Show Me the Scary Part, page 7
My voice was quiet, just loud enough for them to hear me.
“I have no idea what she’s talking about, officer. She doesn’t have a son. Let’s go home, Whitney. You’ve been playing this game long enough,” my mother says, approaching me.
I took a step back, then I looked at Nadine and I handed for my baby.
“I’m not going anywhere without him,” I asserted.
“What is this? Where did you get this baby from, Whitney? You weren’t pregnant,” my dad was confused.
I guess my mother didn’t tell him.
“Yes, I was pregnant, I was afraid of what you and Mom would think, and even more afraid of what you would do when you found out.” I was getting emotional.
My dad was pissed; he wasn’t one to show much emotion, so this was something.
“You had a right to feel that way. Never in a million years would I accept this. I didn’t raise a whore as a daughter,” he spat.
I bit my bottom lip trying to keep my tears from falling.
“Alright, let’s not get out of hand here.” Alex gets up from his seat and walks over to me.
“Judge Thornton, I didn’t realize this was your home,” the police officer said.
“It’s nice to see you, Officer Smith,” he smiles at him. “Now let’s see if we can work this out.”
My parents looked shaken after hearing he was a judge; their reputation was everything.
“Shall we sit?” he says, motioning to the chairs.
My parents were reluctant, but they took a seat; they didn’t expect this.
“Girls, take a seat,” Alex said, giving us a warm smile.
Once we were all seated and my son was adjusted in my arms, Alex began.
“I’m Alexander, this is my wife Teresa, and my daughter Nadine,” he introduced, and politely waited for my parents to reply.
“I’m Dr. Mitchell Delaney, and my wife is Dr. Vanessa Delaney.”
Alex nods at them.
“Now, there must be a solution for all of this. Your daughter is a mom, and that’s just something that you have to deal with; the child is here, and that can’t be undone. Accept that your child is human. You wanted a certain life for her, but this is the life she now has. It’s time to accept it.”
“This is not her life, this won’t be her life. Not if we have anything to do with it,” my mother spoke.
“You don’t have anything to do with it; she legally has the right to do with her child as she pleases. Giving him up is not an option for her, and you cannot make her do it,” Teresa says.
“That child is not welcome in our house; she has no choice,” my father said firmly.
“So that’s where you’re at on this matter?” Alex looked at them with a straight face.
“Yes, that’s our choice,” he said stubbornly.
“Officer Smith, would you contact social services?”
My stomach dropped. What was he doing?
“Sure, Judge Thornton,” he began to reach for the comm on his shoulder.
“You’re calling social services for the baby, good idea,” my dad says.
“Actually, I was referring to Whitney. If her welfare is in question, then child services can determine what’s safest and from what I’ve seen, it isn’t with you. So you can either let the law do it or we can sit here and do it ourselves.”
This must be the judge part of him because he wasn’t taking any more shit from them. This man was basically the law, and I’m sure he has a lot of pull.
“No need to call social services, Officer, we’ll figure it out,” my father says.
A court hearing would not look well for Dr. Delaney.
“If you need anything, call. I’ll leave you guys to it,” Officer Smith said, then he let himself out.
“Whitney is more than welcome to stay here; we have plenty of room for her and the baby,” Teresa says.
“We want her home. I don’t understand why you people don’t get that?” my mother remarked.
“You are more than welcome to keep the baby,” my dad offered.
“Whitney goes where her child goes; if you want her home, you have to accept her child,” Nadine jumped in.
“This is an adult matter; you have no say in this,” he snapped.
“As her friend, I have every right, as the person who found her terrified and alone, I have every goddamn right,” she stood. “All you care about is your reputation, screw that. You don’t want Whitney; you just want her home so she doesn’t mess up your social standing with your peers and colleagues. She is not going with you, so you need to figure something out. I don’t care what you do, lie, make up a story to make yourselves look good, just don’t pretend that you give a damn about her,” she spoke passionately.
“Your daughter is highly disrespectful, and you expect us to leave our daughter here,” my mother chimed.
“That’s your opinion, I see a passionate, open-minded young woman when I look at her,” Teresa replied.
“I’ll still go to your functions and social gatherings, if you need me to do something or be somewhere, I’ll do it. I’ll keep my son a secret; no one in your circle will know about him,” I begged.
I knew what they wanted; they didn’t want to look bad. As much as I would like to wipe my hands of them for good, this was the only compromise I could think of.
I could see how hard they were thinking about it, but I could see the skepticism in their eyes.
“I’ll do whatever you want, I just want my baby,” I pleaded.
My mother looked at my father; she was silently communicating with him. He just gives her a slight nod.
“You will be at every social gathering, and you will come over when your grandparents visit. You will not be going to Northride Academy anymore. I’m dis-enrolling you. We don’t need the embarrassment of you flunking out, which will inevitably happen. You weren’t doing well before, and I doubt you’ll be any better now that you’ve gotten yourself into this situation. So you will be going to public school, we’ll just tell everyone that you are broadening your horizon,” she says snootily.
I know she’ll do something to spin it in her favor.
I was crushed that I couldn’t go to my school anymore. I loved it there, and the horses. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to ride again.
I just nod.
“When we ship your things here, a planner will be included with all of the events coming up,” she continues.
“Okay,” I said.
“This has been such a colossal waste of our time; we will be on our way now.”
They both stood up.
“Can I have a private moment with my daughter, please?” she asked.
The Thornton’s looked extremely skeptical.
“It’s alright,” I said because my mother was glaring at me.
I handed Ryder to Nadine, then they left me alone with my parents.
“A judge, really, Whitney. You made us look bad in front of a judge.” My father gritted.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized.
“That’s something we already know. You’re such a disappointment,” she spat.
I just kept my head down.
“Who’s the father of that kid, if you even know?” my dad asked.
I felt my heart beating in my chest. The last thing I wanted them to know was who the father of my child was. It would only make this situation worse.
“I don’t know.” I lied.
“So you are nothing but a slut, where did we go wrong?”
My father was seething; he couldn’t even look at me.
I just wanted them to leave.
“I’m sorry I disappointed you guys. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“I think you got exactly what you wanted. You know what, it’s good you’re not coming back with us, I cannot stand the sight of you right now.” My mother spewed.
“Don’t expect anything from us. It’s clear to me that you don’t give a shit about your future. From here on, you are cut off. Vanessa, let’s go,” my father’s voice was frigid; he frightened me.
My parents finally walked away, and my tears sprouted; they had such a huge effect on me. I know that no matter what I do, they will always have some type of control over me.
I don’t know how long I stood there crying, but I was brought out of it when I felt arms wrap around me. It shocked me, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that it was Nadine.
“Shush, Whitney, they’re gone,” she comforted.
This felt so odd. I don’t think I’ve ever been hugged; this was so foreign to me.
“They hate me.” I sobbed.
“I have no idea what you’re feeling or what you’re going through, but I’m here and my parents are too. We want you here,” she consoled.
My parents’ rejection hurt so badly, but I felt comfort in Nadine, a comfort that I have never felt before. So I hugged her back, and she just let me cry on her shoulders.
I suddenly realized how better off I am now because I never had a shoulder to cry on, until now.
SEVEN
Nadine
Whitney had been down since her parents came almost a week ago. It was now Saturday, and a moving truck was backing into our driveway with all of Whitney’s stuff.
I thought she’d be relieved to be away from her parents, but she seemed more miserable than ever.
“The movers are going to bring your stuff up here,” I told her.
“Okay,” she said softly.
“I can help you unpack.”
“That’s nice of you. Thanks.”
She seemed so distant. I hesitated before speaking again.
“How about we forget unpacking for now? Let me take you and Ryder out for some fresh air.”
She thought for a second before meeting my eyes.
“Sure.”
“Great. Get ready we’ll leave in twenty,” I said, and she nodded.
“Hey, Mom,” I called, stepping into her office.
She looked up and smiled. “Hello, sweetheart. What are you up to?”
“I’m going to take Whitney out. She hasn’t left the house since she got here.”
“That’s a good idea,” she said. “But be careful where you go. Ryder’s still a newborn his immune system isn’t ready yet.”
“Then where can I take them?”
“Crowds and closed spaces are a no-no. The park’s your best bet.”
“Okay, we’ll go to the park.”
She set her pen down. “How’s Whitney? Has she talked to you?”
“No, and I’m not going to push her. I have no idea what she’s going through. When she’s ready, I’ll be there.”
“That’s very respectful of you.”
I smiled. “We’ll be back in a little while.”
Whitney was quiet as we strolled through the park. I kept trying to think of something to say, but she wasn’t making it easy.
“He looks peaceful,” I said, nodding toward the baby in the stroller.
She looked down at him. “He does.”
We walked in silence for a while, letting the sounds of ducks and water fill the space between us.
“Want to take a seat?” I asked when we reached a bench.
She nodded, and we sat. Whitney parked the stroller close to her.
After a while, she sighed, and the sound pulled my eyes toward her.
“I needed this. Thank you,” she said quietly.
“No problem.”
She looked out at the pond. “They’ve treated me that way my entire life, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I shouldn’t be fazed by them, but I am and I think I always will be.”
“They’re your parents,” I said gently. “Of course it hurts. You have a right to feel what you’re feeling.”
“My brother and sister aren’t treated that way. Maybe I really am a disappointment. I could never do anything right… maybe I deserve this shitty life.”
I shook my head. “No one deserves that. Their standards don’t matter yours do. You set the bar for your own life, not them. You have every right to feel hurt, but you also have every right to move forward. They weren’t parents; they were dictators. You deserve the world, Whitney. Prove to yourself that you can make it. You’ve got a son now prove to him that his mom can overcome anything.”
A small smile flickered across her lips. “You’ve said more positive things in the week I’ve known you than I’ve heard in my entire life. I’m still getting to know you and your family, but I’m really glad you came into my life.”
“We’re glad you came into ours too,” I said. “You and Ryder.”
She glanced around the park. “I’ve always been able to clear my head in places like this.”
“It’s peaceful,” I agreed.
My phone chimed. I checked it and rolled my eyes. Parker.
I miss you, her text read.
“You okay?” Whitney asked.
“It’s just my ex.”
“The one you were talking to after your lacrosse game?”
It took me a second to remember that she’d seen us. “Yeah, that’s the one.”
“She’s pretty,” Whitney said.
I laughed. “Well, pretty hurts.”
She smiled faintly. “Are you going to message her back?”
I looked at the text again, then at her. “No.”
When we got back to the house, I helped her unpack. I was surprised by how many boxes there were her parents had sent everything, even a planner and a new phone.
“There’s something written down for every weekend,” I said, flipping through the planner. “This is insane.”
“Seems about right,” she said flatly.
“She doesn’t expect you to go to all of these, does she?”
“If it’s written down, yes.”
“There’s no way you’re going to all of these.”
“I have to.”
“When do they expect you to have a life?”
“They don’t expect anything from me. That’s why I’m here.”
I looked at her, frustrated on her behalf. “We’re going to turn that around.”
She gave me a faint smile before going to hang up her clothes.
Ryder started crying, and Whitney immediately moved toward him.
“You’re okay, buddy,” she murmured, scooping him up.
“You seem more comfortable with him now,” I said.
“I am. He’s a week old, and I’ve been with him nonstop. I know what he wants now and why he cries.”
“What was that cry for?”
“He just wanted to be picked up,” she said, smiling down at him.
“Aw, he missed his mommy.”
She chuckled. “This is the second Saturday you’ve given up for me. Why aren’t you hanging out with your friends?”
“I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re settled.”
“Do you hang out a lot? What’s that like?”
I shrugged. “It gets boring. I mostly just chill with the people closest to me. My idea of fun is watching a movie surrounded by junk food.”
“So no parties?”
“I go sometimes. My ex loved to party, but I’d rather stay home. We weren’t compatible.”
“Was she your only girlfriend?”
I smirked. “Nosy.”
She turned away shyly. “Sorry, am I being intrusive?”
“No, I’m teasing. Yeah, she was the only serious one. Anything else was just fun, nothing real.”
“What made her different?”
I chuckled. “I think it’s because she was the only girl who was openly bi. I could be with her in public. At the time, that felt like a big deal. Looking back, that wasn’t a reason to date her.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t all bad.”
“No, it wasn’t.” I paused. “What about you?”
She went quiet.
“So you’re not going to share?”
She pressed her lips together. “I’ve never been in a relationship. The one guy I got involved with—I got pregnant.”
“Does he go to our school?”
“He did… seven years ago,” she said slowly.
My eyes widened. “Yeah, I didn’t expect that.”
“It was stupid,” she admitted.
“He didn’t force you, did he?”
She shook her head quickly. “No. He was nice. I felt comfortable with him.”
I wanted to be angry, but she wasn’t naive on purpose she was lonely. “You sure he wasn’t using you?”
“No,” she said defensively. “It wasn’t like that.”
I softened my voice. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just trying to understand you better.”
She studied me for a moment, then nodded.
“Can I ask another question?”
“You can.”
“Why did you tell your parents you didn’t know who Ryder’s father was?”
“You heard that?”
I nodded. “I wasn’t going to leave you alone with them.”
“I guess I should be flattered,” she said with a small smile. “I told them that because I didn’t want them to know who his father was.”
“Because of his age?”
“No, because he’s the son of my father’s boss.”
My jaw dropped. “Holy crap.”
“They’d take control of the whole situation and turn it into an opportunity. They can never know about him.”
“What about Ryder? Don’t you want him to know his father?”
“He gave me money for an abortion, so… no. I’m not concerned about that.”
“Does he think you went through with it?”
“Yeah. I think he does.”
“You should tell him,” I said gently. “Now that there’s an actual baby, he might feel differently.”
“I don’t know. I just don’t see the point.”
“What happens if you see him at one of your parents’ parties? Could you look at him and keep that secret?”
“I don’t know, Nadine,” she snapped.
Her tone was sharp, but it didn’t sting. For the first time, I heard fire in her voice instead of fear.
I smiled, and she frowned. “Am I amusing to you?”
“Not at all. I’m sorry if I pushed. I don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable around me.”
She still looked confused. “You don’t make me uncomfortable. Why were you smiling?”
“I have no idea what she’s talking about, officer. She doesn’t have a son. Let’s go home, Whitney. You’ve been playing this game long enough,” my mother says, approaching me.
I took a step back, then I looked at Nadine and I handed for my baby.
“I’m not going anywhere without him,” I asserted.
“What is this? Where did you get this baby from, Whitney? You weren’t pregnant,” my dad was confused.
I guess my mother didn’t tell him.
“Yes, I was pregnant, I was afraid of what you and Mom would think, and even more afraid of what you would do when you found out.” I was getting emotional.
My dad was pissed; he wasn’t one to show much emotion, so this was something.
“You had a right to feel that way. Never in a million years would I accept this. I didn’t raise a whore as a daughter,” he spat.
I bit my bottom lip trying to keep my tears from falling.
“Alright, let’s not get out of hand here.” Alex gets up from his seat and walks over to me.
“Judge Thornton, I didn’t realize this was your home,” the police officer said.
“It’s nice to see you, Officer Smith,” he smiles at him. “Now let’s see if we can work this out.”
My parents looked shaken after hearing he was a judge; their reputation was everything.
“Shall we sit?” he says, motioning to the chairs.
My parents were reluctant, but they took a seat; they didn’t expect this.
“Girls, take a seat,” Alex said, giving us a warm smile.
Once we were all seated and my son was adjusted in my arms, Alex began.
“I’m Alexander, this is my wife Teresa, and my daughter Nadine,” he introduced, and politely waited for my parents to reply.
“I’m Dr. Mitchell Delaney, and my wife is Dr. Vanessa Delaney.”
Alex nods at them.
“Now, there must be a solution for all of this. Your daughter is a mom, and that’s just something that you have to deal with; the child is here, and that can’t be undone. Accept that your child is human. You wanted a certain life for her, but this is the life she now has. It’s time to accept it.”
“This is not her life, this won’t be her life. Not if we have anything to do with it,” my mother spoke.
“You don’t have anything to do with it; she legally has the right to do with her child as she pleases. Giving him up is not an option for her, and you cannot make her do it,” Teresa says.
“That child is not welcome in our house; she has no choice,” my father said firmly.
“So that’s where you’re at on this matter?” Alex looked at them with a straight face.
“Yes, that’s our choice,” he said stubbornly.
“Officer Smith, would you contact social services?”
My stomach dropped. What was he doing?
“Sure, Judge Thornton,” he began to reach for the comm on his shoulder.
“You’re calling social services for the baby, good idea,” my dad says.
“Actually, I was referring to Whitney. If her welfare is in question, then child services can determine what’s safest and from what I’ve seen, it isn’t with you. So you can either let the law do it or we can sit here and do it ourselves.”
This must be the judge part of him because he wasn’t taking any more shit from them. This man was basically the law, and I’m sure he has a lot of pull.
“No need to call social services, Officer, we’ll figure it out,” my father says.
A court hearing would not look well for Dr. Delaney.
“If you need anything, call. I’ll leave you guys to it,” Officer Smith said, then he let himself out.
“Whitney is more than welcome to stay here; we have plenty of room for her and the baby,” Teresa says.
“We want her home. I don’t understand why you people don’t get that?” my mother remarked.
“You are more than welcome to keep the baby,” my dad offered.
“Whitney goes where her child goes; if you want her home, you have to accept her child,” Nadine jumped in.
“This is an adult matter; you have no say in this,” he snapped.
“As her friend, I have every right, as the person who found her terrified and alone, I have every goddamn right,” she stood. “All you care about is your reputation, screw that. You don’t want Whitney; you just want her home so she doesn’t mess up your social standing with your peers and colleagues. She is not going with you, so you need to figure something out. I don’t care what you do, lie, make up a story to make yourselves look good, just don’t pretend that you give a damn about her,” she spoke passionately.
“Your daughter is highly disrespectful, and you expect us to leave our daughter here,” my mother chimed.
“That’s your opinion, I see a passionate, open-minded young woman when I look at her,” Teresa replied.
“I’ll still go to your functions and social gatherings, if you need me to do something or be somewhere, I’ll do it. I’ll keep my son a secret; no one in your circle will know about him,” I begged.
I knew what they wanted; they didn’t want to look bad. As much as I would like to wipe my hands of them for good, this was the only compromise I could think of.
I could see how hard they were thinking about it, but I could see the skepticism in their eyes.
“I’ll do whatever you want, I just want my baby,” I pleaded.
My mother looked at my father; she was silently communicating with him. He just gives her a slight nod.
“You will be at every social gathering, and you will come over when your grandparents visit. You will not be going to Northride Academy anymore. I’m dis-enrolling you. We don’t need the embarrassment of you flunking out, which will inevitably happen. You weren’t doing well before, and I doubt you’ll be any better now that you’ve gotten yourself into this situation. So you will be going to public school, we’ll just tell everyone that you are broadening your horizon,” she says snootily.
I know she’ll do something to spin it in her favor.
I was crushed that I couldn’t go to my school anymore. I loved it there, and the horses. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to ride again.
I just nod.
“When we ship your things here, a planner will be included with all of the events coming up,” she continues.
“Okay,” I said.
“This has been such a colossal waste of our time; we will be on our way now.”
They both stood up.
“Can I have a private moment with my daughter, please?” she asked.
The Thornton’s looked extremely skeptical.
“It’s alright,” I said because my mother was glaring at me.
I handed Ryder to Nadine, then they left me alone with my parents.
“A judge, really, Whitney. You made us look bad in front of a judge.” My father gritted.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized.
“That’s something we already know. You’re such a disappointment,” she spat.
I just kept my head down.
“Who’s the father of that kid, if you even know?” my dad asked.
I felt my heart beating in my chest. The last thing I wanted them to know was who the father of my child was. It would only make this situation worse.
“I don’t know.” I lied.
“So you are nothing but a slut, where did we go wrong?”
My father was seething; he couldn’t even look at me.
I just wanted them to leave.
“I’m sorry I disappointed you guys. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“I think you got exactly what you wanted. You know what, it’s good you’re not coming back with us, I cannot stand the sight of you right now.” My mother spewed.
“Don’t expect anything from us. It’s clear to me that you don’t give a shit about your future. From here on, you are cut off. Vanessa, let’s go,” my father’s voice was frigid; he frightened me.
My parents finally walked away, and my tears sprouted; they had such a huge effect on me. I know that no matter what I do, they will always have some type of control over me.
I don’t know how long I stood there crying, but I was brought out of it when I felt arms wrap around me. It shocked me, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that it was Nadine.
“Shush, Whitney, they’re gone,” she comforted.
This felt so odd. I don’t think I’ve ever been hugged; this was so foreign to me.
“They hate me.” I sobbed.
“I have no idea what you’re feeling or what you’re going through, but I’m here and my parents are too. We want you here,” she consoled.
My parents’ rejection hurt so badly, but I felt comfort in Nadine, a comfort that I have never felt before. So I hugged her back, and she just let me cry on her shoulders.
I suddenly realized how better off I am now because I never had a shoulder to cry on, until now.
SEVEN
Nadine
Whitney had been down since her parents came almost a week ago. It was now Saturday, and a moving truck was backing into our driveway with all of Whitney’s stuff.
I thought she’d be relieved to be away from her parents, but she seemed more miserable than ever.
“The movers are going to bring your stuff up here,” I told her.
“Okay,” she said softly.
“I can help you unpack.”
“That’s nice of you. Thanks.”
She seemed so distant. I hesitated before speaking again.
“How about we forget unpacking for now? Let me take you and Ryder out for some fresh air.”
She thought for a second before meeting my eyes.
“Sure.”
“Great. Get ready we’ll leave in twenty,” I said, and she nodded.
“Hey, Mom,” I called, stepping into her office.
She looked up and smiled. “Hello, sweetheart. What are you up to?”
“I’m going to take Whitney out. She hasn’t left the house since she got here.”
“That’s a good idea,” she said. “But be careful where you go. Ryder’s still a newborn his immune system isn’t ready yet.”
“Then where can I take them?”
“Crowds and closed spaces are a no-no. The park’s your best bet.”
“Okay, we’ll go to the park.”
She set her pen down. “How’s Whitney? Has she talked to you?”
“No, and I’m not going to push her. I have no idea what she’s going through. When she’s ready, I’ll be there.”
“That’s very respectful of you.”
I smiled. “We’ll be back in a little while.”
Whitney was quiet as we strolled through the park. I kept trying to think of something to say, but she wasn’t making it easy.
“He looks peaceful,” I said, nodding toward the baby in the stroller.
She looked down at him. “He does.”
We walked in silence for a while, letting the sounds of ducks and water fill the space between us.
“Want to take a seat?” I asked when we reached a bench.
She nodded, and we sat. Whitney parked the stroller close to her.
After a while, she sighed, and the sound pulled my eyes toward her.
“I needed this. Thank you,” she said quietly.
“No problem.”
She looked out at the pond. “They’ve treated me that way my entire life, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I shouldn’t be fazed by them, but I am and I think I always will be.”
“They’re your parents,” I said gently. “Of course it hurts. You have a right to feel what you’re feeling.”
“My brother and sister aren’t treated that way. Maybe I really am a disappointment. I could never do anything right… maybe I deserve this shitty life.”
I shook my head. “No one deserves that. Their standards don’t matter yours do. You set the bar for your own life, not them. You have every right to feel hurt, but you also have every right to move forward. They weren’t parents; they were dictators. You deserve the world, Whitney. Prove to yourself that you can make it. You’ve got a son now prove to him that his mom can overcome anything.”
A small smile flickered across her lips. “You’ve said more positive things in the week I’ve known you than I’ve heard in my entire life. I’m still getting to know you and your family, but I’m really glad you came into my life.”
“We’re glad you came into ours too,” I said. “You and Ryder.”
She glanced around the park. “I’ve always been able to clear my head in places like this.”
“It’s peaceful,” I agreed.
My phone chimed. I checked it and rolled my eyes. Parker.
I miss you, her text read.
“You okay?” Whitney asked.
“It’s just my ex.”
“The one you were talking to after your lacrosse game?”
It took me a second to remember that she’d seen us. “Yeah, that’s the one.”
“She’s pretty,” Whitney said.
I laughed. “Well, pretty hurts.”
She smiled faintly. “Are you going to message her back?”
I looked at the text again, then at her. “No.”
When we got back to the house, I helped her unpack. I was surprised by how many boxes there were her parents had sent everything, even a planner and a new phone.
“There’s something written down for every weekend,” I said, flipping through the planner. “This is insane.”
“Seems about right,” she said flatly.
“She doesn’t expect you to go to all of these, does she?”
“If it’s written down, yes.”
“There’s no way you’re going to all of these.”
“I have to.”
“When do they expect you to have a life?”
“They don’t expect anything from me. That’s why I’m here.”
I looked at her, frustrated on her behalf. “We’re going to turn that around.”
She gave me a faint smile before going to hang up her clothes.
Ryder started crying, and Whitney immediately moved toward him.
“You’re okay, buddy,” she murmured, scooping him up.
“You seem more comfortable with him now,” I said.
“I am. He’s a week old, and I’ve been with him nonstop. I know what he wants now and why he cries.”
“What was that cry for?”
“He just wanted to be picked up,” she said, smiling down at him.
“Aw, he missed his mommy.”
She chuckled. “This is the second Saturday you’ve given up for me. Why aren’t you hanging out with your friends?”
“I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re settled.”
“Do you hang out a lot? What’s that like?”
I shrugged. “It gets boring. I mostly just chill with the people closest to me. My idea of fun is watching a movie surrounded by junk food.”
“So no parties?”
“I go sometimes. My ex loved to party, but I’d rather stay home. We weren’t compatible.”
“Was she your only girlfriend?”
I smirked. “Nosy.”
She turned away shyly. “Sorry, am I being intrusive?”
“No, I’m teasing. Yeah, she was the only serious one. Anything else was just fun, nothing real.”
“What made her different?”
I chuckled. “I think it’s because she was the only girl who was openly bi. I could be with her in public. At the time, that felt like a big deal. Looking back, that wasn’t a reason to date her.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t all bad.”
“No, it wasn’t.” I paused. “What about you?”
She went quiet.
“So you’re not going to share?”
She pressed her lips together. “I’ve never been in a relationship. The one guy I got involved with—I got pregnant.”
“Does he go to our school?”
“He did… seven years ago,” she said slowly.
My eyes widened. “Yeah, I didn’t expect that.”
“It was stupid,” she admitted.
“He didn’t force you, did he?”
She shook her head quickly. “No. He was nice. I felt comfortable with him.”
I wanted to be angry, but she wasn’t naive on purpose she was lonely. “You sure he wasn’t using you?”
“No,” she said defensively. “It wasn’t like that.”
I softened my voice. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just trying to understand you better.”
She studied me for a moment, then nodded.
“Can I ask another question?”
“You can.”
“Why did you tell your parents you didn’t know who Ryder’s father was?”
“You heard that?”
I nodded. “I wasn’t going to leave you alone with them.”
“I guess I should be flattered,” she said with a small smile. “I told them that because I didn’t want them to know who his father was.”
“Because of his age?”
“No, because he’s the son of my father’s boss.”
My jaw dropped. “Holy crap.”
“They’d take control of the whole situation and turn it into an opportunity. They can never know about him.”
“What about Ryder? Don’t you want him to know his father?”
“He gave me money for an abortion, so… no. I’m not concerned about that.”
“Does he think you went through with it?”
“Yeah. I think he does.”
“You should tell him,” I said gently. “Now that there’s an actual baby, he might feel differently.”
“I don’t know. I just don’t see the point.”
“What happens if you see him at one of your parents’ parties? Could you look at him and keep that secret?”
“I don’t know, Nadine,” she snapped.
Her tone was sharp, but it didn’t sting. For the first time, I heard fire in her voice instead of fear.
I smiled, and she frowned. “Am I amusing to you?”
“Not at all. I’m sorry if I pushed. I don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable around me.”
She still looked confused. “You don’t make me uncomfortable. Why were you smiling?”
