Page 31 of Keeping Our Secrets

“I think it’s time for me to tell our parents that I’m pregnant.”

“I’ll go with you,” he stood up from his desk.

“You don’t have to,” I told him, holding my hand up. I wanted to do this on my own. It was my consequence to bear, even if it was his child.

“I promised you wouldn’t be alone. Even if you don’t want to tell them I’m the father.”

“I’m still not telling them.”

“It's up to you.”

I walked down the stairs towards the kitchen. I could feel Liam following close behind. When we rounded the corner into the kitchen, our parents were at the table eating their breakfast. Mom’s laptop was on one side of the table, so Liam and I sat in the chairs across from it. He was next to his dad, and I was closer to my mom. I placed my trembling hands on my lap beneath the table, then I waited for my mom to take a sip of coffee before I began.

“Mom, I have something to tell you.”

“What’s going on?” She set her coffee cup down on the table.

Liam’s warm hand slid on top of mine. Every part of my brain said that I should pull away, but I couldn’t. For reasons unknown, he calmed my nerves and gave me the strength to tell her.

“I’m pregnant.”

My mom stilled, her voice an octave higher than usual. "What do you mean you’re pregnant?"

A storm of nerves twisted in my stomach and I took a deep breath. "I mean… I'm pregnant."

"You're only eighteen dammit!"

I glanced briefly at Liam, and something I couldn’t place flashed in his eyes. Could it have been anger?

“I know, mom. I’m sorry,” I told her as tears streamed down my face.

“How far along are you?”

“Five months.”

“Five months? You’ve been hiding this from me for five months.”

“Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“Who’s the father?”

“A guy I met at a party,” I responded. It was the truth, but I promised Liam I wouldn’t tell them it was him.

“Does he know?”

I tried my best not to glance at Liam, but he squeezed my hand.

“Yes mom, he knows.”

“Well then, where is this boy?”

“I want nothing from him.”

“You can’t do this alone.”

“I won’t be alone. I’ll be here with you guys.”

“Have you thought this through? Maybe you should give the baby up for adoption.”

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