The three days that follow are nothing short of a living hell. I spend my time in my hotel room in Falasarna, unwilling to go anywhere or do anything. I can’t even work up the courage to head for the beach, because I know what my first thought will be: Ray’s beautiful face, making the suggestion that changed my life forever. Up until then, my three men were the best fun I had ever had. After I started seeing them for what they really are, they knocked down my defenses and captured my heart. My friends are doing everything in their power to comfort me. Emily keeps putting the idea of dating a random guy on the table, maintaining that focusing somewhere else will ease my pain. Karlie won’t stop pointing out the differences between Miami and Crete, saying that the place we chose for our vacation isn’t as pretty as our birthplace. No matter what they do though, I just can’t climb out of the abyss into which I’ve fallen. On the day of our departure, I wave “goodbye” to the island that’s given me thrills, powerful emotions, and memories that will last me a lifetime. My heart may be bleeding, agony may be gripping my soul, but those negative emotions can’t deter me from cherishing those magic moments.

Ten days in Miami are enough to prove to my friends how wrong Emily was on the night of our kidnapping.

“It’s obvious that staying here doesn’t do you any good.”

Well, being surrounded by familiar faces, friends, and family isn’t much help, either. Everybody wants to learn the details about the three weeks we spent in Greece. And whenever they mention the name of that country, they send me on a trip down memory lane. I dismiss them with phrases like: “It was amazing. Sunshine, friendly locals and golden beaches are an incredible combination,” but I keep the rest to myself. I can’t mention anything about Michael, Ray, and Dean. I’m not afraid that my loved ones might think less of me; they know who I am. It’s just that telling them about some of the things they did for me will tear me apart. I don’t care whether they believe me or not. That’s not the point anyway. Narrating a single story is all it will take for me to break down in tears. How can I not cry, when I recall a man trying as hard as Michael did to offer me a night that was just out of this world? How can I hold back the tears, remembering the way Dean took care of me after I had collapsed in their suite?

My friends won’t leave me in peace. I’m starting to regret the fact that I’ve given Emily a key to my apartment. Although I appreciate the fact that they’re trying to be supportive, having them over almost every night doesn’t leave me personal space or any time to myself. Of course neither Emily nor Karlie make the mistake of bringing up anything from our vacation. They are too smart for that. Despite that however, just hanging out with them reminds me of endless hours of basking in the sun, warm waters, delicious food and – unsurprisingly – my delicious men. We used to stay up at night, discussing my dates with them. More often than not, narrating my encounters with Michael, Ray, and Dean led to something that cracked me up. They were both in dire need of a cold shower, especially Emily.

As usual, I find them – her and Karlie – in my kitchen, preparing dinner. Lasagna is on the menu on this humid, Thursday night.

“Girls, this is starting to get old,” I complain, kicking the door shut behind me. “Don’t take this the wrong way, I like hanging out with you, but I need some ‘me’ time, too.”

“Blah, blah, blah,” Emily snaps her fingers and thumb together repeatedly, casting me an ironic glance. “I need a boyfriend too, but you don’t hear me complaining, do you? By the way, have you seen a mirror lately?”

“Every morning,” my response is sharp. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you must have lost ten pounds since we got back,” she announces, her voice coming out almost monotonous, her arms crossed over her chest. “We’re really worried about you.”

“Indeed,” Karlie adds, putting the lid on the pan. “You’ve obviously thinned down. Still, don’t worry,” she goes on, turning to face me. “A few meals like this one, and your curves will be back in no time.”

“Who cares?” I sigh, dropping my gaze down to the floor. “They’re too far away to enjoy them.”

“Well, we do,” Emily announces, clenching her jaw. “It’s not just about looks; it’s about health as well. And this isn’t healthy, honey. Let them go.”

“I’m not having this conversation,” I state, spinning around in the other direction. “I’m going to take a shower. Find something else to talk about before I get back.”

At last, somebody mentioned them. Not by name, but they did nonetheless. Still, I’m not sure if I want to discuss my issue. I’ve had a long, hard day at work, and I’m desperate to release that tension. But, as I stroll down the corridor, the deep-brown color of my floor is beginning to darken. My eyes are getting heavier, and I can feel my heart racing in my chest. All of a sudden, every ounce of strength is drained from my muscles. The world around me fades to black as I tumble down, banging my forehead against the hardwood floor.

“Stacy!” Emily screams, running towards me. Karlie tosses a towel across the table and follows right behind her. “Red, grab her shoulder,” she urges, dropping to her knees beside me. “Three, two, one. Lift,” Flexing their arm muscles, they flip me over at the end of the countdown.

I feel a series of light slaps on my cheek. “Wake up. Come on, baby. Wake up. Damn it, this is worse than I thought.”

“What…” I whisper, my eyelids blinking open. “What happened?”

“You freaking passed out!” Emily squeaks, her eyes wide with fear. “When was the last time you ate?” She asks, gently pulling me upright.

“Lunch,” I mutter, cupping my forehead to ease my pain. “That’s not it. Guys…” I pull in a deep breath. “There’s something you need to know.”

“What is it?” Emily wonders, tension quickening her voice.

“I’m two weeks late,” The words that come out of my mouth hit Emily like a battering ram. Raising her hands, she grips her temples and squeezes her eyes shut as she tips her head back. My short sentence even takes a toll on the more composed Karlie. Her face relaxes in total disbelief, her hollow gaze staying on my face. “Can someone please say something?” I utter, my voice breaking more and more by the second.

“It can’t be,” a breathless whisper flees Emily’s lips. “It just can’t be.”

“You have to tell them,” Karlie advises, taking a short step towards me. “They have to know about this.”

“Tell them what?” I swallow hard, thrusting my arms out to the side. “One of you is the father of my baby? That will break them apart.”

“Karlie’s right,” Emily comments on an exhale. “You didn’t get yourself pregnant. And don’t give me that crap about what the news will do to their friendship. This is beyond their friendship, and you know it.”

“I do,” I admit with a nod. “Okay. I’ll go find them.”

“Good,” Emily smiles in appraisal. “Now, let’s go put some food in your stomach,” She and Karlie may be correct on the matter, but the truth is that their bond is not my only concern. Whatever effect it might have on their relationship, it’s the future that terrifies me. I have no idea if the father of my child wishes to be involved. Even if he does, living more than a thousand miles away from his kid will be very difficult for him. I’ve also met quite a few single mothers over the years, and their lives haven’t been easy. In essence, they have no personal life. All they do is keep trying to raise their babies, and this is exactly what frightens me the most.