Do It Again

Chapter 30

"Ross!" I never noticed him. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear that you have to tell me something." Ross crossed his arms. "What is it?"

"She's not ready to tell you." Blake stood between us.

"You're not part of this." Ross barked.

"Don't yell at him!" I called from behind Blake. "He didn't do anything." I reached out and tugged on the back of Blake's shirt. He slowly moved to my side.

"Why can't you tell me?" Ross moved closer.

"I'm not ready to yet." I admitted.

"I heard you say you didn't want to hurt me. It's hurting me knowing that you're keeping something from me. What is it?" He was begging for an answer.

"Don't do this." I whispered.

"Are you really pregnant?"

I let a tear fall down my cheek. "Don't."

"Ashley." His voice shook. "I need to know."

"Yes." Tears stained my face. "I'm pregnant."

His eyes became glassy. "Whose is it this time?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Whose is it?" He wouldn't give up. "Is it his?" He pointed at Blake.

"No!" Why was he making me do this? "Please stop."

Blake touched my shoulder to comfort me. He wasn't leaving my side.

"Is it Rocky's?" Ross kept going.

"Stop calling the baby an it." I wiped my eyes. "This child is a human being and you will not treat him or her like they're not."

"Is the baby Rocky's?" He was becoming impatient.

"Yes."

Ross turned for the house.

"Wait!" I called after him. "Don't leave me angry."

"Well I can't be happy for you." He called over his shoulder. "Not with my brothers kid."

"Then what is Rose to you?" It was my turn to push for answers.

"Not my kid." He went into the house.

"You said you would treat her as your own!" I yelled even though he was gone. "I thought you loved her! I thought you loved me!"

Blake crouched down in front of me and held me tight. "It's ok." He whispered into my hair. "I'm here. Don't cry."

"Didn't you just hear what he said?" My voice cracked.

"I heard him." He pet my hair. "I'm sure he didn't mean it. He'll be back."

"I never wanted to hurt him. If he's mad at me I won't be able to live with myself. He doesn't want Rose and he doesn't want this new baby."

"He didn't mean it." He held me closer. "He'll be back and he'll apologize. He can't live without you either. There's no way he'll be able to stay mad at you."

"You don't know that."

"I do. I know that because I'll never be able to forget my first love either. She broke my heart but I can never stay mad at her."

I wiped my eyes. "Promise?"

He kissed my forehead. "I would never lie to you."

I nodded. "I'm just so tired of this."