Page 65 of Wicked Nasty

Penny takes my hand in hers. “What do you want to do?”

Cat smiles. “We’ll be there for you no matter what.”

“I don’t… I don't want to go through. I’ve thought it over for a bit now. I just… I can’t".”

Penny tilts her head. “Why can’t you?” Cat nudges her. But Penny just shrugs. “What? It’s the same thing the counselors will ask her.”

“It’s okay. I… I just.” I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. “I ever planned to live past my eighteenth birthday. I truly thought I would either die at the hand of my mother or myself. All I’ve thought about is finding Katya. Nothing else. Then there’s Danny, who’s had his life planned out. He has goals and will achieve them no matter how annoying he is. If I kept this pregnancy… he would never forgive me. He would think this was my plan all along. To ruin his future because I don’t have one…”

Cat shakes her head. “You do have a future, Becca.”

I half laugh as more tears roll down my face. “I haven’t even applied to colleges. I have made no plans at all.”

Penny shakes her head. “That’s no matter. Cat and I are here for you. But the most important thing right now is this pregnancy.”

“You… you guys don’t even really know me… I was a bitch to you both. Yet you’re being so kind…”

Cat just smiles and shrugs. “You’ve got some darkness in you. Penny and I do as well, so we get it. You’re one of us and got caught in the web of one of them. So, we really get it.”

My body convulses with laughter. "Well, isn't that the truth?" I chuckle.

Penny joins in on my laughter as she pulls out her phone. "Alright, we'll schedule an appointment at the clinic after school. Cat and I will be right by your side."

The thought of having support during this process brings me a sense of relief. "Thanks, Penny."

Her face softens into a smile. "Of course. First appointment will be more of an information gathering session. They'll ask you a bunch of questions, run some tests, make sure you're safe and healthy. See if you know what you want to do."

"I already know what I want," I say confidently.

Penny nods knowingly. "We know. But they have to go through the motions. After that, you'll sit down with a counselor who will discuss all your options with you. There's no pressure, just a conversation."

I look up at her, grateful for her guidance. "And if I'm certain about my decision?"

"You'll see the doctor," she replies simply, her hand resting gently on my arm in reassurance.

With a solemn nod, I agree. "Okay. After school."

Cat, Penny, and I rise from the cold tiles of the bathroom floor, our bodies entwined in a tight embrace. They offer words of comfort and reassurance.

"We've got you," Cat says firmly.

"Always," adds Penny with a warm smile.

Together, we make our way to class, our footsteps echoing through the empty hallways as we continue to hold on to each other for support.

Despite the weight on my shoulders, there is a sense of safety within our shared embrace.

Thefinalbellechoesthrough the quiet hallways, signaling the end of another long day. With a heavy burden weighing on my mind, I sink back in my seat and let out a long sigh of relief.

Penny and Cat appear at my locker, and we make our way out of the school together. They position themselves on either side of me like protective shields.

As we step into the bustling parking lot, I feel a sudden chill run down my spine.

Danny's gaze is fixated on me with an intensity that sends shivers through my body. His eyes burn with anger and malice, as if he's plotting some kind of revenge against me.

With an aggressive stride, Danny stalks over to where I stand. Cat and Penny stand protectively in front of me, ready to defend.

“What the fuck is going on?” He demands, his voice laced with anger and confusion. His eyes dart between each of us, trying to make sense of the unlikely trio.

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