when i turned 18

Revelations {Chapter 6}

The words echoed in my mind, reverberating through every corner of my being. I stared at Cassidy, her tear-streaked face a mix of fear and vulnerability, and felt the ground beneath me shift. The world seemed to blur at the edges, reality warping under the weight of those three words: I'm pregnant, Andrew.

And, I mean, maybe I'm being dramatic, but I don't think I know how to be a father. My own father was absent throughout my entire childhood, never there when I needed him. How was I supposed to prepare for my own? This had to be a false positive—or something, I'd hope.

A silence hung between us, thick and suffocating. I struggled to find my voice, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind of confusion and fear. "Is this why you ghosted me? I would've been here for you. I'm just so confused, Cassidy."

Cassidy took a shaky breath, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Sort of," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I was afraid... I didn't know how to tell you. I don't want to lose what we have."

My mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of this new reality. "And what is it that 'we have,' Cassidy?" I asked, a hint of hurt creeping into my voice.

"I-I don't know! I know we are far more than friends. I don't need this right now. I need to know your thoughts," she admitted, her eyes brimming with fresh tears.

I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but my hands felt heavy, my body frozen in place. "I... I need a second. Fuck, Cassidy," I stammered, standing up abruptly and pacing the sidewalk. I could feel my heartbeat thundering in my chest.

Cassidy watched me, her gaze a mix of hope and dread. "Andrew, please," she pleaded softly. "I need to know what you're thinking."

I stopped, turning to face her, my mind rushing with thoughts. "I'm thinking... that this changes everything," I said, my voice full of panic now. "I'm still in school. I have so much to catch up on—I—"

Cassidy interjected, standing up, her eyes widening with somberness. "Andrew, I know. I know. I'm gonna go to the clinic, hoping they're false positives. Okay? Just calm down."

I pulled Cassidy into my arms, embracing her tightly as her tears stained my t-shirt. Her body trembled against mine, and I could feel the raw fear and uncertainty radiating from her. I stroked her hair gently, trying to offer some semblance of comfort amidst the chaos. "I'm sorry. This is just a lot. I'll drive you to the clinic. When is your appointment?"

She wiped her tears, looking up at me with a mixture of desperation and hope. "In an hour. My mom found out and refuses to take me. In fact, she is demanding I get an abortion if 'this is real.'"

Her mother's harsh reaction stirred a surge of anger within me, but I pushed it aside, focusing on Cassidy. In my mind, I didn't think an abortion was a half-bad option, but it would be her choice ultimately. "We will figure this out. Pregnancy or not, okay?" I said, attempting to reassure her. I kissed her forehead softly, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on us.

We sat in silence for a few moments, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. Then, with a determined breath, I guided her to my car. The drive to the clinic was tense, filled with unspoken fears and anxieties. Cassidy stared out the window, her fingers nervously tapping against her knee, while I gripped the steering wheel, trying to keep my own panic at bay.

When we arrived at the clinic, I parked and turned to Cassidy, squeezing her hand gently. "We're here," I said softly.

Inside the clinic, the atmosphere was clinical and sterile, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil we were experiencing. We checked in at the front desk, and a kind nurse led us to a small waiting area.