Bound by her bump

　　“I'm having a baby,” Annie said out of the blue, making Ella, her best friend, choke on her orange juice.

　　Annie was relieved that she let it all out to her best friend even though she wasn't sure about her reaction. It hadn't been easy keeping something this sensitive away from Ella.

　　"You're what??" Ella asked in shock, her eyes not leaving Annie who was seated opposite her.

　　Annie sighed. She knew Ella heard her loud and clear but she didn't mind saying it again. "I'm having a baby."

　　"I heard you. I don't just understand how?.....I mean, I know how a baby is being conceived but when did it happen? I never knew you were seeing someone." Ella voiced out, looking as confused as ever. As far as she knew, Annie had been single for a while now.

　　Annie sighed. "I'm not seeing anyone and neither am I pregnant, yet."

　　Ella was even more confused now. She placed her glass cup which still had some juice in it on a small table beside her. They were seated in Annie's living room. "I want to believe you were only pulling my legs." Ella said.

　　Annie Davis shook her head. "I'm having him or her by Insemination. The procedure will be done tomorrow."

　　Ella couldn't believe her ears. She opened her mouth to give a response to what Annie said but no words came out. Her brain was finding it hard to process the reason behind her best friend's decision.

　　After a while, Ella spoke. "Okay, You win. I'm known for pulling expensive jokes on you but this is way more than all I've ever done to you." Ella said, hoping it was all a joke. But she wasn't that sure because Annie was looking very serious.

　　"None of this is a joke, Ella. This is something I've thought about and also acted on. I've been in contact with my doctor and the whole procedure started a couple of weeks back. Getting the right sperm donor, I also had to do a couple of tests, I've been eating according to the meal plan given to me and I've also been on prescribed medications. We are anticipating that the procedure will be successful on the first trial."

　　"I'm sorry for not opening up to you sooner. I had to come to terms with myself to know if this was what I truly wanted. You would have talked me out of it if I told you earlier."

　　"Of course I would have talked you out of it. What were you thinking Ann??? You're just 27 and already thinking about having a baby by Insemination. Who does that?"

　　"I did." Annie shrugged like it was no big deal.

　　Ella sighed, running a hand over her hair. "I mean, You're still young, Annie. You're smart, you're beautiful, You're attractive, You're the sweetest and kindest person I've ever known. You had no reason to think in that direction. You may not be dating anyone now but your soulmate will surely find you. You'll have your dream wedding and start a family with your prince charming. All you needed to do was to be patient." Ella explained.

　　"You should have believed me when I said I was done with men," Annie said.

　　"Annie." Ella groaned. "Not anyone will be like the douchebags you've dated. There's someone out there who's meant for you."

　　"I don't want to dwell in that. I've made my decision. I wouldn't forgive myself if I go through with the procedure tomorrow without telling you. That's why I'm opening up to you now."

　　Ella sighed, burying her face in her hands. She spoke after a few seconds of silence. "You realize raising a child alone comes with a whole lot of responsibility. Are you sure you're ready for this? I want to be assured you know what you're doing. What if your baby grows up and asks for its father. What will you tell him or her?"

　　"I'm certain that this is what I want and Yes, I've prepared my mind for all of the responsibilities. I never imagined myself bringing up a child alone but it is what it is. Life is full of surprises. As for the baby asking for its father when he or she grows up, I have no idea what I will say to that but I know I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I'll love the baby so much and make sure he or she doesn't lack anything. I'm ready to start a family, I want to have a child."

　　Ella sighed. "If I could see any of your exes right now, I won't think twice before strangling them, especially that douchebag calle…."

　　"Please, don't mention his name." Annie interrupted, referring to her recent ex who used her and broke her heart. It took a while for Annie to get over it. She then made up her mind that all men were the same or perhaps, true love wasn't for her. So she decided to start her family alone. She would love her child with every strength in her and hopefully, her child would reciprocate the same feelings to her.

　　"You're not doing this because you feel lonely or because you're afraid you will end up alone?"

　　A sad smile tugged at Annie's lips. "I'm far from being lonely, especially when I have my type of job. I have you and my annoying but loving siblings so I know I'll never be alone. This baby will be the ray of sunshine I need in my life."

　　"I'm sure you've told mom. How did she take the news?" Ella asked. Annie's Dad passed away when she was nine years old. Her mother, Angela remarried and now she has two younger siblings, Claire and Jayden; the most troublesome fourteen years old twins ever. Despite the age difference, Annie had always loved her younger brother and sister.

　　"She freaked out just like you. I mean, she would have wanted her grandchild to be conceived naturally but she ended up respecting my decision.

　　"There's nothing I can say to talk you out of this. Is there?"

　　Annie shook her head.

　　Ella sighed. "I guess I have to start preparing my mind about being an aunt. I'll respect your decision and I promise to be there for you in every step of the way. You have my support."

　　Annie smiled. She joined Ella where she was seated and pulled her into a hug. "Thank you!"

　　"Don't mention. What time is the procedure tomorrow? You want me to come with you?" Ella didn't mind ditching work the next day to give her best friend all of her support.

　　“9:15 am. As much as I would want you in there with me, I don't think your Boss will be comfortable with the idea of you not showing up at work on a Monday morning.” Annie smirked which earned a groan from Ella.

　　Ella works in a well-known company. The owner retired and appointed his son to take over and since then, Ella never fails to complain about how much of a pain in the ass he was.

　　“Dylan is not a problem, Annie. I can take an excuse from him.”

　　“You don’t have to Ella. I’ll be fine. I will let you know how it goes.” Annie said.

　　"You sure?" She asked.

　　Ella nodded.

　　"So, that means you won't be showing up at work tomorrow?" She asked Annie.

　　"I would when I'm done with my appointment. I'll probably try not to do too much. It all depends on my Doctor. If he insists I have to rest for the rest of the day, I have no choice but to obey."

　　Annie was her own boss. She owns a beauty parlour called Ann's Home. Alongside being a beautician and owning her business, She was also a Youtuber. She started making YouTube videos out of boredom and it turned to something she could not do without. Ann was known for uploading amazing contents on her channel and that made her subscribers yearn for more videos. Though she was not a popular YouTuber, she was doing quite well.

　　"I have a crazy human for a best friend." Ella voiced out.

　　Annie chuckled. "I love you too, sis."