“BEST OF FRIENDS”

"What happened to Marius?" Calum's voice carried a hint of bewilderment as he approached me, his eyes searching for answers in my troubled expression.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself amidst the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed me. With MJ held securely in my arms, I sought solace in her presence, drawing strength from the warmth of her embrace.

"Hey, talk to me," Calum urged gently, his concern palpable in his tone as he noticed my silence.

Slowly, I made my way back to the garden set where I had been sitting earlier, the weight of recent events still heavy on my heart. I glanced sadly at the untouched coffee Marius had left behind, a poignant reminder of the unfinished conversation and the unresolved emotions that lingered between us.

Calum settled into the chair that had been occupied by my ex-boyfriend just moments ago, a silent support in my time of need.

"Tell me, what happened?" Calum asked once more, his voice a comforting presence amid turmoil, his eyes filled with genuine concern and understanding.

I turned to Calum, meeting his gaze with a mixture of weariness and uncertainty. Taking a moment to collect myself, I then leaned down and tenderly kissed MJ's forehead as she lay sleeping peacefully in my arms, her innocence a comforting presence amid the emotional storm swirling within me.

"I was told that you're considered a man," I finally spoke, injecting a forced chuckle into my words, attempting to mask the heaviness of the topic with a touch of humor.

Calum's reaction was a mixture of surprise and amusement. His eyebrows arched inquisitively, a warm smile playing on his lips, and a glint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.

"Really? Did he actually say that?" Calum's disbelief was evident in his tone, his expression mirroring the incredulity of the statement.

I simply nodded in response, a silent affirmation of the truth behind Marius's words. I knew Calum sought confirmation from me, wanting to understand the dynamics of my relationship with Marius, even though I chose to remain silent about the details. The unspoken understanding between us spoke volumes, a testament to our bond and his unwavering support, even in moments of ambiguity and complexity.

"So, it's working!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a hint of playful mischief as he observed the dynamics between Marius and me.

I forced a smile in response. "Yeah, I think so," I replied, trying to mask the underlying sadness that had settled within me.

Calum's keen perception didn't miss the shift in my demeanor. His expression softened with concern as he sensed my subdued mood. "Oh, why don't you seem happy? What's wrong?" he probed gently, his genuine care evident in his voice.

I sighed softly, feeling a sense of comfort in sharing my thoughts with Calum. "You're right, something did happen between us last night," I confessed, deciding to open up to him even though he had indirectly inquired about it earlier.

Knowing that Calum's true identity was known within our close circle, I felt at ease discussing personal matters with him, knowing that he would respond with authenticity and understanding. His presence was a reassuring constant amidst the complexities of my emotions.

He instinctively covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes widening with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. There was a playful twinkle in his eyes, betraying his eagerness to hear more.

"My goodness! How was it?" he whispered, his tone filled with anticipation and a touch of giddiness.

A genuine smile spread across my face at his enthusiasm. However, I knew it wasn't the right time or place to delve into the intimate details of my encounter with Marius. So, I quickly pushed aside those thoughts, refocusing my attention on our conversation.

"It was wonderful, just like the first time," I answered honestly, choosing to share the overall positive experience without delving into the specifics. The memories of that moment with Marius lingered in the back of my mind, but I pushed them aside for now, fully present in the moment with Calum.

"Obviously, you're still completely smitten with that guy," Calum remarked with a knowing smile, his eyes alight with amusement and warmth. "Well, I can't blame you. Especially after seeing how handsome he is in person. The pictures you showed me really didn't do him justice," he added, his tone filled with admiration.

I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the undeniable attraction and connection I felt towards Marius.

Calum's expression shifted slightly, his curiosity piqued as he delved deeper into our conversation. "What was the reason for your disagreement earlier?" he inquired again, his tone now laced with genuine concern. I could sense that his interest went beyond mere curiosity; he genuinely cared about my well-being.

I took a moment to collect my thoughts before responding. "It's complicated," I began, trying to find the right words to explain the complexities of my relationship with Marius. "We have our differences, but at the same time, there's a strong bond between us," I continued, choosing to share a glimpse of the emotional intricacies without delving into the specifics of our argument.

Calum nodded understandingly, his supportive presence a comforting anchor amidst the swirling emotions within me. I knew I could trust him with the intimate details of my life, and confiding in him felt like a weight being lifted off my chest.

"He suggested that MJ and I move to his house in Bulacan," I confessed, exhaling softly as I released the weight of the conversation.

Calum's brows furrowed slightly in curiosity. "And you didn't agree?" he probed, his tone gentle yet probing.

I nodded, acknowledging his understanding of the situation.

"Why did you refuse?" Calum asked again, his concern evident in his eyes.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. The truth was, I was hesitant to admit my fears to Calum. However, before I could gather my thoughts, Calum seemed to grasp the underlying reasons.

"Are you afraid of falling for him all over again?" Calum's words cut through the air, hitting upon the heart of my concerns. "But then again, have you truly moved on from him?" he added, his voice filled with empathy and understanding, probing deeper into my emotions.

It wasn't an easy question to answer, and I found myself grappling with my own conflicting emotions. I hoped that Calum, with his intuitive understanding, already knew the answer to his inquiries.

"Are you just seeking confirmation from me? Because deep down, I believe you already have the answers you're looking for," I replied, my tone tinged with a mix of uncertainty and introspection.

Calum's words hit close to home, cutting through the layers of my emotions and revealing a truth I had been avoiding. The fear of Marius discovering my lingering feelings held me back more than I cared to admit.

"You're afraid he'll realize you still love him, aren't you?" Calum's insight struck a chord, clarifying the underlying reason for my hesitation. I couldn't bear the thought of Marius catching even a glimpse of my true emotions.

"Am I right?" Calum's question hung in the air, waiting for my acknowledgment.

I shrugged, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I admitted, "Yes, you're right."

Even in his gentle demeanor, Calum's words carried a sense of understanding and support. "So, what do you make of what happened yesterday? Wasn't it, in essence, a moment of intimacy between you two?" Calum's voice grew more confident, probing deeper into the heart of the matter.

"Shhh! Keep your voice down!" I chided Calum, feeling a mix of discomfort and defensiveness at his probing questions.

Deep down, I was reluctant to acknowledge or seek confirmation of the truth behind Calum's observations. I preferred to bury those feelings and deny the reality staring me in the face. It was easier to live in denial than to confront the complexities of my emotions.

"You're just fooling yourself. What do you call what you did?" Calum persisted, his tone softer now, laced with a hint of empathy.

"It's complicated," I muttered, struggling to find the right words to explain the turmoil inside me.

I couldn't bring myself to tell Calum that I was okay with being Marius's casual partner. The truth was far more complex—I was still in love with him. That love was the driving force behind my decision to give in to my ex-boyfriend, the man who was also the father of my child.

As I wrestled with my conflicting emotions, Calum's understanding presence provided a small sense of comfort, even in the midst of my inner turmoil.

"I don't know, Sam. I'm struggling to comprehend your actions and desires. It's like I can't grasp what you really want. And it's puzzling to me why you're resistant to the idea of living in Marius's house, especially since you've done it before," Calum expressed, his voice carrying a mix of genuine concern and genuine confusion.

With a determined look, I met Calum's gaze squarely and replied, "And I believe I can do it again, even if it means doing so repeatedly."

Calum observed the resolve in my eyes and nodded thoughtfully. "I can see the determination in your eyes," he acknowledged. "So, what's the reason behind your hesitation? Why can't you give Marius what he's asking for? Have you considered that it could bring your family together? Don't you desire a complete family for MJ?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of his questions and the complexity of my emotions. "What mother wouldn't want that for her child?" I responded softly, acknowledging the innate desire for a stable and complete family environment for my child.

"Ah, I see," Calum murmured, recognizing the depth of my maternal instincts and the intricate layers of my feelings and concerns.

"But, Sam, living in denial won't make things easier either," Calum urged gently, his tone infused with a mix of concern and understanding. His eyes bore into mine, silently conveying his willingness to listen and support me through whatever struggles I faced.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words resonate within me. "I know, Calum," I replied softly, appreciating his empathy and knowing that I had a trusted friend by my side.

As Calum leaned forward, his demeanor comforting yet inquisitive, I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. "It's okay not to have all the answers right now," he reassured me, his voice a soothing balm to my unsettled thoughts. "You don't have to navigate this alone."

His words struck a chord, reminding me that friendship meant having someone to lean on during the stormiest of times. Despite my reluctance to delve into the depths of my emotions, I found solace in Calum's unwavering presence and understanding.

"Thank you, Calum," I murmured, a flicker of gratitude in my eyes as I managed a weak smile. His unwavering support was a lifeline during my inner turmoil.

Calum nodded, his expression filled with unspoken reassurance. He was there, ready to lend an ear whenever I was ready to share. And as I grappled with my conflicting emotions, I knew that having Calum's steadfast friendship was a beacon of strength, guiding me through the uncertain waters ahead.