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Chapter 15 - The Doubt Lingers

The following days were a mix of cautious hope and lingering anxiety. Justin had been trying his best to show me he was serious about stepping up as a father. He texted me daily, checked in during lunch, and even walked me to class. But with each act of kindness, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if it was all just a facade. Was he genuinely trying to change, or was this just another game for him?

Tara could sense the turmoil within me. "You've got that look again," she said one day after school, as we sat on my bed, surrounded by baby books and random clothes I had outgrown. "What's going on?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. "It's Justin. He's been trying really hard to be nice and supportive, but I can't shake the feeling that he's faking it. Like he's just playing a part."

Tara frowned, folding her arms. "What do you mean?"

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't know! He texts me every day, acts like he cares, but it feels too good to be true. I can't help but think that maybe he's just putting on a show to look good. What if he's just doing it for appearances?"

"Mia, he did hurt you, and I get why you're skeptical," she replied gently. "But he's been pretty consistent lately, hasn't he? Maybe he really does want to be involved."

"Maybe," I said, feeling the knot in my stomach tighten again. "But what if this is just his way of trying to win me back? I can't let him manipulate me like that. I don't want to be his backup plan."

Tara reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Have you talked to him about how you feel? Sometimes it helps to lay everything out on the table."

"No, I haven't," I admitted, feeling a mix of relief and fear. "I just don't want to seem paranoid or push him away if he's really trying."

"Look, I know it's scary," Tara said, her voice steady. "But you deserve to know the truth. If he really cares, he'll understand where you're coming from. You need to protect yourself and the baby, and if that means having an honest conversation, then you should do it."

I nodded, her words echoing in my mind. Maybe I needed to confront Justin directly about my doubts. As much as I wanted to believe he was being sincere, I needed to trust my instincts.

The next day, as I stood outside the school, waiting for Justin to arrive, my heart raced with anticipation and dread. He approached with a smile, and I felt a mixture of warmth and uncertainty.

"Hey!" he called, his voice bright. "How's your day going?"

"Fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "Can we talk for a second?"

"Of course! What's up?" He looked genuinely interested, which only added to my confusion.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation. "I wanted to talk about... us. About what's been going on."

His smile faltered slightly, and I noticed the change in his demeanor. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

I hesitated, searching for the right words. "You've been really nice lately, and I appreciate it. But I can't help but wonder if it's genuine or if you're just trying to put on a show. It feels like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Justin's expression shifted to one of concern. "Mia, I get why you'd feel that way. I messed up, and I understand your hesitation. But I really want to be there for you and the baby. I'm not faking it."

"But how do I know that?" I pressed, my voice trembling slightly. "How do I know this isn't just some act to make you look good?"

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his posture. "Because I've been trying to show you I care. I know I've made mistakes, but I'm trying to make things right. I want to be involved in the baby's life, and I want to be a part of yours too."

"But why now?" I asked, the doubt still gnawing at me. "What changed?"

"I realized how much I was taking for granted," he admitted, his voice softer. "I know I can't erase the past, but I want to be better. I want to be someone you can trust."

I felt a flicker of hope mixed with skepticism. "It's just hard for me to believe that, especially after everything that's happened. I'm scared, Justin. Scared of getting hurt again."

"I understand," he said, stepping closer. "I don't want to rush you or push you into anything. But I'm here, and I'm serious about making this work. Just give me a chance."

I looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. "Okay," I said slowly. "But this has to be a two-way street. If I'm going to trust you, I need to see you put in the effort consistently, not just when it's convenient for you."

"I can do that," he replied earnestly. "I'll prove it to you, I promise."

As we stood there, I felt a weight lift slightly from my shoulders. I didn't have all the answers, and I wasn't completely convinced yet. But at least I was being honest with him, and that felt like a step in the right direction.

As we parted ways, I took a deep breath, feeling both relieved and apprehensive. It wouldn't be easy to build trust, but I was willing to try. Maybe, just maybe, we could navigate this new territory together.

But deep down, I knew I'd have to keep my guard up until I was sure he wasn't faking his intentions. My heart was fragile, and I had to protect it—and the little one growing inside me—at all costs.