All the Little Secrets

CHAPTER 33. WHEN THE PARTY'S OVER

Chapter 33. When the Party's Over

"Are you sure?"

"What are you trying to say, bitch?" Morgan spits, but Becca grabs her arm.

"Don't talk to her like that. It's a legit question. Are you sure it's my brother's?"

Morgan scowls as she rips her arm out of Becca's grip.

"Fuck you, Becca." Then she storms out of the bathroom.

I lean up against the bathroom sink, squeezing my eyes closed and wishing that this is just another stupid nightmare, that this is not real.

"What does she plan to do?" I dare myself to ask.

"She isn't sure. I think she's scared to tell Liam."

"Liam said she was messing around with other people."

"Yeah, probably, but they also hooked up after the Spring dance, which makes sense considering how many weeks pregnant she is."

I want to cry. I want to cry, then break something, or break something and cry. Liam finally chooses me, finally lets himself love me regardless of what comes next, and now this happens. Morgan, pregnant, and Liam is the father.

Becca watches me process before she asks, "What're you going to do?"

"I have to tell him."

I leave the bathroom quickly. Liam waits at our table with Jasmine and Jason. Seth is across the dance floor and he waves me over. I ignore him as I go to Liam.

"We need to talk."

"Did you find him?" Liam asks as they stand.

Becca comes to stand with me. "Avery, don't -"

"Liam, I have to talk to you," I say, anxiety building again in my chest as I try to force out my words. Everyone looks concerned as Seth comes to stand next to Liam.

"Whatever it is, can't it wait?" Jason asks. "We have to find Cage."

The world is spinning around me, and I'm finding it hard to catch my breath. I can survive Liam and his secrets, possibly sleeping with others because he's forced to do so, his addictions, his games, everything. I can survive that and love him, but how am I supposed to survive -

"Morgan is pregnant," Becca blurts out, and everyone in our circle stills. She glares at Liam. "She says it's yours."

I don't wait for a response. I turn and bolt to the elevator, weaving in and out of crowds, innocent people those whose lives have not been turned upside down by one boy who stole a girl's heart two winters ago.

The elevator takes too long and I hear my name, but I can't face him. I run for the stairs. I take off my heels and leave them behind, rushing down the many levels until I finally reach the bottom. I bolt out of the building and stand on the sidewalk. I'm not sure where to go or what to do next, but I know I can't be here anymore.

My phone dings. A text from an unknown number. I run around the corner from the entrance of the hotel and stop to read the message.

It's go-time. Are you ready?

I lean up against the building, forcing myself to breathe. I know I'm losing it, but I can't, not now. I think of Liam and how it felt kissing him only minutes ago. I think of Cage, Seth, and Becca, and my family and friends, and of all the girls that have been kidnapped and held against their will. I think of those that I love and find myself standing straighter, confidence building.