Life within

Disclaimers: I don't own W.I.T.C.H. or the song, Breathe, that this story is loosely based on.

Summary: When Cornelia gets a bit of shocking news, she must make difficult choices--choices that will change her life forever. WillxCaleb, slight CorneliaxCaleb.

Rated T and up.

Okay, enjoy: No flaming!

Chapter 1: Telling the truth

"You're what?" Mrs. Hale shrilled. Her already delicate peaches and cream complexion faded until all shades of pink had vanished into a very white face. She pointed sharp, french manicured nail in her oldest daughter's face and narrowed her own blue eyes. "You had better tell us this is some type of sick joke!"

The girl in question pressed her whole body closer to the soft, plush cushions of the sofa and paled. "I thought you would understand. Please, lower your voice before all of the universe knows what happened!" Cornelia said sharply. She rubbed her fingers across her forehead wearily.

Mr. Hale stared hard at his daughter. "I just don't see how this could happen to you. We were always so careful!" He lamented wearily.

"Well, do you really need me to draw you a road map, Daddy? Because trust me, I remember exactly what happened." Cornelia quipped sharply. She shook her head and stared at her hands for a moment, rallying her strength.

Mr. and Mrs. Hale stared at their daughter. On the outside, she looked exactly the same: long, beautiful blonde hair, wideset blue eyes, pale complexion and slight figure. Even her eyes were still alight with joy over her recent 16th birthday. But how on earth was it possible that inside that flat, slender stomach, a barely-there child was forming even as they spoke?

Cornelia flicked back her golden hair and stared hard at her parents. "What now?" She finally asked.

Mrs.Hale sighed. "Have you even decided where to have it done?" She finally murmured.

"Have what done?" Cornelia asked curiously.

"The abortion, of course." Mrs. Hale said sharply. "Surely you didn't expect that we would allow the good Hale name to be ruined by an overeager child!"

Cornelia put her head in her hands for the millionth time that day. "I don't know. I don't know!" She cried frantically. "Just--let me go for a walk and think."

Mr. Hale put a loving hand on Cornelia's back. "Of course. But don't tell anyone what happened to you." He advised sternly.

Later...

"You're pregnant?" Elyon said in surprise. "You don't look it." She stirred the cup of hot tea and smiled over the rising steam at Cornelia. "So, how does the daddy feel?"

Cornelia sipped at her own tea. "He doesn't know. We broke up." She explained gently. She watched Elyon for a reaction over the rim of her teacup.

"He left you?" Elyon gasped. "How awful!"

"No, we broke up before I told him. He said I was sleeping with other guys and I told him I wasn't." Cornelia stared into the teacup as if trying to divine the answer for her problems from it. "And now he's dating Will."

"Caleb and Will. Never saw that pair coming." Elyon mused. She watched Cornelia carefully again. "How's your parents taking it?"

"Barely. They don't want me to have it." Cornelia replied. "And the othre Guardians--oh no! I forgot to tell them!" She gasped, jumping to her feet. "Bye, Elyon. I have to go!" She said quickly.

Elyon smiled at Cornelia. "Bye. Remember, you still have my support." She soothed.

Cornelia waved and sprinted out of the room.