Hope you both are okay."
"We're doing well. Actually, I called to let you know—we've booked tomorrow evening's flight to New York. Betty and I will be arriving tomorrow! You and Avery should come pick us up at the airport."
Bree's eyes widened.
"What?! But… why?"
"Betty's on vacation, and I thought it'd be lovely to spend it with you. She's excited. Aren't you happy to see us again?"
"I—I am. It's just that I—"
"Don't worry. We'll see you tomorrow. Love you!" Braddy said before ending the call.
"Averyyyy! What am I going to do?!" Bree exclaimed, nearly panicking.
"What did she say?"
"She and Betty are coming tomorrow!"
"Oh… Well, just act normal around them. I'm sure they won't stay too long. A week at most. And if she finds out… then we'll tell her everything."
"Avery, that wasn't comforting at all. I'm doomed!"
"Nope," Avery said with a grin. "We're doomed."