Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly felt a twinge of guilt thinking about her spat with Chad. Despite their argument, he had been patient and coaxed her back into good spirits.

"Alright, enough about me," she said, turning to Mia. "What's going on with you and Andre? Why's he not helping you out?"

Mia sighed heavily. "Andre won't lift a finger to help. He's dumped his entire graduation thesis on me."

Molly paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Welcome to the club!"

Mia rested her chin in her hand, looking despondent.

"Didn't get much sleep last night, huh?" Molly observed, noticing her friend's weariness.

"Is it that obvious?" Mia thought back to her son's restless night. "He'd cry when he was hungry, cry when he had a dirty diaper, cry when it was too dark, and cry when the light was on. One minute I'm rubbing his belly, the next I'm up walking him around. I mean, seriously, taking care of a baby shouldn't be this hard, right?"

Molly asked, "Usually, isn't it Andre who gets up at night to look after Henry while you catch some sleep?"

Mia thought of her husband. "It's possible. Last night he kept showing up at the door. Every time the baby cried, he was there, reminding me what to do. You know, my husband's actually pretty responsible."

The two friends pondered if they might have been taking their men for granted.

"Mia, you should get some sleep tonight. You're sporting some serious dark circles. You're still recovering from childbirth; you can't overdo it."

Mia was candid with her bestie. "I just can't swallow my pride."

Jade chimed in, "Honestly, I don't even know how to sweet-talk Chad anymore."

The worries were back.

Andre how pitiful you were last night. We'll make it seem like

caught on. "Molly, I'm sticking with you for

their chat, the unsuspecting guys were lured

Did you give her a hard time? Nothing seems to rattle her, except you. You're

only one who can

no idea how much Molly adores you, Chad," Mia said

...

her, she's got bags under her eyes, she looks more like a grandma than a

was practically falling asleep standing up. Have you been too knocked out at night to hear Henry crying,

...

men had taken the bait;

to come down on you. And it's not just because I feel sorry for

more smoothly, without leaving any trace. Remember the other night when I had to smooth things over with the neighbors? If the cops had come for you, would you have

as well as

of water from the

then asked, "Mia told me you think I'm the

"Spit-take!"

all over the windshield, coughing and sputtering. Chad quickly handed her a tissue while keeping one hand on

Mia say?!" Molly gasped in

you. Even if you don't help me with my thesis, I understand you're just worried about my defense. And it doesn't change how I feel about you. There's no one else for me. You were my first love, and I'm devoted to you. Before

at you, but that's because I love

marrying you. And marrying you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. How could

if we end up broke, even if all we have is bread and butter, I'm not vain. I'd be right there with you, eating bread and butter. I'm willing to endure hardship

stories. I can confront her face