2 weeks later.
Graduation was tonight, but Wendy wasn't going. Ever since her doctor's appointment she had sunk into a deep depression. When Dr. Weber told her she was pregnant, Wendy didn't believe him. With all of this happening, the accident, what she saw, the deaths, the funerals, and how things were left between her and Ian. She knew he had lost a huge part of his life when he lost Erin. She was the sister he had been cheated out of all those years ago when his mother died giving birth. She had been his best friend, another outcast, a weirdo, a freak, a brilliant beautiful person who had struggled her whole life trying to figure out who she was. Now she was dead, all because she didn't get off that stupid rollercoaster. The same with Carrie, and Jason. Why didn't she do something? Why didn't she try harder to make sure all those people got off the ride? No, somebody like her had always been in control. She was the perfect one. The pretty one, who got good grades, who was popular, and involved in as many things possible to make her the star student. She had risked things when she got involved with Ian, but the fact they were opposites was what made things so exciting. She had proved everyone wrong that she didn't need the typical Mckinley jock to be the perfect couple. She discovered more about herself over this past year, and was certain Ian was the love of her life. They were on the verge of starting college, and the rest of their life's. Before everything went wrong, she was having the happiness night of her life.
She was engaged, and in love. In those few minutes before she got onto the ride and that horrible feeling of dread filled her heart, she had been basically planning out the rest of her life with Ian. They would stay engaged for a year, finish their first year of college together on the West Coast. After that, she wanted a beach wedding, private and small. After graduation, she had a silly pipe dream she was certain she would never share with anyone out loud of maybe becoming a weather woman. She would work her way to the top, before finally getting a full time position at a local high end news station. She would be the face of the West Coast, wearing those bright red and lime green dress suits, pointing to the blue screen, stating how sunny it would be, or what kind of rain storms were expected. Wendy McKinley, your local weather woman. Ian and her would live in a beautiful loft, just the two of them, maybe a dog. He would do something he loved, like own a record store, or even a record label. They would finally plan on starting a family when she was thirty-five. She would have a boy first, and a year later a girl. Ian would be a stay at home dad. Both babies would have his eyes. The boy would be named Bradley, and the girl Gretchen. They would be the perfect two children, and Ian and her would adore them. All of that fantasy was planned out in her mind for those few blissful moments before she went on the ride. She saw all of that, as she stared down at her sparking engagement ring, thrilled to think that this was the beginning of Ian and her life. All of that of course was shattered when they got on the ride.
Now any chance of that future happening was gone the moment Dr. Weber announced her test results, explaining why her stomach had been so upset. Wendy of course questioned this, wondering why she had gotten her period last month? Dr. Weber asked if it had been heavy as usual and Wendy remembered it being much lighter than usual, spotting more than anything. In fact, she had actually wondered about this, but didn't pay it any further mind since she was running around like crazy with prom, and getting ready for the end of school. In fact, now that she was thinking about it, she had missed even the month before. She had never really been regular, but now that the reality was setting in, she couldn't believe how stupid she had been. When Ian and her first started having sex he wore condoms, and shortly after she switched to birth control. Dr. Weber explained that there was almost a chance the pill didn't work. He explained that this sort of news, most of all now was a huge shock to a young woman like herself. She could go home, and think about what she planned on doing. She wasn't eighteen yet, but she had been her doctor for years and said this was her business. That she needed the time to think things over, before making the next step.
Wendy knew exactly what this meant. Either tell her parents, or get an abortion. Dr. Weber said he wanted her to make an appointment soon, and wished her luck before giving her vitamins, and a slip for sleeping pills. The moment Wendy stared down at the piece of paper, she crumpled it up in her purse. Dr. Weber hadn't said it, but even if she was sure these pills weren't harmful, he hadn't said anything. When she left, she broke down completely behind the wheel of her car. Suddenly everything came crashing down. Unable to believe that this was really happening, she went to a drug store outside of town, one that she was certain nobody would see her. There she bought three different pregnancy tests, avoiding the stare the check out lady gave her. Driving to the local rest stop, she hurried in, grateful that the restroom was empty before she shut herself in the stall. Feeling sick to her stomach, she took the boxes out, her hands fumbling as she turned the first box over reading the directions. A few minutes later she held up the third test. Blue. She was in fact pregnant. It wasn't some sick twisted joke Dr. Weber was playing on her. All three tests said blue no matter how many times she checked. She knew she wasn't stupid. Ian and her had sex at least once a week. They were young, and even though she had been completely certain to be safe, this happened, making her lose complete and utter control. When she got home, she claimed she had a headache and went to bed early. The next day she slept in most of the day, when her mother came in to check on her Wendy said she felt like she was getting the flu. Her mother brought her up ginger ale and told her to rest. Before walking out, she mentioned how Ian had called twice. Wendy sighed, turning over and said that if he called again to tell him she was sleeping. A few hours later Wendy raced to the bathroom and barley made it before throwing up. She figured her nerves were completely shot from all of this, and finally had reached a head. She shuffled back to her bed, before collapsing on her bed, trying her hardest not to cry.
A few days later, Julie came in. Wendy had been sleeping nonstop. Her parents were out, and Wendy hadn't left her room at all. All students involved had been excused for the last two weeks of school, and so far only Ian and Wendy had really taken up the offer. Everyone else besides Kevin were enjoying raving about their close brush with death, going into vivid detail over what had happened. Wendy's name was the top of all the rumors going around school. When asked about it, Julie would shrug. The last thing she needed was anyone finding out Perry and her had almost been on that exact ride. Since then she had kept her distance from Wendy. She had over heard her parents talking downstairs the other night that they believed she was just depressed.
"Hey loser, your boyfriend is here."
Wendy turned over, instantly looking at her. She had let the battery in her phone die after almost twenty unread messages from Ian the last time she looked. She had also heard the phone downstairs ringing off the hook. Julie had walked by last night and peeked in as Wendy laid beneath the covers saying something along the lines of how she knew it was only a matter of time before she got bored of him. Now, in shorts, and one of Ian's faded T-shirts she had left one night here, Wendy sat up, her face puffy, her hair unwashed, and circles underneath her eyes. She had done a lot of sleeping in these last few days to escape the terrible terrifying reality that she was indeed pregnant. Seventeen and pregnant. She was like all of those dumb girls she swore she would never be. She wasn't ready to be a mother, most of all now. Right now at this very moment Ian's unborn baby was growing inside of her. A baby most likely conceived one Friday night in Ian's van. This was happening, this was a reality. She loved Ian, from the bottom of her heart, and knew he needed her more than anything now. But she didn't want this baby. It wasn't time for this, they had their whole life's ahead of them. The very idea of having a baby right now scared her almost as bad as the idea of staying on that ride. Last night she laid awake, her hands on her stomach wondering how angry her parents would be? What would they do? Would they scream and kick her out? What would Ian say? She knew this baby inside of her was a ticking time bomb and its as only a matter of time before it went off. She just needed time to think. She needed time to think, lay in her bed, and block out any thoughts of Carrie, Erin, Jason, the accident, or the pregnancy. She just wanted to sleep. Lifting her head, she was ready to yell at Julie to tell Ian she was sick and that she would call him later. She knew she couldn't avoid him forever, that it was unfair how she was ignoring him at a time like this, but all she wanted was be left alone. She couldn't grasp control, and she hated how scared she was. Looking at Julie, before she could say anything, Ian appeared in the doorway next to Julie. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, his hair spiked up, and his face concerned. Wendy stared up at him before Julie rolled her eyes.
"I'll be downstairs..."
Once Julie was gone, Ian walked in, shutting the door behind him. Looking at her, she could tell he was angry.
"Where have you been?!"
Wendy slowly sat up, gathering the blanket around her.
"I...I've been sick...I...I have the flu..."
Ian glanced and saw her nightstand slightly open, reaching down he picked up her dead cell phone.
"I called you over and over again, you never showed the other night. I thought something had happened! I called here and your mom kept saying you were sick and didn't want visitors! Jesus Wendy! Did I do something?!"
Wendy all ready felt tears beginning to build behind her eyes. Sitting indian style on the bed, she nervously gathered the blanket in her hands, before she lowered her head and started sobbing. Ian stared at her as if she was crazy. He blinked before looking down where her phone was. Reaching inside, he took out the engagement ring.
"Do you not want to get married? I know right now it's a pretty fucked up time, but if you wanna wait that's fine, but if you don't want to at all I would rather you fucking tell me instead of making me wonder if you're dead, or if you're through with me!"
"I'm pregnant!"
Ian froze, staring down. Cocking his head slightly, he squinted, looking down at her.
"What?"
Wendy stared to hysterically cry. Her cries were loud and ugly. Slowly Ian sat down beside her before slowly his arm went around her. Wendy continued crying before Ian stared forward, and sighed.
"Fuck me..."
He said softly under his breath. Instantly Wendy lifted her head, her eyes bloodshot. Looking at him, she sniffled. \
"You're mad aren't you?"
Ian stared at her before sighing, carefully he brushed her hair back.
"Why would I be mad?"
Wendy stared.
"Because I'm pregnant..."
"Yeah well, last time I checked...it takes two people to make that happen. I thought you were on the pill?"
Wendy roughly wiped her eyes, shaking her head looking down.
"I am...when I went to the doctor's, they said it happens sometimes, which is insane."
"How far along?"
"Nine weeks."
"Nine weeks!"
Wendy sat there, before pulling back.
"Don't raise your voice like that! I hate that!"
Ian stared forward, eyebrows raised.
"I'm not...I'm...just a little fucking confused Wendy...Jesus!"
Wendy put her head in her hands before crying even louder. Ian stared at her with uncertain eyes before he slowly put his arm back around her.
"Shhhhh...it's okay..."
"How can it be okay?!"
Ian pulled her back slightly before staring.
"I love you Wendy, and I hope you love me. We're going to tell your parents, and we're going to get married."
"Ian..."
"What? After what happened I'm not about to fucking second guess one thing. Dead is dead, I lost Erin and I regret every single thing I didn't do with her. I don't want to lose you."
"You aren't even seriously talking about wanting me to keep it."
Ian's face dropped.
"Why not? We're fucking engaged Wendy..."
"And we're seventeen. Two seventeen year olds who almost died!"
"Wendy, we can make this work...we'll talk to our families. I have more than enough money, next winter I get all of my inheritance. Wendy, it's more than enough...like stupid amounts of money."
"But college, and our future..."
"That's the perk of being stupid rich, you can still go to college, you can do everything you planned on doing. We both can."
"No we can't! Ian this isn't some little thing, it's a baby! A living breathing baby! We're just dumb kids!"
"Wendy, I love you. I love you more than anything...I've been a wreck these last couple of days. I almost showed up last night and kicked down your door. After losing Erin I know I can't lose you. We can make this work. We'll get married, you can go to school, I'll take care of the baby, it's everything we've wanted to do just a little earlier. What's wrong with that?"
"Everything Ian! Everything! I saw us die on that coaster and I don't know how or why it happened. You lost Erin and I lost my friends. I'm terrified, and I know how people are talking..."
"When have you cared what people thought?"
"That's you Ian. I do, and my entire life is falling apart. I love you, but being pregnant now. It's too much..."
She reached into her nightstand and slipped on her ring, holding it up to him.
"I wanna marry you, I don't care what my parents say. I don't wanna lose you...but I can't have a baby now. I've thought about this and I can't."
"So what were you going to do? Ignore my calls hoping I gave up?"
"I was thinking of how I was going to tell you. I was hoping like always you would respect my choice and stand by me. I'm not close with anyone from my family and I can't talk to any of them. With everything that's happened, I've thought about it...I can't. I want a family with you Ian one day, I want one so bad...but I can't now...I..."
She snapped her eyes shut, sobbing before Ian stared at her reaching down, placing his hand on her stomach. Jumping slightly, Wendy looked at him.
"What are you..."
"Look at me. I love you Wendy. I want this baby, and I want you. Please, stop being so selfish and listen...that's our baby. Our baby who could have died the same night as us. It deserves a second chance, just like us."
She stared at him before her face crumpled.
"I just need time to think Ian, I don't have long...I just...need to slow down and think."
"About getting rid of it?"
Wendy stared up at him before Ian's face went stone set. Sighing, he looked at her. Wendy sniffled, wiping her eyes again before Ian sighed, looking straight ahead he shook his head.
"I'm late for work..."
"Ian..."
"How about I call you...I'm going to school tomorrow to grab some things, you going?"
"Yeah maybe, I'm not going to graduation. Are you?"
"No...listen, we'll talk tomorrow night okay. Just take it easy okay?"
Wendy nodded before Ieaned over and kissed her forehead. Wendy closed her eyes, feeling more tears spill down before Ian gently patted her hand before getting up. When Wendy opened her eyes, he was gone. Looking down at her ring, her face crumpled again. Sitting there on her bed, she broke down completely alone, having no idea what to do. That night, she spent in bed again. When her mother came home, she brought her up some chicken broth, and asked how she was feeling? Wendy laid there, saying she was feeling slightly better and might swing by the school tomorrow to clean out her locker. Smiling, her mother brushed back her bangs, told her to rest, before getting up and leaving. Alone in her bedroom, Wendy turned over, looking at the framed photo of Ian wishing more than anything that he was here with her right now. The next day... Wendy woke up early, showered, and left the house for the first time in days. It was a dark rainy morning, thunder sounding faintly in the background. Parking in the West parking-lot, she was surprised to see how empty the school seemed.
Then she remembered that it was a half day, and all of the other grades were down at the field house for the end of the year rally. Parking, she didn't even bother to try and grab her umbrella, instead she slowly walked inside and went straight to the office for her diploma. There, her guidance councilor gave her a pity filled look before squeezing her hand, wishing her luck before Wendy took it, and turned around, her mind still heavy with thoughts of what she was going to do about the pregnancy, and the reality that seven of her friends were dead and would forever stay seventeen. All of this, these lockers, these halls, even graduation tonight was a joke. Heading to her locker, she opened it, and grabbed her few things, leaving the rest of the books inside. Turning, she saw the board with all of the teen's who had been killed that night. Her eyes scanned on the board, looking at the photos of Carrie and Jason. Sighing, she shook her head before turning and continued walking.
"Hey..."
Wendy turned and saw Ian walking up beside her. He smirked before holding up two yearbooks.
"I grabbed yours if you're looking..."
Wendy raised an eyebrow.
"You actually ordered one?"
Ian shrugged as they walked down the empty halls. It seemed so strange that this would be the last time they ever walked them together.
"You head to the office?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Still gotta go, I'll walk you?"
"Thanks..."
"So, do you wanna meet up later?"
Wendy stopped for a second, right before the double doors. Shaking her head, she looked down at her diploma in the black leather case.
"Yeah...sure."
"You sleep at all last night?"
Wendy sighed, looking down.
"Not really..."
Ian reached up, brushing her face with his hand, making her look up. He stared down at her, worried, and serious. He then motioned down to her ring.
"Anyone notice yet?"
Wendy sighed, trying to find a smile but couldn't find one.
"No, everyone was out of the house by the time I left."
"Well, if anyone gives you shit, or...anything, call me okay? We'll meet up around six?"
"Sure..."
Ian sadly smiled at her, before holding open the door. Wendy and Ian both stepped out, towards the tables where fifteen or so students were spending the last half an hour of the day out of the rain, looking the yearbooks that were just given out today, or counting out the minutes until the last bell. Most of the seniors were all ready gone, or getting ready for tonight. Both Ian and Wendy walked out, truing to ignore the glances they were both getting. "Hey Wendy?" Wendy stopped and turned before Ashley and Ashlyn came running over, using her yearbook as cover from the rain.
"Hey Wen, we're ready for graduation and after this we're going to tanning salon after this and we are so totally cool if you wanna come."
"Totally."
"And if you wanna talk here's my cell. I all ready have your cell."
Ashley handed her a piece of paper before turning around and muttering how nice it was of them doing that. Wendy glanced at Ian before crumpling up the paper and putting it in her pocket. Ian stared at her before sighing.
"Listen I gotta get to the office...we'll talk tonight?"
Wendy nodded, noticing Julie in the distance at one of the tables watching. Ian kissed her temple, before patting her arm and turning, walking back inside. Watching him, she wondered how he would truly react when she told him she made up her mind. She loved him, but she didn't want this baby. Not now, not like this. She wanted an abortion. Just then, Kevin strolled up to her.
Later...
Julie had gotten upset at Wendy for borrowing her good luck charm bracelet from their grandmother who passed away two winters ago. Wendy had gotten home after getting into a fight with Kevin. He tried to convince her to go to graduation and Wendt ended up admitting that the only reason they hung out was because Carrie was her best friend. She instantly regretted saying such a mean thing, but knew right now she had too much on her mind to deal with him. Kevin then tried to show her how she wasn't alone, Talking about how two people before had gotten visions just like her before terrible accidents. Wendy drove away angry, and came home, throwing down her stuff, no longer caring. She wanted to sit down with Ian, talk with him, and get this abortion over with. As soon as it was over, she wanted to marry Ian, and start her life with him. As for children, she promised herself for getting rid of this one, she would have as many as Ian wanted in the future. She just couldn't do it right now. While sitting at her computer, she couldn't control it. She told Julie she needed as much luck as possible right now. That she had a lot of personal stuff going on, stuff she couldn't talk about to mom or dad. Julie seemed to be reached, and in the end they made a brief connection.
Wendy told her how she wanted her to visit Ian and her once they got settled on the coast. Deep down inside she was praying Ian and her were actually still together by then. Before Julie left the room, she happened to see Wendy's engagement ring. The two sisters locked eyes, before Julie nodded and left to go get ready. Wendy felt grateful, knowing that announcing her engagement right now was the last thing she wanted to do. Instead she just wanted to sit down with Ian, lay the cards out on the table, and get him on board with her choice. She only prayed that he would agree with her and be able to look at her the same way. Going to charge camera, she saw the photos she had uploaded.
There she saw a photo she had snapped of Carrie and Jason while they were walking by Devil's Flight that night. It was one of the many photos she had snapped that weekend, but this one seemed to really hit her. Staring at the screen in disbelief, she continued clicking on the photos, getting that strange feeling all over again. She sat, closely looking at the photos. The one she had snapped of Carrie and Jason, she saw the rail of the coaster going straight into their heads. Reaching up, her thin fingertips traced the direction of the tracks, it looked as if they were going straight through Carrie and Jason's heads. Instantly she sat back.
"Oh my God..."
She softly whispered before clicking the mouse, staring at all the different photos. Finally she stopped, staring at the one she took of Ashley and Ashlyn. Right away she focused, before that same chill went through her. Instantly the tiny hairs on the back of her neck rose, she looked around, feeling a cold chill go through her. Glancing around, she looked at the photo again before the bulb in her desk lamp blew, causing her to jump back as a few tiny sparks flew out. Staring at the photo, she got the worst feeling she had felt since the accident. Reaching into her bag, she quickly tried to dial the phone number, praying she wasn't too late.
2 days later.
"We may feel that our lives are not our own. That death controls, frames our lives. Our birth's nothing but death begun. Yet whether it is with the tragic loss of young lives...which we have suffered much of late, or with the soft passing of the elderly in the night, we are all equal in death's eyes."
Ian stood beside Wendy. He had picked her up in his van an hour ago and they had driven mostly in silence to the cemetery. The night before news had spread all over about the terrible accident that had happened at the tanning salon with Ashley and Ashlyn. The man who was supposed to be working there was currently being brought up on chargers since he claimed he stepped out for just a second to take an important phone call out back. News of the two deaths stated that both girls went in to use the tanning beds when the machines both had a malfunction causing a fire in which both burned to death. The details were hidden from the news, but everyone was talking about how horrible it had been. Wendy called up Ian almost right away when she heard, her fingertips feeling numb, and her stomach sick. Ian came over almost right away, in which Wendy tried showing him the photo. Ian squinted at the computer before making a face.
"What?"
Wendy, almost near hysterics stared at him as if he was crazy.
"Don't you see? They burned to death, look at the photo!"
Ian leaned over her desk, looking before she huffed in utter frustration and clicked the mouse to the photo of Carrie and Jason. She pointed to the track.
"See?!"
Ian sighed before looking at her.
"Wendy..."
Wendy then clicked to the photo of Ian and Erin.
"I was able to find the McKinley police report site, they said when Erin fell she was impaled on some of the coasters and if you look."
Ian shut her monitor off before turning her chair and taking her by the shoulders.
"Enough okay? Enough. Ashley and Ashlyn died in an accident, a horrible brutal accident...but an accident. If you tell anyone about this they are going to think your crazy, or worse had something to do with the rollercoaster. I know you're freaked out but you need to stop. Death does't have a plan, it's not coming back to collect us, it isn't a force or a being. Now stop it. I've lost too much all ready and I can't lose you. You're just upset over what happened and the baby..."
Wendy stared up at him, eyes rimmed with tears.
"Ian, I wanted to talk to you about that. I haven't told my parents anything yet. Julie saw my ring, but I've been locked up in here. I think they think I'm depressed or something and are giving me space. I can't handle this right now."
Ian leaned over, cupping her face.
"That's why you have me..."
Wendy shook her head, feeling tears pour down.
"I want...an abortion."
The words rang out like an echo to Ian and Wendy as soon as she said it. Ian stood up, staring down.
"What?" Wendy wiped her eyes.
"I love you Ian, and I wanna marry you, but I can't have a baby now...not with what's happening."
"What's happening? Wendy, Ashley and Ashlyn dying has nothing to do with us..."
Wendy shook her head.
"I just can't...I love you so much but I can't..."
"Didn't I tell you I would take care of you? You can do whatever you want, you can still go to school, do whatever you want. We're able to do that. I want this baby Wendy..."
Wendy stared up, tears still streaming down her face.
"I don't. I'm sorry. I'm not ready."
Sighing, clearly frustrated. Ian ran his hands through his hair before placing his hand on his lips.
"Okay...listen your upset. I'll pick you up tomorrow for the funeral and we'll talk later okay?"
Wendy wiped at her eyes again.
"There's nothing to talk about Ian."
"I think there is..."
With that he turned away slightly, rubbing his jaw before he began to walk out.
"I'll see you tomorrow..."
Now here they stood. The ride over was silent. She knew he was angry as he gripped the wheel, not even looking at her. She knew he didn't want her to get the abortion. He had proven some very good points. He was coming into all of his money, he was beyond wealthy and had the means to support her and a family at this age. Still, she wasn't ready. After losing such control the night of the accident she knew she wouldn't be able to bring a child into this world. Not all. She loved Ian with all her might, and just wished he could understand why she couldn't do this.
"Equal in death's eyes? All of us? How can you say that?"
Wendy instantly saw people turn, staring. Embarrassed, she squeezed Ian's hand, trying to make him shut up. She knew this was just all the building tension since the accident and news of the pregnancy. Leaning in, she whispered for him to come on, trying to pull him away. When she glanced over she saw Kevin watching. Someone from the crowd yelled
"Shut up McKinley!"
Ian's voice got louder.
"Dude, think it through. Charlie Manson made it to 70. Osama? Still kicking', pimps, vice-presidents, walking around. All the atrocities they've committed...and they're alive and well. These two girls who'd never done shit to anybody...they don't get to make it to 18? Where's the fucking equality in that?"
Wendy pulled on his arm again before Kevin and Lewis were at both his sides, helping to pull him away. Wendy caught Julie's glance as she stood over to the side with Perry and Frankie. Embarrassed, she dropped her eyes, walking as Ian held up his hands, insisting he was okay. Finally they reached the cars, where Lewis and Kevin let go of Ian. Taking his arm, they went around and stopped by the driver's door. Both stared at each other. Wendy all ready felt horrible at the looks she was getting, but after this scene she felt a million times worse.
"What's the matter with you?"
Ian sighed, staring at her.
"Wendy...we gotta talk about this. You need to hear me out."
Wendy sighed.
"Ian I told you. I can't..."
Ian shook his head.
"Yeah I know. I know you haven't told anyone we're engaged, and you don't wanna keep our baby."
Wendy looked around, making sure nobody had heard him.
"Ian I love you but you have to understand with everything that's happened..."
"Bullshit! Just admit it that you wanna call things off. Just tell me."
Wendy stared at him, her eyes filling with tears before she pushed away. Ian turned, sighing.
"Wendy! Come on!"
Wendy ignored his calls, walking towards the treelike, praying he wouldn't follow her. Seconds later, she heard the van's engine start as it pulled away, speeding down the road. Turning slightly, she watched before Kevin strolled over.
"Hey..."
Wendy sighed staring at him.
"Hi..."
Over her shoulder was her messages bag. She was hoping to share these photos with the others. Clutching, it she wiped her eyes before Kevin sighed, hands in his pockets as he looked at her.
"You okay?"
"Yeah fine..."
"Need a ride?"
Wendy took a deep breath before opening her bag.
"Actually, I need to show you something..."
A few minutes later she showed him the photos she had printed out earlier this morning. Suddenly she felt dizzy, and almost lost the balance on her feet. Kevin helped steady her before looking her over.
"When was the last time you ate?"
Wendy felt another horrible headache coming on. Rubbing her temples, she shook her head.
"I don't know..."
"Come on, let's get you something to eat."
As they started walking towards his truck, Kevin glanced at her.
"How far along are you?"
Wendy looked stunned, shooting him a look before he stared down as they walked to his truck.
"Sorry, none of my business..."
Wendy sighed, before she continued walking with him.
"Over two months..."
Kevin nodded and didn't say a word as they continued walking, all the meanwhile a heavy wind picking up in the distance.
Later...
Frankie was dead. Wendy and Kevin sat in shock in the back of the ambulance. The plan was they would go home, change, and go find Lewis. Wendy had tried calling Ian twice, and he didn't pick up. She knew he had every right to be angry. The two had explained to the police officers that they could walk to Wendy's place and she could give him a ride. The entire parking-lot of Andy's was a complete madhouse with two firetrucks, a tow-truck, two ambulances, one which was loading up Frankie's corpse, as well as a dozen McKinley police cruisers. Wendy knew it would only be a matter of time before the news vans came. The two walked away, planning on going back to her place and take a closer look at the photographs.
That night...
Wendy tossed and turned. Kevin had left an hour ago after the two had closely looked over the photographs. Tomorrow they were planning on heading down state to visit Luis. Wendy had tried calling Ian several more times, only for it to go straight to voice mail. She knew he avoiding her at any cost. That he was upset, and they hadn't truly had the chance to talk since everything spun out of control. He lost Erin, she lost her friends. The way he acted earlier at the funeral proved there was more going on, and the news of this unplanned pregnancy was too much for him to handle. She knew she was being silly, in fact she was being down right stupid. She loved Ian, wanted to marry him, and someday yes have children. After this accident didn't it prove that life was too short for controlled plans? Laying there, eyes filling with tears she knew she needed to talk to him. She needed to tell him about these photos and what she found. She needed to explain how crazy this was and have his put some sensible logic into focus. Ian was smart, he would be able to help Kevin and her. He could figure this out with her. After seeing what happened to Frankie, she knew she needed to let Ian know what was happening. Staring down at her flat stomach she was unable to believe that one of the eighty-three times they had made love, one time the birth control had failed, resulting in this pregnancy. Closing her eyes she wondered what it would look like? Would it have her big brown eyes, or Ian's blue? Would it have his narrow face, or her round one? She thought back a few months ago in April, how the town of McKinley was having the annual Spring Fling. It was a small event in which several tents were put up in McKinley park. It was mostly for arts and crafts as well as a pie eating contest. Wendy had dragged Ian to it, and the two ended making out with such fury it seemed dangerous behind one of the tents. Wendy remembered how they were hidden, the crowds of people just a few feet away. Never one for P.D.A, Wendy couldn't believe how reckless they were being as Ian sucked on her neck, hands all over. Wendy's hand had reached down his jeans, past his studded belt, giving him a hand job as he groaned. Moments later, he was unzipping his fly, and picking her up and placing her on a barrel. Instantly she felt her legs part, and then she was biting down on his shoulder, trying to stiffen a cry. Was it then in that wild moment of passion that this baby was made? She didn't know. There was so much she didn't know. Instead, she turned over, took her phone and dialed one last time. It rang several times before she heard Ian's voice on his voicemail.
"Hey it's McKinley, leave a message after the beep."
Sighing, Wendy wiped her eyes, and waited before the beep rang. Taking a deep breath she sighed, turning over and staring at the framed photo of Ian and her during happier times on her nightstand.
"Hey Ian, sorry for all the calls. I gotta talk to you...I'm sure you heard about Frankie...I was there. It was...horrible, and I just really need to talk to you. There's something I gotta do tomorrow morning but I'll come by after your shift...I think you're right about...you know...anyways...I love you."
She hung up, dry swelling and feeling awful. Her head pounded, and she never felt so scared before in her entire life. Would Lewis believe them? Would they be able to stop this? Could Ian even look at her again? She didn't know. There was so much she just didn't know.
The next day.
Lewis was dead. Kevin was driving them back to McKinley as Wendy sat in the passenger seat feeling awful. Both were dressed in sweats the college had provided after this horrible accident. Wendy knew she would never get that image of Lewis screaming out of her head, or that horrible wet splash as blood, skull, and brain matter soaked Kevin and her. The dean of the college had been beyond understanding, believing that they were just friends visiting when this horrible tragedy happened. They allowed Wendy and Kevin to shower, and gave them extra clothing before putting their own blood soaked clothes in plastic bags. They were held up there for hours, answering questions. Feeling guilty, Wendy wondered if they really could stop it? In her vision Ian was next. The very thought of something happening to him terrified her. What if they didn't get back to McKinley in time? They had been held up at the college after Lewis died, what if they got back and it was too late? She needed to talk to him, needed to set things right about the baby. Needed to tell him how much she loved him and needed him. The photographs were spread across her lap, and for the last hour of the drive she had been trying to figure out what clues showed int he few photos she took if Ian that night. She had tried showing the photos to Ian, who brushed it off, but maybe with Frankie and Lewis' deaths he would have to believe them. Nervously biting her nail, she begged Kevin to step on it, praying she wasn't too late.
Later...
It was dark by the time they reached McKinley. After changing quick, the two headed straight to Build It. It was nearly closing, and Wendy breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Ian's van still parked there. Once they parked Wendy's car, the two hurried to the garden department and began banging on the metal gate.
"Whoa!"
Wendy looked and saw Ian walking over, wearing a long sleeve gray shirt, his built it blue apron, and jeans. Just seeing him brought relief to her eyes. Exhausted, she smiled clutching onto the bars, she reached forward, almost trying to grasp him like a desperate woman.
"Ian! Please! Let us in!"
Ian froze, looking at both Kevin and Wendy before strolling over.
"What the Hell are you guys doing here?"
He reached down unlocking the gate, before pulling it up. The moment it rolled up on it's tracks, Wendy scrambled inside, throwing her arms around Ian hard enough to almost make him fall backwards.
"Whoa, Wendy! Easy!"
Wendy broke into hysterical sobs, as she held onto him for dear life. Ian, confused, slowly put her arms around him before raising an eyebrow over her shoulder at Kevin who simply sighed. Pulling back, Wendy continued crying.
"I need to talk to you...alone for a second."
Ian stared at her.
"Wendy..."
"Please..."
Ian nodded.
"Okay fine..."
Wendy motioned to one of the offices out back before looking at Kevin.
"Just give us five okay?"
Kevin nodded as Wendy took Ian's hand and led him into the office, shutting the door behind them, and flicking on the lights. Ian turned, instantly annoyed, hands on his hips.
"All right Wendy, what the fuck is going on? You left me like twenty messages, and I heard you were at the accident yesterday?"
Wendy held her hands up, acting as if there was no time.
"Listen, we'll explain in a second. I just need to say something okay?"
Ian glanced through the window looking out at the dark garden section. There Kevin waited beside a bunch of potted plants. Glancing, he shook his head before focusing on Wendy. Leaning against the manner's desk, he nodded.
"Okay, what?"
"I wanna keep the baby."
Ian's face fell.
"What?"
"In the last few days one thing that has been certain and that's how I can't control every single thing around me. That life is too short and if anything ever happened to you I think I would lose it. I want this baby Ian. I wanna marry you. I wanna tell my family, and start my life with you."
"Wendy?"
Wendy roughly wiped at her eyes.
"I mean it, and this isn't some way to get you back...I wanna keep the baby. I..."
Before she could finish Ian quickly walked over, gathering her up in his arms, holding her tight. All the while Wendy continued sobbing against his chest before a terrible chill filled the air.