AMELIA

Unconsciously, I chew my nails and bounce my knees until I feel a hand grab mine under the table on my lap. Tense and startled, I look over with a warning glare, knowing it's Cam. However, he was engrossed in a conversation with my mom and stepfather, but his touch is assuring me to relax.

"Princess wants to tell you something," Cam says. I look over at him, wondering what he meant since I haven't been following their conversation.

He beckons for me to start, squeezing my fingers lightly.

"What?" I mouthed, not sure I understand the signal from his eyes.

Mom clears her throat, and I look over to them. They are calmly waiting for me.

What do I have to say?

"The whole day while we were trimming the community plants, Princess was sorry about this morning, isn't it?" Cam urges, emphasizing the last part at me.

Oh!

Actually, he's not telling the truth. Amid all the crises in my life, I didn't have time to think about the things I said, but he's right; I should apologize. They come here worried for me, and they're leaving tomorrow. We should fix things, not fight.

"Yes, I thought about what I said to you, Anthony. It was unjust and rude and so unlike me. So, I am sorry," I tell the man whose smile immediately tugs on his lips. "I really appreciate you both coming. It's just hard settling here and being on my own, so sometimes I freak out, afraid. But we must grow and learn, right?"

"My wise daughter. I understand you," Mom says, and I try to smile.

"And you are not alone. I am here," Cam says next to me, and I tense. My eyes almost close at the tender stroke of his thumb against my knuckle. "You don't have to ever worry about her. We are housemates; we help each other," he adds, addressing my family.

"I don't know how to thank you for all of this," Mom replies.

Since we came here, I've been restless. I used to be patient with time, but now my mind wants something that I might not be able to resist any further. It makes me eager with every passing second, and I keep checking my phone for a reply or a call from Jake to save me from the devil pulling me to the wrong embrace.

The screen of my phone remains blank, and every now and then when I tap on it, there's no new notification.

I give up and grab my phone, sliding into a message to Jake.

Me: Hey?

It's marked sent, and I set the phone aside, just as the servers begin coming in with our orders.

The phone pings, and I feel the sound in my core. Immediately, I pick up my phone, almost crashing the soup being set in front of me.

"Sorry, ma'am," one of the servers apologizes, and knowing it's my fault, I respond with a smile and proceed to eagerly read the new message.

Jake: Babe, I'm occupied with work. I will call you when I am free.

Okay, that doesn't seem nice. Jake has always been willing to talk on the phone at any time. I called him last night but he couldn't find a time to call back or reply earlier. Maybe in the morning while he was getting ready? Or sometime around when he was having breakfast or lunch. How couldn't he find time for me when he knew I had just gotten into an accident?

"Excuse me," I tell everyone. When I have to let go of Cam's hand to get up, he's looking at me and back to my phone.

He must have read my messages. And there he was earlier, accusing me of snooping.

"Where are you going?" Mom asks me.

"I am going to talk with Jake on the phone," I answer a bit firmly, hoping Cam gets it in his head that nothing will happen between us ever again because I am engaged to someone.

Mom got me this elegant midnight blue cocktail dress that I am wearing. It's knee-length, with a tasteful neckline. The dress hugs my frame and has subtle lace details adding a touch of sophistication. She had me paired it with my strappy black heels that, to be honest, gives me a confidence boost while I walk down to the balcony, passing different tables so I could call Jake.

Mom has also done my hair in a chic updo. I don't know how she got this stylish these days and has done my makeup quite classy with a deep berry lip and a subtle smoky eye. It's been a long time since I looked this good, I admit.

When I am all alone in the open air, I can see the city in the night from the 12th floor, and it's beautiful. I wish Jake and I could have this kind of dinner and enjoy the view.

Swallowing, I tap on his Facetime video call. The call ends without any response, and the bile in my throat grows larger. I tap on the call again option.

I can't believe him. He could travel and not check on me despite knowing the condition I am in when he left.

"Hey?" That's the first thing said as the video call is accepted, and it's that pregnant woman... what's her name? Uh... Erin, his boss.

Oh shit!

"Hi," I exhale an embarrassed laugh.

"Hello, darling. I would love to chat more and catch up, but we're having dinner with some clients, and Jake just left for the restroom. I'll let him know you called, okay?" She smiles sweetly with bold red lips, looking even more polished than the other day.

"Oh! Okay. Thank you."

This is awkward.

"I hope you're fine, though. I didn't get to ask Jake if you've recovered," she says, he voice dripping with concern.

"No, I am fine." I smile the best I can, hoping not to appear like a desperate girlfriend. "I will let you get back to your meeting then. Bye."

"Bye." She smiles, and the call ends.

Just great, Amy. Way to humiliate yourself. He said to wait; he would call, but I went and shamed myself, blowing up his phone like some broke-ass abandoned baby mama.