The Difference

Chapter 23

         Dakota Walliams – Monte Carlo – 154 INT. ST. H5.

“In a way she’s right.” I said, laughing. Corbin and I were watching a sitcom and one of the characters had made a point about something. Even though it was a funny statement, it made sense but Corbin thought otherwise.

“I don’t see how right she is. Anyway, moving on to other matters, how are things between Shirley and Zayn?” he asked.

“Still the same. She’d still not allowed to see him. Though, I believe they message each other.”

“That’s sad. I can’t imagine how it feels being separated from the one you love.” He still felt sad for both of them.

“I promise that’s never going to happen to us.’ I assured him.

“It won’t.” He leaned in to kiss me. When he pulled back I felt dizzy. He saw it.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I suddenly feel sick.” He held me to the room. He made me relax on the bed and went to the kitchen to get me a glass of water. He came back with it and to tablets of painkillers. I sat to take them but everything went black.

                                         *****

        Corbin Avearey – Monte Carlo – Jean Louis Hospital.

I couldn’t believe what the doctor just said.

“Dr. Louis, what did you just say?”

“I’m saying that your girlfriend is pregnant. Three weeks pregnant.”

“No, no, no. This isn’t happening. It can’t the true.” I said more to myself than to the doctor. Without another word, I left his office to Dakota’s ward. Surprise had turned into anger and anger had given way into hot tears. She was awake. Good. She saw me in tears.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“How did this happen?” I asked 

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Dakota, I’m going to as you a question and if you care about me a bit you won’t lie to me.”

“What’s it?”

“How the hell are you pregnant when I have only gone as far as kissing you?”

“Huh?” she sat up.

“You heard me. How are you pregnant?” 

She went quiet this time. 

“Is there something I should know cause I’m very confused here?” I was trying to calm myself down.

“Corbin, I’m sorry.” She had started to cry.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I wanted to stop but I couldn’t. I just went back to it.”

“Wanted to stop what? Can you please stop talking in circles and tell me what’s going on here?” I was beginning to get angry again.

“I’m a sex addict.” I thought I heard wrong.

“What did you just say?” I asked.

“I’m a sex addict.” She said again.

“Explain further, can you?”

“I broke my virginity when I was eighteen and I know it sounds stupid but I enjoyed it a little too much and decided to explore.”

“Oh my God.” I was in shock. “How many guys have you been with?” I asked even though I dreaded the answer.

“I’ve lost track of them.”

“Oh my God.” I said in disgust this time. “Do you even know who the father is?”

“No.” She said in an almost inaudible sound.

“Of course you wouldn’t know.” I shook my head.

“Corbin, I know this is too much to take in but I need you trust me when I say I’ve been thinking of only you since we started dating.” 

“You’ve gotta be kidding me right? Are we dating? Do you even love me?” I asked in tears.

“Of course I love you. This is just a stupid addiction and I promise to stop.”

“How do you plan to stop? If I’m right you’ve been doing this for almost seven years now. The fact you had me in your life didn’t stop you, what will?” 

“I’ll try.”

“You’ll try?” I asked sarcastically. “Well, while you’re trying, look for someone to do the talent show with you cause I’m done. I can’t believe this.” 

I walked out of the ward despite her calls, with a lot of questions on my mind.

                         
                           ******
      
      Shirley Walliams – Monte Carlo – Sunshine College.

Corbin didn’t look himself. Dakota hadn’t reported to school. She only misses school when it’s urgent. I felt something had happened. Something bad.
Corbin and I were seated at our canteen table. He hadn’t touched his lunch.
“Corbin,” I called out. He didn’t answer.  I called out again, this time a little louder. He jumped from his seat.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Actually, I don’t know.” He sounded distant.
“Did something happen?”
“Yeah. Your sister just told me something that I still can’t get a hold of.”
“What is it?”
“Your sister’s a sex addict.” He said with no emotions.
“What did you just say?” I almost screamed.
“You heard right. Oh and she’s pregnant.”
“What?!” This time I screamed. Other students in the canteen turned to look at us. I quickly apologized to them and sent my attention back to Corbin.
“Let me get this straight. My sister’s a sex addict and is pregnant? How did that happen?”
“I don’t know. She doesn’t even know the father of her baby is.”
“What?” I was lost for words.
“Apparently, this has been going on since she lost her virginity at eighteen.”
“Oh my God. Dakota.” I said as if she was here.
“I’ve ended things with her and asked her to do the talent show with someone else because I still need to wrap my head around this piece of news.”
“Oh Corbin. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? You had nothing to do with this.”
“I know but I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now.”
“I’m skipping the rest of class today. I can’t keep my head straight.” He said and got up to leave. I wanted to stop him but it will only make matters worse. He should go. After all, he won’t the able to concentrate in class.
“Call me if you need anything.” I told him.

                                *****
Corbin Avearey – Monte Carlo – 154 INT. ST. H3

I sped out of the school in tears. It’s been a week since my confrontation with Dakota and trust me I haven’t had it easy. I wish I knew this was going to happen, so I’d prepare myself for this heartbreak. I parked my car and got down. I saw dad’s car in the driveway. My luck. I could tell him what’s wrong but he doesn’t know that Dakota and I were in a relationship. He was in the hall on his laptop when I entered.
“Hey dad.” I greeted him. He was surprised to see me at home at this time.
“Isn’t school still in session? What are you doing here at this time?”
“I got a splitting headache so I decided to skip the rest of class.” I wasn’t telling lies though.
“Oh that’s bad. There are some painkillers in the first aid kit. Make sure to take some and get some rest.” 
“Sure. I’m going to my room.” I excused myself and climbed up to my room. When I got there, I did something I’d not done since I was eight. I switched off my phone and the lights, drew the curtains, and jumped onto the bed. I blacked out.