As he was drifting into another stream of thoughts, the noise of a key turning in the lock grabbed his focus. The door slowly opened, and Rain entered, her outline highlighted by the hallway light.
She entered with Mandy carrying the bags. "Be careful, Rain, you're pregnant, don't rush."
"I know, Mandy, I'm pregnant, I'm fine, I can manage."
Junior stood up in shock from his seat. "You're pregnant, Rain?"
Junior stood up in astonishment. "Rain, are you pregnant?"
Both Mandy and Rain were taken aback. Rain paused, her eyes revealing a blend of feelings. "It's not your concern."
"Why do you say it's none of my business?" Junior questioned.
Mandy intervened, "Stop it! Who are you to inquire?"
"This is between us, Mandy. Stay out of it," Junior responded.
"Well, Junior, who's 'us'? You ended things with Rain. Give us some space, go tend to your expectant wife Rose, and leave Rain out of it. Congratulations to both of you."
"What do you mean, soon-to-be wife, and pregnant wife?"
"Go to your fiancée now. Excuse us, Rain isn't feeling well. Please go."
Get your facts straight, Mandy. I know you are Rain's friend, but what do I have to do with Rose's pregnancy?
Well, now you pretend you don't know that your fiancée is almost 3 months pregnant. Well, guess what? We don't believe you, nor do we trust you. Now leave.
Rain, please let me explain, okay? I have nothing to do with Rose, nor am I the father of her child. Please.
Rain took a deep breath, her eyes searching Junior's face for any sign of sincerity. "Junior, this is not the time or place to discuss this. You've made your choices, and I've made mine."
Junior's voice softened, "Rain, I need you to believe me. I didn't know about Rose's pregnancy. It's not my child. I promise you."
Rain walked over to her handbag, retrieved the report, and threw it at Junior's feet, saying, "I hope you're satisfied. Now, please take the report, leave, and let's never cross paths again."
Junior picked up the report and kindly called out, "Wait, please listen to me, Biscuit. "Rain's eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists. "Don't call me that," she hissed, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. "You lost the right to use that name a long time ago."
Junior took a deep breath, his expression softening. "I know I messed up, Rain. But I'm here to make things right. Please, just give me a chance to explain."
Rain turned away, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Memories of their happier times together flashed through her mind, but she quickly pushed them away. "Explain? What's there to explain, Junior? You made your choices."