Class 19864

Chapter 18: Nova

Song: Can't Stand the Rain by Lady Antebellum

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Chapter 18: Nova

Tori, Phoenix and I got back to the complex two days ago and Phoenix and I haven’t spoken since. I was amazed he’d found me but I can’t forgive what he said. The words cut me like daggers, cruel, piercing stabs all over my skin until I couldn’t stand it anymore. Finding out about Beth and Tori just confused me even more. Beth, only a year younger than I was now had given her baby up for adoption. She had been unable to handle looking after a child and Beth is one of the strongest people I know. Granted, Tori’s father wasn’t around and neither were Beth’s family. I know Phoenix will be here and my dad and Abigail will be too. But somehow I’m starting to think that maybe giving my baby up for adoption is what’s best for her. And don’t ask me how I know it’s a girl, I just know.

                I decided to speak to Beth. I had a decision in mind for my daughter. I knock precociously on the door of Beth’s office and hear her friendly voice. I push open the door and step inside.

“Nova!” She says, joy clear in her voice. “Is everything okay?”

I shrug and sit down. “I need to talk to you. About the baby’s future.”

Beth’s eyes widen. “What about it?”

I smile as tears prick the corners of my eyes. “She’s so special to me. And I want the best for her. Phoenix and I can’t give her that. We’re children ourselves. You couldn’t do it at this age and you’re one of the strongest people I know. I can’t get rid of her. But I can give her to someone I know can care for her. I want you to have her.”

Beth’s eyes widen to the size of saucers. “Nova…” She starts.

I shake my head. “Beth I need you to do this. I’d rather know she’s safe with someone I love and trust.”

Beth shakes her head. “I can’t. Please give her to your parents.”

I shake my head. “This is why I’m giving her to you Beth. My parents raised your baby, whom you never knew as a child. I want you to have my baby. Phoenix said if we got to be parents you deserved it. We don’t but you do. You have to take her.”

Beth sighs.

“I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I say, leaving the office quickly.

                I haven’t asked Phoenix if he’s okay with this but somehow I know he will be. He understands how much Beth wanted to know Tori as a child. Giving my daughter to Beth can ensure that Beth has a baby to call her own.  I step into the complex’s auditorium and flick the light switch. Nobody uses this pace except for me so it’s a convenient place to come.  I walk over to the old fashioned stereo on the side of the stage and press the play button, knowing instantly which song will play when the machine flickers to life. I start to sing as soon as I hear the music.

“The storms of life are gonna blow through, baby

You know we've all seen a cloud or two

But I meant it when I promised I would have your back through sky black or blue.

Do you remember how we swore forever till the sweet or the bitter end

Well, this is what they mean when they say you got the real thing in a friend.

With arms open wide

I'll be your umbrella when you just can't stand the rain

I'm there by your side,

I wanna be your shelter when you just can't stand

When you just can't stand the rain

I don't know where the road you're on is gonna end up

Or what this crazy world will put you through.

But don't you worry about me, baby

You just go and do what you gotta do.

I'll still be here for you

With arms open wide

I'll be your umbrella when you just can't stand the rain

I'm there by your side,

I wanna be your shelter when you just can't stand

When you just can't stand the rain”

I’m about to continue when I hear a voice across the auditorium join in. I look up to see Phoenix. We continue, singing the remainder of the song as a duet.

“When you can't take it even one more day

No, I'm never too far away

Even when you feel like you're out there on your own,

No you're not alone, no

Oh, no

With arms open wide

I'll be your umbrella when you just can't stand the rain

I'm there by your side,

I wanna be your shelter when you just can't stand

When you just can't stand the rain

Oh yeah

When you just can't stand the rain

When you just can't stand the rain”

He runs to me and kisses me softly.

“I’m sorry.” He says breathlessly. “I’m sorry for everything.”

I nod and tears well in my eyes.

“What?” He asks. “Is everything okay?”

I shake my head. “I did something bad. I should have asked you but I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“What?” He asks.

I look at the floor. “I told Beth I wanted her to take the baby when she’s born.”

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-----> Can't Stand the Rain by Lady Antebellum

Thanks for reading!

Sarah xx