3

Daisy-Belle's Pov

"Will you be my date tonight, Belle?" Tony's question catches me off guard. My mind races as I blink, trying to process the various thoughts that flood in.

I'm still trying to recover from my recent breakup with my ex-boyfriend. I had no desire to see him after he ended our relationship, and I hadn't seen him since. But now, an inexplicable desire to confront him, even if only once, wells up in me. I need to know the genuine reason behind his decision to break my heart.

I had given him everything – my heart, body, and soul. I loved him wholeheartedly, but all he did was shatter my heart into countless pieces. I'm still picking up the fragments, attempting to mend them. I'm holding onto the hope that one day, my heart will heal.

Tony's invitation to go on a date is stirring up the pain of my past. Three months have passed since Cameron broke up with me, yet the pain remains as fresh as if it had happened only a day ago. The wound is still raw, still stinging in my heart.

I'm at a loss for words in response to Tony's question. I don't want to mislead him. After all, he's already asked me to be his girlfriend, and I declined. If I agree to this date, would it imply that we're a couple? I'm not prepared for another relationship; it's too soon.

"Belle," Pam calls out, interrupting my thoughts. We're sitting in the school cafeteria, and Tony popped this question after we've had lunch. I've been feeling unwell since the morning when I arrived at school. I informed Pam that I would skip my classes for the rest of the day.

"Alright, Tony," I finally agree. His face lights up with excitement, and Pam claps her hands in approval.

"But I'm still not your girlfriend," I declare loudly, making sure Tony hears me. He manages to conceal his disappointment and replaces it with a smile.

"It's okay. We'll take it slow."

"Alright." I stand up, and Pam follows suit. I sling my schoolbag over my shoulder, ready to go home. I'm starting to feel dizzy again, just like earlier in the morning, before my first class, and I can't help but wonder why.

"We're going to head out, Tony. Thanks for lunch," Pam expresses her gratitude.

"My pleasure," he responds with an enthusiastic grin. He's clearly delighted about our plans for tonight.

"Goodbye, Tony." I wave at him and walk toward the exit with Pam.

"Alright, Belle. I'll be there to pick you up when it's time," he calls out as we make our way toward the campus gate. I glance back and offer him a nod and a sweet smile.

"I think I'll skip class too," Pam mumbles while we're walking towards the campus gate, where I plan to hail a cab.

"No need," I object.

"I'll give you a ride home," she insists.

I offer my friend a grateful smile. Lately, I've been feeling feverish and dizzy, suspecting it might be related to my newly resumed exercise routine. I had stopped exercising for three months following the breakup and just picked it up again the day before.

"Someone's going on a date. Someone's about to become someone's girlfriend," Pam teases, breaking into song.

"Pam, it's just a date. Besides, it's too soon. I'm not ready. It's only been three months..."

"Isn't three months enough to move on from a breakup?" She widens her eyes inquiringly.

"I feel it's too soon."

"Relax, babe. Just go with the flow and see how it turns out. I want you to enjoy tonight. The last time you had fun was three months ago, remember?"

"That was a disaster," I admit, recalling the events of that night and the impulsive encounter with the stranger.

"A disaster, indeed," Pam laughs. "Because you ended up getting intimate."

"Please, stop it," I implore her to cease her teasing. I feel uneasy whenever she brings up that topic.

"I can't help but wonder why you're so tight-lipped about that night," she comments.

"Because I'm not proud of it," I confess.

"What?" Pamela chuckles as she retrieves her car keys from her bag and jingles them. "You're not proud of something as incredible as getting intimate on the second day after your breakup? It's quite an achievement, Belle. If you're not proud of it, well, I'm super proud of you, baby girl."

"Whatever."

"Whatever," Pamela says, rolling her eyes.

We both share a laugh, then we reach the parking lot and make our way to Pamela's car.

"Tony would be really happy if you accepted his offer, you know?" Pamela says.

"Shut up and let's go," I snap at her.

A wave of dizziness washes over me again, and I almost stumble to the ground, but I clutch the car handle. I hold on tightly and close my eyes. When I open them, Pam is already inside the car, looking at me with concern.

"What's wrong, Belle?"

I want to answer her, but no words come out. As I close my eyes once more, I find myself falling to the ground and slipping into unconsciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness, I sense someone holding my hand.

It's Pamela.

Pamela is seated beside the bed, her eyes filled with sympathy. When she realizes I'm awake, she sits up straight.

"Belle," she softly calls.

"My daughter," another voice chimes in. It's then that I notice my mother on the other side of my bed. I turn my head slowly to meet her green eyes. I bear a striking resemblance to her, except for my auburn hair.

"Mom?" I whisper.

"You scared us," she says as she briefly hugs me right on the bed. When she steps back, her teary eyes are visible.

My mother is a strict but emotionally connected woman. Ever since my father passed away, she has been working tirelessly to provide for our family and ensure I receive an education.

"What happened, mom?" I ask, filled with curiosity.

"You lost consciousness," she informs me. I nod as I recall what happened. I turn to face Pamela. She smiles at me and touches my hand again.

"I was so scared," she adds.

"What did the doctor say? I'm still feeling feverish," I ignore her comment and grimace in pain.

"He conducted some tests, but he hasn't shared the results with us yet," Pamela responds.

"I hope it's nothing serious. I can't afford to lose you," she says as she plants a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"I'll be fine, mom," I assure her. We fall silent, and I watch my mom, hoping everything is okay. I can sense her anxiety, knowing that she'd be devastated if it turns out to be a life-threatening illness. While pondering what it could be, the doctor enters the room.

It's the doctor.

"Doctor," my mother stands up abruptly.

"You're awake," the doctor greets me with a smile. I nod in response.

"I hope everything is alright?" My mother inquires, her eyes still locked onto the doctor's face.

"It's good news," he says with a wide grin.

Pamela and I exchange a quick glance, while my mother continues to anticipate the news. The doctor's smile is reassuring enough that it's not bad news, even before he confirms it.

I wonder what the good news is.

"Your daughter is three months pregnant. Congratulations," the doctor announces.

"What?" All of us exclaim in shock.