Summary: It happened one time. But that one time, it seemed, was all it took.
Disclaimer: Don't own Degrassi. 'Nuff said.
Author's Note: So, this idea popped into my head about a week or so ago. And I know that juggling three fics, on top of school and a social life, is probably a bad idea, but… I can't not write this. I hope you guys enjoy.
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Sand Castles
Accidents Happen
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It happened one time.
Only once.
But that one time, it seemed, was all it took.
She had hoped — prayed — that it was something else; that her instincts were wrong; that the reason she had missed her period was because she had an irregular cycle, or that she'd gotten the Flu and that's why she'd been throwing up every morning for the past two weeks. But deep down, she knew exactly what it was. She had never missed a period in her life, and it was too early to catch the Flu. So she bought the test — that test — that afternoon, right after school, and now Clare Edwards found herself staring down at it, her hands shaking and gut plummeting as a pink plus sign stared right back at her, mocking her.
Bringing a hand to her mouth, Clare swallowed the bile in her throat.
Dread consumed her as realization hit her like a ton of bricks.
Her life was over.
She was only sixteen. She wasn't ready for this. Sure, she had dreamed of having a family of her own, as most little girls did, but not until she was much, much older. And married.
But then, she had broken a lot of promises lately… to herself and to others…
A knock at the door jarred Clare from her stupor, and Jake's voice sounded from behind the other side. "You've been in there for like an hour, Clare! Other people live in this house, you know!"
"I-I'll be out in a sec!" Clare tried desperately to keep her voice steady. "Just… just hold on…"
Quickly stuffing the test into the trash and hiding it with more trash, Clare washed her hands before unlocking the bathroom door and stepping out. Jake smirked playfully at her, but it vanished as soon as he took in her appearance — her puffy, bloodshot eyes and dishevelled curls. Her face was disturbingly pale, as though she'd seen a ghost.
"Were you crying?" He asked, deeply concerned.
Clare shook her head, but Jake wasn't stupid. Taking her by the shoulders, he led her to her room and sat her on the edge of the bed. Kneeling in front of her, he looked up at her. "What's wrong?"
"I'm in trouble, Jake…" Clare whispered, as tears gathered in her eyes. "I'm in so much trouble and I don't know what to do…"
"What is it? What's wrong, Clare?" Jake pressed.
A strangled sob erupted from the back of Clare's throat and she buried her face in her hands, shaking her head frantically. Jake moved to sit beside her, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting manner as his girlfriend cried. When Clare finally managed to calm down somewhat, she peered up at him, her eyes swimming with fear.
"I'm pregnant." She choked out.
"W-what?" Jake pulled back from her, staring at her as if she'd just grown an extra head. "You're joking, right?"
"No," Clare said hoarsely, lowering her gaze. "I took a test, Jake. I missed my last period, and I've been sick every morning. I'm pregnant."
Jake looked like he was about to pass out. The color had drained from his face and he stared at the floor, seemingly shell-shocked as he let her words sink in.
"Is… is it mine?" He asked cautiously, after a long pause.
Clare shot him an incredulous look. "Of course it's yours! Whose else would it be?"
"I don't know, Clare!" Jake shouted as he stood up and began to pace. "How did this happen? I wore a condom! Were you with anyone else?"
"What?" Clare's jaw dropped. "No! I can't believe you would accuse me of something like that!"
"Well, I don't know, you were getting pretty chummy with Eli back at the cabin -"
"He's my friend!"
"And your ex-boyfriend, Clare!"
"There's nothing between me and Eli! I swear!" Clare cried. "I've barely talked to him since the trip!"
Jake sighed, looking slightly relieved — but only slightly. Running a hand through his hair, he thought long and hard, his brow furrowed in concentration as he continued to walk back and forth. At last, he came to a halt in front of her once more.
"How far along are you?" He asked slowly.
"I don't know… a few weeks?" Clare guessed. "Why?"
"Good," Jake breathed, relaxing somewhat. "That still leaves us with options."
"Options?" Clare repeated. "I-I don't understand…"
"Well, we can't keep it, Clare!" Jake snapped. "You have to get rid of it!"
"What?" Clare stared at her boyfriend in disbelief. "You can't be serious… Jake, I can't do that. I can't kill -"
"We don't have a choice, Clare!" Jake cut her off. "What would everyone at school say? Or your mom? And If my dad found out, he'd kill me…"
Oh God. She hadn't even thought about how her mother would react. Their parents still had no idea that they'd gotten back together. They'd be beyond furious. And what about her friends? Her school? Her church? She had seen Jenna's fall from grace the year before — but at least Jenna wasn't known for being the good, Christian virgin. What would people think of her now? Clare Edwards — from Saint to Skank. Pregnant at sixteen. Knocked up by her own step-brother. A wave of nausea washed over her at the thought, but she forced it back.
"I can't," she whispered, shaking her head as she gazed up at her boyfriend. "I can't kill it, Jake. I can't. Don't make me do it."
Jake's jaw tightened, his body stiffening.
"Fine," he said quietly, before turning around and starting for the door. "I won't."
"Where are you going?" Clare asked.
"To clear my head." Jake answered monotonously. "I can't do this, Clare. I'm sorry."
"Jake, please!" Clare cried, jumping to her feet. "I need you!"
"I'm sorry… I can't." Jake murmured.
He gave her a sympathetic look before walking out of her room, leaving Clare completely and utterly alone.
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Not really happy with how this chapter turned out. And I know that this is a cliché storyline, but… I plan to have my own twists and turns.
Please REVIEW and tell me what you think!
