Before Together After Forever

Chapter 5 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

Walking up to Claire's apartment, everything felt askew. When she answered the door, I hesitated before entering.

"So..." I began, unsure where to start.

She sprawled on the couch, cigarette in hand. "I'm withdrawing from school."

I remained near the door. "Why...?"

Taking a drag, she exhaled smoke in my direction. "I'm pregnant."

I must have looked stunned. "You're what?"

She smirked, casually flicking ashes into an ashtray on the nearby chair. "You, Mr. Trent, will be a father in about seven months—give or take. But you're just one of the possibilities."

"What do you mean one of the possibilities? You're my girlfriend. You should have been with me, only me!" I exclaimed.

She shrugged. "Oh, please. You were just a means to an end. Getting pregnant by you was for hush money."

"Hush money? You don't even know who the father is! Did you extort them too?"

She laughed. "I don't need to, Rex. They're deadbeats who want this kid gone. But you, you have a name to protect. I have proof of us, proof of sex. I don't need to prove the child is mine."

Rummaging in her bag, she tossed an ultrasound at me. "Here's your potential kid. Pay up the amount written on the back and a generous allowance, or it's news to the masses."

Shocked, I stared at the ultrasound. "First, stop smoking if you're pregnant. Second, I won't just give you money. If this child is a Trent, my family will take care of it. Third, I'll talk to my parents about this, so don't do anything foolish."

She slammed her hands on the table. "I make the demands! Give me the money, and we'll forget this."

I called Will. "I need to go."

"You won't ignore me, you bastard!" Claire screamed.

"We know the consequences of our actions. Unlike you, I'm responsible. Come to my house tomorrow," I said, leaving her apartment. My world felt like it was collapsing—becoming a father, her betrayal, her intention to abort an innocent child for personal gain.

Will and Ariel arrived shortly. I was distraught, feeling lost. I hopped into the back seat, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Mate, you look shaken. What's wrong?" Will asked, concern etched on his face.

"She's pregnant," I murmured.

He would've hit the brakes if not for the highway.

"What?!" they exclaimed in unison.

Ariel held back her words, sparing my feelings. I longed for an honest female perspective.

"Hold on. Didn't you use protection?" Will asked disappointedly. "It's basic sex ed."

I felt pinned to the car seat. "She said she was on the pill; I saw her taking them in the morning."

"Placebos, mate. Sugar pills," Ariel explained as the car halted.

"What will you do?" Will asked as I stepped out in front of my house.

"What else can I do besides tell my parents..." Itrailed off, stepping inside.