A Baby Changes Everything

Illness

Greer had skipped the last two days of school.  Her parents were out of town again, much not to her surprise.  She couldn't take it any longer and went to the doctor.  She had tests run and soon found out she was pregnant.

Greer had never been so scared in her life.  She had no idea how she was going to raise a baby when she still felt like a kid herself.  She was about 36 weeks away from being someone's parent and not being a kid any longer.

As Greer was walking up to her house she heard, "Where have you been hiding, floozy?  Did you like how my brother used you to fill the needs that he has between girlfriends?"

"What?  No."

"Oh yeah.  You didn't really think that he actually likes you, did you?  He is a football player.  You are some poor excuse of a wallflower or something.  There is no way that he would actually like you.  He has much higher standards than that."

"Why are you such a jerk?  I don't know what I ever did to you or who hurt you so badly that you became the mean and nasty person that you are."

"Whatever makes you feel better at night."

Greer cried as she walked into her house.  She couldn't stop thinking about her poor little baby.  Her baby was going to be hated by its father and aunt.  There was no doubt in her mind about that.  She didn't know what she was going to do, but she was going to do everything that she could to make sure that her baby was happy, healthy and loved.

Greer walked into the living room to find her parents.  Her mother said, "Where have you been?  The school called and said you haven't been in for the last two days.  Then the doctor's office called to make sure you got your perscription.  What prescription?"

Greer took a deep breath and said, "A prenatal vitamin and something to help with nausea."

Her father exclaimed, "What?!"

"I'm four weeks pregnant.  I found out at the doctor today."

"Get out!"

"What?  Please.  No!"

"You are not the daughter that I raised.  I want you out of my house.  I want you gone.  I'm not going to be raising another baby."

"Please.  I don't have anywhere else to go."

"You should have thought of that before you got pregnant."

"Mom, please help me."

Her mother told her, "Your dad is right.  We can't have you here while pregnant.  You need to find somewhere else to be.  Maybe give up the baby."

"No.  I already love my baby.  I can't get rid of him or her."

"Then you are going to have to stay somewhere else with the baby."

Greer cried as she went up to her room to pack some of her things.  She had to find somewhere to go.

Greer was sitting in front of her house with her bags.  Clara and Hudson's mother, Grace, was coming home from work.  She saw Greer crying and came over to check on her.  She asked, "What is the matter, Greer?"

Greer looked up and said, "My parents kicked me out.  I have no where else to go, but I have to find somewhere.  It's going to get cold soon."

"What?"

"I've done something stupid.  Now I have to pay for it."

"What is the matter, honey?"

"I'm pregnant.  Four weeks to be exact.  I am going to have to give my baby up. I don't want to give my baby up."

"Have you talked to the father?  Maybe he can help you?"

"He won't.  Apparently our one night was just a joke to him.  He made me believe that he cared about me, but I was just someone to keep him warm between girlfriends."

"Oh sweetheart.  Please come with me."

"I can't do that.  Clara can't stand me, Grace.  Hudson doesn't talk to me anymore."

"Honey, I don't know what happened between the two of you, but I'm sure she will change her attitude when she realizes just how much you need someone right now.  Hudson has missed you, sweetheart."

"I can only hope that you are right.  I won't stay long.  I'll find a job and save up to finance my own place as soon as I can.  I have to grow up.  I have someone else to think about now."

"You are a strong girl.  I know you will be fine."

"Thank you, Grace.  You and Ethan have always taken such good care of me.  I appreciate it."

Greer followed Grace in the house.  Clara and Hudson were sitting on the couch.  Clara turned around and asked, "What is she doing here?"

Grace said, "That is enough out of you.  Greer will be staying here for the foreseeable future.  You will stop being a jerk to her."

Greer took off running to the bathroom.  Hudson asked, "Mom, what's wrong?"

"Greer is pregnant.  It seems that the father is not going to be around.  He is too worried about having multiple girlfriends and just needed someone to take up time until he found a new one.  Her parents kicked out of her house.  She has no one.  I know that three of you have your differences, but she needs someone now more than ever."

Grace had had no idea that she was speaking of her own son in such an ill matter.

Greer came out of the bathroom and said, "I will stay out of your ways.  I'm not going to make much of a fuss.  I would sleep outside if it would make things more comfortable for everyone, but I have someone else to think about right now.  I have to take care of my baby while I can."

Grace told her, "Honey, you have had a terrible night.  Let me show you to the guest room.  You need your rest."

Clara and Hudson were left dumbfounded as Greer went with Grace.