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“I understand what you’re saying,” she says, “but I think you need to leave that up to him.”
I place a protective hand over my little bump, remembering how my mom used to treat me. “I was a mistake, Rae, and my mom made sure I never forgot that. I won’t put my baby in the same position, risk him being looked at the way my mom looked at me—with regret.”
I pull out my phone and send a text to Sienna. I know it’ll hurt her but it’s for the best.
Ellie
Hey sis! Sorry to do this, but I got an amazing job opportunity and had to take it. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to attend graduation, and because it’s for the entire summer, I won’t be coming home. I’ll call you soon. xo
Within seconds, she responds:
Sienna
Was looking forward to seeing you graduate and spending your birthday with you, but I get it. I just want you to be happy. If anything changes, let us know and we’ll be on the next flight out. I look forward to hearing about your job, and just know, this will always be your home if you ever change your mind. Love you.
“What’d she say?” Raelyn asks.
“She understands,” I mutter. I should be grateful that she’s not arguing or asking questions, but somehow her understanding only makes me feel that much worse.
One Week Later
“I wish you were here,”Raelyn says over Facetime. Today is graduation, but since I told Sienna I couldn’t make it, there’s no point in going. Walking across the stage won’t be the same without having her in the audience.
“Are you at least going to come to the after party?” She pouts, and I roll my eyes.
“I’m pregnant, Rae. I’m tired, hormonal, and I can’t fit into half my clothes. The only place I’m going to is the mall to buy some jeans that don’t make me feel like I’ve eaten an entire chocolate cake in one sitting.” Mmm...chocolate cake. Maybe I should stop by the bakery on the way and get a slice.
“Fine,” Raelyn relents. “But tomorrow is our day. I need to pack Saturday because I leave Sunday to go home.”
“You got it,” I tell her. “Have a good time. Love you.”
“Love you more.” She blows me a kiss and then ends the video call.
I drop my phone into my purse, hook it over my shoulder, and then swing the front door open, ready to get out of here and get some clothes that fit and a slice of chocolate cake.
Only when I go to step out, I’m blocked...by my brother-in-law. As I stare at him in shock, trying to make sense as to why he’s here, I don’t think about the fact that I’m dressed in tiny cotton shorts and an even tinier tank. Not only is it hot as hell here, but I wasn’t kidding when I said my clothes don’t fit. I’m only a little over three months along, but my belly already has a noticeable bump that makes it hard to wear my clothes that had fit me like a glove before I got pregnant. The second his eyes stop on my belly, I know shit’s about to get real.
Never one to beat around the bush, he asks what we both know he’s thinking. “Are you pregnant?”
I swallow nervously as my hand instinctually goes to my protruding belly. I should deny it, tell him he’s crazy and then slam the door in his face, but there’s no point in delaying the inevitable.
“Does your sister know?” he asks when I don’t verbally confirm. “Who am I kidding? Of course, she doesn’t know,” he adds, answering his own question. “If she knew, she’d be all over you...Which is why you haven’t told her. Why you canceled our visit for your graduation and said you were taking a job here this summer. Holy shit,” he breathes. “You weren’t planning to tell her, were you? You were going to keep this from her.” He shakes his head, and my stomach sinks at his evident disappointment.
“Who’s the dad?” he asks.
His question causes me to panic. I wasn’t planning for an interrogation. And I sure as hell can’t tell him who knocked me up.
“Ellie!” Micah barks, obviously fed up with my silence. “Who the hell got you pregnant?” If I was considering telling him the truth, the crazy in his eyes would stop me dead in my tracks.
“I-He’s not exactly in the picture,” I tell him, speaking around the truth.
He stares at me for several seconds and then nods. “You’re coming home.”
Oh, shit. Fuck. “What?” I say, as my heart picks up speed. “No...I can’t. I?—”
“Stop,” he says, cutting me off. “I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I’m not going to listen to your half-truths anymore. You’re done with school and there’s no summer job. You’re coming home with me now, where your family is, and we’ll deal with this together.”
“No.” I shake my head, my blood pumping so fast I’m slightly dizzy. “I can’t. Sienna is going to get upset.” I back up slightly. “I messed up, but she’s pregnant and shouldn’t be stressed.” I plead with him with my eyes, begging him not to do this, even though it’s futile. “Please, Micah. Pretend like you didn’t see me. Please. I can’t go home. Everyone is going to hate me.”
