Ana's Daddy

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Emma pointed to the perfect spot to park, as she put it. And Mike takes her suggestion without saying a word. He often is the strong, silent type or the opposite. He is either one, never something in between. We both were tired this morning after being out until late last night. I had trouble getting Emma up this morning; I didn't drink alcohol, so it was a bit easier for me. Emma had the worst hangover. This morning, we got a ride with Michael Salazar. The only man in our male friends that feels safe right now. Three out of four men seem to have a crush on me. When I texted this morning, he said it was no trouble. I know it made him drive longer to school. I told him I appreciate it. I believe he understands why I asked.

I was in the front seat beside him, and Emma in the back. I turn to Mike and thank him. He smiles and says,

"Anytime you need something big or small, call me. I will always be here for you, Ana. You are a great friend and beautiful woman. Remember, it's Ryan who is missing out on your awesomeness."

"Aww, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate everything, truly."

I started to blush, and he hugged me and told me to have a good day and to call him when I needed a ride home.

Mike doesn't attend the same college as me and Emma, so for him to go out of his way to help me makes me appreciate his effort even more. Emma and I leave the car and wave to him as he drives away. When we were about to walk towards the school building, I noticed a young woman sitting on the hood of a car. It's a pretty nice car. She looks bored, like she is waiting on someone. Now I know, I have seen her before. I saw her briefly at Spice. Yes, I am sure. I don't know her and don't believe I saw her here at college, but it's a big school so it doesn't bother me. I put it out of my mind, and we walked to class. The first lectures fly by. It might be because I fell asleep, too. And so did Emma. I need to find my friends, who are always lifesavers. The best friends a girl can ask for besides Emma, of course.

Two of the four are students who came to the US from some European country. I can remember which country, though. Their names are Anne, Cecilia, Tara, and Penny. Finding them after the lecture takes some time, even though they were there moments ago. But when the lecture ended, they disappeared for quite a while until I found Cecilia in the Café. I think she could have coffee day and night; I never met someone who drinks as much coffee as she does. Wait, yes, Anne does. She is really into her strong coffee. It must be a European thing or something. I don't recall if it was some Scandinavian country.

I found Cecilia at a table. I took a seat, and soon Anne came too. I find it odd that they always talk English with each other. At first, when we became friends, I thought they were English as the first language in their countries, but no English was their second language. I found out they don't speak the same language since they are from different countries, even though they are neighbors. But it's awesome how great they are in English.

After some time, they started to tell me about a woman who had many questions about me.

I'm shocked; who would want to ask about me?

Anne told us about some questions the woman had asked about me. Most of them were about my past, my friends if I had a boyfriend and things like that. And things like secrets and gossip, too. It worries me about who this person is or if she doesn't for someone else. I now have too many answered questions about this. Anne and Cecilia both assured me they didn't tell her about my pregnancy or any details about Ryan other than he cheated and dumped me. They figure anyone here can tell how he cheated with a member of the faculty. But they refused to say anything else.

I feel even more stressed now; it was bad enough having no money and expecting a baby that has a father who won't help. I am now nauseous and text Mike if he can come and get me so I can go home to rest. He replied quickly and told me he would be here in 30 minutes. I thanked Cecilia and Anne for telling me and asked if they could pass their notes from all the classes today because I needed to go home, and Mike would soon be here to get me. Emma looks worried. I told her not to worry and that I was okay. I need to go home and rest.

I grab my bag and go and sit on a bench near the parking lot. I feel eyes on me; don't tell me it's that young woman asking things about me. I turn and see a man looking at me. I must admit it looked rough yet handsome for an older man. Still, It creeps me out. I am so relieved to turn my head at the sound of the rumblings of a V8. It's Mike, thank God.