Chapter 3 Break

POV of Amanda

"Amanda, will you be my date tonight?" Tony interrogates me. I blink numerous times at him as several ideas cross my head.

I am still working on moving past my ex-boyfriend. Since he broke up with me, I've avoided seeing him since I didn't want to. I want to see him right now, even if it's just once, so I can ask him for a real explanation for breaking up with me.

I gave him my heart, my body, and my soul. I truly loved him, yet all he did was tear my heart to pieces. I'm still working on putting my broken heart back together and picking up the pieces. I'm hopeful it will get better someday.

The anguish is being brought back by Tony asking me out. Even though Cameron and I split up three months ago, it still seems like yesterday. This is because my heart still feels raw from the injury.

I'm at a loss for words with Tony. I don't want him to have a false impression of me. I had declined his request to be his girlfriend. Is it true that I am his girlfriend if I agree to go on this date? I am aware that I am not prepared for a new relationship. It's too soon.

Marg yells, "Amanda," jolting me out of my daydream. He is asking me this question as we are seated in the school cafeteria, following lunch.

I informed Marg that I would be skipping the remaining classes after lunch because I had been feeling under the weather since I arrived at school this morning.

"Okay, Tony." I give in at last. He glows with delight, and Marg applauds.

I say out loud to his ear, "But I'm still not your girlfriend." As I said, his body is relaxed. He swiftly covered up his hurt expression with a smile.

"It's ok. We'll proceed cautiously.

I say, "Okay," and get up. Marg follows suit as I throw my schoolbag over my shoulder and prepare to leave for home. I wonder why I'm starting to feel lightheaded once more, much like I did earlier today before my first lesson.

"We shall move forward, Tony. Regards for the meal. Marg thinks highly of him.

He responds with a broad smile and says, "My pleasure. He is quite delighted and looking forward to tonight.

I give him a "bye, Tony," and we both head out the door with Marg.

"Okay, Amanda. He yells after us, "I'll come get you when it's time.

I turn around and give him a beautiful grin as I nod.

Marg murmurs, "I'm going to skip class too," as we make our way to the campus gate. I'm going to call a cab.

I object, "You don't need to.

She says it with a firm "I'll take you home" attitude.

I give my friend a grateful smile. I have been wondering if my recent return to exercise after a three-month hiatus must be the cause of my fever and lightheadedness. After the breakup, I stopped working out, and I only started it up again the day before.

"Someone has a date tonight. Marg sings, "Someone's going to be someone's girlfriend."

It's just a date, Marg. In addition, it's too soon; I'm not prepared. Just three months had passed.

Is it not enough to grieve over spilled milk after three months? She asks while widening her eyes.

It seems premature to me.

"Calm down, honey; just go with the flow and see what happens. I want you to enjoy this evening. Remember how you last had fun three months ago?

I recall what transpired and the sexual encounter I had with the stranger, telling her, "That was a disaster."

"Disaster, indeed." Marg chuckles. "Because you were hit,"

I pleadingly ask her to quit making fun of me. Every time she discusses it, I feel uneasy.

She remarks, "I wonder why you don't like talking about that night.

I confess, "Because I'm not proud of it."

"What?" As Margaret removes her car keys from her bag and dangles them, she chuckles. You got laid the second day after breaking up with someone, and you're not proud of that? If you're not proud of it, then I'm really proud of you, baby girl. It's something to be proud of.

"Whatever."

Margaret gives me the "whatever" look as she rolls her eyes.

We both chuckle. We arrive at the parking area and locate Margaret's vehicle.

"You know Tony will be so happy if you accept him?"

I retort, "Shut up and let's go."

I almost fell to the ground as another wave of vertigo swept over me, but I held onto the car handle. I firmly grasp it and close my eyes. Marg is already in the car when I open it, closely examining me.

The question is, "What is it, Amanda?"

I want to respond, but nothing is being said. I find myself slipping to the ground and losing consciousness the second I close my eyes once more.

****

I feel a hand gripping mine when I awaken.

Mary is here.

Margaret is seated next to the bed and is beseeching me. She sits up straight as she sees my eyes open.

She answers the phone, "Amanda".

Another voice says, "My daughter". My mother is on the opposite side of the bed at this point, I realise. I carefully turn to see my mother's emerald gaze. With the exception of my red hair, I resemble her exactly.

I slowly scream out, "Mom."

She grabs me by the bedside and says, "You scared us." I can tell how emotional she is when she draws away.

My mom is an emotional but strict woman. She has been working nonstop to keep food on the table and ensure that I attend school ever since my father passed away.

"What just happened, mom?" I ask inquisitively.

She tells me that "you lost consciousness".

I nod as I reflect on what transpired. I whirl around to face Margaret. She rubs my hand once more while grinning at me.

I was really terrified.

What was the doctor's comment? I brush off her remark and grimace in discomfort because I'm still feeling feverish.

Margaret responds, "He did a test on you, but he hasn't told us what it is.

"I'm hoping it's nothing major. She taps my forehead and says, "I can't afford to lose you.

"I'll be fine, mom," I reassure her.

We pause, and I look at mom, thinking everything is okay with me. If it turns out to be a terminal illness, I know my mother will be devastated. I have yet to determine what entering might be.

The doctor is here.

My mother abruptly stands up and says, "Doctor."

The doctor smiles at me and says, "You are awake. In response, I nodded. "Good."

"Hope everything is good." The doctor, who is still grinning, is asked by my mother.

He beams broadly and says, "It's good news."

I look at Margaret as well. My mom continues to anticipately gaze at the doctor. Even before the doctor announced the good news, it was clear from the smile on his face that it wasn't something bad.

What's the good news, I wonder?

Your daughter is three months along. Congratulations!" said the doctor.

What?" We all cried out in surprise.