to fail? What if I’ve ruined my life? What if they do cancel my admission?”
“Let me get this straight. Your affair was discovered. They suspended the teacher and threatened your scholarship. Why can’t they just fire the guy and let you finish?”
“The professor I’m involved with is married to the dean’s daughter.” It hurt me to say it out loud. They can do whatever they want. I had to leave. I can’t continue on there with the scrutiny. This was my only option.”
“Is that it? There’s nothing else you’re hiding?”
I shook my head, adamant on keeping the pregnancy for another time. I refused to hurt my parents more. “That’s it. Just the relationship.”
Callie patted me on the knee. “I know it will be a lot for them to take in, but love is blind, dear sister. Family forgives.”
“I hope you’re right. Without them, I don’t know where to go. I just hope Josh doesn’t run his mouth.”
“Was Wes with him?” She asked.
“He didn’t hear.”
“I’m not asking because of that. We’re kind of talking. I wanted to know if he was still here.”
I was shocked. Callie was picky about guys, but I couldn’t get on her about becoming interested in Buck. He’s grown into his body in more ways than one. “He left when I arrived. I didn’t recognize him.”
“Girl, he’s been back for a couple weeks. When he stepped in the door the first time my vagina exploded.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please. I think I’ve had enough relationship talk for one day. I’m tired. If it’s okay with you, I’m going in my room to rest before Mom and Dad come home. I need my energy for our talk.”
She watched me stand up and head for the door. “I missed you, Cam. It hasn’t been the same since you left for college four years ago. So much has changed. Cassie’s a cop. I got my hair license, and Josh lost his virginity.”
“I’m pretty sure Josh lost his virginity at twelve,” I corrected.
“Eww. I hope not.”
“I’m going to sleep. When our parents get here let me know so I can mentally prepare for the showdown. It’s going to get ugly.”
As I walked into my old room, falling down on the mattress of my childhood bed, I pondered on what to say, or to act, and what I was going to do to come up with a careful solution; one that would allow me to keep my baby and still follow my dreams of becoming a doctor.
Chapter 12
I could hear my mother’s voice downstairs. My eyelids cracked open and I took in my surroundings, finally remembering I’d made it home in one piece. In a matter of seconds she was knocking on my door and stepping inside. “Cam, sweetie, what are you doing home?” She came over and sat on the mattress next to me. Her arms wrapped tightly around my back, and the second I felt them there I lost it. My mom rubbed my back and let me get more tears out. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. You need to calm down.”
I finally settled, giving her some space to pull out of our embrace. “Sorry. I’m just happy to see you.”
“I’m always glad to see you too, but I know you wouldn’t have come home unannounced if something wasn’t wrong. Are you having trouble at school?”
I shook my head. Of course she’d assume it was about school. “No. I’m pretty sure I’ve messed up my life, Mom.”
“Oh sweetie¸ I don’t think that’s possible.”
“It is. Believe it or not, I’ve ruined everything.”
“Do you want to talk about it, or would you rather wait until Dad gets here?”
The idea of looking into my father’s eyes and revealing my indiscretion made me terrified. “Mom, I can’t tell Dad.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I got involved with someone at school.”
“This is about a boy? Oh, Cam, I know you haven’t had that much experience in relationships, but guys are a dime a dozen. The right one will come along when you least expect it, and he’ll make this breakup seem like child’s play.”
She meant well, but my mother had absolutely no clue how wrong she was. “I thought he loved me,” I cried out, sobs following immediately. “I trusted him.”
“Was he unfaithful? Men can be fickle at your age.”
“Mom,” I peered into her blue eyes, grasping at the words that would break her heart. “He’s married. The man I’ve been involved with is married.”
“Married? Cammie, how could you?”
“I tried to stop. I