We all need friends like Ashley.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I was getting vegetables and other cooking utensils ready when I felt a jolt in my stomach. I winced and grabbed the kitchen island, waiting for the wave to die down. I knew it would because it was a feeling I was familiar with.

The feeling had started three days back, and at first, I had attributed it to what I ate. But it happened again, and again, and it's the third day already.

I didn't read much meaning to it because it wasn't painful, just a sharp jolt that rippled through my abdomen like a tide of waves. And seconds later, it was gone like it never happened.

Deciding it was nothing serious, I didn't bother telling my Mum or Ashley about it. They'd freak out and drag me to the hospital, and I hated hospitals. They reminded me of so many ugly memories. And so shoved the thoughts of it aside, deciding it would stop the same way it started. No need to worry anyone.

"Are you alright?" Rebecca inquired, looking at me closely.

I forced a smile; I hadn't realized I'd paused mid-task. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You look pale, and is it just me, but you've been putting on a lot of weight recently."

I laughed, amused. What does gaining weight have to do with illness? "Rebecca, I'm fine. And about the weight, I only gained a few pounds because I've been frequenting the gym."

"Alright. If you say so," she mumbled, even though she didn't look convinced. I was not in the mood to convince her either, so we both let it slide.

before I responded, she already

and moved on

**********

On arriving home, we were surprised to see packages heaped on the porch. "Did you order something?" Ashley asked, turning

I didn't," I responded.

she said, shaking her

brought them?" I asked, eyeing the packages

see," Ashley said, already approaching the packages, but I pulled her

move. What if it's a bomb or something harmful? You're just gonna

Quit being a scared cat, alright, and let me see

one of the packages, and a paper stuck to it fell to the floor.

the card and then exclaimed, "Aha! It's for you." She turned to me, holding out a card. "See, it's not

reluctantly accepted the card

the few words scribbled on it. "To you, my dear Arielle." Without a second

whatever is inside those boxes," I said simply, handing the

everyone else understand?said I do not want anything from that family! We're divorced all these gifts translate to nothing but pity. She feels sorry her son left me and wants to relieve the guilt by being nice to

sending me gifts."

"Arielle -"

three years, courtesy of her son? Fucking no! She should

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