knew she wouldn’t stop asking until I caved.
I didn’t bother wiping away my fresh tears as I cracked the door to allow her entrance.
She shut it behind her before saying anything. “I don’t even know where to begin.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t say anything. Here’s the facts, mom. I’m pregnant by my teacher who took advantage of me for months. He lied to me and pretended to love me. I came home when I found out I was carrying a child he doesn’t want. When everyone found out the truth I was treated like a criminal. Wes was there for me. He cares about me.”
“You haven’t seen each other in years. Have you considered he’s just using you?”
“What? No. Not Wes. He wouldn’t.”
“You can’t love someone this fast.”
“Mom, you might not believe me, but he does. That man loves me like no one ever has. You can find it hard to understand. Trust me, I’ve been confused for days, but I’m starting to realize it’s possible. I didn’t ask to come home and get involved with another man. I didn’t want anything to do with romance. What Wes and I have is undeniable. He makes me want to be happy again.”
“I’m glad he’s been there for you, but you can’t assume it’s going to last. Cammie, you have much bigger issues than a new relationship with Wesley Parrish. We need to talk about the baby.”
“I’m keeping it,” I frankly announced.
“How are you going to raise a child?”
“Well, I assumed my family would help me at first, and then I’d figure out what to do. I’ve always been good about managing my own life. I’m sure I can handle whatever is thrown at me.”
“Honey, life isn’t that easy. Children are a lifetime commitment. You won’t be able to afford and raise a child on your own, especially without your degree.”
“Mom,” I was getting frustrated. “I said I’ll figure it out. I’ve already got some things in the works that might pan out. If they do, then my life just got a lot easier.”
“What are you talking about?” She inquired.
“I’m not saying anything until I know for sure.”
“Does this involve Stanford?”
“Sort of. Look,” I was insistent. “I came home with you and Dad. I listened to Callie chew me out at Wes’ house. She’s going to show up with Cassie soon and I don’t feel like hashing it out anymore. If you insist on me being here then let me stay in my room and be alone, please.”
“The last time we left you alone you disappeared for days.”
“We told Josh where I was and that I was fine. He knew the whole time.”
This was news to my mother. Her eyes widened and I could tell she was pissed he’d kept it from her. “This is the first I’m hearing it. Your brother never told us anything.”
“How did you find me?”
“We had Cassie look into it. She pulled up the address and saw the two of you through a window.”
“You had her spy on me?”
“Honey, we needed to know you were okay.”
“Clearly I’m fine.”
“You left without anything. We thought you might have gone somewhere to hurt yourself.”
“What? You thought I was going to commit suicide? This is bullshit!” I didn’t normally curse in front of people I respected. “None of you know me if you think I’m capable of that.”
“You haven’t been home in a long time. We thought the worst, and I apologize for that.”
“Mom, you should have let me stay with Wes. I was fine and working things out. I have my life under control. I don’t need this.”
“Cammie,” she was resolved as she spoke. “I’ve watched your father fall apart over this. Do you know what it’s like to see the strongest man you’ve ever known bawl because there isn’t anything he can do to help someone he loves more than his own life?”
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. She wanted me to be sympathetic to what they’d gone through. I could attest to them being worried, upset, and even heartbroken, but what kept me from understanding was how they refused to be sympathetic to my needs. I felt alone, like I had no one on my side to tell me things would be okay.
“I can’t imagine how hard it was to hear of my complications, but what I can’t respect is the way I’ve been treated since I’ve arrived. I’m not a little girl you can punish to her room. I’m an adult, who has gotten herself into a