Struggling to Survive

Chapter 8

Crystal
I slowly opened my eyes as I felt sunlight beaming into my room. I checked my phone and saw that it was 6:12 am. I scrolled through social media a bit before getting in the shower. When I finished getting ready in the bathroom. I walked out in my towel and Linda stood in front of me.

"Why do you always take long ass showers when you know I have to be to work early? Girl you getting old enough me for to kick you out without feeling guilty."
I folded my arms across my chest to stop my towel from falling.
"So do it."
She pushed me out of her way and went in the bathroom slamming the door. I went in my bedroom and sat on the edge of my bed.

Linda irritated me so much. I thought of running away at least twice everyday. But I never do because I remember how things used to be when I was younger. We were always doing things together. Her, granddaddy, and I. But once he died it's like she couldn't stand being in the same house as me.

Getting out of my thoughts I went and put on my light blue jumpsuit. I decided to tie my hair into a bun. I put on winged eye liner and strawberry flavored lipgloss. I put on silver hoops and white sandals. I went downstairs and decided to text Steph.

Me- 7:15am
You walking to school with me today?

BESTIEEEEE🤪💕- 7:18am
Yea already on the way to your house. I gotta talk to you so I think we should go get breakfast at McDonald's.

Me- 7:19am
K

I went back upstairs to grab my bag. Linda stopped me.
"Listen I'm working late tonight so don't have no nasty ass little boys in my house. The only little boy I somewhat like is Nigel and he's still not allowed to come in my house. Don't let me find out you disobeyed me either. And that fast ass bestfriend of yours can not come anywhere near my house."
"Linda she's on her way to walk me to school. She's not even fast. She's slept with one person in the whole school and no one else. Stop always trying to come for me and my friends."
"Little girl don't talk back. Slap the black off your black ass! Keep trying me!"
I rolled my eyes and went back downstairs until Steph texted me saying she was outside.

I saw her and we began walking in silence to McDonald's. I kept looking over at her and saw her staring down at the ground. I knew something was wrong with her because she's always wanting to talk but I decided to wait until we got there to ask what was wrong.

As we walked inside she found a seat and stared at me. I sat down across from her and saw tears in her eyes. I reached over and held her hand.
"Steph what's wrong beautiful?"
"Crys I can't believe this." She said quietly.
"Believe what?"
"I'm pregnant."

I felt my mouth drop open a little and lost my breath for a second. She noticed my face and shook her head. I quickly fixed my face and tried to relax.
"Are you sure?"
"I took like 8 test last night and they all said the same damn thing. Positive."
She pulled her hand away and sat up.
"I'm keeping it. I'm not gonna be like my mom and get an abortion every time one isn't planned."
I gave her a reassuring look and nodded my head.
"Does Trey know?"
"No I'm scared. What we have going on is pretty fun. You know. No titles or anything. But now we gotta grow the fuck up and raise a child. I've decided if he decides to walk out on me and my baby then I'll just have to deal with it. I'm taking care of my responsibilities."

That's the number one thing I love about Stephanie. She took responsibility for anything she did. She was the most responsible person I've ever met. Probably because of the way she was raised. But I know this baby is blessed to have her as a mother.

Speaking of the devil, Trey and Nigel walked into McDonald's and directly towards us. I looked over at Steph and mouthed whether or not she was gonna tell him now. She nodded yes. She was one of those type of people who never wanted to wait to tell something. Nigel sat next to me as Trey sat next to her.