~Chapter Nine~

Isabel

Being in the presence of my parents had never been my favorite thing to do. Or even remotely close to that. I doubted that today would go any differently considering I hadn't returned any of their calls asking if a former drug addict knocked me up.

Thank God Grace was with me. At least if things got physical she would protect me. My parent's mansion was in the hills. When I picked out my apartment that's what I liked most about it: The distance from my parents.

Both cars occupied the driveway, and even though there was still room, I parked on the street. I turned off the car and looked at Grace. She just smiled nervously and stepped out of the car. I grabbed my purse and followed her. Even though the driveway was short it felt like time had slowed down. I rang the doorbell. Grace stood beside me. My mother opened the door.

"Hello Isabel."

Grace

Isabel adjusted her blouse.

"Hello Mother. May we come in?" Isabel plainly stated. Even though it was a question Isabel stated it like a command.

Mrs. Culpeper's pumps made a sound as they walked across the hardwood floor and into an all white living room. Isabel's boots made an almost identical sound as they followed.

Mrs. Culpeper took a seat on a black wing back chair. It was the only colored furniture in the room. Isabel and I sat on a white leather sofa.

"Tom," Mrs. Culpeper called, "Isabel's here." Mrs. Culpeper smiled at us as her husband walked down the stairs and stood behind the chair. Isabel inspected her perfectly manicured fingernails looking bored by the whole event.

"Isabel" Tom said nodding his head.

"Dad" Isabel replied, still examining her nails.

She looked up at them her face blank. "I'm pregnant."

Both of Isabel's parents looked as she had just asked what they were having for dinner. Isabel's mother broke the silence.

"You're pregnant?" Her voice had no emotion

Isabel rolled her eyes and looked at her mother, "No this is just some sick joke that Grace and I decided to play on you." Her mother seemed un-amused. Isabel sighed, "Yes I'm pregnant."

"Damn it Isabel!" This time it was her father who broke the silence.

"Yeah, I know quite shocking isn't it?" Isabel said.

I shot her a glare.

Her father threw his hands up. "I can't do this right now." He looked at her mother, "I'll be back for dinner." There was silence as he walked out the door.

Mrs. Culpeper looked at Isabel, "Who?"

Isabel swallowed, "Cole." Her mother looked confused, Isabel rolled her eyes, "The boy from the stairs."

"Really, Isabel."

Isabel looked down. I think this was one of the first times I'd seen Isabel vulnerable. I shot her mother a glare.

Her eyes softened, "Does he want to keep it?"

Isabel nodded. She stiffened. "We should probably get going." Isabel looked at me. I checked my phone for the time.

"Yeah I've got an appointment in fifteen minutes." I lied. Isabel's mother nodded.

"Okay Isabel I'll deal with your father." Isabel nodded and walked out the door.

"Thank you." I mumbled before I followed her.

Isabel was already in the car. She didn't say anything as I got in. She shoved in a NARKOTIKA CD and put the car in reverse.

Isabel drove up the coast and only stopped once in San Luis Obispo to buy a new CD. By the time we drove back, it was just after midnight.

Isabel

Anyone will say what I did was immature. But not Grace. She stayed silent for the whole drive there and back.

That was exactly what I needed. When we got back to my apartment, Sam was reading in the living room. He glanced at me and pointed to the bedroom.

I opened the door. Cole stood in the doorway. He covered my mouth and turned off the lights. Every inch of the ceiling was covered in glow in the dark stars.

Cole uncovered my mouth and carried me to the bed. That night we fell asleep under a sky of our own stars.