CHAPTER SIX

Naomi played music on their ride home, the atmosphere was so jolly and the girls kept singing along. It felt like the good old days when all they had to worry about was student loans and getting good grades. Ruby was happy she got the job although it was something small at least she could afford to pay her bills and that was enough for her, she hated being absent. Naomi was happy that Ruby was finally adjusting to her new life here in Las Vegas. When they got to their apartment, the girls strode in chatting and signing.

“So how do we celebrate? Should we go clubbing” Naomi asked all giddy

“Clubbing again?” Ruby asked in an uninterested tone

“What do you mean by clubbing again when was the last time we went clubbing?” She asked. Naomi loved going to the club, she loved the loud music, the drinks and the men. Aside from shopping, clubbing was always her perfect way of unwinding.

“Well the last time I went clubbing, I got pregnant remember” Ruby replied in a sarcastic tone

“Common girl, okay how would you like to celebrate?” Naomi asked calmly

“Honestly, I don’t know” Ruby replied as she sat down and started taking off her shoes

“You got the job so I’m thinking you should decide how we should celebrate” Naomi insisted

“I was thinking...hear me out first before objecting” She said to Naomi who was already eyeing her

“Let’s celebrate indoors” She continued.

“Argh Ruby there is no fun at home” Naomi complained

“I know it’s not your thing so let’s do my thing today since I’m tired then tomorrow we will go shopping, which is your thing” Ruby bargained

“Really? We are going shopping? And you won’t change your mind?” Naomi asked with excitement

“Yes we are going shopping and I won’t change my mind because I need a few office dresses” Ruby responded

“Okay it’s a deal” Naomi stretched out her hand for a handshake to seal their deal

“Alright let’s go take a quick shower and then we can do whatever I choose at home” Ruby said

“Okay see you in ten minutes” Naomi responded as she headed for her room.

Ruby nodded in agreement before heading to her room to freshen up. Within minutes, the sound of running water echoed through the apartment, signifying their swift shower. Emerging refreshed and ready for the night’s adventure, Ruby met Naomi at the door.

“Ready to have fun my way?” Ruby asked with a smirk.

Naomi nodded, a smile curving her lips. “Lead the way...what are we doing?”

“First, I ordered pizza and some chicken wings before getting into the shower, and it should be...,” Ruby began, interrupted by the doorbell’s ring. She rushed to the door to get her orders.

“Please get a bottle of wine from the kitchen while I set up because we are having a movie night,” Ruby said as she walked back into the living room.

“Ruby, so your idea of fun is a movie night? Oh my God...where do you stay? Under a rock?” Naomi complained.

“Remember the deal, keep complaining and I will change my mind about shopping tomorrow,” Ruby threatened.

“Don’t you dare, I will go get the wine” Naomi said as she got up to go get the wine like Ruby requested. When she got back, they put out the light, close the curtains and turned on the air conditioner to make the living room dark and cosy like the cinemas. When all was set, they both settled down and binge watched a series Ruby chose.

The night passed swiftly as Ruby and Naomi indulged in laughter, cheesy movies, delicious food, and a few glasses of wine. Despite Naomi’s initial scepticism, she found herself thoroughly enjoying the laid-back evening, relishing the simplicity of the moment with her friend.

As the last scenes of the movie rolled by, Ruby glanced at the time and stretched.” Let’s get some rest for our shopping spree tomorrow.”

Naomi chuckled. “Yeah, I guess your ‘under the rock’ movie night wasn’t entirely awful.”

The next morning, the sun squeaked through the curtains, signalling the start of a new day and their shopping adventure. Both Ruby and Naomi were up early, brimming with excitement for the day ahead.

“Ready for my own choice of fun?” Naomi grinned as she prepared a quick breakfast.

“Yes I am, do with me whatever you wish” Ruby said resignedly. She knew Naomi loves shopping and she never gets tired, Ruby just pray she would be able to match Naomi’s energy today.

“Okay...Let’s hit the shops,” Naomi replied eagerly, sipping her morning coffee.

Armed with determination, they set off, navigating the city’s bustling streets in search of the perfect office dresses. Their laughter echoed through the malls and boutique stores as they sifted through racks of clothing, offering opinions and sharing fashion tips.

“Hey, Naomi, check this out! What do you think?” Ruby held up a sleek navy blue dress.

Naomi’s eyes widened in approval. “That’s gorgeous! It’ll definitely make a statement in the office.”

Their day was filled with moments of fashion triumphs, giggles, and the joy of discovering unique pieces.

By the end of the day, both ladies with shopping bags and content smiles, made their way back home.

“Phew! I think we conquered every store in town,” Naomi exclaimed, plopping onto the couch.

Ruby laughed. “We did! Now, let’s plan the office runway with these fabulous finds.”

As they organized their purchases and chatted about their day, it was evident that they both enjoyed today’s activity.

“I didn’t know shopping was this fun” Ruby admitted

“Yes it could be fun especially if you go with the right person who knows their tea else you would get bored and tired from indecisiveness” Naomi explained

After matching all the outfit they bought, the ladies decided to retire for the day as they were already tired.

The next morning, Naomi was woken up by the aroma of breakfast which was weird as Ruby hates cooking. She quickly got out of bed and dashed to the kitchen and was surprised to see Ruby making pancakes.

“What’s going on” She asked with a surprise look on her face

“I’m cooking “ Ruby announced joyfully

“I can see...why?” Naomi queried

“Nothing, I just felt like making breakfast for you” Ruby said while flipping her pancakes. She served Naomi and also made a plate for herself

“Stop looking at me like that” Ruby said to Naomi who was still looking at her as if she was possessed by an alien or something

“I’m just surprised that’s all” Naomi said as she took a bite of her pancake. She was surprised because she didn’t expect that Ruby could make a pancake and it would turn out delicious.

“Do you like it” Ruby inquiries

“Hmmm...it’s delicious” Naomi said with a mouthful

“Naomi can I ask you for a favour” Ruby asked calmly almost in a whisper

“Yea you can” Naomi dropped her cutlery and stared at Ruby waiting for her to ask

“I want you to accompany me to the hospital”

“Hospital? Why? Naomi questioned

“I want to confirm that I’m truly pregnant” Ruby said looking down at her plate

Naomi wanted to protest because she felt like Ruby was living in denial as she was already showing signs of pregnancy but she knew her friend would have a reason for wanting to go to the hospital for a confirmative pregnancy test.

“When do you want to go” She asked

“Today after breakfast” Ruby replied

“Okay” Naomi said the continued eating

As they finished breakfast, an uncomfortable silence lingered between Ruby and Naomi. Ruby’s request to confirm her pregnancy cast a shadow over the morning, leaving Naomi with a mix of concern and confusion.

After their meal, they prepared to head to the hospital. The drive was quite, Naomi stole glances at Ruby, noticing the subtle unease etched onto her friend’s face.

When they got to the hospital, they were ushered into a room where Ruby underwent the necessary tests. Naomi sat beside her, offering silent support, though her mind raced with questions she hesitated to voice.

“If Ruby gets the confirmation she needs, what will she do?

Finally, the doctor returned with the results. Ruby’s fingers clenched to the edge of her chair, her breaths shallow with anticipation. The doctor’s words confirmed that she was expecting a child, and Ruby’s reaction was a mix of emotions. Her eyes filled with uncertainty and a touch of distress.

“A baby is growing inside me,” Ruby murmured shakily as she met Naomi’s gaze.

Naomi’s heart sank as she saw the turmoil in her friend’s eyes. She reached out, wrapping her hand around Ruby’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Ruby forced a weak smile. “I don’t know, Naomi. It’s from a one night stand... I’m not sure how I'm to feel about this.”

Naomi nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. “You don’t have to figure it all out now. Take your time to process this.”

Back home, a heavy silence enveloped them. Ruby sat on the couch, lost in her thoughts. Naomi sat beside her, offering a consoling presence without saying a word.

“I never thought this would ever happen to me,” Ruby whispered, breaking the silence after what felt like forever.

Naomi placed a hand on Ruby’s trembling hand. “It is alright to feel scared and uncertain. What is more important now is what you want to do next.”

Tears gathered in Ruby’s eyes. “I don’t know if I am ready for this, Naomi. This wasn’t how I envisage starting a family.”

Naomi hugged her friend, feeling the weight of Ruby’s emotions in the tightness of her embrace. “You have options, Ruby. I’ll support you no matter the decision you make.”

Ruby stared hard at Naomi she knew she had to make a decision fast, she would never terminate her baby so abortion wasn’t an option for her.

“I’m keeping the baby” She said with determination

“And I will always be here for you as a supportive friend and Godmother” Naomi replied

“Naomi” Ruby called

“Yes?” Naomi answered still stroking Ruby’s back

“I think it’s time to find the baby daddy”