Small Town Summer ✔️

15

It was mid October. Grant had been home every other weekend just like he promised. Although it was only for a few hours on Sundays. He was at USA on a football scholarship and all the games were on Saturdays. My parents and I made the drive up to watch all of his home games. He was amazing. I had never seen him play, other than throwing the ball around with the boys at the creek. There was no surprise that he was a freshman starter.

School was going well for me. Luckily I already knew most of the kids in my highschool since the town was so small. I was popular overnight. Being Grant's girlfriend had it's perks. Classes were easier than they were in Ohio and I was acing every subject.

Life was pretty perfect. Other than one small detail. And by small detail, I actually meant a huge detail. I was 11 weeks pregnant. I hadn't told anyone. I knew I wanted to keep the baby but I didn't know how to tell Grant. He would be devastated. This wasn't what we planned. He had worked so hard to go to college and I wasn't about to crush his whole world.

So I decided not to tell him. I'd break up with him and once the semester was over I'd move back to Ohio. I was 18 I could live on my own.

I was seated on my bed starting at my phone. I needed to figure out the best way to tell Grant I was breaking up with him. Something believable, I knew he would drive down as soon as I told him to try to talk to me. Our relationship was great, he wouldn't buy just any excuse I made up. But I had to try. I typed out my message trying to see through the tears.

Me- u up?

Grant- yeah what's up baby? U should be in bed

Me- I need to tell you something

Grant- You're worrying me babe r u ok?

I hated this.

Me- I think we should just be friends. The distance isn't working for me. I'm just not happy. I thought I could do it but I can't.

Grant- baby I know it's hard. Football will be over in a few months and I'll be able to visit more. Ok?

God, Why did he have to be so perfect?

Me- no. You don't get it. I'm not happy. You don't make me happy anymore. I don't want to be with you anymore.

I was bawling uncontrollably as I rubbed my stomach.  My phone rang over and over, Grant's name displayed on the screen.

Grant- dammit Ash answer ur phone

Ringing

Grant- please baby

Ringing

Grant- Ash don't do this babe

Ringing

Me- Grant, we're over. Don't call me or text me again. And don't try to come see me. My parents won't let you in.

Grant- ok as long as you're happy. That's all that matters to me. I'll always love you Ashlyn and I'll always be here for you.

And that was it. I successfully pushed him away. My heart was broken. I laid on my bed sobbing for the longest time. Thinking of a future without Grant. Thinking of a future as a single mother. Thinking of a future in Ohio, without my family.

Days went by, I went downstairs for breakfast just like every other day. I went to school just like every other day. I came home and went to my room just like every other day. Every day was the same.

Weeks went by and I had fallen into the same routine. I didn't go out, I didn't talk to anyone, I didn't even film anymore. I had only heard from Grant once more. He had written a letter.