Seymour's jaw dropped a little. I wasn't expecting that! "Oh, gee, Audrey, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to butt into your personal life like that!" He felt hot with shame. How could I ask her something like that? Sure, I wasn't expecting to hear that but- God, I should have!

"Don't worry about it," she murmured. "I... wanted to tell someone anyway." She hung her head in shame. "You must think I'm some kind of dirty slut. I unda'stand if you don't want me to work here anymore. I can tell Mista' Mushnik that I wanna resign."

Seymour shook his head fervently. "No, please don't! You'd need to take care of the baby, wouldn't you? And we need you here! I don't know anyone who can arrange flowers the way you can! " Besides, I really like working with you... He left the words unspoken.

"I guess... " Audrey looked down. She began to play with her nails.

"Er, do you mind if I ask who the- ya know, the…"

"My boyfriend," she replied. Seymour was both intrigued and concerned. Her boyfriend? Seymour examined her face. Why does she look so sad? Any guy'd be lucky to be with her.

"Does- does he know yet?" Seymour was hesitant to ask, for fear of upsetting her.

Audrey shook her head. "I don't know if I should tell him… Orin- Docta Scrivello- he isn't exactly a very nice guy."

"But doesn't he deserve to know? He was the one who did this to you, wasn't he?" He should know what he's done. "Besides, doesn't a dad deserve to at least know his kid exists?" Seymour never had the chance to know his father. It's Audrey's kid, for God's sake! I don't want it to go through what I did.

I won't let it, he silently vowed.

Audrey looked into his eyes. "You're right. I guess he needs to know, doesn't he? It's his baby, after all." She gave Seymour a sad kind of smile. "Thanks for the advice, Seymour. I'm glad I can talk to you."

"D'ye think you should tell Mister Mushnik?"

Audrey sighed. "I guess I should, shouldn't I? I don't think he'll be happy?"

"Why wouldn't he be happy?" Seymour frowned.

Audrey shrugged. "He was mad when I met Docta Scrivello… imagine how angry he's gonna be now." Looking glum, Audrey trudged over to the door. Before opening it, she smiled at Seymour again before reaching for the handle.

Seymour was left speechless. Audrey was pregnant? Seymour kicked himself mentally for not realizing something had been wrong. He'd known she was troubled, but he hadn't realized the severity of her problem.

He watched Audrey approach the grouchy shop manager. He didn't want to eavesdrop, so instead he slipped into his own thoughts.

Poor Audrey. She probably didn't want this to happen. She's so sad… I've never seen her this sad before. Someone like her doesn't deserve to be this sad.

Seymour thought of what Audrey had said about her boyfriend. "He isn't exactly a very nice guy." What did she mean by that? Fear shot through Seymour's mind.

Is he why she ends up with so many injuries? Why would anyone do that. Was it a bad idea to suggest that she talk to him about the baby? If he hurts Audrey because of it, it'll be all my fault. Seymour sat down, bouncing his leg nervously. Audrey doesn't deserve this. Sweet, kind, caring Audrey doesn't deserve any of this. She deserves only the best.

Seymour smiled slightly at the thought of Audrey being a mother. He envisioned her rocking a little blanketed bundle back and forth, cooing sweet words at the tiny human in her arms. A surge of protection flooded Seymour's thoughts.

I'll do everything I can for Audrey and her baby. Even if she's not mine, even if she doesn't love me back, it'll be my job to make sure both of them are happy and safe.