Monday September 13, 2038

"How long did you say you'll be gone for?"

Spencer placed his suitcase near the door. "Two months or more but I'll make frequent visits back. Will you be able to hold the fort down while I'm gone?"

I nodded. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too, all my girls." I let go of Spencer and he looked to make sure he had everything. "I hope by the time I get back Cassandra will be taken care of."

I didn't reply to that comment. "I love you, have a safe flight."

"I love you too."

We kissed once more and then Spencer left. I walked up to my daughter's room since she stayed home due to morning sickness.

"How are you feeling, honey?" I asked. I sat beside her on her bed.

"Awful, does every pregnant woman feel like this?"

"Yes but it varies for everyone. Some may have it really bad and some not as bad. It just means the baby is healthy and developing well so it's a good thing."

Cassandra repositioned herself and sat up in bed. "Mom… I've been thinking… and I want to keep the baby." I stared at her. "Can I?"

"Honey, I really think you should at least put the baby up for adoption. Even some couples will allow you to see the baby once in a while and still be in it's life. You are still sixteen, Cassandra, and you are simply too young to raise a child."

"I know, mom, but you could help me."

"Cassandra, your father and I are done raising babies. Even though you were supposed to be our last, Clarissa is now. Plus, babies are expensive. Are you going to expect your father and I to buy the baby everything?"

"It's not like we don't have the money for an extra human being."

"I'm all for you to keeping it, your father not so much because you are his little girl and hates to think you've had sex and now pregnant. But if you are going to keep it, at least put it up for adoption so the baby can have a better life."

"Mom, it would have a fine life with us."

"Cassandra, you are only sixteen, still in high school. You won't be dropping out of school to raise the child."

Cassandra fought back. "Did you drop out of college to raise Brendan? No. I could do online classes and then take up modeling or acting like I've always wanted to. Dad has connections so I could make it."

I sighed. "Look, I won't force you to get an abortion, we can cancel that appointment right now. But keeping the child, we'll need to discuss more about. If you show me you can be responsible not just for you, but your younger siblings, then I'll discuss it with dad and see's what he thinks but in the meantime, keep an open mind about adoption, it's not that bad."

"Mom, can I do online classes? I don't want to go to school with a big belly. Everyone's going to judge me and make fun of me and call me a slut and everything."

"We'll talk with your counselor about your options."

"Thanks mom."

"Mom, you home?" I heard Brendan shout.

"I didn't know B was coming over." Cassandra said.

"Neither did I." I got up and walked down to see him. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"No reason, just wanted to see my parents. Is dad home?"

"No, you just missed home actually. He left since film production of the movie will begin tomorrow, I think he said. He'll be gone for about two months but he'll make frequent visits back home on his days off."

"Oh, that sucks."

I sighed and sat on one of the steps of the stairs. "That's not all. I guess I should just tell you, since it's happening, Cassandra's pregnant."

"Ha, good one, mom."

"No, I'm serious, she's about eight weeks. She stayed home from school today because of morning sickness."

"Really? My baby sister is pregnant? When did that happen?"

"Apparently your father didn't keep a good enough eye on her when I was in Denver for grandma's funeral. But you better not judge her. Should I remind you what you did at fifteen?"

"I thought we weren't supposed to speak of that again. Amanda doesn't even know, and I'm keeping it like that."

"Your sister wanted an abortion because Troy broke up with her because she's pregnant but just a few minutes ago she told me she wants to keep it. I'm all for her not getting an abortion, but she should at least put the child up for adoption."

"You and dad are such hypocrites. You guys had me at what, eighteen, and kept me."

"But we were also adults. She's still a minor and your father and I would have to be responsible for her and the baby plus your other sisters and sort of your brother. Your father and I are done with babies. We had our good share of them and made a pack after Clarissa was born that we wouldn't have anymore or care for anymore. Do you know how hard that was especially when your dad hates protection?"

Brendan laughed. "Sort of. Would Troy at least help her a little? Give her money?"

"No, he wants nothing to do with her or the baby anymore that's the thing. If he would help at least a little, I'd be cool with it but it would just be Cassandra. I really think we should at least find the baby a nice family."

"We're a nice family." Brendan said. "Hey, how does dad feel about all this?"

"He really wants an abortion so he'll be pissed once he comes home, finding her like three months pregnant which is understandable. I just don't like it when he's pissed or when I'm pissed or when we're both pissed. So far Brendan, you are my favorite."

"Really, I'm your favorite? I always thought I was your least favorite because I almost ruined your life."

I laughed and shook my head. "You would never ruin my life and I'm glad I had you."

"I'm glad you did too and that you're my mom. I have best mom."

"Aw, there's my sweet little Brendan that I know and love. I'm glad you're still there."

"I'm always going to be that cute, sweet, little boy that you know and love. He'll still be here, just older now. Take it or leave it."

I laughed. "I think I'll take it."