Winding Roads

Fahmeen's POV:

It's the weekend and Rolf has gone to meet a friend. I didn't get the chance to ask who as he was already out the door. Seemed pretty excited to meet them.
My brother was coming today. I wasn't sure how to approach this. Do I actually go over or wait for him to make a move?

Sam texts me.
*(S) Jay's here, he just arrived. He's brought Adrian along with him 😑
(F) Hey, what's wrong with Adrian? He's funny.*
She does this when she likes someone. She'll keep them at a distance till she doesn't.
*(S) 🤷🏽‍♀️ He's annoying.
(F) *Cute. And he likes you ;)*
💬
*(S) Pssht. Are you coming or not? Mum's out with Aunt Penelope so it won't be weird.
Hmm, I could do with some company. My own was haunting as of late.
(F) Sure. See you soon.*
I text Rolf explaining where I'll be. Just as I'm about to leave the apartment I wait a few seconds hoping he'd reply, at least. But he just reads it. Whoever he was meeting must be keeping him really busy.

...

"Hi." I smile, as Sam opens the door. I passed by my brother's car and can see a couple of bags behind Sam in the hallway.
"Hey. Come in, we're in the living room."
I follow her in and find the two sitting playing games.

"Hi Fahmeen." Adrian greets me. He really is attractive with his olive skin and dark grey eyes. Sam must be crazy holding back from that. He's wearing just a shirt and jeans and I wander if the guy ever feels cold. I get it he's Italian and used to beautiful weather but be in England long enough, you'd expect to be cold 80% of the time. He did always look like he had a permanent tan. It was the Italian in him.

"Hey Adrian, are you staying too?"
"Yes." He says. I see his eyes flicker to Sam as she stands besides me. She excuses herself.
"Okay, I'm going to go find some food."
His eyes watch her leave for the kitchen. I blush because he makes it obvious his affection for her nor does he care that she knows. And he doesn't seem to care that she doesn't return it either.

I've yet to say anything to Jay and he's awkwardly looking at the floor after pausing their game.
"Adrian, go help my sister. She'll probably need suggestions on what to order from Just Eat as I'd doubt she'll want to cook."
His best friend nods and goes to leave. He smiles at me on the way out. I hope Sam gives him a chance. She can be dismissive, uncomfortable with anything new. Very private and hesitant on sharing anything about herself. I remember growing up, I'd have all these celebrity crushes only for her to admit years later, she had them too.

"Do you live with him?" He still doesn't look at me. He's tapping his feet on the floor and focusing on his hands.
"I am."
Gosh, this is awkward.

"This is awkward." He says and we both can't help but start laughing.

When we eventually stop I exhale, feeling less stressed and nervous. I go to sit down and he finally looks at me.
"And you're... You're pregnant." He says it as a statement and I don't have to reply. Instead, I watch him. My brother is thinking, he's deep in thought about it all. Unsure on how to feel.
"Can you just be happy for me?"
Our eyes meet. I see his body sag in relief slightly. He nods and I go up to him and we hug.

"Thank you." I whisper to him and he hugs me tighter.
"Just gotta convince mum now."
I try not to laugh after saying that because I know I'd end up crying.
"You know her. She'll be fine with it. She just needs time."
That's what Sam said. I couldn't disagree.

Sam and Adrian walk in and his smile is wide. She looks happy too but I think that's because they ordered pizza.
"Thanks for paying, Adrian. You didn't have to." She says walking over to sit next to me.
"I wanted to."
They make eye contact and my heart flutters. They are just so darn cute.

The boys carry on playing and I talk with Sam. I confessed to them all about our plans for America and finishing school. Nobody seemed unhappy about it. Sam was worried about me showing in school but I told her what Georgia told me and she just laughed.
"Are you sure that'll work?" Yep, that I got fat seemed plausible enough.

"It's a good idea." My brother defends Georgia, trying to act nonchalant with a shrug.
"I hope so."