No More Nice Girl

3. Responsibility

Cover Image: Wade Poezyn as Marcus Sykes. 

Marcus

Music: Don't Let Me Down (Cover) - Sam Tsui

The Feeling- Justin Bieber ft. Halsey

Please Don't Go- Joel Adams

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"Good news," the OB said, closing the door behind her. "the baby is healthy, and so are you. I am however only concerned about one thing. When we ran the labs, you were a little low on folic acid. I suggest you eat more leafy greens, they're full of them, and if your levels don't improve, we'll put you on a supplement." Lucy nodded, still laying on the table, her hand protectively placed on her stomach. The minute I found out that she was pregnant, which is the moment Mer decided to confront her about it, I was ready to take responsibility for the baby. I don't care how old I am; I refuse to let this child be raised without both parents in its life. I'll go as far as I have to to ensure that this baby is taken care of and loved.

"When will we know if the baby is a boy or girl?" I asked the OB, and she smiled kindly at me, her crow's-feet becoming more prominent.

"At about the sixteen-to-twenty-week mark. That's when it's the clearest to see." I nodded and looked at Lucy, she looked scared. We had talked about it that same night, and she was afraid. I have no idea what it would be like to be in her position. I got up from my seat and walked over to her and grasped her hand firmly in mine. I gave her a reassuring smile, and she hesitantly smiled back. "So remember, no alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs." The OB said, and Lucy nodded. She didn't do any of that stuff, but it was still nice to be reminded I guess.

"What about..." Lucy stopped and glanced up at me, and I gave her a questioning look. She motioned for the doctor to move closer to her, and the doctor leaned down so Lucy could whisper in her ear. She laughed and straightened up, nodding at Lucy.

"It's totally safe, as long as you are both careful and don't go too rough then it should be fine." She says. I nodded, knowing now what Lucy asked the doctor. I wasn't really in the mood for that lately, I don't know why.

"Is there anything else?" I ask the OB, and she shakes her head.

"Nope, you guys should be all set. Just make sure that you schedule another appointment two weeks from now so we can check in and see how the baby is doing." She smiles warmly at us and leaves the room. Lucy sits up and gets off of the table she was laying down on. She takes my hand and smiles at me and we walk out of the room together. After making our appointment with the secretary we left the office and I drove Lucy home. She gave me a quick kiss goodbye and I watched her walk in, making sure she was safe before I left. I was halfway home when my phone started ringing, I picked it up and looked at the caller-ID. Sweetheart <3. My heart started beating faster and I suddenly became anxious. I picked it up quickly.

"Mer! Finally, listen love I—" I start to say, but she cuts me off.

"Come get your shit from my house." She snarls into the phone, "After that, I don't even want to look at you again." She hangs up abruptly, and I sigh. I shoot her a quick text saying I'd be there in 15 minutes. I turned around and drove to her house. When I rang the doorbell, her father answered.

"Hello, sir—" I start, but Mr. Duvall cuts me off.

"Shame on you." Mr. Duvall says, clearly angry with me. "Shame on you, young man. You should have had a higher value for the woman in your life." My eyes widen, and I start to stammer over some sort of excuse, some apology. But I can't because I have no idea why I even cheated on Mer. I loved her, I still love her, with Lucy it was just a feeling. At least, I think it was. After Mer left that night, I felt the worst guilt that I have ever felt before. Am I actually in love with her? I ask myself, rolling the question around in my head.