I diligently waited for her to speak as I observed her actions. Her fingers began to play with the wheel, and the warmth from her hand separated from mine. It began to feel cold as she played with the radio.

Whatever she had to tell me had made her a nervous wreck, so it was serious. My fingers began to shake as I crept them toward hers. I wanted to offer her comfort and to let her know it was me, but my fear was there.

How could a person filled with confidence be so uneasy, and what could be? She can't hurt me anymore where nothing to each other, but I knew that was a lie. Her words could still cut my heart into pieces.

My fingers connected with hers, which felt so warm and at home. She provided a small smile, but her eyes held so much vulnerability once they looked at me.

"Take your time," I reassured, leaning in slightly. "I'm here to listen. No promises on my reaction, but I'll hear you out."

My guard had to stay up. My heart was back on the line, and she had it even if I didn't like it.

Her whispered admission resonated deeply within me. "I'm scared," she confessed, her voice barely above a hush. It was a moment of raw vulnerability I hadn't anticipated.

"Of losing me?" I asked gently, needing confirmation.

She softly nodded as her touch tried to escape mine, but I squeezed her hand tightly, not letting her go. I needed her to finish explaining, and my heart clenched.

"I pushed you away," she murmured with a dry chuckle, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's ironic to fear losing someone, yet you've created distance."

I struggled to comprehend how my pregnancy created this fear. Why did Skylar treat me harshly if she feared losing our connection? She partially forced me away, and I was the only person fighting for it. I wondered if this was another part of her games.

"Bella, if something were to happen to you or our baby..." Her voice faltered, tears cascading down her cheeks, revealing a rawness I hadn't seen before.

"I'd become a hypocrite because I would choose you," she admitted, her voice laden with emotion.

It made me realize she might be honest with me now. I might not understand her fear, but I would ease it.

"Skylar, listen," I said gently, wiping her tears. "The doctor said everything's fine with me and our daughter. We're both going to be okay." Witnessing her vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings; I didn't want her to carry unnecessary burdens.

"Sorry for being emotional and crying," she murmured, brushing away her tears with a self-conscious laugh, "It might be the fact I need to go back to therapy."

"It's human to feel," I reassured her, a flicker of understanding blooming within me as I noticed her efforts to reassemble her emotional armor.

"So we're having a girl," she exclaimed. I could tell she wanted to change the topic and stop the vulnerability. I knew we needed to discuss this fear some more, but for now, it would stop.

"Yes," I said.

"I love you, Isabella, and don't want to lose you," her declaration was heartfelt. Her gaze lingered on my lips, revealing a tenderness I had missed.

Her eyes danced with an earnest hope. "Will you be my girlfriend? As I work on earning your trust and love again," she asked, vulnerability interlaced with a plea for a second chance.

Even if I wanted no was not an option. I do love Skylar, although she does scare me. Placing my heart with her was risky, but I knew if I didn't, I would always wonder what if. I hesitatingly gave way to a reluctant nod.

The pout forming on her face transformed into a glowing smile. She slowly began to lean towards me as her eyes stared at my lips.

"Skylar, I might have said yes, but I haven't fully forgiven you for the treatment you did to me-" I stated with determination.

"Just call me Sky," she happily said as she interrupted me.

I gave her a glare over the interruption, which she apologized for but the mischief in her eyes. It allowed me to realize she wasn't focused.

"If you ever do that again. I will fully cut you out of my life," I warned.

"And I'll put the energy to work on us," she promised, each word punctuated with a gentle kiss.

The familiarity of her lips brought solace. The touch was soft, warm, and filled with a longing that had brewed for far too long.

It felt so foreign from only being with Joey these last few weeks. I began to crave it.

In a daring move, I tentatively slid my tongue along the seam of Skylar's lips, seeking permission. When they parted, inviting me in, I explored, savoring the warmth and sweetness of Sky's mouth. My tongue danced slowly, a gentle caress that spoke volumes of my desire and affection.

Sky responded in kind, our tongues meeting in a sensual dance, each movement igniting a passionate spark. The world around us seemed to fade away as we lost ourselves in this intimate moment, savoring the taste, the warmth, and the sheer vulnerability of being so close.

As we parted, breathless, "Spend the night with me," Skylar moaned. I met Sky's gaze, and in her eyes, I saw a blend of yearning and uncertainty, mirroring my conflicting emotions.

" No," I murmured, surprised by my cloudy mind reminding me of May, and I planned.

"Huh," she asked, taken aback as she leaned in the chair.

"Tonight is girl night with May," I asserted, disclosing my plans.

"How about I join," she asked, and I choked on air.

"What," I asked in denial, trying to return my breath.

"I should come to girls' night," she said, "Yeah, I should come to girls' night," she reiterated as she left the car.

She stood at my door like a kid waiting for a candy store. How am I going to tell her this subtle that's a horrible idea?

"Skylar, I "slowly said.

"Sky," she said with a bright smile.

"Sky, how about another night, " I offered.

May would not want to see Sky how she acted today towards her. I think Sky could be oblivious to how she came off to people.

"Come on! I never saw your room. I am fun," she pleaded with a bright smile. I kept quiet as I observed her smile turn into a pout.

She could be fun, but she's a bitch to people, including me.

"Please, Bella, let me see your room," she asked as she pecked me. She slowly starts kissing me. It was sensual with the way her tongue began to dance with mine. It monumentally distracts me as she nibbles on my lip, deriving a moan.

"Fine," I stated, although I knew it was a horrible idea.

1168 Words

What are your thoughts on Skylar's apology and being vulnerable with Bella?

How do you envision the upcoming chapter where Skylar joins girls' night?

What's your opinion on Bella giving Skylar a chance?

Thank you to everyone reading this story. It's still a work in progress and remains unedited, as I'm striving to finish it by New Year's. I anticipate there will be at least 8 more chapters to come. Your continued support through votes and comments means a lot. If you happen to spot any errors, please feel free to point them out. Your feedback will guide me on what to focus on during the editing phase.