The Only Exception

26

Jo

When I got home, two things awaited me and neither were Letoya. My eyes widened slightly at the sight of my family and William standing in my living room.

"Where's Shawn?" I asked as I looked around and didn't see her or hear any sign of her.

"She went to the store until further notice. Now sit my dear." My mother motioned me over to the couch where William was sitting shaking slightly. I noticed that Williams parents were there as well which made my eyes sweep over his face. I noticed he had a bruise below his eye and his nose and lip were bleeding.

I didn't speak on it because his father looked pissed. His mother spoke to me. "Janet, my son has failed you as a fiancé."

We weren't really engaged. William owed me nothing. Absolutely nothing.

His father spoke through gritted teeth. "He got another woman pregnant." Looking at William slightly, I saw that tears were forming as his father continued. "So now my wife and I have to fix this. The woman is getting an abortion and that's final."

"No she isn't!" William yelled out as he stood.

His father got into his face. "Boy who you bucking up at? Sit yo tail down before I sit you down."

William sat down slowly and I spoke softly. "Mr. Garner, with all due respect, we can fix this in other ways. We don't have to take that route."

He looked at me coldly but didn't snap on me. Not with my father right here. He knew better, instead he settled on. "How? How do you say we fix this Janet?"

"Well...." I trailed and almost gave up before I realized I didn't come this far to give up now. "We tell the woman to sign a non disclosure agreement, she can keep the baby under wraps or else we sue her. He becomes a father without the public knowing, and if they do find out beforehand then we dismiss the rumors as it being Williams cousin."

Mrs. Garner nodded at me. "It's not a bad idea Frank."

"I didn't ask for your opinion about anything Ria." He grumbled back harshly as he looked me over. "It's manageable, but it's you alls responsibility to make it happen. She speaks, and you two go down which we all do not want nor need."

My thoughts ran into my head again but I bit my tongue to keep from saying what I wanted to say. William and I didn't even want to do this shit half the time. It's only what they need and want for us.

My father sighed. "It's doable, and it's a plan. It seems as if you two won't let us handle it ourselves therefore I agree with Frank. It's on you two."

"Alright." I decided for William and I. "We will handle it."

Everyone nodded as my parents left without a word followed by Mrs. Garner. Williams father stayed behind but only to mumble. "If only you two were truly in love, my son needs to learn a thing or two from you Janet."

He left and once I heard the door shut, I faced William. Cupping his face, I sighed softly as I mumbled. "Stay right here."

Walking into my kitchen I grabbed some frozen vegetables out of my freezer before going to my guest bathroom and grabbing towels. I wet one and put the vegetables in the other one. Making my way back to William, I handed him the towel to put on his eye as I began dabbing the blood away from his face softly.