Chapter 20: Chapter 20

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."