Gangs, drugs and her

22

A week later. Regina hasn't spoken to me about being pregnant since she told me. Me and Lola made up but it didn't really feel like much of a make up. My dog died which made Freddie upset but he's alright now. Today I was walking down the street when I saw Regina in the shop across the road. I saw it was a pharmacy. I went across the street quick and followed her in. I saw she was by the pregnancy tests.

"Gina" I say walking towards her.

"Ow Emma. I didn't see you there" she says looking at me a little embarrassed what she was doing.

"I thought you already knew" I asked gesturing towards the tests.

"Well guessed. I haven't had my period in 3 months and Mitch doesn't ever use protection" she says skimming her eyes across the all the different tests.

"Mitch? That's his name" I asked now know the name of this jerk.

"Shit... don't you dare arrest him" she says looking shocked at me.

"He beats you. He rapes you. Regina that's a criminal offence" I sighed as I stepped closer to her.

"I can't raise a baby alone Emma" Regina replied as she stood in fear.

"Regina you can. I raised Freddie alone"

"I can't raise a baby Emma! I'd rather do it with someone who beats me than alone. I'm not able to do it alone. I'm not like you. I'm not as strong as you" she quickly says looking as if she was going to cry.

"I'm going to help you then. This baby will have a beautiful life with you as it's amazing mum and me helping. This Mitch will go to prison for the shit he's done" I say as I held both her hands in mine.

"You'd actually do that" Regina asked looking shocked at me.

"Yes. I'm not as much of a total bitch as you think" I replied with a slight chuckle.

"I don't think your... no your right I did think you were a bitch. Do you know what test is best" she asked still looking at all of them.

I reached across and picked up the one that I used with Freddie. I gave her the test and she looked curiously at it.

"This one I used. It worked every time" I say handing it to her.

"Every time? We're you trying" she asked looking curiously at me.

"Me and Freddie's dad did try for a little bit but we decided to stop. A month later I got pregnant with Freddie" I replied as I remembered my time with Fredrick my ex fiancé.

"Why did he leave if you were trying" Regina asked as we started walking toward the counter.

"I don't know. I was six months pregnant and came home to find a note with his engagement ring on it" I replied as Regina placed the test on the counter.

"You were engaged? I never knew that. I'm sorry" she softly says looking up at me.

"That will be ten bucks" the guy at the counter says about the price.

"I got it" I quickly say while handing the man money.

"Thanks. You didn't have to" Regina says smiling softly and picking up the test from the counter. Me and Regina left the shop. "My apartments round the corner. Can you come with me to see if I'm pregnant" she says looking down nervous.

"Yeah of course. Also I have something to tell you when we get there" I say with a slight smile at her.

"I hope it's good news because I'm not sure this pee stick will give me any. If I'm pregnant then my life will change" she says as she looked down strolling down the street.

"Having a baby is actually an amazing thing. I've seen how good you are with Freddie. You'll be ok. Also whether your pregnant or not your life will change" I say looking down at the woman still staring at her feet.

"It will be the same if I'm not" she says looking confused but still down.

"It will because I'm going to get rid of Mitch" I say causing her head to finally raise to look at me. "I promise you'll have a happy life with your future daughter or son and you won't get beaten. He's going to prison and for the shit he's done maybe for life" I say smiling down softly at her.

"Why you trying to help me? I'm just some girl who was there when you done your job and sent a gang to prison. What made me special enough you took me into your home and now your willing to help me raise a baby" she asked with the slightest smile breaking through.

I knew why. Of course I knew why. You guys know why. But I can't tell her why. I'm engaged and she might have a kid. I can't possibly tell her why even though i know it would change my life right now. I know now if I tell her everything will change but it's not the right time.

"Because I'm not a bitch. I'm just looking for you to be my friend" I say trying not to show at all I'm lying.

"You thought we were friends" she asked a little confused.

"Crazy right?" That time I didn't lie since us being friends probably did seem crazy.

"I don't know. I think we can make it work. Us being friends. I mean April was destined to go to prison anyway so I can't stay mad at you for that. Especially when your trying to help me" she says and for the first time in awhile with a real smile.

Me and Regina made small talk as we walked to her apartment. Once there we went up to the top floor. The elevator was broken so we had to walk. It was a long journey up to the top.

"How come you didn't buy a house" I asked while walking down the hall.

"You'll see when you go inside. Mind the mess it's not me" Regina says looking embarrassed as she unlocked her front door.

She pushed it open to reveal it was the messiest places I've ever seen. Well it wasn't messy. It was broken. All the frames were smashed. There were some dents in the wall. This was just the hall way. I looked shocked at the sight. There was a pillow next to the door. One of Regina's heels in the wall. It looked like something or someone was thrown around the room and I'm guessing someone was.

"Care to explain" I asked looking shocked at the sight.

"This is what happens when Mitch gets angry" Regina replied looking down upset.