Chapter 18

Nick's POV

"Nicholas Mellark, please come down to the office." Mrs. Lighthill says over the intercom.

I look at my teacher and she nods, signaling for me to leave.

I grab my books and run down to office, fear clenching my heart all the way.

When I get in there, I stop in my tracks.

Mom and Dad are sitting there; Mom's eyes are bloodshot.

Annie and Finn are there too, standing in shock.

"What's wrong?" I whisper.

Dad comes up to me, and kneels to my level.

"Nick, Lottie's in the hospital." Dad whispers.

"Oh my God." I whisper, sinking down in a chair.

"And she's having a premature baby." Mom says, looking at me, tears spilling over her eyelashes.

No.

"Nick, what happened?" Dad says, sitting next to me.

I look at Finn in desperation and he subtlety nods his head.

"Lottie was raped by some man." I whisper, making my head fall down

Dad grabs my chin gently and makes me look at him.

"Who knows?" he whispers.

"Me, and Finn." I say.

Dad lifts me up, "Let's go see your sister."

Mom smiles sadly and walks out, following Dad.

Annie walks out, and Finn grabs my shoulder, "Good job Nick."

I nod sadly and Finn and I walk out.