Pure Seduction

Chapter 12

We all sit around the table, enjoying the meal that has been prepared for us - steak and mashed potatoes with vegetables. There is a certain tension in the room and I can't help but feel responsible for it. Jordan doesn't seem to notice as he shovels food down his throat. Leila seems odd but she's been like this the last few times I've saw her. "Would you like a glass of wine, Madison?" my dad asks, breaking the silence.

He stands with the bottle, ready to fill my cup but I shake my head. Raising his eyebrows, he simply stares at me for a long moment before sitting down. Everyone stares at me except Isabelle who shoots disapproving looks across the table. Clearing my throat, I glance around the table before casting my eyes downward. "I want to apologize for my behavior. My actions have been unacceptable and it took being admitted into the hospital for me to realize it," I say softly. "My mind set has completely changed. Now, I understand that you are all worried about me but I can't just better myself in one night. It's going to take some time and I want to maintain some distance."

"Of course," my dad nods. "We just want what's best for you."

"Are you going to stop working?" Jordan asks.

I shake my head. "No. I will continue to work but I'm going to make more of an effort to spend more time at home from here on out."

"Why don't you stay here?" Leila asks.

I sigh. "Distance, Leila."

The table falls silent again as we finish our dinner. After everyone is finished, we head into the living room to watch a movie. Halfway through the movie, Leila stands up, blocking the screen. "What are you doing?" Jordan yells. "This is the best part!"

"I'm pregnant," she says quickly.

Isabelle pauses the movie and we all glance at my dad. He gapes at her with wide eyes. When the silence becomes to much, Leila groans. "Say something, please."

"Way to make the night about you," Jordan says, glaring at her.

Leila frowns, furrowing her eyebrows. "Fuck you. I had to tell you all eventually. We can hardly get her to visit anyways and I wanted her to know too."

"Yeah but this night was supposed to be about her," Jordan continues. "You could've done it another day."

"When? Maybe -"

"Are you keeping it?" I ask, interrupting her.

She glares at me. "It? Yes, I am keeping my baby." I nod slowly and she puts her hand on her hip. "What?"

"You're young, that's all," I shrug.

"I'm perfectly capable of being a mother if that's what your insinuating," she snaps.

"Leila, I can guarantee you that you are not ready to be a mother. I know you. You'll be determined to do this by yourself and you'll realize you can't," I say. "You're not ready - you're still a child. Being a parent isn't easy."

"I can -"

"Stop!" my dad yells, standing up. "All of you go to bed."

"But -" Leila begins.

"Now," he says venomously.

Pouting, Leila stomps away, proving my point about her being childish and not being ready to take on parenthood. I'm not suggesting that she should get rid of the baby, only to think about what this will bring. She's young and doesn't fully understand all of the responsibilities that come with being a parent. Her and Brendan have a lot of growing up to do before they become parents. You have to be able to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.

Standing up, I go upstairs to Leila's bedroom and let myself in. She's laying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I have nothing to say to you," she mumbles.

Sighing, I sit on the edge of her bed and look down at her. "Look, I didn't mean that you should get rid of the baby or anything," I begin. "You just need to understand that you have to be able to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else."

"I can take care of myself," she says.

I shake my head. "You and Brendan both live with your parents. Does he even have a job?"

"Yes. He works at his grandfathers furniture store," she says.

"Do you know how much he makes?" She nods and I continue. "Now begin subtracting the cost of diapers, wipes, clothes, a crib, a carseat -"

"I get it," she sighs.

"And where are you guys gonna live?" I ask. "It's unfair to live here because dad and Isabelle have their own baby on the way and it's unfair to live at Brendan's because I'm sure his parents would hate it."

"I know," she says softly.

"My point is that you two have a lot to talk about. You guys might think you have a while to figure things out but the baby will be here quicker than you think." She nods and I smile down at here. "Things will be okay eventually. Just give dad some time to cool off. And I wouldn't bring Brendan around any time soon."

She chuckles. "I won't."

"I'm gonna head home but I'll talk to you soon, okay?"

She nods. "Bye, Madison."

After hugging her, I go back downstairs to find Isabelle and my dad whispering back and forth in the kitchen. I knock on the wall to alert them of my presence. "Sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to say thanks for dinner before I left."

Isabelle smiles at me as she walks around the island to get to me. "You're welcome. I'm glad you came. Thank you for inviting me to go shopping with you."

I smile. "No problem. I had fun."

She gives me a hug before allowing my father to take her place. He pats my back. "Take care of yourself, Madison. Call us if you need anything, no matter the time or day."

"I will, dad. Thank you."

Leaving the house, I get into my car and begin driving. When I pass by Alex's neighborhood, I feel an ache in my chest. Not long ago I was reunited with Robert and Alex and now they're both gone. It hurts more than words can describe and I know I'm to blame.

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