No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"The accident she mentioned... wasn't that the crash that killed my parents?

So, Ernest's dad was bribed to cause it?! That hit me like a ton of bricks.

Trying to steady my pounding heart, I looked at Shirley And asked, "Who's spreading these rumors, and is there any proof?"

She seemed oblivious to my agitation and shook her head lightly. "No clue, just whispers here and there. People around him are scared stiff. If he finds out who's been talking, they're as good as dead." "Can you dig around for more info?" My question made her turn back to look at me.

This time, she sensed something was off and gave a slight chuckle. "Why are you so interested in this all of a sudden?"

I hesitated, but deciding to trust her with the truth, I confessed, "Because the couple in that accident were my parents, and the driver... was my ex-boyfriend's father."

Shirley's eyes widened in shock.

I grabbed her arm, "That's why I need to know if it's true. I need evidence."

Her fake eyelashes fluttered. "You want my help?"

I knew we weren't exactly friends; there was a time she wanted to be friends, and I had turned her down.

was one of his insiders, plus the one who'd mentioned the rumor, she might

smoke without fire. If such a

meant swallowing my pride

hope you

"We're not

can be petty, and she remembered how I'd

it was clear

help me, we'll be friends," I countered, trying to play

"Is this how you ask

clarified. Even though I was

even friendship, showing too

some value in having me as a friend. So,

someone raised

so confident. Alright 'll try. But

vendetta against my parents, so why target them? There had to be more to the story, a thought@dared not

with Shirley, I asked her as we were leaving,

still-flat belly.

wasn't ready to give up, I leaned