Before Together After Forever

Chapter 7 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

Sunlight streamed into my room, casting an illusion that everything was fine. Despite the weight of my circumstances, I refused to let Claire's selfish scheming drag me down. Opting for the driver to take me to school instead of Will, I avoided the barrage of questions from him and Ariel. I wasn't prepared to confront their inquiries just yet.

Arriving at school, I couldn't bring myself to face the classes. I approached the principal, expressing my desire for self-study to focus on my university designs. Without probing further, he granted me permission to proceed. There was an unspoken understanding that this was a time I needed space and solitude.

I managed to get some work done before the approaching lunch break stirred my hunger.

"There you are!" Will's exclamation was almost theatrical as he threw his hands up dramatically upon spotting me.

I just shook my head in response.

"Where on earth have you been all day? I was worried sick," he exclaimed, taking a seat with Ariel at the lunch table.

I started picking at my food. "Just around school. Needed some time alone."

Ari glanced at me; her expression curious. "How did things go last night?"

"It wasn't as bad as I expected. They're not thrilled, but they said they'll support whatever decision I make. Claire and a doctor are coming over later," I explained.

"So, you're going to be a teenage dad?" Will inquired.

"Well, actually..." I began, letting out a sigh. "I'm not entirely sure."

Ariel rolled her eyes. "That selfish, self-centered woman wants an abortion, right?"

I nodded. "That's part of it. But there's more. I'm just one of the three possible fathers."

Ariel seemed unfazed. "Figures she's a bit of a mess," she remarked, finishing her lunch.

"Wow..." Will's response was simple.

Feeling the weight of the situation, I stood up, leaving my half-eaten meal behind. "I'm calling it an early day. Need to mentally prepare for Claire and my mother being in the same room."

I returned home and found myself lingering in my room, jotting down the potential responsibilities looming ahead. Unaware of their arrival, I had spent about four hours lost in thought until one of the maids informed me that Claire was downstairs with my parents. I descended the stairs to see the three of them waiting.

"Glad you could join us," Claire said with a smirk. "Let's get this over with."

My mom seemed visibly upset, though she tried to maintain her composure. My dad cleared his throat. "Ms. Rosemount..."

"Claire," she interjected.

"Claire," my father continued, "You've placed my son in a very difficult situation. Your ultimatums will not be entertained."

My mother stepped forward, meeting her gaze squarely. "And we'll simply involve the authorities. You're over 16, my son is under the age of consent. Statutory rape is a serious offense. The sex offender registry is real. So, unless you fancy a lifetime spot on it, I suggest you seriously consider our terms when they're presented to you."

Claire was visibly furious. I remained silent until prompted to speak. It was clear that solving this issue was on me, but my mom's reminder of my minor status emphasized the gravity of the situation I had gotten into.

"Claire, this child could be a Trent, and we'll determine the truth soon. I take responsibility if the child is mine," I stated, meeting her eyes.

"Whatever. Do you really think I feel threatened? I don't care about this child. Do what you want, just ensure I get something if it's yours. Child support is a thing, Mrs. Trent," Claire ranted.

"Mr. Trent, the car's here for everyone," Neil, our driver, interrupted.

"I had a checkup a few days ago, and the baby is fine," Claire added dismissively.

Exiting the house, I clarified, "This isn't a checkup, Claire. It's a DNA test."