"Hershel please say something," Claire pleaded as she lightly nudged his shoulder. He said nothing. He was desperately trying to comprehend the revelation that had been bestowed to him. Could this really be true? Is he ready for a commitment such as this? What seemed like hours went past before he finally spoke.
"Brenda could you please give us a moment?" Hershel muttered turning to her. By the rather serious expression on his face she could do nothing but comply. She acknowledged his wishes with a slight nod of the head before turning around and exiting the room. Once she had gone he turned to face Claire who was now making no attempt to hide her tears.
"Is this true Claire?" Hershel whispered subtly.
"I'm so sorry Hershel I…I…" Claire began before a delicate finger was placed upon her lips, ceasing her explanation.
"Shhh," Hershel muttered softly "There is no reason for you to apologise…we are in this together and I am not going to let you carry such a burden on your own,"
Claire breathed a huge sigh of relief before placing her head in her hands. Hershel placed his hand below her chin and softly lifted up her head.
"Please don't cry my dear, we are going to get through this, whatever happens," Hershel stared lovingly into her eyes trying to reassure her that everything was going to be alright.
"Please Hershel don't lie to me," she said pushing his hand away. Hershel was slightly taken aback by her reply.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"You don't have to pretend with me, I know full well that you don't want this and to be honest neither do I," Hershel did not know what to say.
"See…you know I am right, this is going to cause nothing but trouble, a child is a commitment, if we decide to keep it we can kiss the idea of completing our degrees goodbye,"
"What are you talking about?" Hershel asked naively.
"I am saying that we have no other choice, we have to end this before it causes anymore problems,"
A look of horror spread across Hershel's face. Was she really suggesting what he thought she was? Is this the only solution? He didn't like to dwell on it but he knew that this was a decision that was going to have to be made.
