My heart cracks open, spilling onto the pavement in front of Trent’s house. At least, that’s how it feels after the conversation we just had. I knew he wouldn’t take the news well, but I never expected him to act like a complete jerk. Doubled over in front of the house, I clutch my stomach and let the tears fall until I hear a voice I recognize.
“Everything okay?” Shannon asks from behind me.
When I look up, Shannon’s standing before me with her hands on her narrow hips.
“I guess it depends on your definition of okay,” I deadpan.
She wraps her arms around me, removing some of my anxiety with her warmth. My Big Sister has had my back from the beginning. I should tell her what’s happening, but I’m terrified she will judge me or relay the information to Abby and the rest of my sorority sisters. At some point, I will have to confide in my sisters. But what will they say? Will they throw me out, cast me aside, and forget I exist?
Fear rocks through my body, causing me to tremble in Shannon’s arms. Instead of speaking, she holds me until I cry, comforting me with her presence. She seems to understand what I need without exchanging words.
“If I tell you something,” I mutter, “do you promise not to say a word? To anyone. I can’t risk The Queen getting her hands on this information.”
“Yes,” she whispers, relaxing her grip on me. “I promise. You can trust me.”
Deep down inside, I know this to be true, so I spill my guts to her about Trent and my pregnancy.
Her mouth and eyes are wide with shock after I finish the story. “Wow. I can’t believe Trent said that to you. What an asshole. He’s usually the more levelheaded of the twins. I’m so sorry, Jemma. If you need anything, you can always count on me. That’s what Big Sisters are for.”
“Thanks, Shan.” I rest my head on her shoulder, a tear escaping my left eye. But this time, it’s a happy tear. “I’m so scared. The father doesn’t want to acknowledge the baby. I must consider how I will raise a child alone.”
“You have me. And your family.” She smiles so wide it reaches her big, blue eyes. “You’ll have our sisters who will love spoiling the baby growing in your belly. We have your back, girl. You might feel alone right now because of how Trent reacted, but you will never be alone. And I can promise you Trent will come around. He’s in a state of shock. Give him a few days to process everything, and I bet he will apologize for being a jerk.”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “I’m sure he will. But it would have been nice to get a better reaction from him. I know he’s scared, but so am I, and I can’t do this without him. Our child needs a father.”
Shannon hooks her arm through mine and leads me down the block toward my dormitory on the other side of Broad Street. “He will be there for you. Don’t worry. And if he doesn’t, I will kick his ass into next year.” Shannon chuckles. “So will Jamie and all of his friends.”
“Please don’t tell Jamie,” I interject. “I’d rather keep this information to a few people for now.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. But Trent probably told his teammates by now.” I frown, and she adds, “Don’t worry. They keep things in the family. And now you’re part of their weird-ass family.”
I laugh. “Not quite.”
“You will be. So will your baby. They might act like dicks most of the time, but they’re good guys. Your baby will never want for another thing ever again.”
“I don’t need money,” I admit. “At least not from Trent and his family.”
“Right. I forgot you’re a rich girl.” Shannon chuckles. “But you and Jordan never act like it.”
I shrug. “It’s my dad’s money, not mine.”
“Have you told your family yet?”
“Only Jordan. I’m not looking forward to telling my dad I’m pregnant. The news will break his heart.”
We cross the street at the light, passing a group of frat guys I met at one of the Delta Sig parties. Shannon waves to them, and I nod.
Shannon lowers her voice to an almost whisper so no one can overhear our conversation. “It might feel like the end of the world to you, but trust me, everything will work out. Your dad will not turn you away because you’re pregnant. And Trent will beg you to take him back in no time.”
I snort. “He better grovel when he does.”
As if his ears were ringing, Trent stumbles out the front door. Relief washes over his handsome face when his eyes meet mine. “Jem,” he breathes. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean anything I said.”
“It took you long enough,” Shannon interjects.
“Stay out of this, Shannon,” he snaps. “This is between Jemma and me.”
“Trent,” I groan.
