Page 25 of Happenstance
“Well, yeah. Family should matter to everyone.”
Preston’s words swam through my mind.‘You’re supposed to care about family, that’s what I’m told.’Okay, maybe not everyone. But surely a grandmother would care about her grandchild. Lillianna might be a real piece of work, but she seemed to love her kids. Even Preston, who, personally, I think she should’ve been terrified of.
“You’re overreacting, Nan.” I picked up my plate and took it to the sink. Wasn’t really hungry today. “Everything will be fine.”
I could feel her watching me as I plucked my keys off the hook by the back door.
“Where are you going?”
“Do you mind if I drive myself to school?” There was something I had to do, and I needed to do it alone. “We can meet at the Whitley’s after school.”
I didn’t wait for her answer before I left. We might not be able to take on the Whitley family in court–though I’m sure Nan would try–but I could at least find out if we needed to. Or if we should pack our bags and run. Though I doubted there was anywhere we could go that Preston wouldn’t find us. I could give us a head start. More importantly, give Sean a head start.
Ashen Springsfree clinic was attached to the hospital in the middle of town. Early in the morning should’ve been a good time to go. Most people were just starting their days. Apparently, it was the same time half the town decided they needed to see a doctor. I had to wait for two hours before I was called back, and another hour to see a doctor. On the upside, I’d conquered two cities, a town, and started building my keep in the game on my phone.
After the quickest sonogram in history, where I wasn’t permitted to look at the image, I sat on the bed waiting for the doctor to come back and give me the results. Though the nurse smiled at me, she obviously wasn’t impressed by my age. Not sure what she had to be upset about. It wasn’t like she had to do her senior year of high school while raising a child.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long for the doctor to come back. I’d already talked to the school twice to explain my absence. If I didn’t show up for afternoon classes, they’d probably call Nan. The only bad thing about that would be explaining to Nan why I came to the free clinic, instead of waiting for an appointment.
A man in a white coat walked in and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Miss Crawford,” my heart picked up its pace as his eyes swung my way, “What brings you in today?”
How many times was I going to have to explain this to people? Didn’t they talk to each other? He had a file in his hand. Was it that hard to make a simple note?
“I took a home pregnancy test a couple weeks ago…”
“Yes,” he said, not letting me finish. “You are, in fact, pregnant. Thirteen weeks.”
I released a relieved breath as he flipped a page in my file. Thirteen weeks meant it was Parker’s. Thank God. At least I didn’t have to worry about that.
“Was there something you were worried about? Because the babies look healthy.”
“No, I’m not worried about anything.”Except my sanity.
“Alright.” He turned and walked away, but not before adding, “If you have to come back, please make an appointment. We’re very busy.”
I cocked a brow at his retreating form. Riley was right. The free clinic was staffed by dicks. I scooped up my bag and sauntered out.
While I was relieved that Parker was indeed my child’s father, I was overcome with guilt. All this time I’d been scared of Sean, thinking he did something horrible. I was so sure of it. I could feel his hands on me, and smell the tequila on his breath. Something must have happened, right? But maybe he didn’t do anything? This was the same guy that used to take Harper and I for ice cream. He even had tea parties with us. Would he really hurt me?
My thoughts were interrupted by a deep voice.
“Lana?”
I looked up into a pair of dark eyes. Mr. Kessler. Great. Just what I needed.
“Does Parker know you’re here?”
Seriously? He asked if Parker knew. As if I belonged to him or something. Can’t say I was too surprised. I mean, he was the almighty king of Ashen Springs. And no matter what Harper said, I had my suspicions that he ran The Order of Ravens and Wolves. I’d met some girl named Marnie at that Causegrove place Riley had told me to come to. What a night that was. Had an encounter with some racist pricks, met a fellow conspiracy theorist, and got pregnant.
If I could go back in time, Marnie was the one thing I wouldn’t change. At one point, we slipped off to chat, and let me just say, that girl knew her facts. If there was one person in this town that could take on the Order, it was her. Kind of wished she was here right now.
Louis folded his arms. “Is something wrong with the baby?”
I was a little shocked he knew about the baby. Then again, his knowledge only confirmed my suspicions about the society. Why else would he know? Other than their kids, the Whitleys and the Kesslers didn’t hang out together. Not that I’d seen, anyway.
“The baby’s fine.”
I might not be, though.
