You, Me, And My Baby

Chapter 6 Teacups

The living room was filled with our sobs as we continue crying our hearts out while holding each other. I don't even remember how we got into this position but it just happens.

"...You look terrible." I blurted out upon seeing her swollen eyes, red nose, and tear-stained face.

"You seem to be the same," she answered as she gave me a small towel.

"..."

"..."-

An awkward moment passed between us as we quietly drink our cold tea.

"So..." I quietly mutter before carefully placing the teacup back at the decorated table.

"Actually... Yuki, about Aiko." She started before she gently lowers her gaze.

"What?" I ask before taking a sip of the tea again. Crying can really make one thirsty.

"Aiko is not really my biological daughter."

I coughed in surprise the moment I instantly heard those words.

"What the F Ash!! Can you see I was drinking?!" I yell before gently wiping the spilled tea from my shorts.

"Pfft! Sorry, I didn't know." She covers her mouth to prevent herself from laughing.

I glare at her as she clears her throat trying to compose herself.

"But what do you mean by that? She obviously has your eyes and mouth, you know?"

"Well, it's a long story. I think it's better to talk about this once we finished these macaroons." Ashley stated as she kept glancing between the macaroons and her cold tea.

"Pfft! You haven't changed Ash! Macaroons are still your weakness!" I let out a delighted giggle.

I stopped laughing when I felt her direct gaze on me, I can the heat creeping on my face.

"Yuki..." I flinch when Ash touches my hand.

"I'm really sorry..." I can feel the earnest sincerity in her gentle tone.

I stare thoughtfully at her gentle eyes before clearing my throat, before carefully placing my right hand on top of hers.

I took a deep breath before opening my mouth," You know what... let's just forget all this drama. We already have this six-year space we need to fill. And I just miss my best friend." I said as I gently pull her into a tight hug.

"I dearly miss you so much too, Yuki." I hear Ash mumbles as she hugs me tight.

Gosh! I miss this kind of moment.

--

"So spill! What do you mean by she's not your daughter?" I ask curiously.

We both wash our faces after our hug moment since we both really have swollen eyes. Ash also brews another lovely cup of delicious tea for both of us as we eat the macaroons that I have bought.

"I only became her mother recently... after her real mother passed away." I stop chewing the moment I heard her somber tone.

Oh! That's unexpected.

I gently wipe my fingers with a tissue before I place my hand on top of her hand, squeezing it gently.

"I'm sorry to hear that... but how did you get chosen to be her new mom?"

She gave me a faint smile before sighing, "Before that... do you remember Alecia?".

Alecia? That name sounds familiar...

"Ash, I love you and all but... I have met many Alecia, over the years. So you have to be more specific, babe." I said before I took a sip of my tea.

Ash rolled her eyes before taking a sip of her tea.

"Right... I forgot you can be like this at times," she mutters, as she earns a glare at me.

"Like I was saying, Alecia is the one we've encountered in the past. During our field trip back in our high school days." she carefully explains that made me recall some pleasant memories.

Alecia... field trip...

Nah! I can't recall anything.

"Alecia Summers? The one who has a slight resemblance to me?" Ash explained as she saw me gently shake my head.

Wait... Alecia Summers?!

My eyes widen in genuine surprise as I almost choke on my delicious drink.

I recall that girl! We met her during our school trip. We enter this cafe and she was the cashier. I instantly remember everyone with us that time has their eyes wide open while glancing back and forth between her and Ash.

We instantly became friends with her while we are there. Whenever we went shopping together with Alecia, people always ask if they were twins or sisters.

I didn't know she continued talking with her all this time.

"Fudge! I completely forgot about her! Did you still continue to communicate with her after all these years?!"

"Yes, I did. And she is also the reason why I left six years ago."

"What do you mean by that?- Wait! Is she Alecia's child?!" I exclaim in surprise.

=

I can't believe it...

All this time... the things she's been through.

Ash has told me the whole story. Alecia has called her the night of the party, and she panics the moment she heard her cry. Which sounds just like her... Ash is weak when someone important to her cries.

She will do anything to comfort them no matter where she is. And that's what she did, she helped Alecia during the years she stayed here until her last breath.

It's terrible not knowing anything about what she's going through.

"So what are you planning to do now? Do you have no plans of even visiting Auntie and Uncle?" The moment I spoke those words, Ash pauses before she turns to stare at the teacup she's holding.

"I... should probably go back home soon, right?" she answers with hesitation in her voice.

"Of course, you need to face them. They are also worried about you, you know? They may not show it since Granny has kept them busy. But they kept their phones close to them at all times. I'm sure they are sincerely hoping to receive a call from you." I said before light footsteps began thumping on the floor.

Soon enough, Aiko pops out from the door frame staring wonderingly at us with her adorable eyes.

"Gosh! She's so freaking adorable!" I exclaim as I slap Ash on her shoulders.

"Ouch! I know she's so charming, so stop slapping me!" she said as she pushes me away from her.

I just put at her as Aiko shyly walk towards us, "Mommy? Can I sit here?" she asks with her cute voice that made me squeals.

"Yes, baby just ignores that weird Auntie of yours," Ash said as she helps Aiko sit down in between us.

Wait... Auntie?! ME?!