3

I take a long, calm shower, getting ready to call my dad and tell him the news. I know he's going to scold me a little bit, but he'll be happy when I tell him I'm going to move in with him. My father is still young, despite my 24 years, he is only 43. I was born when he was nineteen and my mother seventeen. Today she is 41. They married very young.

I was born first, and then my sister Leila, who is 20. She lives with my mother. My sister decided not to go to college and invested in a new profession: digital influencer. And believe me, she's getting paid well. We always thought it wouldn't work out, but we were completely mistaken. Today it is well known on the internet. I find her videos amusing; She has a talent for it. If it were me, I'd be in trouble because I don't have a way to talk in front of a camera. Leila and I are opposites. She's explosive, whereas I'm shy and prefer to be quiet. She takes my mother, and I take it after my father. My dad and I are more relaxed. As I was thinking about him, I decided to call and tell everything that is happening.

"Hi, Dad, it's me, Ana."

"Hi, honey, are you alright? How are things there in Seattle?"

"Well, Dad, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Did something happen, Ana?"

"Dad, I'm pregnant."

"Really?"

"Yes, I need to leave Seattle as soon as possible."

"Is there anything else I need to know, Ana Paula?"

"Yes, Dad, but I didn't want to tell you over the phone. I wanted it to be face-to-face."

"When are you coming, daughter?"

"This week, Dad."

"Let me know so I can pick you up at the airport. I'll be thrilled to have him with me for a while."

"I know that, Dad."

"Take care of yourself, my dear!"

"Amen, father! Goodbye!"

"Goodbye, I love you! Never forget that!"

"Never! I love you so much!"

I was absolutely sure my father wouldn't question me. He is like that, a soft-hearted person who respects our decisions. I love my dad so much! Spending time with him will be great. There, I can start my life over. Even if it's hard now, I'm sure I'll laugh at it all in the future. Telling him was easy. Now, telling my mom is going to be a little tricky. She has an explosive way of dealing with things and problems. I'm sure she'll see my pregnancy as a big problem. She will say that I ruined my life, that taking care of a child is not easy, especially without the help of the father. Before I tell you everything that's going on, I need to prepare myself mentally. I'll only call her when I'm in France, where I know she can't reach me. I'll only tell her when I'm there. Ella has already left for her shift. Now, I'm alone, mulling over everything Diego told me in my head. Suddenly, the intercom rings, startling me. I'm not expecting anyone and I haven't asked for any deliveries. But I answer, maybe it's Ella who asked for something and forgot to let me know. However, I find it strange to hear the name of the person who is looking for me: Thiago, Fuentes' messenger. It can only be him. Let's find out what he came to do in the name of this one.

Thiago-

Honestly, I didn't want to get involved in Mr. Fuentes' story. Sometimes he puts me in awkward situations because of these girlfriends he gets involved with. This whole thing of taking Mrs. Ana's stuff is just another mess I'm getting into because of him. It's very difficult to deal with all this, but I need the work, and it pays very well. But deep down, it's exhausting to cater to the whims of a spoiled rich kid. If the guy didn't want a child, why didn't he take precautions? It's easy for him now to blame the girl. This is irresponsibility, childish behavior. If Mr. Fuentes knew what I really think, he would probably order me killed. He thinks everyone should bow to him. But it's a pain to deal with all of this.

I arrived at the building where Ana lives and asked the doorman to announce me. She took a while to respond, but soon let me in. As soon as she opened the door, I could tell by her expression that she was downcast, probably crying a lot. It's a shame, I hope she recovers.

"Good evening, Miss."

"Only Ana, Thiago!"

"How are you, Ana? I'm sorry about all of this."

"I know you are. Please come in!" She makes way for me to enter, dragging the suitcase that Mrs. Julia packed with Ana's things.

"Ana, I came here to bring this suitcase at Mr. Fuentes' request."

"He was very fast, Thiago!"

"I'm sorry, Ana, but I just follow orders."

"I know that, but still, thank you so much!"

"You're welcome. Now I have to go, I just came to deliver this suitcase."

"Don't you want to have a drink?" I take the opportunity to start a conversation with him. I always liked Thiago, he was always very polite to me and treated me well. I have nothing against him.

"No, Ana, thank you. Take care of yourself, okay? Now I really have to go!"

"I'll be fine, Thiago. Thank you for caring!"

I left the apartment and left her there, dejected and sad. I could see by her gaze at the suitcase how disappointed she was. But I couldn't do anything but what I was told to do.

She-

I left Ana alone, but I'm very worried about her. I can't believe Fuentes asked her to have an abortion. I didn't want to leave her alone, but I also couldn't change my shift at the last minute.

It makes me sad to hear that my friend is leaving for France. She could stay and face this one head on, but I also understand how hard it would be to live in a city where her ex-boyfriend is everywhere. I wish I could punch him in the face, but my friend would never allow me to do that.