when i turned 18

Crossroads {Chapter 7}

The next morning dawned gray and overcast, matching the heaviness that lingered in the air. I had barely slept, my mind full of the events of the previous day. Cassidy's tear-streaked face and her mother's harsh words replayed in an endless loop, each memory more painful than the last.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at my phone. Messages from friends, reminders of assignments, and missed calls from my parents filled the screen, but I couldn't muster the energy to respond. All I could think about was Cassidy and the monumental decision that lay before us.

A soft knock on my door broke through my thoughts. "Andrew?" My sister, Camila, walked in, noticing the exhaustion etched on my face. Her usual smugness was replaced by genuine concern. She sat next to me, crossing her legs, and leaned in slightly. "Sooo... was I right about Cassidy? Did she hurt you?"

I placed my face in my hands, frustration boiling over. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Camila. No. She's pregnant."

Camila's expression quickly shifted from smugness to shock. Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. "WHAT?" she exclaimed, her voice nearly a whisper as if saying it louder would make it more real.

I hesitated, then sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. "Yeah. I have no fucking clue what I'm gonna do, Camila."

Her initial shock turned into a glare, her frustration palpable. "Andrew, how could you be so reckless? You barely even know her!"

My chest tightened at her accusation, but I knew she was right. Our relationship had always been rocky, and Cassidy was just another example of my poor judgment. "I know, Camila. I messed up," I admitted, my voice heavy with regret.

Camila's glare softened, replaced by a look of genuine concern. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "Andrew... if Mom finds out, she's going to lose it."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me even more. "I know. But right now, I need to focus on Cassidy. Her mom's forcing her to get an abortion, and she doesn't want to. I have to be there for her, no matter what."

Camila's eyes softened, her worry evident. She took a deep breath, her grip on my arm tightening slightly. "This is serious, Andrew. You're both so young. But... I get it. You care about her. Just promise me you'll think things through. Talk to Mom if you need to. She might surprise you."

I gave her a small, grateful smile, appreciating her support more than she knew. "Thanks, Camila."

With a deep breath, I stood up and grabbed my jacket. The determination I felt settled like a heavy stone in my chest. "I need to go see Cassidy," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "We need to figure this out together."

As I headed out the door, Camila called after me, her voice tinged with worry, "Good luck."

I made my way to Cassidy's apartment, the weight of the situation heavy on my mind.

When I arrived, Cassidy opened the door with tear-stained cheeks and red eyes. She looked worn out, like she hadn't slept all night. Seeing her like this only added to the knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"Can I come in?" I whispered gently, my voice barely audible through the heavy silence.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding, moving aside to let me enter. Cassidy's demeanor seemed distant as she wordlessly returned to the couch, her gaze fixed on the lifeless TV screen, lost in her own thoughts.

Taking a seat beside her, I observed her closely. "Cassidy, I'm sorry about your mom. Have you decided what you want to do?"

Cassidy continued to stare ahead, her expression unreadable. I struggled to find the right words to console her, feeling utterly helpless in the face of her grief.