CHAPER 3
Shelby thought that he looked so cute down on one knee proposing marriage to her. She tried to hold it in but finally she gave away and let out a laugh. By the look on Scott's face she could tell that he was hurt.
"What's so funny? I'm trying to be serious here and you are laughing at me." He got up off the floor and put his hands on his hips to show his disappointment.
"I'm sorry Scott. I didn't mean to laugh at you it's just the whole situation. Do you even know what you are saying?"
"Of course I do. I want you to be Mrs. Scott Barringer. I didn't think that would cause such a problem for you."
"Scott I would love to marry you but you can't honestly think that it could happen do you?"
"Why not?"
"Well our age for one and your father for another. He wants to get rid of me. Do you honestly think that he would sign for us to get married? We aren't old enough to do it without a parents signature."
"We could if we go to Las Vegas."
"And then what? Live in the streets because he won't let you back home? Think about it Scott. I don't want to raise a baby on welfare like my mother did with me. There is no way that we can survive this unless I give the baby up for adoption. You can finish school, go to college and get a degree and then if we still have feelings for each other, than maybe we could start a life together. I'm sorry Scott but you and me have to put ourselves on hold right now."
Scott started pacing the room and nervously ran his hands through his hair. "I can't believe you are saying that Shelby. How could you even think about giving up our baby to someone else? You'll regret it for the rest of your life. Look at Ezra and what he goes through always wondering what his original parents were like. Do you want the same thing to happen to our baby?"
"It won't happen if we make sure the baby has a loving home. I was actually thinking about maybe asking Sophie and Peter if they want to adopt because Sophie can't have any kids."
Scott says sarcasticly, "Yeah, sure why not. I just love giving my child away so I can live the rest of my life peacefully."
"You're mad aren't you?" she said trying to handle his emotions.
"Gee Shelby How'd you guess? It sounds to me like you're the one who can't handle this. Is this just the easy way out for you? What about overcoming obstacles that life throws you. Peter taught us that. I hope that Peter and Sophie are able to get a child someday but I'm not willing to give up mine. If you want to walk away fine but I get custody when the baby is born."
Shelby was getting angry now because he was being so unrealistic. She started yelling at him. "And how are you going to feed and provide for the baby's well being? It's not as easy as you think. The problem with you Scott is that you have been pampered all your life and you've never done without. Well guess WHAT? I've been in the gutter and I know the difference between fantasy and reality. You are living in a dream world right now Scott and there is no way that I'll let you take this baby when you can't provide for it."
"Well then Shelby, if you won't let me have it by myself and I won't let you give it away than I suggest we do this together."
Shelby calmed down real quick and smiled. "Oh you are a sly one aren't you? You are so relentless."
"Yea and I used to say the same about you but my offer still stands. Will you marry me?"
"Let's sit down and really talk this through. You can plead your case without me interrupting and see if you can persuade me." She sat on his bed and motioned for him to start talking.
"Ok I actually have two scenarios. First one involves blackmailing my dad. . . ."
"Oh this should be good."
"Quiet, you said you wouldn't interrupt Me." she motioned for him to go on.
"I know what my dad wants me to accomplish in life so if I tell him that I'll finish high school and go to college than he has to let you stay. Once I get into a college and we are both 18 than I can marry you and take you with me. Most colleges have married couple housing on campus. I'll be on a scholarship so my schooling will be paid for and I could get a side job to help us survive until I graduate."
"Ok that sounds promising but what if your dad won't go for that?"
"I told you that this was blackmail. If he doesn't agree than I'll just threaten to run away and never finish school."
Shelby fell over holding her stomach and laughed. "That's your brilliant plan?"
Scott didn't like being laughed at. "Yes that's my brilliant plan. The other alternative his to go begging my rich grandfather."
Shelby quickly sat up. "No Scott you can't do that. You know that he would control your life after that."
"Yeah I know but maybe I could ask my grandmother and she could keep it a secret."
"That would have to be the last possible resort. See what blackmailing your dad does first."
He crawled over on top of her as she lay on her back and he became very close almost touching his nose to hers. "Does this mean I have persuaded you or do you need more convincing."
She smiled up at him and said, "I'm wavering in my decision. I think that I need a little more convincing." He brought his mouth down on hers to taste the sweetness of her lips. She reached up and wrapped her arms round his neck and pulled his whole body down onto her. She loved the feel of all his weight on her. She intensified the kiss by adding the feel of their tongues together. She wrapped her legs around his back as they both continued to seek out the pleasure of each other's touch. They both knew that they were meant for each other and couldn't survive apart. Just when things were starting to get hot and heavy, Scott's father started yelling his name from the bottom of the stairs.
"Shit what rotten timing." Scott grudgedly rolled off of her to respond to his father's demands.
Shelby smiled up at him and gave him some encouragement. "Go do your blackmailing cowboy and I'll be waiting for you when you get back. If you can win him over than I'll give you the time of your life when you get back."
"Man Shelby, it's hard enough leaving you now but you have to make it even harder?"
"The harder the better Scott" she winked at him.
"Damn Shelby you know what I'm talking about." He blushed and went downstairs to confront his dad.
Scott walked down into the den where is father was waiting for him. Martin motioned for him to sit down as he closed the door. "Scott we need to talk."
"Ok shoot."
"This whole situation is very unfortunate but I can't let it ruin your life. I'm sure that we could find a place that could help Shelby out. I'll make sure that she is well taken care of."
"Thanks for your thoughtfulness dad but I will make sure that she is well taken care of."
"There is no way that you can do that Scott let's be realistic. I will find her the best possible care complete with doctors and everything as long as you stay here and finish school. I want you to really buckle down on your studies so that you can get into college. I've talked with the football coach and they can put you back on the team. You've only missed one week of school so we need you to get started back tomorrow. I know it's a lot to ask but I have faith in you. You can do it Scott if you really put your mind to it."
This was really getting hard for Scott to turn his father down but he had to think of Shelby. Scott has wanted for so long to have his dad trust him again and he was starting to gain some of that trust back. Martin could see Scott's hesitation with his demands. "What's wrong Scott. Talk to me"
"Dad I hear your demands and I'm willing to comply but I need to make a change in the deal."
Martin was glad that Scott was willing to stay and get back into school but he was scared at what Scott needed to say.
"I'll start school tomorrow and try my hardest to bring up my GPA. I'll even give it all for the team but Shelby has to stay."
"Scott you know that's not possible. There is no way that we can care for her."
Scott stood up and came in front of his dad shaking his head. "Whoa whoa what a minute. What's this we stuff. I'm not asking you one bit to help take care of Shelby. That's my job. All I'm asking is that you let her live here and continue to finish school also. She does have a right to finish school."
"Scott there is no way that I'm going to send Shelby to the same school as you and have everyone talking behind your backs."
"She doesn't have to go to the same school. The county has the alternative school for kids like her. Open your eye's dad. Do you think that Shelby is the first girl to ever get pregnant in high school?"
"I can see that you've thought about this but what happens when you get accepted into college?"
"We will both be 18 and than I can legally marry her and she can go away to school with me as my wife."
"I still don't know about this Scott. Why do you want to get tied down so early in your life?"
"Because I'm already committed. Most dumb fools wonder around for years playing the field looking for the perfect girl to marry. I've already found her so why should I keep wasting time. Sorry dad but this is the only way. If you can't meet me half way on your plan than I'll just take Shelby and leave any way."
Martin got a little mad at this. "Don't you blackmail me son."
"Isn't that what you are doing to me?"
"No. I'm just trying to do my fatherly duty and give you the best possible life that I can."
"What do you think I'm trying to do for my child?"
This made Martin stop and think. It never really occurred to him that someday there would be another child involved in all of this. It's easy to not think of it being a human being when it was still in the womb. Martin realized that he would loose his son if he didn't comply.
"Ok Scott I see that you've backed me into a corner here. I'll meet your demands if you can obey my house rules."
"That depends on what they are?"
"No. You will obey regardless of whether or not you approve because technically you are still under age and I'm still the head of this house hold."
"Ok lay it on me."
"This goes for the both of you. First you two are under age and aren't married so you will not share a bedroom. You still will have to obey a curfew and I better not see anything below a C on the report card. I expect Shelby to help out with some of the chores around here and I also expect her to keep up with her grades."
"Anything else oh great one."
Martin didn't care too much for his son's sarcasm. "I can think of more if you want me too?"
"No I think we have enough rules to follow." Scott smiled at the victory that he won. He turned to leave and then turned back around. "Thanks dad." He said as he put his arms around his dad to give him a hug. Martin couldn't help resist embracing his son also. He had closed the gap and was starting a new kind of bond with his son. It felt good even though he knew he had to share that bond with Shelby.
Shelby thought that he looked so cute down on one knee proposing marriage to her. She tried to hold it in but finally she gave away and let out a laugh. By the look on Scott's face she could tell that he was hurt.
"What's so funny? I'm trying to be serious here and you are laughing at me." He got up off the floor and put his hands on his hips to show his disappointment.
"I'm sorry Scott. I didn't mean to laugh at you it's just the whole situation. Do you even know what you are saying?"
"Of course I do. I want you to be Mrs. Scott Barringer. I didn't think that would cause such a problem for you."
"Scott I would love to marry you but you can't honestly think that it could happen do you?"
"Why not?"
"Well our age for one and your father for another. He wants to get rid of me. Do you honestly think that he would sign for us to get married? We aren't old enough to do it without a parents signature."
"We could if we go to Las Vegas."
"And then what? Live in the streets because he won't let you back home? Think about it Scott. I don't want to raise a baby on welfare like my mother did with me. There is no way that we can survive this unless I give the baby up for adoption. You can finish school, go to college and get a degree and then if we still have feelings for each other, than maybe we could start a life together. I'm sorry Scott but you and me have to put ourselves on hold right now."
Scott started pacing the room and nervously ran his hands through his hair. "I can't believe you are saying that Shelby. How could you even think about giving up our baby to someone else? You'll regret it for the rest of your life. Look at Ezra and what he goes through always wondering what his original parents were like. Do you want the same thing to happen to our baby?"
"It won't happen if we make sure the baby has a loving home. I was actually thinking about maybe asking Sophie and Peter if they want to adopt because Sophie can't have any kids."
Scott says sarcasticly, "Yeah, sure why not. I just love giving my child away so I can live the rest of my life peacefully."
"You're mad aren't you?" she said trying to handle his emotions.
"Gee Shelby How'd you guess? It sounds to me like you're the one who can't handle this. Is this just the easy way out for you? What about overcoming obstacles that life throws you. Peter taught us that. I hope that Peter and Sophie are able to get a child someday but I'm not willing to give up mine. If you want to walk away fine but I get custody when the baby is born."
Shelby was getting angry now because he was being so unrealistic. She started yelling at him. "And how are you going to feed and provide for the baby's well being? It's not as easy as you think. The problem with you Scott is that you have been pampered all your life and you've never done without. Well guess WHAT? I've been in the gutter and I know the difference between fantasy and reality. You are living in a dream world right now Scott and there is no way that I'll let you take this baby when you can't provide for it."
"Well then Shelby, if you won't let me have it by myself and I won't let you give it away than I suggest we do this together."
Shelby calmed down real quick and smiled. "Oh you are a sly one aren't you? You are so relentless."
"Yea and I used to say the same about you but my offer still stands. Will you marry me?"
"Let's sit down and really talk this through. You can plead your case without me interrupting and see if you can persuade me." She sat on his bed and motioned for him to start talking.
"Ok I actually have two scenarios. First one involves blackmailing my dad. . . ."
"Oh this should be good."
"Quiet, you said you wouldn't interrupt Me." she motioned for him to go on.
"I know what my dad wants me to accomplish in life so if I tell him that I'll finish high school and go to college than he has to let you stay. Once I get into a college and we are both 18 than I can marry you and take you with me. Most colleges have married couple housing on campus. I'll be on a scholarship so my schooling will be paid for and I could get a side job to help us survive until I graduate."
"Ok that sounds promising but what if your dad won't go for that?"
"I told you that this was blackmail. If he doesn't agree than I'll just threaten to run away and never finish school."
Shelby fell over holding her stomach and laughed. "That's your brilliant plan?"
Scott didn't like being laughed at. "Yes that's my brilliant plan. The other alternative his to go begging my rich grandfather."
Shelby quickly sat up. "No Scott you can't do that. You know that he would control your life after that."
"Yeah I know but maybe I could ask my grandmother and she could keep it a secret."
"That would have to be the last possible resort. See what blackmailing your dad does first."
He crawled over on top of her as she lay on her back and he became very close almost touching his nose to hers. "Does this mean I have persuaded you or do you need more convincing."
She smiled up at him and said, "I'm wavering in my decision. I think that I need a little more convincing." He brought his mouth down on hers to taste the sweetness of her lips. She reached up and wrapped her arms round his neck and pulled his whole body down onto her. She loved the feel of all his weight on her. She intensified the kiss by adding the feel of their tongues together. She wrapped her legs around his back as they both continued to seek out the pleasure of each other's touch. They both knew that they were meant for each other and couldn't survive apart. Just when things were starting to get hot and heavy, Scott's father started yelling his name from the bottom of the stairs.
"Shit what rotten timing." Scott grudgedly rolled off of her to respond to his father's demands.
Shelby smiled up at him and gave him some encouragement. "Go do your blackmailing cowboy and I'll be waiting for you when you get back. If you can win him over than I'll give you the time of your life when you get back."
"Man Shelby, it's hard enough leaving you now but you have to make it even harder?"
"The harder the better Scott" she winked at him.
"Damn Shelby you know what I'm talking about." He blushed and went downstairs to confront his dad.
Scott walked down into the den where is father was waiting for him. Martin motioned for him to sit down as he closed the door. "Scott we need to talk."
"Ok shoot."
"This whole situation is very unfortunate but I can't let it ruin your life. I'm sure that we could find a place that could help Shelby out. I'll make sure that she is well taken care of."
"Thanks for your thoughtfulness dad but I will make sure that she is well taken care of."
"There is no way that you can do that Scott let's be realistic. I will find her the best possible care complete with doctors and everything as long as you stay here and finish school. I want you to really buckle down on your studies so that you can get into college. I've talked with the football coach and they can put you back on the team. You've only missed one week of school so we need you to get started back tomorrow. I know it's a lot to ask but I have faith in you. You can do it Scott if you really put your mind to it."
This was really getting hard for Scott to turn his father down but he had to think of Shelby. Scott has wanted for so long to have his dad trust him again and he was starting to gain some of that trust back. Martin could see Scott's hesitation with his demands. "What's wrong Scott. Talk to me"
"Dad I hear your demands and I'm willing to comply but I need to make a change in the deal."
Martin was glad that Scott was willing to stay and get back into school but he was scared at what Scott needed to say.
"I'll start school tomorrow and try my hardest to bring up my GPA. I'll even give it all for the team but Shelby has to stay."
"Scott you know that's not possible. There is no way that we can care for her."
Scott stood up and came in front of his dad shaking his head. "Whoa whoa what a minute. What's this we stuff. I'm not asking you one bit to help take care of Shelby. That's my job. All I'm asking is that you let her live here and continue to finish school also. She does have a right to finish school."
"Scott there is no way that I'm going to send Shelby to the same school as you and have everyone talking behind your backs."
"She doesn't have to go to the same school. The county has the alternative school for kids like her. Open your eye's dad. Do you think that Shelby is the first girl to ever get pregnant in high school?"
"I can see that you've thought about this but what happens when you get accepted into college?"
"We will both be 18 and than I can legally marry her and she can go away to school with me as my wife."
"I still don't know about this Scott. Why do you want to get tied down so early in your life?"
"Because I'm already committed. Most dumb fools wonder around for years playing the field looking for the perfect girl to marry. I've already found her so why should I keep wasting time. Sorry dad but this is the only way. If you can't meet me half way on your plan than I'll just take Shelby and leave any way."
Martin got a little mad at this. "Don't you blackmail me son."
"Isn't that what you are doing to me?"
"No. I'm just trying to do my fatherly duty and give you the best possible life that I can."
"What do you think I'm trying to do for my child?"
This made Martin stop and think. It never really occurred to him that someday there would be another child involved in all of this. It's easy to not think of it being a human being when it was still in the womb. Martin realized that he would loose his son if he didn't comply.
"Ok Scott I see that you've backed me into a corner here. I'll meet your demands if you can obey my house rules."
"That depends on what they are?"
"No. You will obey regardless of whether or not you approve because technically you are still under age and I'm still the head of this house hold."
"Ok lay it on me."
"This goes for the both of you. First you two are under age and aren't married so you will not share a bedroom. You still will have to obey a curfew and I better not see anything below a C on the report card. I expect Shelby to help out with some of the chores around here and I also expect her to keep up with her grades."
"Anything else oh great one."
Martin didn't care too much for his son's sarcasm. "I can think of more if you want me too?"
"No I think we have enough rules to follow." Scott smiled at the victory that he won. He turned to leave and then turned back around. "Thanks dad." He said as he put his arms around his dad to give him a hug. Martin couldn't help resist embracing his son also. He had closed the gap and was starting a new kind of bond with his son. It felt good even though he knew he had to share that bond with Shelby.