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.

since she was one of his

fire. If such

swallowing my pride or paying a

Travis, I hope you can

"We're not even friends. I

she remembered how I'd rejected

from her expression, it was clear

friends," I countered, trying

this

clarified. Even though I was seeking her assistance, I refused to come off

relationship, even friendship, showing too much desperation puts you

So, if she helped me, I'd offer

of someone raised in

always so confident. Alright 'll try. But just a try,

her agreement didn't ease my anxiety; it heightened it. Lord had no known vendetta against my parents, so why target them? There had to be

celebrating Nancy's birthday with Shirley, I asked her as we were leaving, "What are you planning to do about

still-flat belly. "I'll fight for

she wasn't ready to give up, I leaned in closer. "My