The Secret
Chapter 15-June, 1994
Chloe had taken a job waiting tables and another working at the movie theater to occupy her hours. Her college plans were going up in smoke and she had no idea what she was going to do. And a missed period and morning sickness told her that there was no chance of it ever happening. The worst thing that could have happened was her mom figuring it out and as she chained smoked and lectured Chloe, it become even worse.
"What are you going to do with a kid?" Chloe's mom, Susan asked.
"I don't know." Chloe said.
"And the boy doesn't want to help?" Susan asked.
"He doesn't know." Chloe answered as Susan took another drag from her cigarette.
"You do know who the father is, don't you?" Susan asked.
"Yes and I'm not telling you." Chloe answered and immediately; Susan backhanded her across the cheek.
"Enough of that mouth, girl. You'd better figure out what you're gonna do. You'll end up like me, if you aren't careful…course, you don't have the advantage I did. You weren't pretty to start with." Susan remarked. It made Chloe shake her head. With her aged and tanned skin, bleach-blond hair and too much make up; Susan was no beauty.
"I have to go to work. I won't be home until late." Chloe said as she grabbed her waitress apron and headed out the door. She walked to work and back every day and wondered what she would do when she was further along. Fortunately, her boss at the restaurant was a sweetheart and smiled at Chloe as soon as she walked in.
"Did you talk to your mom?" Sally asked. Sally was an older lady who was known for her compassion. She was the one that told Chloe she was pregnant and had been very supportive.
"Yeah, it didn't go well. Has it been busy today?" Chloe asked.
"No. So, what are you going to do? Stanley Slattery was in earlier and said his boy went to Chicago to get set up before marrying the Graham girl. I suggest you make your move before they get married." Sally remarked.
"Mike won't do anything." Chloe said.
"Don't be so sure. Stan said he wasn't sure that Mike cares for Christine that much. If nothing else, talk to the Slattery's." Sally said.
"I just don't know. I just know I can't raise a baby in the house I grew up." Chloe admitted once Sally handed her a burger and fries that she hadn't ordered.
"You need to eat. You have a few options. Of course; I won't suggest abortion. But you can give the baby up for adoption, or you can keep it and either let Mike know or move to a different community where you can have a fresh start." Sally said.
"Abortion isn't an option and I don't want to give the baby up. I'm scared to tell Mike. And…where would I go?" Chloe asked.
"I…talked to my sister about your situation. She lives just outside St. Louis and owns a real estate company. Said she could use someone like you. Young, smart, energetic…" Sally told her.
"But the baby?" Chloe asked.
"Sarah said she would help you. I do think you need to try and tell Mike or at least the Slattery's first and then go from there." Sally said before standing up.
"Why would she help me?" Chloe inquired.
"Because it's the right thing to do. Once upon a time; Sarah was in your shoes. She had her baby; raised him, built a business, met a nice man and has a good life. You can do it too." Sally answered before walking away, leaving Chloe to eat her lunch and wondering what her next steps would be.