The next day, Kirsty was still reeling from the results of the test; she finally had an excuse for her strange new behaviour. She'd hardly slept worrying; she didn't know what she was going to do. There were only three options, keep the baby, adoption or an abortion. Kirsty didn't know whether she could be a mother, she was still a kid herself. Her future would be difficult, and she'd have to tell her parents and expect their support. That was unlikely since the father was someone they detested. And where was the father? Kane still hadn't replied to her letter. Although Kirsty's maternal urge was undetectable, she didn't know whether she could give a baby, her baby, away. That only left one option, an equally scary option. Kirsty may have supported abortion before, but when put in this situation, it seemed far more difficult. Having the baby inside her made her feel somewhat closer to Kane, the one she loved. If she killed it, she'd be killing a part of herself and a part of Kane. It made Kirsty feel uncomfortable, having his baby inside her made her feel closer to him.
Kirsty rolled out of bed after hearing a knock at the door. It was Saturday, so the house would be full of her ever-loving family.
"Kirsty, it's me Jade. Can I come in?"
"Yeah, " replied Kirsty. She tried to look as normal as she could, fearing Jade would guess her dirty secret, just from seeing her face. Jade entered, smiling half-heartedly.
"I wondered if you wanted to come to the diner with us today. You haven't been out with us for ages."
"Nah, I don't think I'll go."
"But what are you going to do all day? You can't just stay in the house."
"I won't. I was going to go to the drop-in centre today." Kirsty wanted to ask Flynn if Kane had replied or anything. Perhaps he didn't know the address.
"Well I could come too, there might be something happening down there."
"No Jade. I'd prefer to be on my own if that's okay."
"Fine. It'd be good for you to talk to Flynn." Jade wanted to make more of an effort with Kirsty. Her mother had spoken to her about her behaviour and thought that Kirsty needed more support. Jade suspected that her mother wanted her to persuade Kirsty to return to school. She'd be a year behind, but could still catch up eventually. As her sister left the room, Kirsty looked at her body in the mirror. Perhaps it was just paranoia, but Kirsty swore her jeans felt tighter and she could see a fraction of a bump in her reflection. Kirsty covered herself up with a baggy t-shirt, and went downstairs. Dani, sitting down to breakfast with her mother and Brodie, greeted her.
"Hello Kirsty, " said her mother.
"Hi, " said Dani. The atmosphere was awkward. Kirsty could feel herself blushing furiously for many reasons. She knew she'd upset her the last time they'd spoken properly. Kirsty had avoided her until this moment.
"Hi, " replied Kirsty. Dani smiled at her sister. Since Kane was out of the picture, she felt that she could make her peace with her sister. It would be difficult however, knowing that she had loved him.
"Kirsty would you like some breakfast? I made pancakes." Kirsty nodded and sat down. Dani probably thought that everything would get back to normal soon, she'd start speaking to her sister again, then move back in. If only she knew that normality was not an option, and would never be an option.
"So Kirsty, how have you been?" Dani said, seemingly acting as if nothing had happened.
"Fine. A bit bored."
"Well maybe we should do something sometime. I fancy going to Wonderland, they have this new rollercoaster there."
"Yeah, apparently it's meant to be really good, Hayley went on it last week. You should see the photos!" exclaimed Brodie.
"Well we could go there tomorrow, " said Shelley. "I'm free. I could ask Rhys if he wants to come." Kirsty stopped chewing her food. She knew enough about pregnancy to know that she shouldn't be going on rollercoasters. Normally she loved them. Kirsty quickly finished her food, excused herself and left for the drop-in centre.
***
Flynn sat in his office daydreaming. It was a peaceful Saturday afternoon, the centre was quiet and Flynn finally had the chance for a good think. Little did he know that Kirsty would interrupt his thoughts. She was desperate to know if Kane had left a letter with him, perhaps they could sort something out. Flynn answered the knock at his door, expecting someone else.
"Hi Kirsty, how's it going?"
"Yeah fine, I was wondering if Kane replied to my letter?"
Flynn froze. He hadn't given Kane the letter; he didn't want to anger Shelley again. Perhaps it would let her down gently if she thought Kane hadn't replied. "No sorry, he hasn't."
"Oh." Kirsty was crestfallen. He would have replied if he loved her. Now she was lost, she couldn't hide her pregnancy forever. Kirsty left the drop-in centre, holding back her tears not knowing what to do. A few miles away, Kane lay in his bed thinking of Kirsty, not knowing what to do either. His aunt had forbidden him from seeing her; he was too much trouble, but he had to see her. He would walk along the beach every day, just for a lucky glimpse of her. The separate couple needed each other more than ever now, Kane sensed this and decided that they wouldn't be apart for much longer.