Growing up Together

Chapter 14

Updated: Spelling Check
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Chapter fourteen

Later:

I'm inside my cabin cooking some chips, making potato salad and coleslaw with mom and Carry.

Dad had announced a few hours ago that we have to set up a welcome home barbecue for the boys. Though I don't know why, they'll probably be gone soon anyway.

Mom and I haven't spoken about what she heard earlier and I think that's because Carry is here. Neither has realized that the other knows and I hope it stays like that for a while longer.

But I know mom will bring it up the second we're alone so I'm just going to take every precaution to not be alone.

So I'll probably keep Sam close because she knows she can't say anything around him. He's incredibly smart and even though he can't talk yet there is no doubt in my mind that he'll find another way to tell everyone my secret.

Sometimes his brain isn't a good thing and I suppose now is one of those times.

And just as we finish preparing the food I think I am safe, but I was wrong.

"I'm sorry for saying this around Carry but when the hell did you and Jared sleep together?" Mom demands in a rush as if it had just been building up inside her until her bubble-like resolve burst.

So much for her not saying anything around Carry.

"How did you find out?" Carry asks taken aback.

Mom's head snaps around to look at her and she seems outraged that her eldest knew who the father was before she did.

"I heard it through the baby monitor earlier today. When did you find out?" She demands.

"I figured it out the night she told us she was pregnant." Carry shrugs nonchalantly but by the look on her face, she knows she's in deep shit.

"You knew all this time and you never told me? And you! Why did you keep it a secret?" Mom asks accusingly not looking like a very happy momma bear.

I blush under her scrutinized glare.

"I'm sorry Mom but I didn't think I needed to. We only slept together once and the next morning he was gone. I couldn't contact him and I didn't think he would be coming back anytime soon. And anyway, we all know how bad Dad would have reacted if he found out the guy who knocked me up was him and he took off before I even woke up." I shrug feeling ashamed by how hurt she looks.

Mom still doesn't look happy that I hadn't told her but her eyes soften and she pulls me into one of her warm hugs.

"Oh, honey. I suppose I understand where you're coming from but you should have told me at least and I wouldn't have told your father. You shouldn't have been alone through that no matter how scared Jared was."

Wait, what?

I pull back to frown at her only to find her looking a little sheepish.

"What, why was Jared scared?" I ask in confusion but also hope that he had left for a reason.

She blushes and shakes her head sadly.

"I can't tell you, I promised him I wouldn't say anything to anyone about it. He'll tell you if he's ready. Just give the boy a chance, I know the only reason he'd be back is for you so don't be too hard on him." She says encouragingly.

I'm really confused but I decide to just nod anyway.

What did Jared tell her that made him leave?