Chapter 33- Looking Up

Riley was released from the hospital about a week later, under the doctor's instruction that she take it very easy for the next couple of weeks. He also wanted her to follow up with her ob-gyn every week. If she experienced any severe cramping or bleeding after the two week miscarry window, he wanted her to come back into the ER. Riley agreed and promised to take it easy.

When her parents brought her home, they sat down and had a very long talk about Riley's recent actions. Reluctantly, she told her parents the whole story from start to finish, including the previously left out details about the drugs and the parties. They were both understanding, but more than a little disappointed with her.

"I would like to say what's done is done, Riley," Cory admonished, "but apparently you have learned that actions have consequences. And I could almost excuse this if it was a onetime occurrence, but this is not the first time that you have gotten into trouble. It seems that the consequences get more dire every time you act out." He looked toward Topanga for an opinion.

"I- I mean we, are very disappointed with you, Riley." Topanga scolded. "Do you realize how dangerous your behavior is? Do you not pay attention in health class when they talk about roofies and drinks?" Topanga shook her head. "How do we even know that this Evan kid, is not the one who put something in your drink?" She raised her eyebrows and waited for Riley's response. Riley opened her mouth to speak but could not come up with something that would be believable or acceptable to her parents. She hung her head in shame.

"What are we going to do with you, Riley?" Cory continued, his voice clearly indicating disappointment. "How do we fix this?"

"This is what we are going to do." Topanga spoke up. "Either me or your father will take you to school and back every day. No after school activities. No hanging out. School and here. That is it. You will go to every scheduled doctor's appointment. And when this baby is born, you will get a job to support it and yourself. Are we clear?" Topanga's voice was stern. Riley nodded without looking up. "Good. You can start with taking a nap and then some light chores around the house. We will go to this Evan's house tomorrow and talk with his parents. What is his mother's name?"

"Tammy, I think. Tammy Greiger." Riley replied. Topanga looked up the school directory and found the address and phone number. Dialing the number, she looked at Riley and shook her head.

"Hello, Mrs. Greiger? Hi. This is Mrs. Matthews. Riley and your son have been seeing each other for a while now. Well, I was wondering if we could set up meet between us parents. What time is good for you and your husband?" Topanga waited for a response. "Oh, no husband. Okay, how about a good time for you?" More waiting. "Sounds good. 6 pm tomorrow. We will see you then." As she hung up the phone, Topanga had a strange look on her face.

"What is it, Topanga?" Cory asked, noticing her expression. Topanga shook her head.

"It's probably nothing, but Evan's mother sounded very familiar. I can't place it, but I feel like we have talked before." Topanga shook the thought out of her head again. "Anyway, we are going over there tomorrow after dinner to have a sit down with her and Evan." Sighing, Riley stood up to head to her bedroom. She had to find a way to tell Evan before he found out through this parent meeting. Once she was in her room, she pulled out her phone and dialed Evan's number. He picked up on the first ring.

"Riley?! Is that you?" Evan sounded shocked and relieved.

"Evan." Riley replied.

"Riley, I have been so worried. There are rumors around school that you got shot or stabbed. What happened? Can I see you?" He sounded so cute when he was concerned.

"No, Evan. I can't leave my room. I'm officially grounded until the end of time. I really need to talk to you. It's extremely important. Come to the back of my building and climb the stairs to the the 5th floor and I will be waiting in the bay window. Hurry." She hung up the phone and stashed it under her pillow, just as there was a knock on her bedroom door.

"Riley?" Cory was on the other side of the door.

"Yes, Dad?" Riley replied, jumping under her covers.

"Can I come in, honey?"

"Sure."

"Riley, I hope you understand that this discipline is coming from a place of love."

"I know Dad, I made a mistake and now I have to fix it."

"You aren't mad at us?"

"No. I am madder at myself than anything."

"Just please remember. We are here, no judgement, if you want to talk." Cory kissed Riley's forehead and left her room, closing the door behind him. Sighing with relief, Riley jumped out of bed and sat in the window to wait for Evan. Her face lit up as she saw him walking quickly down the alley toward her fire escape. When he finally reached her floor, she opened the window and grabbed him by the collar and pulling him toward her, kissed him passionately. She parted his lips with her tongue and kissed him hungrily. Pulling away, Evan looked at Riley, surprised.

"What was that about, Riley?" he whispered. Riley took a deep breath.

"Evan, I need to tell you something. I wanted to kiss you because it may be the last kiss you ever want from me. So here goes." She told him the whole story about Texas and the drug party, concluding with the party at his own house.

"I already knew about my party, duh Riley." Evan replied. Riley shook her head.

"There's more, Evan. So much more. I want to preface this by saying I am sorry for not telling you sooner. I was scared and ashamed. Please don't hate me. At least not forever. We have to be in school together, so please be civil."

"Riley, what are you talking about?" Evan replied, confused. "Why would I hate you? You're putting the cart before the horse. What is going on?" Riley opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she heard her mother in the hallway. She gently pushed Evan out of the window and quickly closed it. She jumped under the covers just as Topanga opened her door.

"Who are you talking to, Riley?" Topanga demanded angrily. Riley faked waking up.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Riley replied groggily. Furrowing her brow, Topanga looked around the room.

"I swear I heard talking in here."

"I don't know Mom, maybe I was talking in my sleep." Riley gave an exaggerated yawn and rolled over. Unconvinced, but without proof, Topanga quietly left the room and closed the door. After Riley was sure she had gone, she jumped out of bed and threw open the window to see Evan still crouched on her fire escape.

"I'm sorry, Evan. If she would have seen you, she would have literally thrown you off the the fire escape." Riley explained. Evan winced at the thought.

"So, tell me why I am here outside your window. Not that I mind the mystery and romance." Evan winked, coyly. Normally, that would have made Riley giggle, but today was not a day for jokes.

"Evan, I called you here to tell you that I am pregnant. About four months along. I was in the hospital because I miscarried one of the twins I was carrying. I am sorry to pile all this on you at once, but my parents have set up a meet with your mother tomorrow and I wanted to tell you first." Nervously, Riley looked around while waiting for Evan to process all of the information she just threw at him. She did not have the energy to jump back into bed again if one of her parents grew suspicious. Finally, Evan spoke.

"You're…pregnant?" Evan asked. Riley nodded. "and it's mine?" Again, Riley nodded. What Evan did next shocked Riley. Tentatively, he stuck his head through the open window. Leaning over, he lifted up Riley's shirt to reveal a small belly bump. Pressing his lips to her belly, he kissed her abdomen, looking up to meet Riley's eyes, which were filling up with tears.

"I am not going anywhere, Riley. I am right here for both of you. He lay a quick kiss on her lips and ran out the window, closing it from the outside. Shocked and speechless, Riley stood in the middle of the bedroom, unmoving until her brain processed what just happened. Maybe she didn't have to do this alone after all.