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"So..." Sasha trailed off "Has the wedding date been set?"
Naomi looked up at Sasha with tormented eyes before she whispered "It's tomorrow"
"Oh my..." Sasha dropped her glass violently onto the table "No. You're lying. Why did they rush things like that. They should have at least allowed you to get to know him first"
Naomi shrugged her shoulders, with a soft smile playing on her lips "I don't have the reins to my life anymore. Everyone around me is dictating the course of my life while I just sit back and watch. I've accepted my fate"
"I wish that I could be your bridesmaid at least be there for you, by your side"
Naomi's face beamed as she clapped her hands in euphoria "Sasha I would love that, I have no friends here in Helslip and I wouldn't mind if you could accompany me down the isle"
Sasha dropped her face and cleared her throat."Well, Naomi... I don't know"
Naomi noticed her reluctance and with a sad smile shook her head "It's fine Sasha. If you don't want to come, it's fine really, I won't be mad at you"
"Naomi I would love to be your bridesmaid but it's just that... I have a doctor's appointment. And you know how difficult it is getting to see the doctor here in Helslip"
"Sasha you dont have to lie. If you don't want to come just sat it I won't be mad"
"I'm not lying, I really have to go to the doctor tomorrow"
Naomi realised Sasha's sincerity "Why do you have to go to the doctor? Are you sick?"
Sasha cleared her throat, as her hand rubbed her throat "Well... It's complicated"
Naomi reached out for Sasha's hand "What's the matter? You know you can confide in me"
"You-you promise you won't tell anybody"
"Yes." She nodded " I promise"
"Well, it's just that" Sasha cleared her throat, evidently reluctant to continue "I've been feeling nauseated and tired, breathless and I've been vomiting alot. I just don't know"
"You're sure it's not just a flu? Malaria?"
"I don't know what it is. It could be a flu but I don't think it is, but that's why I'm going to the doctor so that he can diagnose me"
"What do you think it is?"
"You wouldn't understand"
"Help me to understand Sasha. What's the problem?"
"You can't tell anybody about this Naomi until I confirm okay?"
"I promise I won't tell anyone about it"
"Its just that... Its been almost two months now since I saw my period"
Colour drained from Naomi's face as her eyes darted over Sasha's face "You're lying. This is a joke right"
"I don't know Naomi."
"Have you allowed a man touch you in that way?"
"No I haven't"
Naomi sprang up her hands slamming into the table "How do you mean you haven't? So what? You're the second virgin Mary?"
"It just happened once. It couldn't have gotten me pregnant"
"Once is more than enough Sasha" Naomi stood dumbfounded as she stared at Sasha, "Wait a minute, so does that mean you cheated on James?"
"No! I would never do that. He is the one that..." Sasha shook her head. "I need to go pee" She stood up rapidly and ran to the restroom leaving Naomi in her confused state. Naomi plopped onto the stool, taking deep breaths in and out, calming her racing heart and thoughts.
Sashas footsteps echoed across the room as she trotted back into the dining room. Gently she sat opposite Naomi. "Does he know?" Naomi inquired
"There's nothing for him to know, I haven't even confirmed if it's true. That's why I want to go to the doctor, I want the words to come out of his mouth"
"And what if the doctor confirms it. What if you're pregnant but he doesn't come back?"
Sasha head snapped up towards Naomi, her eyes narrowed"What if who doesn't come back?"
"James" Naomi whispered, "What if James doesn't come back" Naomi's eyes darted away, her thoughts in disarray, her mind moving from Anastasia and her pregnancy, to her upcoming marriage to a probable murderer. "You'll end up raising a bastard." Naomi whispered, Sashas gaze snapped to Naomi as her eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively raising to her belly "Your parents would probably throw you out and you'll end up in the streets with nothing but a bastard in your care"
Sashas hand whipped through the air with a sudden burst of fury, colliding mercilessly against Naomi's delicate cheek. The resounding crack echoed through the room, shattering the tense silence. Naomi's head jerked to the side, a searing wave of pain radiating from the point of impact. The force of the blow sent a jolt through her entire body, momentarily disorienting her. A mix of shock, betrayal, and hurt etched across Sasha's features, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "How dare you!? Never in your life do you say something like that again"
Sasha grabbed her bag from the table and walked towards the exit, her heart pounding in her chest. Naomi, still in shock from the slap, frantically tried to process what had just happened. She managed to catch up to Sasha, reaching out to grab her arm in an attempt to stop her.
"Do not touch me!" Sasha exclaimed, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and pain. Naomi recoiled, her hand falling back to her side. Tears welled up in Sasha's eyes, a torrent of emotions pouring forth.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Please don't leave like this. I'm sorry, Sasha," Naomi pleaded, her voice filled with remorse and regret.
Sasha stood still, her body tense, as if caught between conflicting emotions. Slowly, Naomi stepped closer to her, gently guiding her back to the seat. Sasha allowed herself to be led, the pain from the slap still throbbing on Naomi's cheek, but she pushed it aside.
Sasha's eyes appeared distant, glazed over, as if her mind had drifted far away. "He will come back. James will come back, I know it," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Naomi nodded, her heart aching for her friend. "Yes, he will come back," she reassured, understanding the depth of Sasha's longing and the weight of her hope.
Naomi sighed as she stood up, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm a terrible host. Can I offer you something to drink? We only have apple juice or water."
"Apple juice will be just fine," Sasha replied, offering a gentle smile. Naomi nodded and made her way to the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a glass filled with homemade juice. Sasha curiously inquired, "Is it homemade?"
Naomi nodded with pride. "Yes, indeed. I went to the farm two days ago to harvest the apples, and I made the juice yesterday."
Sasha took a sip from her glass and smiled softly. "It's delicious. You did a great job."
"Thank you," Naomi replied, returning the smile. "My mom disagrees, though. She thinks it's too watery."
"That's just how some mothers are, always finding something to criticize," Sasha remarked, sharing a knowing laugh with Naomi.
"Exactly!" Naomi exclaimed, laughter filling the room as they enjoyed their drinks and each other's company.
Naomi chuckled, feeling a sense of relief as the laughter filled the room. It was a simple moment, sipping on homemade apple juice and sharing a lighthearted exchange, but it brought a much-needed respite from the weight of their earlier conversation.
Sasha took another sip of the apple juice, savoring the refreshing taste. "Well, I think your homemade apple juice is delicious. Your mom doesn't know what she's missing out on."
Naomi grinned, appreciating Sasha's kind words. "Thank you! I'm glad you like it. Maybe I should start a juice business and prove my mom wrong."
Sasha chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll be your first customer. We can call it 'Naomi's Juicy Delights'."
Naomi laughed, imagining the possibilities. "I like the sound of that! We'll have a whole menu of unique juice flavors, and you can be my taste tester."
Sasha nodded enthusiastically. "Deal! I'll provide honest and expert feedback on all the juices"
Naomi giggled."I trust that you will"
"What other fruits do you usually harvest from the farm? Any other homemade treats you make?"
Naomi leaned back in her chair, thinking about the bountiful harvests from the farm. "Well, besides apples, we have a variety of fruits like pears, peaches, and plums. It's always a joy to pick them fresh from the trees."
Sasha's eyes lit up with curiosity. "That sounds amazing! Do you make any other homemade treats with those fruits?"
Naomi sighed "I wish I could but my mom takes the majority of fruits and sells them at the market. You know our farm is one of the most fertile in Helslip and selling fruits is a great income for our family. But I've always dreamed of making fruit jams, pies, and even fruit tarts."
Sasha listened attentively, noticing the hint of longing in Naomi's voice. "That's understandable. The farm's financial stability is crucial, but it's also important to pursue your own passions and dreams."
Naomi nodded, a wistful smile on her face. "Exactly. I've helped my mom with selling the fruits for as long as I can remember, and it's been a vital part of our livelihood. But sometimes, I can't help but imagine the possibilities of creating my own homemade treats."
Sasha placed a comforting hand on Naomi's arm. "It's never too late to pursue your dreams, Naomi. If making those homemade treats brings you joy, perhaps there's a way to find a balance between supporting the farm and exploring your own culinary aspirations."
Naomi chuckled humorlessly "I don't want to dwell on false hope. We both know that can't happen. And you of all people know how egoistic Helslip men can be, my future husband won't be too happy with me aiding in the financial burden it'll be a blow to his pride"
"Yeah you're right" Sasha agreed with a sigh "Helslip men are donkeys"
And one of them is the father of your unborn child Naomi thought to herself, she kept her lips sealed allowing them to curl in a smile "Yeah, they are"
"But Mr Reagans is a lucky man, he'll have a wife that is dutiful and beautiful and knows her duties as a wife. You'll make him apple juice everyday"
Naomis jaw dropped in amusement shock "Dont say that!" Naomi and Sasha laughed together
"Oh, I have something for you." Sasha said as she scurried in her bag. Naomi watched as she brought out a thick book from her bag "This is for you" Sasha said with a smile. "Consider it my wedding gift to you"
Naomis jaw dropped in surprise as she took the book "You didn't have to Sasha" She looked down, the title on the book said How to be the world's best wife.
"I had bought it for myself and my upcoming wedding but right now things aren't looking as I had planned... So I want to give it to you and I hope it helps in your marriage journey."
"My marriage journey?"
"Every aspect of marriage is written in this book. How to be a good wife. How to respect your husband and to be his number one priority. How to be a good mother. How to please and satisfy your husband in the bedroom. All the hot positions..."
"Sasha stop!" Naomi giggled as she felt heat rush to her cheeks
Sasha raised her hands in humourus surrender "Ok I won't go there" she giggled too "And take this" She said as she removed a silver bracelet from her wrist and gave it to Naomi "It's my gift to you"
Naomi shook her head "I can't take this Sasha, it's yours"
"It was mine, now it's yours. Take it" Sasha grabbed Naomi's hand and placed the bracelet in Naomi's palms and closed her fingers around it
"I don't know how to say thank you Sasha. This means alot to me"
"It's the least I can do, I don't have any money to buy you anything since James..." she trailed off,.sorrow etched on her face but she hid it with a smile
"I wish I had met you earlier in my life. I wish we had been friends."
"I wish so too" Sasha agreed "But you can still visit me after your marriage"
"Do you think Mr Reagan will allow me? He seems controlling. I had never set eyes on his wife because she's probably locked up in his house"
Sasha reached over and grabbed Naomi's hands, she squeezed them slightly "I'll keep you in my prayers."
"Thank you" Naomi smiled
"And you need to stop calling him Mr Reagan, hes your soon to be husband. Start calling him, sweetheart, honey, booboo bear, lollipop"
"Eew stop Sasha! He's old enough to be my grandfather"
"Age is just a number" Sasha shrugged with a smirk on her face
"Sasha you're unbelievable" Naomi shook her head as a smile erupted on her face. Naomi sprang up on her feet and engulfed Sasha in a hug "Thank you for making me laugh this evening. You're an angel"
"No problem my dear"
"And I'm so sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean a word of it. Can you forgive me?"
"If you forgive me for slapping you then I'll forgive you in return"
Naomi's hand raised to her cheeks, stroking them gently "I deserved that"
"Yes." Sasha nodded "You did"
Naomi smiled gently as she hugged Sasha tighter, Naomi placed a kiss on Sashas forehead and they remained in each other's embrace for a while
"It's getting dark. I need to go now"
"Yeah, you're probably right"
Sasha grabbed her hand and Naomi walked her to the door. "Before I go can I have more of that Apple juice. My tastebuds are calling it" Naomi giggled, she ran into the kitchen and came out with a 1litre bottle filled with apple juice. Sashas jaw dropped "I meant I just wanted a glass"
"You deserve this. I don't know when next I'll see you. This is all I can give to you in exchange for the bracelet and the book"
"No Naomi, I gave them to you from the depth of my heart not because I wanted something in exchange"
"Please don't refuse it"
"Ok" Sasha took the bottle from Naomi and placed it in her bag "I'll cherish every sip of it"
"Before you leave, I just want to say that I hope James comes back and that you too finally get married and get the happily ever after that you've always dreamed of"
"I hope so too" Sasha whispered "Wish me luck on my doctor's appointment"
"Good luck"
"Wish me luck on my wedding tomorrow"
"Good luck"
"Bye"
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