Page 13 of Our Cracked Pieces
My body locked up.
I knew this was a ‘woman’s right to choose’ world. I knew keeping the baby would put her through a lot more than it would me. I knew this decision affected the woman on a level beyond basic responsibility.
I knew this.
But this was my baby, and I’d never not want it, even if the timing was less than ideal.
“It’ll be okay, Vanessa,” I lied because if she chose abortion, nothing would be okay ever again. At least, not between us.
“I’m…I’m so…sorry I didn’t…didn’t tell you, Lorcan,” she cried.
“Let’s not worry about that right now, okay?” She just nodded into my chest, crying. “Just know that I’m here, Vanessa. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” I vowed.
Chapter 9
Rowan~
He answered on the second ring. “Row?” The concern in his voice was unmistakable, but then, I didn’t call Grayson in the middle of the day like this.
“G…Gra…” I couldn’t get the words out. Ididn’twant to get the word out, but what choice did I have anymore?
“Rowan, what’s wrong?” Grayson snapped, concern morphing into panic.
“I…co…come home,” I begged. “Can…can you come home?”
“Mom and D-”
“No,” I rushed out. “They’re fine. I just…”
“Jesus fucking Christ, Rowan,” he barked. “What the fuck is wrong?”
“I…I’m in trouble,” I confessed, my voice carrying the weight of the world. “I’m in so much trouble, Grayson.”
His end went silence for a bit. Finally, he asked, “Are…are you pregnant, Rowan?”
“Worse,” I confessed.
“I’m heading to the airport now, Row,” he said. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, okay?”
I nodded, though he couldn’t see me. “Okay.”
“Rowan?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you,” he said fiercely. “Whatever this is, I got you, Row.”
I broke down crying, and I had no idea when he finally hung up to come home and save me. I had no idea how long I cried or how long I was asleep. I just knew that my entire body ached as I came awake, a hand gently prodding my arm. Cracking my eyes open, my brother’s face came into focus, and the tears started all over again.
He quickly gathered me in his arms, and just held me as I cried again. “Row, sweetie…” he murmured against my hair.
It had taken a while, but when I finally calmed down, I asked, “Where are Mom and Dad? What time is it?”
“It’s past nine,” he said. “It took forever for me to get a flight and-”
“It’s okay,” I said. “Did they…see you?”
“They’re already in bed, Row.”
