Muted

Chapter 18

We got home at around two the next day. We were loving the fact that we spent most of the weekend together. Riley knew where we had gone and kept questioning me about it at school the next day. “I don’t want to get into those details because he is my brother, but, I’m more curious as to what you guys did. Did you go swimming? Did you lie down on the ocean front? Did you guys have sex?” I blushed at that one. “Oh my God! You did! Even after the whole situation?” “No, we didn’t sleep together. We just laid in each others’ arms. I had a major panic attack afterwards, though. I attributed that to my loveless childhood. He stopped when I told him to and he didn’t complain about it. I thought he was a true gentleman. I had fun and it was totally different than the whole Ian situation. I think I may actually, truly love him.”

It turns out that I wasn’t the only one with a confession. Laine, growing more and more each day, decided to tell her mom. She wanted us all there. She planned a dinner party with us and Mr. Halone. It was nerve wracking for her, so me and Hannah, the ‘detectives in dresses’ as Randy called us, decided to lure Laine’s mom to the venue. “Hey Ms. K, how are you? Hannah asked. “I’m fine, you?” “Oh, I’m not so well.” Hannah said. “Torie’s sick, my mom’s at work and the doctor isn’t in right now. I’m getting worried. Laine is with her now.” “She was running a fever when we left and she was starting to cough. She was also complaining that her throat hurts.” I added. “She may have strep! Oh dear, are you guys driving? Let’s go.” I grabbed Hannah’s keys, I got in the driver’s side. When they were in the car, I started the engine. I haven’t really driven since Ren made me drive when he was intoxicated. I did drive to the grocery store a few times. I was a bit shaky and had a slower reaction time than I should have. We got to the restaurant in ten minutes. “Why are we here?” Ms. K asked. “You’ll see.” Hannah said.

We walked in and were greeted by Laine. “Mom, I want you to have a seat wherever you want. She sat next to Mr. Halone. “Hello Thomas, how are you?” She asked. “Oh, just peachy.” He replied. “Why? What’s wrong?” “You’ll see.” “Mom, sorry for lying, but I had to get you here. You need to listen to what I have to say.” Laine started. “What’s wrong?” Her mom asked. “In a way, it’s what’s right. I’ve been secretly seeing Thomas for over a year. I know he was my teacher, but he is also my boyfriend. That’s not the only thing. I’m pregnant with his child.” Mr. Halone got up and took Laine's hand. " I'm going to marry her.” He said. “I know that you must think that this is a very inappropriate relationship, but I love Elaine.” He kissed her on her cheek. Ms. K stood up. “Thomas, Elaine, I am disappointed in you both, but I can’t change your decisions. I can’t promise my full support. Thomas, you are right. This type of contact is inappropriate, not just because you used to be her teacher, but because she is not yet a legal adult. I cannot influence her decisions once she turns eighteen. Also, regarding your pregnancy. I am not asking you terminate it, but you both are way too young to have children. I had Elaine when I was sixteen. A child at eighteen is not much easier, dear. Thomas, at twenty-five, and a teacher, how did you condone this behavior in a student.” He stared at Laine. “She made it very clear to me that she was interested in a relationship. I felt the same way. I do not see why this is such a big issue.” Ms. K walked up to them. “You should know why: criminal charges could be placed against you Thomas. Do you not understand that? The relations were consensual, so, you could be put away for statutory rape. You are legal and she is not. Do you have any self control?” “Mom, I have no choice now. I have a child to care for and a wedding to plan. Granted we'd be happier just going straight to the courthouse when I turn eighteen! We don't want a big wedding." "Yes, you do. He doesn't want a wedding because he'd be in big trouble. I know because he never quit. He still works at the school. He's not a teacher right now because he's been working with the principal to transfer to another school." Her mother said. Laine's turned to him. "Is that the truth, Thomas?" He nodded. "Yes, I'm sorry I lied, but I wanted it to be a surprise." She grabbed her stuff. "What if someone was watching us? You don't think." She ran out of the restaurant. Dan got up and threw his napkin down. "Wow, that teaching degree was really helpful." He said mockingly. "She's hormonal and pregnant. Why couldn't you just have told her? Were you afraid or something?" Mr. Halone walked to Dan. "I am deathly afraid. I can't screw up our relationship." "Too late." Monroe muttered under his breath. "You're damn right. I just fucked up with the girl carrying my child! I would love a big wedding! That can't happen. It's too expensive. I'm a teacher, dating a student who doesn't work. The salary isn't that great." Thomas grabbed his coat and stormed out of the restaurant. I looked at the others and left the restaurant as well.