Chapter 2

Donnie and I return to my place after the doctor"s appointment and continue talking. We exchange words of encouragement during our conversation and express our excitement about having twins. Even though we are overjoyed and can't wait to share the news with our friends and family, we decide to announce it in a special way rather than just telling them over Facetime or on a phone call. So, we decide to keep the news to ourselves for a little while until the gender reveal party that our mothers and friends have already started to plan.

As these thoughts consume me, I head toward the cafeteria. I still can"t believe that I am actually here, in college, pursuing my dream.

The university is in the heart of the city, surrounded by a bustling hub of activity that includes a hospital, numerous restaurants and shopping centers.

Most classes are held in buildings surrounding the campus" main quad, with the library and other important facilities nearby. Each degree program has its own separate building. It"s no surprise that many students choose to get around the massive campus on hoverboards and scooters. The sheer size of the place can be overwhelming at first, but it"s also part of what makes it such an exciting and dynamic place.

I walk down the hallway, and suddenly hear someone calling my name. I turn around to find Jazzy, one of my classmates in photography class, running toward me. Her long, red, wavy hair bounces up and down as she makes her way toward me, and she is a bit out of breath.

"Hey, Sadie!" she exclaims as she reaches me. "I"ve been looking for you. Have you started working on the natural element assignment for photography class?"

I step aside to let other people pass and look at her curiously. "No, I haven"t started yet," I respond. "Why do you ask?"

"I was hoping you could give me some advice," she says with a hint of admiration. "I"ve been so impressed by your work you shared in class the other day. You have an incredible talent for capturing even the smallest details, from the dust particles floating in the air to the little girl blowing a bubble."

I"m taken aback by her words, humbled and grateful for the compliment. "I"d be happy to help," I say, still slightly surprised. "I work a few nights a week and have a daughter, so my time may be limited, but I"ll do my best to give you some pointers."

And twin boys on the way, but I don't tell her that.

"You have a daughter?" she asks. "I have a son," she replies, her smile growing wider and her eyes lighting up. "He just turned three last month, and let me tell you, he"s quite the handful these days. He"s always running around, getting into things he shouldn"t be, but he"s also the light of my life. I can"t imagine what my world would be like without him."

As I listen to her, I can't help but notice her voice is filled with warmth. Her love for her son shines through her every sentence like a radiant shooting star illuminating the night sky.

It would be awesome to build a new friendship with someone who shares similar experiences and challenges.

I feel my stomach growling, I remember where I was heading. "I was just heading to lunch. Do you want to join me?" I ask her.

She glances at me, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her bag, before answering with a bright smile that lights up her entire face. "Yes, I would love to." Her excitement is too funny. I wonder if she was feeling lonely and needed a friend.

As we enter the cafeteria, I stride toward the line, grabbing a tray. I choose a BLT sub, a bag of chips, some tangy pickles, a small cup of fruit, and a bottle of water. Jazzy goes for a classic cheeseburger and some crispy fries.

We spot a cozy spot by the window, where the warm sunshine streams in, illuminating the area. It bears a striking resemblance to the food court in a mall.

Jazzy takes a bite of her burger and looks up at me. "Do you happen to have any pictures of your little girl? I'll show you mine if you show me yours," she sing songs.

With a slight upward curve of my lips, I respond, "Yes, of course I do."

I delve into my bag for my phone. Scrolling through the images, I finally come across one of my favorites. It"s a picture of Sophia, my little princess, wearing her baseball outfit with Donnie"s number twenty-three on the back, and with a pink cap. She"s sitting cozily on Donnie"s lap with the happiest expression a baby could wear. Donnie"s smile is broad, and his smile beams with love.

"Her name is Sophia, and she"s a little over a year old." I show her the picture, and her eyes widen in awe.

"Oh, my god. She"s beautiful," she whispers. "Is that her daddy?" She points at Donnie.

I chuckle lightly. "No, he"s not. He"s my boyfriend, and this"—I pat my belly—"is his baby." I say it with pride.

"Wow, you two are going to have a gorgeous baby. He"s a hottie," she adds with a wink, her mouth full of fries.

Her reaction makes me want to laugh.

"I know," I say with a grin as I tuck my phone away. "What about you?" I ask.

She removes her hand that's covering her mouth while she chews and swallows before answering. "My son's name is Lucas, and unfortunately, his father is not in the picture."

I feel a pang of sympathy for her and reply, "Oh, I"m sorry to hear that. "Being a single mom isn't easy, especially when juggling college classes.

She shrugs nonchalantly. "It"s not a big deal. He made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me and my son. But it"s okay. My family and I love him to bits." She sips her Coke before asking, "Is Sophia"s father around?"

I nod. "Yes, he is. But it"s a story I"m not ready to share yet." I wink at her playfully.

She chuckles. "Gotcha. Well, maybe we can be friends, and then one day, you"ll share. I might even tell you who Lucas"s father is."

Her aura is infectious, and I find myself wondering if she ever gets angry or if she"s one of those people who are always forgiving. "Alright," I say, "let"s discuss the assignment."