We're almost done with Part 2!

Chapter 26: Telling the 'Rents

MPOV

Silently, Fang and I were marched by Jeb into the kitchen, Mom on our tail.

When we were in the kitchen and everyone was out of earshot, Jeb said with the sort of protectiveness I would expect from a father, "Max, what is it that possessed you to be so irresponsible?"

I took a sudden interest in the countertop. I mumbled incoherently.

"Wait," Mom said. "What is this all about, anyway?"

I risked a glance at Fang. He nodded.

"Um…" I stammered. "I-I'm… pregnant."

Mom stared at me, her eyes getting wider and wider by the second.

Silence.

Then, "Maximum Brooklynn Maria Ride—" that was a new one on me "—you are in so much trouble."

I stared at her. "Brooklynn Maria?"

She sighed. "That was what your given name was. Before you were taken to the School."

I shrugged. "Okaaaay…?"

Mom looked between me and Fang. "And I would assume that you are the child's father?" she asked Fang.

He rubbed the back of his neck in that habit he had whenever he was embarrassed or bashful or nervous. I assumed it was all three this time. "Yeah."

Jeb sent him a good, long glare. He leaned over the countertop and shook his head. "This puts everything in a rather compromising position," he muttered.

"What?" I asked.

He looked up at me, then glanced loathingly at Fang. "Because of this… incident… you will be in a very delicate position.

"It means that saving the world will have to be put on hold until the abortion is complete—"

"NO!" I shrieked.

The three of them looked at me.

"No," I repeated, though this time more softly. "I'm not going to have an abortion. Like Fang told me earlier, I'm no killer."

Jeb stared hard at me for a minute. I could see that he looked… older. Gaunter. Like he hadn't slept for days.

Finally, he muttered. "Fine. But what are you going to do once the child is born? What if you haven't saved the world by that time?"

I thought for a moment. "I would give it up for adoption."

I glanced at Fang. He was staring intently at me.

"And if you have saved the world?" Jeb asked.

I stared at him in that endearing pit bull way I have. "Then I'll raise it myself."

Fang came to stand by me. "And you won't be alone in this fight."

I stared up at him, love shining out of my eyes. "Thank you."

Mom looked between me and Fang. She seemed to be having one of those motherly conflicted moments. Like she was decided whether or not to ground me. Finally, she sighed. "All right."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

But I don't think Jeb was as easily convinced. He was still staring at me and Fang wearily.

"Fine," he muttered minutes later.

I noticed Fang's frame loosen subtly. He was relieved.

Then Jeb looked at us. "Are you still going on the mission?"

I nodded. "Yes."

Silence.

"All right," Jeb said. "That's all.

One more chappie left for Part 2!

Peace, love, happiness, and Maximum Ride.

-A$h