Fifty-Two Weeks

thirteen

The silence that followed Ashton's realization was eerie and tension was thick. The pair sat together, wondering what the other was thinking.

Scarlett's worrisome mind was now full of regret, yet she was relieved. Ashton finally knew the truth and she no longer had to fall asleep with a guilty conscience and heavy heart. But he wasn't ready for this. She wasn't either but she didn't have a choice, Ashton had several. He could run away, deny any claims of the baby being his and start a new life. He could also leave her, knowing the child was his but not caring. Lastly, he could stay. Scarlett let her mind create elaborate scenarios, all ending in her raising this baby alone.

Meanwhile, Ashton's once carefree mind was plagued with concerns. Was the baby even his? Of course it was, she didn't tell him of any other romantic encounters, but why would she? Maybe she wasn't actually pregnant, maybe she just ate too much and decided to pull a prank on Ashton. That had to be it, he always had a condom when he knew he was going to get laid. That's when realization struck. Ashton hadn't known Scarlett was coming over. He wasn't thinking about fucking his best friend that day. He didn't have a condom. This was his fault.

The silence became too much for Scarlett, and she decided to take a risk.

"Ashton, you don't have to stay for this. I've been doing fine on my own, I mean my dad hates me but I've had lots of help! My mom comes around, Jess is always here, even your mom wants to help." His face shot up at the mention of his mother.

"You, you told my mom?" He whispered in disbelief. Scarlett nodded nervously, she didn't expect this type of reaction.

"Well yeah, it is her grandchild." Scarlett justified.

"Oh so it is mine?" Ashton mumbled and Scarlett's heart broke. How could he believe she would do something like that right after he confessed his love for her.

"Was she mad?" Ashton's strong persona faltered and he now looked like a child being scolded.

"No, she's really excited." Scarlett smiled and smoothed the fabric surrounding her bump.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Ashton asked, noticing Scarlett's focus on the small protruding lump. Scarlett laughed and it was like music to Ashton's ears, even if he was scared shitless.

"It's too early to know." She smiled and met his gaze, everything about him looked tense. Scarlett rubbed his thigh lovingly and noticed his features soften.

"How are you so calm about this? Jesus we're not even close to being ready for kids. We're not even close to being in a relationship..." Ashton grumbled and put his head in his hands.

"If I'm honest, this is the scariest thing I've ever done." She whispered. No matter how many times she told herself she was strong, Scarlett knew she wasn't. "I know this is too much to take in at once, you don't have to stay here with me." She placed her hand back in her lap and leant against the couch.

"We can't do this." Ashton stated openly.

"Maybe you can't, but I can. You can be in this baby's life or not, but it's real and it's coming." Her tone was unforgiving and under any other circumstance, Ashton would've tried to calm her.

"I need time." Ashton stood up and walked down the hall to Jess's room, leaving Scarlett all alone. She wasn't mad, she knew his reaction would be similar to this. They were barely adults, how the hell could they have a baby? Ash might come around with time but it was definitely too sudden. He needed time and Scarlett was okay with that.

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"Some kisses are worth the wait. When rushed, everything falls apart like a wrecking ball trying to love a house. Just pause and hear the best of hearts in sync at last." - Anonymous

It had been two weeks since their conversation on the couch and Ashton hadn't mentioned the baby since. Scarlett told herself she was fine, but as the days wore on she became a wreck. The sinking feeling of loneliness crept in, she was going to do this alone.

She thought about many things during the time she spent away from Ashton. First she thought about all the money she needed (and lacked) to afford this baby. Then came the scary realization that she might have to move out. Jess wouldn't want a crying baby around, especially not when she had classes to go to.

Scarlett had a definite case of baby brain, not that she minded much. She chose to not wait on Ashton or wallow in self pity, but instead put her health first. Yes she wanted a healthy baby, but all that junk wasn't going to do her good in the long run. So she made countless trips to the grocery store, stocking up on vegetables and fruit. Her cashier had curly hair like Ashton and she wondered if their child would have that as well. Then her mind wandered into dangerous territory as she thought about how distanced they were.

The phone calls ended, no voicemails to be heard. Their once constant paragraph long texts became simple sentences that arrived few and far between. Until today.

11:32am

From: Ashton

Can I come over?

11:33am

From: Scarlett<3

Um I guess, when?

11:36am

From: Ashton

Open the door.

Scarlett's anxiety went into overdrive. She hadn't expected him to come, let alone be waiting outside her apartment.

The walk to the front door seemed to take double the time it normally did. Scarlett checked her appearance in the mirror and quickly adjusted her shirt (which happened to be yet another one of Ashton's) and attempted to tame her hair. With a deep breath and a load of courage, Scarlett opened the door.

"Hi."

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I'M SORRY TO LEAVE IT LIKE THAT I KNOW YOU ALL HATE ME BUT I REALLY DO LOVE AND APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE READ, VOTE, AND COMMENT

How do you guys like this perspective? I think it's kind of cool to be honest :)

Also I know this is short but I wrote it while I was tanning and couldn't be bothered to make a sappy chapter

Let me know if you want more updates!! I changed the title to something more fitting, do you like??