Wrong Injection

CHAPTER 43

"Mom, please hurry!" I exclaimed as I set the dining table, my excitement palpable. We were all thrilled that Max was finally back from Germany after months away, and we'd planned a surprise welcome party. I was practically bouncing with anticipation, eager to see him again.

"Okay, I'm almost done," Mom replied. "What about you? Is the table set?" she asked, her voice carrying from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I just finished," I said, stepping back to admire my handiwork. The table looked beautiful, with colorful plates and napkins adding a festive touch.

"Good, what about you, Bella?" Mom asked, turning to Bella.

"Done with the chicken," Bella replied, carrying the platter to the table, the aroma of roasted chicken wafting through the air.

"Good job," I said, playfully pinching Bella's cheek, and she giggled. Max and Bella had quickly become close friends during their brief encounters before he left for Germany, and it was clear their bond remained strong.

"Guys, it's almost 7:20 pm, and Max should be here any minute—" I was interrupted by the doorbell ringing, and I lost my cool. "He's here! He's here!" I squealed, racing to the door and flinging it open. There stood my best friend, looking a bit surprised.

"Oh my God, Lani, look at you!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide as he stared at my baby bump. I launched myself into his arms, overwhelmed with emotion. "

I missed you!" I pulled back, beaming with joy at seeing him again after so long.

"Hey," he said, gently rubbing my stomach, and just then, the baby kicked, making him jump in surprise.

"She's excited to have you back," I said with a smile.

"That was a cute kick. I missed you too," he said, his voice filled with affection. Before he could react further, the baby kicked again. "Oh my God," he exclaimed, and we all burst out laughing.

"Welcome back my boy," Mom said, opening her arms for a warm hug.

"I missed you all so much," his voice filled with emotion as he pulled back from the hug.

"Look at you, all handsome and dashing," Bella said with a grin, and Max winked at her.

"Thanks, Bel. You're looking great yourself," he replied, his smile charming.

Within forty minutes, we'd finished dinner, and Max regaled us with stories of his internship and new friends in Germany. Mom and Bella were captivated by his tales, but I found myself zoning out. My mind was preoccupied with Sultan, whom I hadn't heard from all day. It was unusual for him not to call; our routine had become so predictable – morning calls before work and long conversations at night. After a week of this, his silence had me worried. I excused myself and slipped into the washroom, dialing his number. He answered on the third ring. "Hey, um... I'm sorry I didn't call you today. I had a lot of meetings," he apologized immediately, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"It's fine, uh... would you be coming over tonight?" I asked, remembering he had mentioned plans to spend the night at my house.

"Of course, sure," he confirmed.

"Uh, Sultan, I don't think it's a great idea," I said hesitantly.

"Why?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"My mom is here," I replied, feeling a bit awkward.

"Alright, I understand. I hope you're okay?" he asked, concern creeping into his tone. I nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Great, talk to you later then."

"Alright," I said, hanging up before returning to the family. "Where's Max?" I asked, noticing he was nowhere to be seen.

"Answering a phone call at the back," Bella replied, and I nodded. Just then, Max emerged from the back.

"Hey guys, I'm sorry, but I have to leave now. I need to check on something on my laptop real quick," he said.

"It's okay, that's fine," I replied.

"I think I should be heading home as well," Bella said, and I shrugged.

"Cool," I said, but before I could process anything further, Mom chimed in. "Me too," she said, grabbing her purse, and I froze, looking at her in surprise. "I thought you said you were sleeping over, Mom?" I asked, feeling disappointed.

"I'm sorry, I just remembered I have to escort a friend to a wedding early in the morning," she explained, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe I'd sacrificed my night with Sultan for nothing.

"See you tomorrow, Lani," Bella said, and I watched as they all walked out the door, feeling both disappointed and frustrated.