When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 14: A Parent's Fury and Agitation

Summer 22

I was pacing back and forth in my bedroom, trying to come up with a way to tell my parents that I was pregnant. I felt my heart racing; none of the scenario plans played out very well in my head. This was going to be as hard as I thought, if not harder.

"Clara?" Mom's gentle voice called out as she knocked on my bedroom door.

"Y-yeah?" I asked as she opened the door, a look of worry on her face.

"Are you alright? I've heard you pacing from downstairs for an hour." She said as I blushed. I didn't have the guts to tell her my secret yet.

"Uh, yeah! Yeah, I just...I'm not sure what my mood is today, so it's hard for me to pick out an outfit." I said.

"Oh? You know, my grandmother was the same way! Every outfit she had reflected her mood in some way." Mom said as I looked over at her curiously.

"Really?" I asked in surprise as she nodded.

"Maybe I can help?" She suggested as I blushed.

"Uh, okay! Maybe something loose today?" I asked, I wanted to hide my growing midriff as best as I could. Mom nodded.

"Of course! Let's see, loose..." Mom started rummaging through my drawers.

"Hmmm. Oh! How about this?" Mom asked, pulling out a plum-colored peplum blouse and a pair of wide-leg pants in a slate gray color.

"Sure! That'll work! And I'll just wear my purple flats today as well." I said as mom smiled.

"Now, hurry and dress! It's almost time for you to leave!" Mom exclaimed as she left my room. Maybe I could just tell her and dad after I give some more thought on what to say.

-

The bell rang as my classmates and I left our morning class, switching with the afternoon class. I noticed that Mr. Barrett was nowhere to be seen.

"Shall we hang out today?" Leann asked.

"I can, yeah." Orland said with a smile.

"I can't...I'm grounded." Leonel said, sighing and blushing deeply.

"Oh? What did you do, Leonel?" Leann asked in concern as Leonel became nervous.

"Ah, I-I'd rather not talk about it." He said, his eyes darting at me for a second.

"What about you, Clara?" Leann asked as I blushed.

"Uh, I can't...I've got...a lot of stuff to do." I said, my cheeks reddened deeper.

"Maybe another time?" Leann asked as I nodded, Leonel sighed.

"I'd better hurry before I get into even more trouble than I am now." He said, rushing to the south as fast as he could. Mr. Barrett was probably waiting for him to make sure he comes home before he heads to the academy.

"We'll see you two tomorrow." Leann said as I waved my hand, taking a left, and walking slowly to my house. I inhaled deeply, trying to gather up my courage. I had to tell them! I shouldn't hesitate any longer. The longer I wait, the more difficult it'll be to tell them. I grabbed the knob, but before I could twist it, I overheard my dad yelling about something. I let go of the knob to listen.

"My daughter is pregnant?!?" Dad's voice boomed as my eyes widened. How did he-?

"For the hundredth time, Jack! Yes! And she was supposed to tell-!" Barrett's voice said as I blushed, Barrett told them?!? However, before he was able to finish what he was saying,.