Twisted love

Unwanted News

  (Katherine's POV - Flashback)

chapter six

The days melted into weeks after that fateful night, and as I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, the girl looking back at me felt like a stranger. I was seventeen and supposed to be living my life, dreaming about the future, and figuring out who I was. Instead, I was trapped in a reality I had never wanted.

The memory of Oliver's cruel text still haunted me. "Get rid of it." The words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the betrayal I had endured. I had once believed that love could conquer all, that we could build something real together, but now? Now I felt like a fool for ever hoping.

But there was one thing I couldn't shake: the undeniable truth that I was pregnant.

I pressed a shaking hand against my stomach, feeling the life growing inside of me. I was terrified, confused, but there was also a flicker of hope that sparked deep within. I could still hear Andrew's voice from the day he had come to my rescue, his soothing words anchoring me when I felt like I might drown. "You're not alone, Kat."

He had kept that promise.

As the days passed, Andrew became my rock. He was there for me in ways I never expected, helping me navigate the emotional rollercoaster I found myself on. He was gentle with me, always willing to listen, never pushing me to talk about the things I didn't want to face.

We spent countless nights talking about everything and nothing, just sharing our thoughts and fears as we fell deeper into a rhythm of friendship. Yet, as much as I cherished our bond, I was acutely aware of the unspoken tension that lingered between us, the way his gaze lingered a moment too long, the subtle brush of his hand against mine that made my heart race.

"Are you okay?" he would often ask, the concern lines on his forehead. "You seem distant."

I'd smile, but it never reached my eyes. "I'm just... thinking."

Thinking about the baby. About my future. About Oliver and the mess he had left me in.

Every time Andrew asked, I felt a surge of guilt for not being honest with him. I wanted to tell him everything: about my feelings, about the baby, about how lost I felt. But fear kept me silent, afraid of what the truth might do to our fragile friendship.

In the weeks that followed, I tried to keep my head above water, focusing on school and making plans for the future. I had always dreamed of becoming a psychologist, but now, my dreams felt distant, clouded by the uncertainty of my situation. I spent late nights studying, pouring over textbooks, desperate to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

And slowly, I started to feel hopeful. I envisioned a life where I could keep the baby and still pursue my dreams. I imagined Andrew by my side, supporting me as I navigated the challenges ahead. He had become a constant in my life, someone I could rely on, and the thought of raising my child with him filled me with warmth.

But just as I began to find my footing, life threw me another curveball.

One evening, as I sat in my room studying, the shadows of dusk creeping in, I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Katherine?" Andrew's voice was a low murmur, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, trying to sound casual as I wiped the stray tear from my cheek.

He opened the door, stepping inside with a hesitant smile. "Hey, just checking in on you."

"Thanks," I said, offering a small smile in return.

He moved closer, concern written all over his face. "You've been really quiet lately. I just want to make sure you're okay."

I nodded, unsure of how to voice the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. "I'm... I'm getting there."

"Good," he said softly, his gaze locking onto mine. There was an intensity in his eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. "You know, whatever you're dealing with, I'm here for you."

His sincerity wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a future where I didn't have to bear this burden alone.

But just as I opened my mouth to speak, to share the truth I had been holding inside, my phone buzzed on the bed, shattering the moment.

I glanced at it, my heart dropping as I saw Oliver's name flash across the screen.

"Is everything okay?" Andrew asked, his brow furrowing in concern as he noticed my reaction.

I forced a smile, masking the panic rising within me. "It's just... my phone. I should probably turn it off."

"Are you sure?" He tilted his head, studying me closely. "You can talk to me about anything, you know."

"I know," I whispered, my heart aching at the thought of keeping this from him.

With a sigh, I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling as I silenced it. But even as I turned it off, a heaviness settled in my chest.

The nights grew longer, the burden heavier, but Andrew remained a beacon of light in my darkness. He encouraged me to focus on my dreams, reminding me that I was stronger than I realized. I began to believe him, to believe that maybe I could have it all.

I started making plans for the future, determined to embrace motherhood while pursuing my career. I wanted to give my baby a life filled with love and opportunity. I was ready to accept my fate.

But just as I thought I had found my path, tragedy struck.

One night, I was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling as uncertainty gripped my heart. I felt the familiar tug of fear at the edges of my consciousness, but I pushed it aside. I was ready to embrace this new chapter, to accept my fate.

But then, something changed.

I was jolted awake by a sharp pain, a gripping sensation that sent panic coursing through me. My heart raced as I sat up, the darkness of the room closing in around me. I could feel the tightness in my chest, the way the air felt heavy and suffocating.

What was happening?

I pressed a hand against my stomach, a wave of nausea crashing over me. The pain intensified, each contraction leaving me breathless. My thoughts spiraled, the fear clawing at my insides.

I stumbled out of bed, disoriented, feeling like I was moving through a fog. The pain was relentless, each wave crashing over me, pushing me to the brink of despair.

I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling as I dialed Andrew's number.

"Please pick up," I whispered into the darkness, my heart pounding in my chest.

But all I heard was silence, the line ringing in my ear. I felt more alone than ever, the reality of my situation crashing down around me.

Then, as if the universe was mocking me, my phone buzzed again. I looked down to see Oliver's name flash across the screen, but I couldn't focus on that right now.

I needed Andrew.

I pressed the phone to my ear, willing him to answer, but with every ring, my hope dwindled. And just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, the line clicked, and his voice filled my ear, laced with concern.

"Katherine? What's wrong?"

I could barely form the words, the pain surging through me. "I... I need you."

"I'm on my way," he said without hesitation, and I could hear the urgency in his tone.

As I hung up, I knew my life was about to change forever. I could feel it in my bones, the way everything seemed to shift in an instant.

The last thought that crossed my mind before everything blurred into a haze of pain was how ready I had been to embrace my fate, to welcome this new life. But now? Now, I was terrified of what the night would bring.

As I lay there, the pain intensifying, I felt a sense of foreboding wash over me, a warning that something tragic was about to happen that would change my life forever.