My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 73: Promise

The night air clung to Stephen's skin as he stood at the doorway, the porch light casting a pale glow across Patricia's face. His shoulders were tight, jaw set.

"Why didn't you call me?" he asked quietly. "We can't talk right now. This isn't the right time."

"It's urgent," she said, voice trembling just enough to show strain. "I won't take much of your time, I promise. Can I at least come in?"

He hesitated, glancing back toward the dim hallway leading to his bedroom.

"Fine. But make it quick. Sharon's here — she's asleep. I don't want her getting the wrong idea if she sees you."

She stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Her gaze wandered, heavy with something he couldn't read.

"That's exactly what bothers me, Stephen," she said after a pause. "I really wish... what happened between us didn't happen. You two look good together."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

Patricia drew in a slow breath, clasping her hands as if bracing herself.

"I'm pregnant, Stephen."

The words dropped between them like shattered glass.

"I tried to terminate it," she continued, voice cracking. "I'm not ready to be a mother. But the doctor said there's a chance I might not conceive again if I do, and I—"

"Wait. Slow down." He lifted a hand, confusion flooding his face. "Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't you be discussing it with your boyfriend?"

Her eyes locked onto his.

"You're the father."

Silence swallowed the room.

"I haven't gotten my period since we slept together," she said. "I'm sure of it."

Stephen let out a strained laugh that held no humor.

"What the hell are you saying?" he whispered harshly. "It was one night. And we've been careless before — why now? Are you sure you're not making this up?"

Her chin lifted. "We can run tests if you think I'm lying."

He ran a hand through his hair, pacing like a caged animal.

"Oh God... What am I supposed to do? I just got Sharon back." His voice dropped. "Who else knows?"

"My friend."

He stopped walking. "Okay... Let this settle for now. I don't know what to do yet. Please don't tell anyone else. Can you do that?"

She nodded slowly. "I'll try."

"Thank you. You need to leave before she wakes up."

He opened the door. Patricia stepped out into the cool darkness.

"Okay."

Stephen leaned against the door once it closed, his breath uneven.

"Oh God... what have I done?"

Patricia's voice floated back as she reached her car.

"This is just the beginning, Stephen," she said, slipping inside. "You're going to regret leaving me."

⸻

Inside

Stephen walked back into the bedroom, tension still etched across his face — only to find Sharon awake, curled against the pillows, the glow of her phone lighting her features.

"Have you been awake?" he asked, unease creeping into his voice.

"No," she replied simply.

"You should be resting." He sat beside her, mattress dipping under his weight.

"I know. My dad texted — asking if I'm still coming for dinner."

Stephen tilted his head. "Which one? You have two dads."

She smiled faintly. "Patricia's."

"Oh..." He nodded. "So you're going?"

"Yeah. Will you come with me?" Her voice softened. "I know it's a lot to ask... but I don't want to feel alone."

He looked at her — really looked — and warmth flickered through him