"So, how'd it go?" My father asked. He could tell from our faces and the silence in which we walked back that something was amiss. I expected her to yell at him, but instead she just fell apart.
"Oh George!" She cried. "Amy lost the baby." Even though I couldn't see her from up here, I could picture her face as she said this and a slice of pain shot through me. My father remained impassive for a moment before a low sobbing sound was heard. My father had never cried, not even I had told him I was pregnant (though he had gotten a little teary). Even when my Aunt Jenna's funeral came three years ago, as she had died from a car accident. To hear his howls along with my mother made me feel a new wave of agony. It felt like I was drowning in it. I was about to let the tears flow when I felt someone open the door. I gathered myself up for Mom or Dad, when I realized it was Ashley.
"It's okay." She said, quietly shutting the door and hugging me. "You had to tell them. It was the only way. Maybe someday you can tell them what really happened." I ripped myself away from her embrace.
"What!" I fought to keep my voice to a whisper, but I could barely contain myself. "I can't tell them. Can you imagine what they'll think of me? Or of poor Dr. Sadowski? What do you think the point of that was?" I pointed at the door.
"Whoa, whoa! Calm down. I just meant that when you're old and grey if you want to tell them then you can." I took a deep breath, still staring at her.
"Never. They will never know about this. Ever." My words were low and dangerous. Final. Ashley nodded, and resumed hugging me. I let out a single sob into her shoulder, they pulled away. I still wanted to hear what Mom and Dad were talking about. As I quietly pushed open the door, I heard my mom recounting what had happened. She was already at the part where we were waiting for the 2nd blood test.
"So there we were, hoping for the best. I think Amy was stunned. I mean, she never wanted the baby, but this was so shocking. It took away her choice in the matter. I tried to comfort her, but you saw her face when she walked in here, she was devastated."
"Did they say what caused it?" For once my dad wasn't shouting. His voice was a hushed whisper.
"They said it could be a number of things to her age or the baby's chromosomal count. They said they just don't know."
"Stupid doctors! What's the point of paying them if they can't tell you what's wrong?" Now he was shouting, screaming really. We heard a loud crashing sound that meant he'd hit something.
"Careful!" Mom warned. "Amy's probably trying to get some sleep. This is hard enough."
"Sorry. You're right. I just can't imagine how she must feel. Tomorrow let's not talk about it unless she wants to. Maybe she can invite Ben over, and watch a movie. Something calm to get her mind off of it, if only for one day." They couldn't hear her next words, but heard her tell him goodnight later. She had let him sleep on the couch, but no her room. I gaped, open mouth at Ashley.
"What am I gonna do?" I could feel the prickle of tears run down my face.
"Listen, call Adrian and Ben over tomorrow. You can talk to them alone. You'll tell them the real story, since they already know it, but come up with your cover up together. I have school tomorrow, but if you want I can sleep in here." Her offer hung in the air. I shook my head.
"No, go and get some rest. I'll be fine. I'll probably just be sleeping anyways and that's no fun." I tried to smile, but barely managed to get the words out. She hugged me again and then left. I pulled out my phone and texted Ben and Adrian.
GROUP Text; Ben, Adrian (7:02pm)
Guys, can you come over tomorrow after school. I need to talk.
I waited awhile, but eventually they both texted back with Ok's. Then Ben called.
"H-H-Hi B-B-Ben." I tried to keep my voice even, but it came out all wrong.
"Amy! What's wrong?" His voice was filled with concern. I tried to speak actual words, but then tears started pouring out of me. "Amy, shh shh, its gonna be okay. Everythings gonna be alright. What happened?" I cried for a few more minutes before telling him.
"Nothing happened. Everything is right on schedule. It's just," I paused for a moment. "How can I be lying to them like this? If they ever find out they'll hate me."
"They're not going to find out. Besides, no one could ever hate you. You're too sweet." I chuckled. Ben always knew how to make me feel better.
"Let's talk about something else. What's new with you, I mean besides this whole mess."
"Nothing much. Let's see, Dad got a new sausage deal." We spoke for hours about the most trivial of things. We talked about the time he went skiing with his parents and broke a bone for the first time. It was really nice. The talking, not the bone breaking.
"Whoa Ben, it's already 10:30. I gotta get to sleep. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Amy. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll see you tomorrow, I love you too." I clicked the phone, feeling better than I had all day and drifted off into sleep.
Find out what the plan is in the next chapter of the story. Thanks for reading! Comment what you want to happen. I love reading you're comments and some of my ideas come from there, thank you.