Frankie

I've been dreading this day since I found out I was pregnant. My parents messaged me last week to send our butler to pick them up at the airport. When I read that reply, I felt my heart sink to my stomach. Since Drew and I are the only ones that know my secret; I could still pretend that my life wasn't turning upside down. I wasn't ready to deal with everything just yet.

To prepare myself, I would stand in the mirror and practice my grand speech. Knowing me, I would probably forget the entire speech I created and blurt something out. Either way, isn't blurting it out easier, or should I ease it into the conversation? No matter what, I know how it's going to end. With my father hating me.

Lately, all I've been wearing these days were hoodies and leggings. The good thing is that it's winter and I have a reason for wearing hoodies. I've only been pregnant for two months, meaning that there wasn't much weight gain yet. I spent countless afternoons staring at myself in the mirror, imaging how I look with a baby bump. 

After watching more videos about pregnant mothers, I started getting more nervous than I already was. I'm definitely not excited about the stretch marks that are bound to appear. It's a ridiculous thought, but I don't want my body to be hideous afterward. My self-esteem was already low before gaining weight and I couldn't imagine how I'll feel after. 

The past weeks, I've been contemplating whether or not to drop out of school. The whole pregnancy issue brought me down. For the first two weeks after finding out, I stopped going to school. There was no motivation to get up and go learn. Staying in bed and crying sounded like a better idea. Might as well re-do junior year, I won't be passing this quarter anyway. Even my tennis coach kicked me off for academic discipline; not like I've been going to practices either way. 

Hearing the physician confirm that I'm pregnant was heartbreaking. I was overwhelmed with fear mostly and many other emotions. Right, when she told me, I broke down crying, my chest hurt so much from the hysterically crying. Drew was there to give me support, but I wish I had Imogen. Imogen was my safe place but not my safe place was nonexistent. Her messages were left unread and my heart longed for her company. I feared I ruined our relationship because of Drew. Not only was my relationship ruined with her but Drew's was as well.

Drew. He's a whole other issue. Pregnancy hormones were no joke, days I longed for his embrace than during nights I kicked him out because of Imogen. Were supposed to be soulmates but we're so incompatible. We already started arguing about basic issues, like the doctor to deliver the child.

He loved Imogen while I loved him. Drew already made it clear that his feeling was always going to be for Imogen but he still tried forcing it to work with me. Why? He didn't want to be like his father and I understood that. But we couldn't force something that one of us wanted no part of. 

One night he explained how much he would love if our child grew up with us together. Going out together, playing at the park, going on vacations; acting like a real family. It sounded like a dream; something I wished I grew into. Maybe, my heart longed for him because he's like a dream. But dreams are meant for sleeping not for living. 

It's too late, I already fell hopelessly in love with a boy who's heart is connected to someone else. The next seven months are going to be hell. I needed to find anything else to do besides spending my day with him. Suddenly, a light kept flickering in my room, I glanced over to see my phone buzzing on my bedstand. 

From Drew

Are you ready to tell your parents?

To Drew

I'm ready as I'll ever be. I gotta go make sure Parker isn't drunk or high.
Xoxo

From Drew

Stop with the xoxo

The message caused giggles to escape from my lips. Carefully placed my phone back down and slipped my feet into my sandals. Rushing down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Parker, you better not be drunk!" I yelled, my foot stepping on to the garbage, opening it to reveal two cartons of beer bottles.

"I'm not drunk anymore but I do have a horrible hangover," Parker answered, strolling into the kitchen while massaging his temples. My stomach started churning from the strong disturbing odor coming off of him along with the throw-up stain on his shirt.

"You better help cook dinner," I said, watching him struggle.

His hands reached to open the cabinet, causing a handful of medications to exit it and onto his head. Parker groaned, grabbing each medication and inspecting them carefully. Suddenly a great idea popped into my head. I walked over to the pot stand, picking it up and slamming it down on the countertop. He flinched and whined nonstop, his fist clenched at his side.

"You better stop that," Parker threatened, narrowing his eyes towards her.

"Or what?" I answered, my eyebrows shooting up.

He opened the bottle, shoving two pills into his mouth, and opened the faucet to drink from. Parker threw the bottle in the sink. "Whatever," he whispered as he strolled out the room.

I envied other families, normal families. Apart of me hated going to his interviews, while another was happy that I got to finally hear that he loved me. Even if it was ordered. Deep down I know he doesn't but for a few short minutes, I could pretend he did. The one good thing about having a baby is finally having someone that loved me back. I'll do anything in my power to make sure either I or another family gives the child the love it deserved. 

Sometimes at night, I think about what it would be like to be Imogen. Why would I imagine that when her life is full of tragedies? Her father left her while mine stuck around to use us. Imogen's mother completely neglected her just like mine did. 

Still. . . Her life was somehow better than mine. Imogen never cared for what people thought as long as she was with me; then everything was perfect. Now, she found Lucas and her aura is brighter than ever. She has what I craved the most. Love. I can't ever hate her for it, we both got the end of a short stick, anyway. We both got baptized with dispair but I lacked the love I thought I deserved. T  

I reached over for the faucet, flipping up the large pot with water. Once filled to the middle, I placed it on the stomach and turned it on medium. Sprinkling a pinch of salt to help the flavor stand out more. 

After five times of screaming Parker's name, he came running down along with his new girlfriend. He pushed her out the door, placing a sloppy kiss on her grimy lips. How long was she here? I don't recall hearing the doorbell ringing. 

"Parker, you have the easiest task. Just clean the table okay. I got the food all handled. We are having pasta," I commanded, checking to see if bubbles were forming.

"Pasta? Didn't you make that two days ago?" He questioned, raising his eyebrow at me.

"And? If you want something else than come cook it," I replied, rolling my eyes at his irritating comment.

"Fine, whatever," he scoffed, grabbing the cleaner from under the sink and a rag.

I opened the box of spaghetti, breaking them in half, and dropped it into the boiling water. While waiting I walked over to make sure Parker was getting his job done. Thankfully he listened to me, picking up all the garbage he left hanging around. 

After ten minutes passed I went back to check if it was soft enough and I mixed it in with tomato sauce. While mixing the tomato sauce into the pasta, Parker stormed in grabbing plates for the table. When the pasta was mixed, I poured it into a large bowl. Walking out of the kitchen and admire how neat the table looked.

Good job baby brother. 

Quickly went upstairs to get ready for the eventful evening. After my shower, I grabbed Drew's football hoodie and put it on. My bump wasn't massive but I can't help but feel self-conscious about myself. I've been slender since I was in diapers and now I'm going to be like a balloon. 

There still was a plenty of time until my parents arrived. Kneeling down, reaching into my bed, and pulling out my painting. My new hobby was painting items that inspired me. I had over dozens of paintings hidden in my closet, fearing my father would tear them up. Painting was relaxing, it helped calm my nerves which was important right now. 

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"Parker you better be ready. They are almost here," I yelled hearing his footsteps thumping against each step as he came closer. 

"Alright, I'm here," Parker said, flicking his cigarette in his hand. How does he find smoking amusing?  Abruptly the door swung open, revealing my parents in front of us. Luckily, my bulter was in front of them meaning I had time to chuck Parker's cigarette. 

"Parker, Frankie we are home," my father sternly said.  

Our butler was dragging in all their suitcases all the way upstairs. 

"Hi, Mom. Hi Dad, How was everything?" I asked, placing a small kiss on both of their cheeks.

"Frustrating! Your mother was nagging the whole time. I couldn't even enjoy the beaches," my father complained, unzipping his winter jacket and handing it to my other bulter. 

Didn't they go for work? I guess they lied to make themselves feel less guilty for not bringing us. 

"Can we all talk?" I asked, fidgeting with my moist fingers.

My mother carefully unbuttoned her fur coat and placed it down herself. "Sure about what dear?" my mother responded, admiring herself in the mirror that was placed in front of the closet.

"My friend is coming over tomorrow to talk to you guys..." I answered, biting my lip.

"Oh really? Why for?" he snarled.

"Um... Can we all sit please?" I said.

We all walked to the living room. Settling down in our spots and letting the silent march through. Surprisingly, my mother took the seat next to me, tenderly rubbing my shoulder. Was it obvious how nervous I was? My eyes stayed locked on my hands, knowing if I meet my father's I would break down. 

I feel the soft panic that can grow or fade depending on what I do next. It would fade away if I backed away, but then I would have to do this all again another time. It will grow if I let those thoughts swirl into a vortex of stupidity, eating their own tail. Or I can breathe slow, letting my thoughts escape from my mind.

"I don't know how to say this," I murmured. 

"Well, it can't be as bad as Parker's life." My father joked, causing a smile to finally appear on his lips. 

"I didn't even fail this semester unlike someone named Frankie," Parker confessed as I glared sharply into his eyes.

I took a deep breath and prepared myself to reveal the truth. "I'm pregnant," I wept as my heart throbbed from fear of their reactions. The tears raced down my face, onto my cheeks crinkling down to my chin.

My mother let out a low gasp as my father bashed his hand against the table. I couldn't look up, I didn't want to look at them.

"How the hell could you be so stupid?" he raged. "Do you know what this could do to my campaign? How are you so selfish? And I thought Parker was the worse oh no your far worse than him," he ranted. 

As much as I tried to hold it in, the pain came out like uproar from my throat in the form of a silent scream. The beads of water started falling down after another, without the sign of stopping. The muffled sobs wracked against my chest.

"Honey, calm down." my mother was rubbing his tense shoulders. "We can get through this." 

"Who's the fucking jerk that got you pregnant?" Parker interrupted grabbing my wrist. "Was it that guy I saw you home with?" Parker asked. 

Is he trying to just get me more in trouble? 

"You had that piece of shit in our house?! Did you fuck him here too?" My father argued as my mother tried to hush him down. His face has changed from pale to fuming crimson. He was breathing heavily and clenching his fists.  

"No one does this to my sister. I'll kill him!" Parker snarled.

"When did you start caring about me?" I whined. "He's coming tomorrow to discuss it. I just had to tell you before so you wouldn't hurt him," I sobbed. 

I didn't mean for this to happen. 

"There's no talk needed. You're killing that baby!" My father demanded, leaning on the wall, face still vivid crimson. 

"I rather burn in hell," I spat, not knowing where the courage came from.

"You're going to get an abortion whether you like it or not," he threatened, his piercing eyes staring hard into mine.

"No, you don't get to tell me what I can do with my body," I snapped.

"Fine but don't you dare think we are helping you. You ruined everything Frankie. You ruined my life," he taunted. 

"Why can't you just understand. I never wanted this to happen!" I wept into my hands. 

Lifting myself and rushed upstairs, my tears falling on the steps. The noisy sobs echoed through the empty house. My eyes felt puffy and snot streamed clear from my nose. I used my sleeve to wipe it clean, banging my door open and slamming it shut behind me. Still, great sobs were escaping my mouth, and I tried to muffle them with my shaking hands.  

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Suddenly, I was awoken by gently knocks on my door. I ignored them, not wanting to speak to the person behind the door. However, the knocks wouldn't stop no matter how many minutes passed by. 

She always comes after my father proclaimed how much he hated me. It's not the first time he ever said but that doesn't mean it hurts any less. My mother is too frightened to defend me in front of him; she's here to say sorry.

"Who is it?" I sniffed, moving the blanket from my mouth.

"Mommy. Open the door please," she answered. 

I signed lifting my hopeless body off from the bed. Once I opened the door, she engulfed me into her arms. They aren't as warm as they once were. After she released me, I jumped back into bed and she followed.

"Why did you do it?" She mumbled. 

"I was caught up in the moment. We were both a little tipsy during it and I forgot to check for protection," I spilled, gripping harder onto my teddy bear.  

"I always thought Parker would get a girl pregnant," she giggled, softly brushing my hair behind my ears.

"I thought that too," a closed-tipped smile appeared on my lips. "I'm so sorry I hope you forgive me."

"Of course. You know how your father is. He just needs some time to think things through. I still love you okay," She said, placing a tender kiss on my forehead.

"They are still coming over tomorrow," I mentioned as my mother started heading out.

"I know. I don't know if your dad will join us but I'll always be here," she replied, sending a reassuring smile.

"Good. I had a long day, I'm going to go head to bed," I said.

Lately, these days I've been getting exhausted before it hits eight a clock. Is this how it is now, just imagine when it's the final months. I'm never going to want to get up.   

"Alright, I'm going to eat your pasta." She excitedly clapped her hands and lightly closed the door.

So the next chapter is going to be the dinner with Frankie and Drew's family. 

What do you think about Dad? or her family life?

Frankie and Drew are currently together... anyone happy about it? or no?

Do you think her father will show up tomorrow?

Thank you for reading this chapter!! I appreciate every vote and comment 

LOVE YOU