Sorry for the long wait. I didn't have any computer access last weekend. I should be updating a lot after this week because of Christmas break. Thank you so much to everyone who left me a reply. You all are just too sweet. If you keep them coming, I'll keep the chapters coming as well. Enjoy!
Marco blinked a few times. "What?"
"I'm pregnant," she repeated, her voice sounding that of seven year olds.
"How?"
"I am not answering that. How the hell do you think?" she snapped.
He sucked his breath in. "I meant," he paused. "Sean's?"
"Who else, Marco? What do you think I am?" she asked, tears spilling from her bloodshot eyes.
"Ellie, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just trying to make sense of this."
"He's gone," she said abruptly.
"What?"
"Sean's gone. He was arrested last night."
"For what?" Marco asked, shock evident in his eyes.
"Oh god, Marco. He had turned his life around. He was living a life he could be proud of, or so I thought."
"Ellie, what happened?"
"I never questioned the mysterious extra money. I assumed it was just student welfare."
Marco sat patiently, waiting for her to tell him the entire story.
"He was dealing. He was dealing drugs in some filthy ally and he got caught. I don't know much. I don't know what the charges are, if he'll do any jail time. I have no idea. But I know I'm alone now and I need you," she finished as sobs racked her body as she fell into Marco, letting her tears drench his shoulder as he held her close, running his hand through her tangled red locks.
"I'm here," he whispered.
She sat up suddenly. "Marco, I need a huge favor from you."
"Name it," he told her without any hesitation.
"I need you to be this baby's father."
He went to speak but she cut him off.
"I can't go to school after break and tell people I'm carrying Sean's baby. He didn't just deal to strangers in the ally. When he was arrested, he was dealing to a grade nine Degrassi student. Not just any grade nine, Marco. Kendra Mason."
"What?"
"I know. He dealt to a fourteen year old girl who he knew! He knew he was messing up her life. God. Spinner's not the only one who's going to blame Sean. Everyone is. Toby, Ashley, everyone is going to hate Sean. And me. I know this is a lot to ask, but if people think this is your baby, maybe I can escape their wrath. I don't want this baby to be considered the spawn of Satan, which is what Sean is going to be to the entire student body after they find out."
"El, I'm gay remember? No one is going to buy I impregnated you."
"We can blame it on a night of drinking or something, Marco. We can make this work. We're graduating in a year and a half and then you can wash your hands of this mess. I can't though. This is my life now. Please Marco. I wouldn't ask you something like this unless I had no other choice, and I don't. I'm not going to have an abortion for my carelessness. I knew better. How many safe sex lectures have we had? I knew we were taking a risk, but I guess I didn't care. And I know I'm being a coward. I know I should march into Degrassi and hold my head high but I'm not strong enough. I need you by my side. Please."
He sighed as he took in the fear in her eyes. She was honestly afraid to let people know she was carrying Sean Cameron's child. He went to speak again but she continued.
"I don't have any place to stay, Marco. My mom's back in rehab for six months this time. I can't exactly ask Ashley. We hardly talk anymore. If I can't find someone to take temporary custody of me, I'm going to have to go to a foster home until my birthday. I know how conservative your parents are. I'm sure they'll never go for a pregnant teenager living under their roof. I'm not asking. Maybe you could talk Craig into letting me stay in his garage for alittle while? Just until my birthday. I could get a job and move out after I turn 18."
"Ellie, don't be ridiculous. Craig's garage isn't finished. It's freezing in there. You'll stay here. Ma and Pa love you like the daughter they never had. Granted, Pa won't be thrilled, but he'll come around."
"Marco, I couldn't impose on your family."
"Ellie, everyone is going to assume you are family when they hear you're carrying my baby."
"So you'll do it?" she asked, relief filling her dark eyes.
"Of course, Ellie. I love you and you need me. I'm there."
She flung herself back into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I knew I could count on you. We can make this work."
Marco sighed, wishing he had as much faith as she did.