The Secret
Chapter 17-July 1994
At two months along, Chloe was beginning to show a bit. She still didn't know what she would do. Of course, Sally was still telling her she could go to her sister's and Chloe had met the woman. Even liked her. But, she felt funny about not telling Mike about the baby. If only he would come back. One night, while working the late shift, Chloe noticed Christine Graham come in with her mom and dad. It was not usually their choice of restaurant, but Chloe put her best food forward.
"Really? Valedictorian and you're a waitress?" Christine asked.
"Christine? Please don't. Chloe, its nice to see you. Could I have the chef salad please?" Christine's mom; Sandra asked.
"I'd like the bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. No pickles. Thanks." Christine's dad said as he handed Chloe the menus.
"Christine?" Sandra asked.
"I told you I don't want to eat here." Christine said. Sandra picked Christine's menu up and handed it to Chloe with a smile.
"So it'll be the salad and Paul's order. Water for both of us. If she doesn't want to eat here, she's an adult. She can make that choice." Sandra said. Chloe could only nod in response. She took the order to the kitchen and cleaned a few other tables. Soon enough, she served Sandra and Paul their food and refilled their water glasses. Christine was picking at her fingernails, but Chloe couldn't help overhearing their conversation.
"You and Mike need to set a date." Paul said.
"Tell him. I've tried." Christine said as she fixed her lipstick.
"Maybe you and him need to rethink all this? He is dragging his feet and you…are you really prepared to be a wife? A mother eventually?" Sandra asked.
"I am marrying Mike. Period. Stop lecturing." Christine said loudly. Chloe went back to folding her silverware.
"Just understand being married requires maturity and understanding. Mike is fine now, but when he's not cleaned up after himself, wants dinner after working a twelve hour shift and is in a bad mood, you can't sit and do your nails. You have to roll with the punches. All you've ever known is your mom and I's success. You didn't see the hard work it took to make happen. If you get married, you won't be going into this marriage like you live now." Paul said.
"That is not for you to worry about." Christine told him. Chloe knew if she said something like that to her parents, she'd be hit, but Christine didn't worry about that. Chloe went back about her business and ignored everything else that the Graham family talked about. Paul paid their ticket, giving Chloe a nice tip and he and Sandra went outside. It was the end of Chloe's shift, and she met Christine in the hallway leading to the breakroom and public bathrooms.
"Have a nice night." Chloe said, wanting to show maturity.
"I noticed you are getting a bit chubbier. What's with that?" Christine asked. Chloe looked down at her shoes and decided to take a chance. She needed Mike to know about the baby and Christine might be her only opportunity.
"After prom…Mike and I…" Chloe started.
"Oh, I know; he told me. You slept together. I was shocked. And pissed at the both of you." Christine said.
"And you're still getting married?" Chloe asked in confusion.
"That's my business." Christine said.
"Look; I'm pregnant. Can you tell Mike to get ahold of me so I can figure out what to do?" Chloe asked. What surprised her was that Christine didn't seem shocked.
"I could, but I won't…you see; I'm also pregnant and I have a reputation to uphold. You are just going to have to figure it out on your own because Mike and I are getting married." Christine said before walking away.
To Chloe, it was a gut punch. She was going to have to have the baby alone. She didn't want to have it in the same atmosphere she grew up, so Sally's sister was her only chance. And she would never be dependent on another person ever again. And she would also never trust again. She might require help from Sarah and Sally, but she would find her way and still be a good mom, without Mike there to help her.