Chapter 23

Halley's POV

I only had to stay in the hospital for a few days and in that time the whole gang had come to see me. Even Tim Shepard. Dally had tried but I refused to see him. I could usually hear him yelling all the curse words under the sun at the nurse after she told him I didn't want to see him.

I was able to come home last week and have been in bed since. It's so boring. All I do is read, draw, write, and talk with visitors when they stop by. I haven't been able to go to school so I'm missing a lot. Even when I did go to school, I was missing classes because of the "morning" sickness. I'll be very surprised if I pass my junior year. At least I've been able to do my homework. Steve or Two-Bit usually bring it by the house and then Hannah brings it into school the next day, so at least I'm getting some credit.

Soda is still acting as sweet as can be. He's been my all-time favorite visitor. He's so easy to talk to and he brings me and the baby gifts. Yesterday, he brought a huge teddy bear with him. He's taking real good care of me.

Johnny's also been stopping by a lot. I think he's keeping Dal updated on my health. I don't mind though. Dally should know how me and his child inside of me are. I've also been able to find out about Dallas. For the most part, he's been keeping out of trouble. But I guess he's been in some. He's staying at Buck's, in his old room. And as far as I know, he's been there alone, which is a good thing.

Dally's POV

"She's doin' real good, man. She's gettin' better and the baby's healthy. She's still got about a week on bed rest though."

"That's tuff enough Johnny." Johnny and I were sitting in my room at Buck's, talking. "She still can't stand the thought of me, huh?"

"Well she's been asking about you. Maybe that means she's starting to forgive you."

"Yeah, maybe Johnnycakes." I sat there thinking for awhile, and Johnny just sat in silence. I had written Halley a note but I had been debating whether or not to give it to her. I guess now would be as good a time as any. I walked over to the dresser and got it. "Give this to Halley, okay Johnny?"

"Yeah man, I'll give it to her."

"Good, the sooner she gets it the better." Johnny got up and left, hopefully heading for Halley's house. I lay down on my bed, thinking, and drifted off to sleep.

Halley's POV

"Hey Johnnycakes. What're you doin' here?" I said as Johnny walked through my bedroom door.

"I got something for ya," he said.

"Oh yeah. What is it?"

"A note."

"A note? From who?"

"Dallas." A look of disgust swept over my face. "Come on Halley, just read it," he said holding it out to me. I paused and reluctantly took it from him. I slowly unfolded it and started to read.

Dear Halley,

You were probably full of disgust when Johnny gave you this note, and you're probably reading it now with a feeling of hatred towards me. And I deserve it. I did things that I regret now. I don't deserve you. You should find someone better than me. There's someone right across the street who would love to have you. Sodapop would make a much better father and husband. I mean, what kind of guy cheats on his girl, gets her pregnant, leaves her high and dry, and then comes back four months later and expect forgiveness? Well I guess I'm that guy, and you hate me for it.

I just have to tell you this though. I love you and I'll never stop loving you. I missed you everyday that I was gone, but I wasn't ready to be a father, so I left. But you won't have to deal with my problems no more. I'm going back to New York, and you can raise our child with a guy that deserves you, with no worries of me crossing your path. Have a great life.

Love always and forever,

Dallas

When I finished reading the note, I was all shaken up. I was on the verge of tears. "Johnny, go get Dallas."

"What?"

"Go get Dallas, NOW!" I said and he ran out of the house.

He came back ten minutes later with Dallas running behind him. "Halley, what's wrong?" Dallas said and walked over to my bedside. He was out of breath from running so fast to my house.

I pulled him closer to me and pressed my lips against his. I slowly pulled away. "Dallas, I love you. I don't want to live without you anymore," I said and tears started falling from my eyes.

He wiped a tear off my cheek. "I love you too. More than you know," he said and kissed me again.

"I think I'll leave you two alone," Johnny said and left the room.

"Halley, I'm so, so sorry. I never meant to hurt you."

"I know. It's just…you hurt me so much. And I need you right now. I don't want to loose you again."

"You won't. I promise. I can't stand to be away from you any longer. I love you too much."

I pressed my lips against him. "Come on," I said and motioned to the place next to where I was laying. He came and lay next to me and wrapped his arms around me. We laid there talking for awhile and he talked to my stomach. I lay there, just looking at him, while he talked to and rubbed my stomach. He is ready to be a father, and he'll be a great one.