Chapter 4

Everything was quiet over the next couple of days. Joe was still being a jerk. Kevin, Nick and Frankie were supporting her more and more. Frankie showed them the ultrasound DVD. They both thought that it was awesome.
"How come you didn't find out if it was a boy or girl?"
"Because I didn't want to since I am giving it up for adoption and if I knew it would make it harder."
"That is understandable. Is there a family all set up?"
"Yes."
"Have you met them?"
"Yes, mom went with, they are paying for everything."
"I may not like what you did but you are being very mature about this and for that I am proud of you."
"Thanks Kevin."
"So what is it like?"
"What is what like Nick?"
"You know sex?"
"It is different for everyone. Looking back I wish I had waited."
"Are you ever going to tell us who the father is?" Kevin asked.
"No, because it doesn't matter, he is completely out of the picture. He found out I was pregnant and told me to get rid of it. I couldn't do it. I knew I had other options."
"Well you should have gotten rid of it." Joe said as he looked up from his book.
"What is your problem? Are you madder because I screwed up so much more than you ever could or that I haven't been excluded from the family? Oh I know you are mad because I had sex before you. Well let me tell you something big brother it was horrible, painful and I didn't want to do it. I was forced. Do you think I wanted my first time to be so violent?" She yelled through tears.
"Whatever." He said and got up and left the room.
"Maddie why didn't you tell us that you were raped?" Nick asked her.
"Because I knew you would be so disappointed that I was pregnant that I didn't want to add to it."
"You could have told us."
"I couldn't. I think I am going to go lay down."
"Ok, I think that is a good idea." Nick said.
"No wonder mom told us that if we wanted to know the story we had to ask Maddie." Kevin said.
"No kidding. I just wish we were here for her."
"We're here now. We can't be with her all the time."
"I guess you're right. I wish Joe wasn't being such a jerk."
"I think he is more hurt then mad."

(Maddie's POV)

When I left Kevin and Nick I went upstairs. As I was passing Joe's room I noticed he was watching the DVD. He looked like he was crying. I had to fight hard to not go in and tell him it was just a project and I didn't break my promise. I kept going to my room. I had to write in my journal about what just happened.

December 20, 2008
Today sucked beyond belief. I had false labor. Could have fooled me, I know they said that everything was going to be as real as possible. The contractions hurt so bad I couldn't breathe. I am definitely not ready for this to be real. Nick and Kevin were there for me. Joe is still very distant. I saw him watching the ultrasound and crying. I almost slipped and told him about the project. Hopefully when this is all over they won't hate me.

I closed my notebook and ate what mom brought up and went to bed.

(No POV)

During lunch everyone was discussing their plans for the evening. Mom and dad were going to a Christmas party. Kevin and Nick were going out with the band. Joe normally would have gone too but his parents reminded him that he was grounded.
"Joe I know you are angry with Maddie but keep an eye on her ok. We all have our phone so call if you need to."
"I doubt anything will happen but ok." He told his mom.
"Thank you Joseph."
"Mom?"
"Yes."
"How are you handling this so well?"
"My love for her is stronger then anything. Yes we were disappointed but when we found out the circumstances the disappointment turned to love. She told us that she wanted to put the baby up for adoption. Joe she is still my little girl and part of me mourns the innocence that was viciously taken from her. I just hope that someday you will forgive her."
"Me too mom, me too." He said. He hugged her and went to his room after everyone left.

Three hours later Maddie was getting hungry and she figured Joe might be also. She didn't want to bother him so she knocked on his door that same time she slid a note under the door. She stood us and took a step towards her room. A few minutes passed and she didn't get an answer. She decided to knock again, when she didn't hear any movement she twisted the knob and slowly opened the door. When she stepped inside she noticed the room was empty.
"Great he snuck out." She said as she stepped out. She closed his door. She went down to the kitchen to order dinner. Just before she dialed the number she felt something wet trickling down her legs.
"Great." Just then she felt a pain sharper than before.
"What the hell!" she yelled.
"Ok, calm down, just need to call Joe."
While she dialed another contraction came. She looked and they were ten minutes apart.
"Pick up Joe, please pick..."
"What Maddie called to nark on me? Thought you would..."
"Joe I need help. My water...ow, ow, ow, broke. I need you, please come home. I didn't call anyone else, please help."
"How do I know you are telling the truth?"
"Joey please, I'm scared and I need my big brother." She cried.
"Fine."
"Please hurry."
"I'll be there in a bit."
"Joey don't hang up."
"I won't. Did you and mom take any birthing classes?"
"Yes."
"Then do whatever they taught you."
"Ok."
"I am pulling in the driveway."
"Ok."
"Maddie?" He called when he got in the house.
"In the kitchen."
"Ok up we go." He picked her up and carried her to the car. He buckled her in the best he could. He shut the door and raced around to his side, got in and took off.
Maddie called ahead and told then she was on the way. She was going to call her parent but she had a contraction.
"We'll call when we get there. Just breathe."
"It hurts Joey."
"It probably does. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being such a jerk. Forgive me?"
"Only if you get me there fast otherwise there will be three of us."
"Keep your legs together then, tight as you can."
"I don't think that will help." She laughed.
"Try at least. I really don't want there to be three quite yet."
"Just drive."

A few minutes later they arrived at the hospital. They got check in and Maddie was taken to labor and delivery. Joe called his parents who were on the way.

When Nick and Kevin got home all the lights were on and so was the TV but Joe and Maddie were no where to be seen. Greg, Jack, John, and Ryan were in the kitchen waiting for Nick and Kevin to come back.
"Did you find a note any...whoa!" Kevin hollered as he slipped and landed on his backside pretty hard and slid a little farther.
Nick and the others were cracking up.
"What the hell was that?"
Just then Nick's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Nick?"
"Where are you?"
"The hospital, Maddie's water broke."
That is what Kevin slipped and fell in. He thought.
"We'll be there as soon as we can. Bye."
"Bye." Joe said and hung up.
"Where are they?" Kevin asked as he got up.
"Hospital, Maddie's water broke and I am guessing that is what you fell on."
"Ok gross, a quick shower then we go."
"We'll get her stuff together and meet you in the car."
"Ok."
While Kevin showered Nick and the guys got her suitcase and cleaned up the puddle.
"She so owes me." Nick said.