Abandoned

It's time she knew

4 Months Later (Lauren's POV)

I 100% look pregnant now. I've been saving up for my hospital bill. I've already bought a crib. Tomorrow is Emma's birthday. I'm gonna take the kids shopping for some cupcakes today.

•  •  •

"What kind does she prefer?" I ask Ava.

"She likes chocolate." Ava suggests. I nod.

We walk over to the cakes and pick out a box of chocolate cupcakes. Then we check out and leave.

• • •

We go back to the alley and hide the cupcakes from Emma. Emma gets back from her shift at the bookstore. She pulls me aside.

"I think it's time." Emma says quietly.

"Time?" I ask, confused. "Time for what?"

"That Ava found out." She stutters, "About what happened to you."

My eyes widen. I didn't expect that. I'm not sure, she's so young, but it had to happen sooner or later.

• • •

Emma and I take the kids to a nearby park, the same one where I first met Emma. While Liam and Noah play on the playground, Emma and I pull Ava aside. We sit on a bench. I turn to her.

"Do you know what happened to me?" I ask her, "How I got pregnant?"

"Not really." She sighs, "I've heard of the talk, but never had it." I glance at Emma.

"What?" She says defensively, "It's awkward!"

"So I guess we'll start with that." I said.

•  •  •

We start with the talk. Then we go to the concept of rape, which isn't any less awkward. After that, we move on to my story. From when I was asked out to when my parents kicked me out. When I finish, I'm practically in tears.

"So all of that happened to you?" Ava asks.

"Y-yes," I stutter.

"Oh." She looks down.

"Did it hurt?" She asks.

"Ava!" Emma hits Ava on the arm so she'd stop.

"Yes," I say, "Physically and emotionally."

"Oh." She says quietly, in shock.

"Lauren?" A voice asks from behind me. Emma, Ava, and I all turn around to see Skylar.