Chapter 19: Chapter 18

Chapter 18

*Victoria*

I can feel the tension rolling off of Aaron as we make our way through the food court. I glanced up at him and could see he was focused on getting as far away from his friends as possible. His grip around my hand is a little too tight and I’m speed walking, nearly running, just to keep up with him. Sophie continued to complain about her stomach hurting as she straddled Aaron’s hip and held on tightly to his shirt.

“Aaron.” I said breathlessly, trying to get his attention, but he didn’t listen. “Aaron stop.” I continued. “You’re nearly pulling my arm out of the socket.”

He slowed to a stop and released me. He looked at me apologetically and I reached up to place my hand on his cheek.

“Breathe.” I said softly. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“Did you see the way they looked at me? Did you see the way they looked at Sophie? First they thought she was cute, and then they looked at her like and abomination. I knew they’d react like that. That’s why I never told them. That’s why I’ve never told anyone.”

“I understand, but you can’t get so worked up over this. If they can’t accept that you have a daughter, then they’re not really your friends. The people who accept what you are, are the ones you should surround yourself with. Even if it is just Caleb and me.”

I hate seeing him so upset about this. He’s such a great father and no one should make him feel guilty about that.

*Aaron*

I pulled through the gates of Moorhead Prep. I know I shouldn’t be here. This is the last place I should ever go to. Victoria isn’t a mother. She doesn’t understand how it feels to lie to your friends and worry about what they may think of you. But just maybe Grace understands what I’m going through.

I parked outside the dorms and text Grace that I was outside. A minute later she text back saying she was on her way outside.

I got out of the car and leaned against the car door. Soon Grace came outside wearing black yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

“Hey.” she greeted me, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. “What are you doing here?”

“I uh… need to talk to somebody. Do you have a minute?”

“I was kind of in the middle of studying for a test I have tomorrow.” she frowned.

“Oh, okay. I’ll see you later then.”

I turned to get back in my car but she grabbed my arm, stopping me. I faced her and she gave a worried look.

“But I think I can spare a minute or two.”

I grabbed Sophie, who was asleep, from the backseat. I followed Grace inside the dorm. After taking the elevator to the third floor we came to her dorm, room 34. She pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked the door.

“My roommate is out so you don’t have to worry about her.”

We entered her room and surprisingly it was larger than I expected. To the right was a small kitchen with all the necessities. The rest of the area was a living area with a flat screen, gaming system, and a large couch. Three doors were side by side on the left wall. Two being bedrooms and the other a bathroom.

“Nice place.” I commented. “I was expecting bunk beds and just enough space to make it to the door and back.”

“My parents believe in paying for the best and that’s Moorhead Prep. They like to give us the experience of living on our own, which is why there’s a kitchen.”

“So you cook?”

“Of course! Ramen is my favorite dish to make.” She smirked and I laughed, causing me to shake Sophie. She squirmed a little before settling again. “You can place her on my bed if you’d like. It’s that first door.”

I nodded before going to her room and placing Sophie on her bed. I covered her with the blanket and placed a kiss on her forehead. I cracked the door for her and went to join Grace in the living room. She sat on the couch with her legs crossed.

“So what’s bothering you?” she asked once I sat on the couch beside her.

“How do you know something is bothering me?” I furrowed my brows.

“I could tell by the expression on your face. So what’s up?”

It’s strange how someone I’ve rejected more than once, is willing to be here for m. She should hate me for leaving that night and not getting to know her. She should hate me for not allowing her to see her daughter wen she first came back. But instead she’s sitting here, instead of studying, waiting for me to vent to her. She must be a great friend.

“My friends found out about Sophie today.” I started.

“Oh.” she replied. “What did they say?”

“They adored her until they found out she was mine. Then they looked at her as if she were an alien. It made me mad. How could they look at an innocent little girl like that? It was as if they blamed her for my mistake. And now they expect an explanation tomorrow at school and I don’t know what to say. I guess I thought you could help with that.”

She nodded as she uncrossed her legs and then re-crossed them. She furrowed her brows.

“It seems to me that you need new friends. Get rid of any negativity in your life, because you don’t need the extra stress, when you’re a parent. You’re stressed as it is with raising Sophie and keeping up your grades. Just like I don’t talk to my parents much anymore, it’s because I want to get closer to Sophie and they don’t want that. But she’s my daughter and she comes first. My parents hate the thought of Sophie and that’s why I was pressured into giving her up. I regret that to this day. Don’t let your friends pressure you into anything.”

“So what, I tell them that if they don’t accept Sophie, they’re no longer my friends? Some of these people are my teammates. I can’t cause tension on the field.”

“Well you can tell them that if they’re not happy with Sophie, to keep it to themselves. Not all friends have the same likes and interests, but that doesn’t mean they talk about what they hate all of the time. So just make sure you list your conditions and whoever doesn’t agree, can walk.” She shrugged.

I nodded. She’s right. I don’t have to get rid of my friends, but I can get rid of those who lash out at me or Sophie. My friends don’t have to like the fact that I’m a father. But I do still expect them to continue being excellent friends.

“Thanks. That actually really helped. It gives me an alternative to Victoria’s plan, which was to get rid of all of my friends.”

“Is she supposed to be your only friend?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Victoria doesn’t really have any friends so I don’t think she really understands the comfort that friendship gives.”

“Does she know that you’re here?”

“No, I dropped her off at home then found myself coming here.”

I really didn’t plan on coming to talk to Grace. I kind of just found myself here. And now I actually have some decent advice.

“You two don’t really seem like the type of couple to keep secrets. Are you going to tell her that you came to talk to me?”

“And hurt her feelings? No. This will just be between the two of us, deal?”

“Deal.” she nodded once. “

I know this secret is going to eat away at me, but I can’t bring myself to tell her I went to someone other than her for advice, especially when she just gave some.

“So are you hungry?” she asked. “I may be able to whip up some Ramen.” she said, making us laugh.

“I thought you had a test to study for?”

“Like I said, I can spare a minute or two.”

After eating and talking for a while, I decided it was time to go. Grace still had her test to study for and I have school in the morning.

“Thanks for letting me vent to you, and for giving me some advice. I know it was probably weird with us not really being close or anything.”

“I’m just glad I could help. And I was wondering if I could take Sophia to the aquarium with me this Saturday. I have to research some fish and write a report for Marine Biology.”

“Only if I can come with. I’m not comfortable yet leaving you alone with her. And she’s still warming up to you.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll text you the time.” I nodded.

***

I walked into the school building trying to keep my nerves in check. The moment I turned into the hall where my locker was, my friends surrounded it, waiting for me.

“Speak of the devil.” Connor said as I came to stand in front of them. “We have some questions to ask you.”

“Alright, shoot.”

“How old is she?” Fawn asked.

“She just turned three about a month and a half ago.”

“So that means she was born sometime during your sophomore year?” Kyle asked. “So who’s the chick you knocked up? I don’t remember seeing any previous girlfriends of yours pregnant.”

I knew they were going to ask questions but I really didn’t expect so many. There digging deep and I feel like no matter what I say, they’re still going to judge me.

“The girl I got pregnant doesn’t go this school and she never did.” I replied. “I met her at a party and… well you know how I used to get around.”

“And you told Caleb about her and no one else?”

“Well yeah, can you blame me? You’re reacting to this like it’s a bad thing. At least Caleb and Victoria understood. They accepted Sophie, but you all are acting like she’s a mistake that should never have happened.”

“I would have understood.” Fawn said in a small voice. I could barely hear her. “I would have understood if you’d just told me. Things happen right? But the fact that you lied to all of us about it makes it hurt more. But obviously you don’t see us that way.”

The bell rang telling us to get to class. I looked at each of my friends, hurt and angry expressions on their faces. Maybe keeping that secret wasn’t the best idea.

“Let’s go before we’re late and have to run an extra mile at practice.” Connor said.

I watched my friends leave and I sighed. I was expecting to walk away from this with at least two friends, but I leave with none. I grabbed my books and headed to class.

***

I wrapped my arm around Victoria’s waist as I walked her to her car. She rambled on about how her teacher gave all of the answers to their test today.

“I mean, you shouldn’t help someone who doesn’t know the information. I just hate it when people get an easy pass when some of us work hard for grades we deserve.”

“You’re such a geek.” I said. “But a cute one.” I placed a kiss on the top of her head.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” she said, stopping at her car. “So my mom has been putting her designs out there, sending them to different fashion industries. Well one thought her designs were tasteful and is giving her a spot in the fashion happening this weekend in the city. Anyway, I thought you could be my date. It’d really mean a lot to her if you’d come.”

“Sure, when is it?”

“This Saturday at 8:00. You could even bring Sophie if you’d like.”

*Victoria*

Aaron shoved his hands into his pockets and shifted his weight. I furrowed my brows.

“What, are you too masculine for a simple fashion show?” I joked.

“Actually, I had plans with Grace this Saturday.”

When did he start making plans with Grace? She’s always seemed like an annoyance to him.

“Why would you have plans with her?” I asked, not really prepared for the answer.

“She wants to take Sophie to the aquarium, but I don’t want her alone with Sophie just yet so I was going to go.”

“Can’t you just reschedule?”

He opened his mouth to speak but seemed at a loss for words. My heart sank as I realized he was conflicted.

“The thing is, I’ve already said we’d go. I wouldn’t feel right cancelling on her.”

“But you’re okay with letting down your girlfriend, the one you supposedly love?”

“Vicky, you know I love you. And I’m happy for your mother but I’m sure there will be others, right?”

“You don’t know that. This means a lot to us. Her dream is coming true and we wanted to share that with you. I never thought I’d ever be your second choice.”

I actually thought Aaron was different, that he wasn’t what everyone said he was. But clearly I was wrong.

“You’re not my second choice, you’ll never be my second choice.”

“How can you say that after you just chose Grace over me?”

I’m not the jealous type, but I can’t help feeling hurt about this. I’ve always wondered why Aaron is with me, when he could be with anyone else. And now he’s chosen Grace.

“Please understand.” he begged. “You’ve always been understanding.”

“Maybe, but not this time.” I gave him a hurt look before climbing in my car and driving away.

I got home and found my mom busy at work making clothes for the fashion show. Dresses hung all over the living room.

“Hi sweetie. How was school?” she asked, never taking her eyes from the dress she was sewing.

“It was fine.” I shrugged.

“Did you finally ask Aaron about the fashion show?”

“I did.” I sat in the dining room chair across from her. “He can’t make it, unfortunately.”

“Oh, why not?” she stopped and looked at me.

“He’s going out with Sophie and her mother, to the aquarium.”

“He couldn’t reschedule?”

“He doesn’t want to.”

There has to be reason he wants to spend his Saturday with Grace, right? A good, logical reason?

“That’s too bad. I really wanted him to be there. He’s already part of the family. I thought we could share this with him.”

“Yeah, well obviously Grace means more.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you?”

“Why not? He chooses hanging out at an aquarium instead of a nice date at a fashion show. I at least would have thought he’d want to see some models. But Grace is even more interesting than that.”

“Look, all couples have fights, no matter what degree they are. He still has a couple of days to change his mind. Just give him time to think about it.”

“He shouldn’t have to think about it, mom. It should be an easy decision.”

“Okay, how about we change the subject. How about you try a couple of these on for me so I can see how they turned out.”

“Alright, but don’t expect me to strut like a model.”

“I don’t.” she laughed.

*Aaron*

Sophie sat on my lap as she attempted to read me a story. My mind continued to wander to the argument with Victoria in the parking lot. I’ve never seen her upset. She’s always been calm and collected when I’m not. I hate that I rattled her, made her angry. I don’t even know how to fix this problem. Sure I could cancel the plans with Grace, but I’m sure that still won’t make things right.

“The end.” Sophie said with a smile. “I’m hungry.”

“Okay, go ask Grandma to fix you something.”

I placed her on the floor and she ran into the kitchen where my mom was starting dinner. I pulled my phone from my pocket and text Grace, cancelling our plans After, I dialed Victoria.

After it rang over and over, I didn’t think she was going to pick up. The ringing stopped and I prepared to leave a message.

“Hey.” Victoria said.

“Hey, I was calling to tell you I’d love to go to the show with you.”

“I thought you had plans.”

“I cancelled, like I should have in the first place.”

“Don’t come if you really don’t want to. No one is forcing you.”

“I know, but I want to come. I want to be there. I’m sorry I was such an idiot before. Can you forgive me?”

She became silent and I immediately feared the worse. She won’t forgive me. I’ve screwed up.

“Give me one reason.”

“Because I love you and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

More silence. “I guess I’ll forgive you this time.” She finally answered. “Just promise me you won’t choose her over me. And I’ll promise you that I’ll try not to get so jealous.”

“Sounds good to me. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I hung up and a smile spread across my face. I love that Victoria is forgiving and understanding. She completes me and I don’t know what I’d do without her.

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I am so sorry for the long wait. I was getting over writers block and then there was the holiday, and I've been working and exhausted. But I have this up now and I'm sorry for the awful ending. I justed needed to get something down for the chapter.

Please comment, vote, and/or fan (follow). Thanks!! ;-)