'Are..you..KIDDING me?!" shouted an angry Claudia.

"I wish I was," I muttered.

"My God, Stacey. How can you let this happen? First, you used terrible judgement in Vegas and now..now you did it again! This is NOT YOU," she scolded.

I sighed and said "I know, I know. I got too caught up in this. I haven't had a boyfriend in forever and he took me places, he's sweet to me. I mean, it HAS been six months since we met."

"but you still barely know him! You've been on what, like 3 dates? Come on."

"I know," I responded. "Please, just tell me you'll support me. I need you."

She calmed herself down for a second before saying, "Of course. I'm not trying to be mean to you, I'm really not but I'm your best friend and I'm going to tell you the truth. I'll support any decision you make, but you need to make the RIGHT decision Stace. You've worked so hard and you can't throw it away."

Obviously she was steering me in one direction and her thoughts and concerns were valid, of course. She was obviously very upset with me but I really couldn't blame her. I know I messed up. THEN I had to break the news to my mom. The conversation went about the same as it did with my dad, and her disappointment in me broke my heart for a second time. Especially after I confessed about my foolishness in Vegas too. So Claudia, my mom and dad knew and of course, they all told me what they thought I should do and that was to not go through with this. It was obviously the best choice and the smartest choice. I'd have plenty of time to have a baby, once I was older..and married. I guess now I just had one person left to tell.

"Are you being serious?" asked Ben with a horrified look on his face.

"I'm so sorry," I replied.

He just sat back on my couch and crossed his arms, unable to speak so I kept talking.

"We just..we messed up and.." I didn't know what else to say.

He asked, "and you haven't been seeing anyone else? I know we aren't exclusive so if you are.."

"I'm not. Just you, I swear." I said.

He shook his head in disbelief before saying, "Honestly, I saw you as having the potential to be my girlfriend. I think you're wife material too Stace, I really do. I do want to have kids, maybe even with..you.? Someday. Just not now. Plus, you have your whole life ahead of you too. Don't throw away everything you have worked for."

I nodded.

"So..are we in agreement here? Let's just take care of this and move on. I still want to see you," he said.

So nobody wanted this baby born. Nobody..except me.

"I can't do it, Ben!" I blurted out. "I'm sorry."

"Can't do what?" he asked.

"I'm keeping it."

All he did was look down.

"I'm graduating this year, and I'll be done with school by the time the baby comes, maybe I can go live with my mom? Maybe she could help me? Or live with..you even?

He just stared at me and shrugged so I continued talking.

"Or not. I mean, you can be involved or not. It's up to you. I really won't be upset. I understand where you are coming from too. I'll have my masters and I don't think I'll have a problem finding work. I think I can do it, but it would be nice if I don't have to do it alone. You dont have to be my boyfriend, Ben. But I'd like you around," I said.

"Okay," was about all he can muster.

"Will you come to the doctor with me?" I asked.

He nodded and said quietly, "Yeah, I can do that," but the look on his face said just the opposite. He didn't want ANY of this and I felt awful.