“But they never knew, and that’s not their fault.”
“You didn’t withhold this from them to be mean or petty. You were protecting yourself.“
“Thank you, Mom.”
I hug her and settle into her side to watch murder shows on TV because there’s no better way to celebrate.
The next day goes exactly as I thought it would at work, so chaotic that I barely have time to think. But when I get a minute to myself, my brain replays the conversation with my mom. I’m not ready to spill my heart and never will be, but like any wound, it’s time to rip the Band-Aid off.
On my break, I pulled up Foster's group chat for all of us roommates. This is the first time I’ve sent a message there.
Me: Is everyone free tomorrow morning?
It takes a few minutes before all of them reply.
Talon: I can be
Foster: Yep
Cole: I have some time
Me: We need to talk. Can you all meet me at White Oak Cemetery at nine?
No one replies, and I go back to work. When I check my phone again at lunch, there are multiple messages waiting for me.
Cole: OK
Foster: That’s a little morbid, pretty girl but I’ll be there.
Talon: See you there.
Me: Good. I’ll send directions where to meet me.
Both Foster and Talon message me privately to make sure I’m okay. I assure them that I am and go back to work. By the time I get home my legs were aching and I was a sweaty mess. I crawl up the stairs, take a long bath and put myself to bed. Tomorrow I’m sharing my son with his fathers.
Chapter 12
Then
Istand in the bathroom of Emma’s house and stare at the two pink lines.
How can I be pregnant? And who is the father?
Emma knocks, “Can I come in?”
“Yeah,” I choke out.
“Positive?” she asks.
I nod, holding the test, “Maybe it’s wrong.”
“That’s the fifth test you’ve taken,” she gestures to the four other positive tests scattered on her bathroom counter. “I think it’s safe to say you’re knocked up.”
“Okay.”
I let her lead me out of the bathroom and into her room. We lay side by side on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
“I have to tell them,” I say.
