It's my last day working as an intern at Grey Mental Health Clinic, it's still feels surreal that the three months have already passed by so soon. My time here has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, from the heavy one on one sessions with patients, volunteering at the inclusive high school and listening to people who struggle with grieve and letting go like me.

I have learned so much from Dr Pepper and Maya, and believe there's still so much to do before I can start working as a psychologist. After finding out that I'm pregnant last week, I told Hade that I think it's best to do my masters online because I don't want to postpone doing them, he was on board with the idea and no all I have to do is let the university know of my plans.

This morning when I arrived Dr Pepper asked me to fill-in for Maya and that she called in sick. I found out odd that she didn't tell me of her absence, but figured this might be payback for when I didn't tell her I wasn't coming to work. Being Dr Pepper's assistant isn't much of a hassle, but definitely tiring.

By the end of the day I'm tired and have major respect for Maya, and what she does for Dr Pepper. Thirty minutes before I can call it a day, I get a text message from Dr Pepper telling me to see her before I leave. When I'm sure that everything is in place, I walk to Dr Pepper's office and find her packing her bag. Dr Pepper never leaves at this time, she's always one of the last one to leave and first one to arrive.

"Come in Victoria." She says looking my way.

'You wanted to see me?' I ask sitting down on the couch.

"It's your last day here with us, and I wanted to say goodbye. I know I will see you tomorrow for our session, but that a different reason." She says before typing fast on her phone.

'I understand doctor.' I say relaxing in the chair.

"You did well during your time here with us, and I'm really proud to have been your supervisor. I wish you all the best in your career." Dr Pepper says walking around her big desk and picks up her bags.

'Thank you, I really learned a lot from you.' I tell her standing up and we both walk out.

I follow her out of her office and she waves goodbye as she walks down the hallway, I'm about to leave when I see my phone screen lighting up with a text from Liam.

Hey Kitten, give me a call when you get home.

I make a mental note to video call him as soon as I arrive home, we haven't talked in weeks and are due to a very lengthy video call. If there's one person I'm not worried about telling about my current situation, it's Liam.

"Hey Vicky, Pete and I are going for celebratory drinks. Wanna join us" I see Marlene approaching me.

A part of me wants to decline as my current situation doesn't allow me to drink alcohol, what if they get suspicious when they see me not drinking. And another part of me says I should go, this is probably the last time I will see them anyway, so no harm in spending two hours with them. I will make an excuse about not drinking and it has to be believable.

'Sure, no problem. Where did you have in mind?' Marlene looks at Pete with a glint in her eyes.

We walk towards Pete and the two share a secret look making me annoyed. 'Are you two going to tell me what's the the secret looks you are sharing, or should I get it out of you?' I ask with a hint of irritation.

"We made a bet, Pete here said you are going to decline our invitation." Marlene says with a laugh.

'Am I that terrible that you bet on my responses?' I ask facing Pete as we walk to the elevators.

"Not really, I just thought maybe you have plans with your boyfriend.' Pete answers looking anywhere, but at me.

..........................

When we get downstairs we are surprised to see Maya talking with Tracy the receptionist, I told Pete and Marlene what Dr Pepper said when they asked about Maya. We walk closer to her, and just as we reach the reception desk she turns our way with a smile.

'You don't look sick to me' Is the first thing that comes out of my mouth.

"Hey! You guys are just in time." Maya says giving each one of us a hug.

"What's going on? Why did you call in sick?" Pete asks her pulling from the hug.

"Ask no questions and hear no lies, how about we go for drinks?" Maya says and Tracy picks up her purse ready to go.

Tracy has never joined us for drinks since we arrived here, I thought it was because of the age difference as she is in her early thirties and didn't want to spend time with people in their twenties. We all follow Maya outside, and she leads us to the other side of the building where a seven seater Sedan is awaiting us.

We all look at Maya in question and she explains that she called in sick so she could plan our evening. We all get inside the comfortable car, happy to get such a ride to wherever Maya is taking us.

"Maya, where do you get money to hire this car?" Pete asks her, looking at the inside of the beautiful car.

"Who said I hired it? I know all the right people that's all." Maya shrugs her shoulders and puts on her seatbelt.

The drive to wherever Maya is taking us is long due to traffic, by the time we reach the destination we look at Maya, awaiting explanation. We are at one of the finest restaurant in town, not only is this place out of our league, but our attires are not up to standard.

'You do realize what we are wearing right? Do they even let people like us in such a restaurant Maya? I mean this place works on reservations.' I tell her whispering.

"Can you just trust me? Come on, let's go." She says getting out of the car and we follow her.

When we arrive at the entrance Maya talks to the hostess, and she gestures for one waiter to walk us to a table. We silently follow Maya and the waiter, not paying attention to the looks we are getting from the seated patrons, looking like money in their outfits.

We are let do what looks to be a private room at the far end of the main restaurant, there are so many questions at the tip of my tongue, but decide to do what Maya asked; to trust her. When we walk in everything starts making sense, the room is filled with our supervisors from the clinic, assistance and other employees I have only ever shared five words with.

The room has a big table in the middle, filled with all sorts of foods and drinks. I turn to look at Maya and she winks at me with a small smile, so this is why Dr Pepper said she called in sick. The clinic had her plan our surprise celebratory dinner.

The dinner may not be what we planned for the night, but it's pretty awesome. There are no unnecessary speeches, just a table filled with people chatting and laughing loudly. Dr Pepper seats at the far end from me and when are eyes meet, she raises her glass to me and I do the same.

The rest of the night goes smoothly, and I'm glad that no one pays attention to anyone, meaning there are no questions as to why I'm drinking juice. By 8PM some of the colleagues start going home, saying they have families to get to.

'I think it's also time for me to go home' I tell Maya not aware that the others are also listening.

"Already? I was thinking we could go to the club or that karaoke bar we went to last time." Christine says making others agree.

'I would love to, but I have an early morning.' I say already standing up.

"That's okay sweetie." Maya says standing up and gives me a hug. "Text me when you get home." She says as we pull away.

'Will do that, and do the same when you get home.' I promise and walk out.

.............................

It's after nine in the evening when I arrive at my place, after spending the last weekend at Hayden's place I came back to my apartment to find it empty Sunday night. Mum had texted me on Saturday to let me know that they are leaving after dropping by at Noah's place.

As soon as I open my bedroom door I kick of my shoes and strip my clothes to so I can take a short shower. I brush my teeth before getting in the shower, the water is warm against my skin and this relaxes my body. I make sure not to get any water on my hair as I'm not looking forward to sleeping with wet hair or even hair drying it. When I'm done showering I get out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body.

I walk to my bedroom and moisturize my body with my coconut lotion, the smell makes me think of going to the spa and getting a full body massage. After applying enough lotion to my body I look for clean PJ's and settle on blue shorts and Micky mouse vest.

As I am about to get in bed I realize that my phone is still in my purse on the kitchen counter. I walk to the kitchen, take the purse and make sure that I have locked the front door before switching of the lights. I take my phone out of my purse and remember that I promised to call Liam as soon as o get home.

I dial his number and wait for him to pick up my call, hoping I am not disturbing his sleep. The time difference is the reason him and I schedule our monthly video calls, but whatever it is that he wants to tell me must be urgent seeing as he didn't just text me. I am about to end the call when I hear his sleepy voice on the other side.

"You are aware that it's 4AM right now right?" He says sounding annoyed.

'Yes I'm aware, you told me to call you knowing our time difference.' I mimic his annoyed voice.

"Whatever! Have you talked to mum?" He asks out of the blue.

'Who, Layla?' I question him and face palming when I realize that it's obvious he is talking about her.

"No, mother Teresa. Of course I'm talking about Layla. So have you?" His sarcastic voice turns serious towards the end.

'Not recently, why?' I ask him getting comfy in bed.

I don't know what I was expecting Liam to tell me, but certainly not what comes out if his mouth. I feel my head spinning, not sure if I'm dreaming of this is real, it takes me few seconds before I can get hold of myself a d recover.

"Are you still there? Did you hear what I just said?" Liam asks me cool as a cucumber.

'Yeah! I did.' I pause and take a deep breath.

'I don't know what to say, we have been waiting for this for months and now that it's here... I-I don't know. When did you find out?'

"Just moments before texting you earlier." He say with a weak voice making me wish I could be there with him.

'Are you okay Liam? How do you feel?' I ask him in a whisper.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that question? He says so low it's a miracle I heard him.

Liam has always been selfless, putting other people before him, while that is why he is our favourite person, it's also what I don't like about him. He should learn putting himself first, sometimes we as human beings have to be selfish in order to survive.

'Stop that! Stop down playing your pain for mine, you hear me.' I say firmly, making sure he understands how serious I am.

"How can I be fine? When I just heard that my sister's murderer killed himself to avoid being sentenced?"

........................

It's two weeks after Liam called me to let me know that the police found Lily's murderer, but he killed himself as soon as he saw the police. It hasn't been easy knowing that he escaped prison, but the knowledge that he isn't roaming the streets is also pleasing.

Hayden and I have just landed in Orlando, I wanted to come see Layla as soon as I heard the news, but Hayden thought it would be best if we come this weekend so that we can beat two birds with one stone. Not only are we here to support the Jacobs, but we also came to tell our parents about my pregnancy.

I'm not sure what to expect from mum and Paul seeing as we are still at odds. Yes mum and I have been talking since they left New York, but it's going to take time for us to get to where we were two months ago. As for Noah and I, well I can't say I know where we stand.

After confirming my pregnancy he hasn't exactly talked to me, he avoids me every chance he gets. I know he is visiting home, after mum begged him to come so we can fix our family differences.

"Love, we are here. Wake up." Hayden's voice brings me out of my slumber.

'Already? That was the shortest ride from the airport.' I whine opening my eyes and see that Hade is telling the truth, we are in fact outside my house.

All I have been doing these past weeks is sleeping, eating and crying. Dr Maxwell said it's the hormones making me cry all the time and that it might get easier in my second trimester. I get out of the car with Hade opening my door and walking me to the door, we decided to talk to my parents tomorrow I instead of today.

"I will see you later." He says kissing my forehead.

'Okay, let me know when you get home.' I smile at him.

"Alright, I love you." He says looking me with a tender look I have gotten used to this past months.

'I love you too baby.' I tell him kissing him and look at him smile before walking towards the cab.

Yes, you heard right. About a two weeks ago I said the L word and Hade couldn't believe it. He made me say it so many times, I also couldn't believe myself. It was after my session with Dr Pepper after my internship ended. We were talking about the death of my Lily and how it affected me, the entire session made me realize that life is too short to live in fear of losing more people I love.

I knock on the front door, not comfortable using my own key to open up. Even though mum and I have started talking again, it's still a long way before I can see this as my home again. Paul is the one who opens my door, taking me of guard.

'Hi..uh.' I say awkwardly, not sure how to address him.

"Hey! Come in." He says opening the door wider.

I walk further into the house and find mum and Noah in the living room, in what looks like a very serious conversation.

'Morning, I'm sorry for walking in what looks to be a private talk.' I say feeling shy all of the sudden.

"Morning baby! It's okay come in." Mum says standing up and holding my hand and pulling me to sit next to her.

Noah remains quiet and gets up to leave, mum looks at me in question and I shrug. I didn't think my brother will still be acting like a jerk, especially today. Mum and I talk for a bit, asking me how my flight was and that I should have told them so they pick me up.

'I didn't come alone, I was with Hayden.' I reply shortly.

"Oh! Okay, how are things with you two? We haven't really talked about how you two met since.."

'We will talk about that later, I want to pop in at Lily's right now.' I tell mum squeezing her hand that's still holding mine.

Mum smiles in understanding and let's my hand go, I didn't bring many clothes with me because I'm only staying for a couple of days.  Hade is going back on tomorrow evening since he has work. He was surprised, but glad when I told him I want to spend some time home before graduation month.

......................

Later that day I find mum and Hailey in the kitchen preparing supper, I sit at the breakfast bar while I watch them cook. There's music playing on Hailey's phone on the counter. I'm about to ask mum where Sam is when Noah walks in without a word and takes water from the fridge. I feel mum staring at me, and I keep myself busy with my phone texting back and forth with Mo.

"Alright, what's going on between you two?" Mum asks putting her hands on her hips.

'What are you talking about mum?' I ask innocently.

"This morning when you arrived, Noah didn't talk to you and walked out the moment you sat down. Even now he walked past you by he didn't even notice you, so tell me." She says louder this time.

Mum looks between Noah and I waiting for an explanation that I'm not ready to give to her. "Hailey, what's going on?"

Mum turns to Hailey and Noah opens his mouth to answer, and I know right there and then that I'm screwed.

"Ask you daughter mum, she knows better than I" He says shrugging his shoulders when Hailey gives him a dirty look.

"There is nothing going on mum"  I tell her making my way out of the kitchen.

"Victoria Amelia Thompson, get back here and start talking"

"What's going on here" Da-Paul asks coming from outside.

"Noah I asked what is going on between you and Victoria. I'm need an answer now."

Noah looks me dead in the eyes before responding. "Do you want me to tell them or will you"

"Tell us what? Can one of you start talking" Mum says standing next Paul.

Noah and I stare each other not saying a word. This goes on for a minute before both our parents explode.

"Hailey, what's going on" Paul says looking at Hailey who is looking at Noah through daggers with her eyes. Hailey is about to open her mouth when Noah speaks.

"Don't involve Hailey in Victoria's mess"

"Mess Noah, are you hearing yourself right now?" I say to him.

"Hailey can you tell us what is going on between Noah and Victoria?" Mum questions Hailey, but before she can answer both Noah and I answer.

"She is pregnant"

'I came here to tell you'

Both my parents keep quiet to try to understand what we both said. They leave the kitchen and we follow them, leaving Sam and Hailey in the kitchen.

"Did you say Victoria is pregnant?" Mum says sitting down.

'Yes mum I'm pregnant. I didn't want you to find this way, but Noah had other plans" I say looking down.

"Pumpkin, Hayden is phoning you." Sam says from the kitchen not aware of the commotion he is walking into.

'Thanks, I will get back to him.' I reply.

"I'm guessing Hayden is the father." Paul says looking at me.

'Yes, he is' I mumble seating down.

Noah shakes his head." I thought you were smarter than that Victoria. Hayden is the definition of a fuck boy, and you my sister fell for him and got pregnant" He says

"Simply because he was you player then doesn't mean he is still the same guy" I  defend my boyfriend.

"You are more stupid than I thought if you think boys like him change" Noah says laughing slowly.

'You know they do change, I mean you were just the same as him if not worse' I tell him looking him directly.

"Seriously Victoria, you are going to compare me with that fucker. He got you pregnant just after dating for how long? Two months? You say he has changed while not so long ago he was dating Lily." Noah shouts and from the corner of my eye I see Hailey looking at him, not believing he would say this.

Noah's words hurt me more than I bargained for. His words cut deep, I had just gotten over the fact that Hade dated Lily. The disgust in his voice is my undoing.

"Wait, wait, what do you mean he was dating Lily?" Mum questions Noah.

"Your precious girl here is pregnant with her dead best friend's boyfriend. Who knows how long they have been dating" He says making me snap and I stand up, mum and Paul keep quiet and listen to our bickering.

'Don't you dare pretend you are any better Noah., you are standing there pretending to be holier than thou when you are just as bad. You were once a player like Hayden, you were the school's fuck boy together with Paul and Liam.

You were the ultimate player, broke girl's hearts like it meant nothing. Promised them heavens then a week later threw them away like a used toilet paper. You talk about Hayden like you are any better when you and your friends were their role models.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Hayden is ten times better than you. He didn't run away from his actions like you did" I shout wiping the tears.

"What do to mean by saying he didn't run away from his actions like Noah" Questions Hailey startling Noah.

I had forgotten that Hailey and Sam were in the room with us.

'I'm sorry Hails, this was not my news to share, buy Noah needed t get off his high horse.' I say

"Yes you are right, but I would also love to hear what you mean" Mum says and Hailey nods her head agreeing.

I look at Noah to see him clenching his jaw, his eyes filled with shock that I know his secret, guilt and anger.

"Noah started dating this girl Kate in his senior year .She was said to be easy as the guys call us, but it was not the truth, football guys called her that because she was one of the few that turned them down.

She was a new student, doing junior year and Noah approached her. He treated her great at first, but later broke her heart since he didn't want to ruin his reputation of a fuck boy.

Kate was hurt, and to make matters worse a month later she found out she was pregnant. Noah didn't believe her at first till he went to the hospital with her, but still e denied he child being hers." I finish the long speech.

"How do you know it was his baby?" This time it's Paul asking.

"Noah is the one who took her virginity, she was bullied by the senior year girls and boys. She later had a miscarriage at school, and later she transferred to another school" I say sitting down.

Everyone sat down after I told them Noah's secret. Mum was the first to break the silence. "How come we find out about this eight years later?"

Hailey stands up and goes upstairs, I go to the kitchen to take my phone and follow Hailey to Noah's room.

'Hey, I didn't mean for you to hear that from me. You can sleep in my room tonight, but please don't leave.' I say giving her a side hug before going to my room to take my jacket.

I walk downstairs to find my mum talking with Noah in the living room where I had left them. 'Where's Sam?' I ask no one in particular.

"Where are you going" mum asks ignoring my question.

'I need some fresh ai-' I'm interrupted by mum.

"We are not done, I still want to know what your plans are" She says.

'I know mum. We can talk tomorrow.' I answer going to the kitchen to see if I can locate Sam's car keys.

In the kitchen is Sam dishing up for himself, after cooking dinner nobody bothered to set the table or even eat. Who could eat through such noise drama though?

"Where are you going?"

'You mean where are we going? You Sammy boy are driving me to Hade's place.' I tell him poking his ribs.

"Stop that. Why am I going with you? I mean last time I checked he ain't my boyfriend and you can drive." He replies with a mouth full.

'Ew! Don't speak with your mouth full. And to answers your question, I am tired and can't drive. Plus who would be my chauffer if not my favourite little brother?' I ask him.

"We both know I'm your only little brother. Why can't he come here?" Sam says annoyed.

'Do you want him to die?' I ask laughing and Sam joins in.

"Fine, I will drive you but only because I don't want Hulk Noah to kill your baby daddy. Let's go."

Please vote, comment and follow.

Is it still justice when murderers escape years in prison by taking their own lives? Do you think this will help Victoria get closure over Lily's death.
Why do you think Noah dislike Hayden so much?

Kikipee ❤️