Never One To Ask (Book 2) (Completed)

Chapter 26: His Aegis

Today is the beginning of the rest of my new life. I've committed my promise not only to Bernie, and myself, but to the little one in my stomach as well. It's November and I'm 18 weeks along. While this is a milestone for me, I now have to break some people's hearts and watch the embarrassing disappointment, or fake encouragement spell out across their faces. But, I don't care. This is my truth.

I give Jasean a kiss before he departs to meet with his mom. I'll see them both shortly. He carries my luggage into the hallway as I hear Amy squealing behind me. She runs up to me with a hug. "I'm gonna miss you, Keri. But, you'll be back, my favorite freshie."

I chuckle as I roll my eyes. "Amy, I'm a senior... in high school," I remind her.

She slaps her forehead. "That's right. You were just always so mature for your age," she smiles at me.

"Not as mature as you think, Amy." Her eyebrows furrow at my statement, forcing me to elaborate. "I'm pregnant. 4 months," I say.

Amy gasps and her eyes grow wide. "What?! I never even knew!" Her eyes fall to my belly and she reaches out to touch. "May I?"

"Of course," I oblige while she rubs my stomach. I look at her and realize I'll never see her again, causing me to burst into tears.

"Oh, Keriiii," she whines. "What's wrong?" I try to sniffle back some tears but they're already streaming.

"I'm not coming back," I explain. "I'm going home for good. And I'm gonna miss you guys so much." She hugs me again just as Gibby comes from his room with cleaning supplies. He wipes his forehead and then removes his gloves before approaching our hugging bodies.

"Keri, what's wrong?" He asks, noticing my crying eyes.

"I'm gonna miss you too," Amy says while crying with me. "You have my number, right? Call me sometime."

Gibby steps between us; asking again what's wrong. I just simply kiss his cheek and tell him that Amy will explain. "I'm so sorry, Gabriel." I'm apologizing, not only for leading him on, but for keeping my relationship and pregnancy hidden from him. I'm also sorry that we never got the chance to live in what could've been something real.

I hug Gibby and Amy one last time before waving goodbye and gathering my bags. Trudging towards the elevator, I get sad just thinking about the huge giant I must confront by confessing my wrongdoings to my mother who awaits me downstairs.

******

There she is, awaiting me with open arms at the dorm house entrance. She looks so beautiful in her skirt suit. I've never been so terrified and happy to see her at the same time before. It's bittersweet.

I approach her meekly, hoping my baby bump is choosing to hide in this stretchy pencil skirt. She hugs me really tight before kissing both cheeks. Mom catches my expression after pulling away. "Baby what's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me, mija?" I nod, wiping away traces of tears.

"Yeah, of course," I say, forcing a smile. "I'm just sad to see my friends go, ya know. It's hard to say goodbye."

My mom regards me in confusion but also in compassion. "Well," she hesitates. "It's okay, mija. You'll see them soon again after break." But sadly, I won't. And once she knows why, she'll probably be just as sad as I am right now.

Mom and I proceed to take my bags and things to the car, dropping them off before meeting Jay in one of the dining halls. I told my mom I wanted to have lunch with her before leaving Colorado. This may be the very last one I have in a while after what's about to transpire.

We search the hall, it's packed full with families who are gathered to celebrate the end of this first semester. Mom and I walk toward the back, where I've told Jay to sit so we're not making a scene.