It hadn't really sunk in, how could it be true? How could she be here without Robert? This aching hole in her heart seemed like the perfect punishment for not returning after her coma. The thing is is that she would give up everything to change that. To just come back and be in Robert's arms. Now she never would be again.
She wiped her tears as she heard the timer go of for the fourth time. A home pregnancy test sat on the counter, three others in the trash. All saying one thing. Positive. Something that once would have brought her and Robert so much joy left her with nothing but fear now. The danger that could be after this little life growing inside of her, this life she wanted to protect. The last piece of Robert and her. She threw it in the trash and scooped up the bag. She couldn't leave any evidence behind.
She got rid of any evidence and got back inside just as Robin was coming home.
"Hi, Holly." Robin gave her stepmother a hug.
Holly hugged her tightly, this young woman who she would give her life for. How she wanted to tell her she was going to be a big sister, but she couldn't. She wouldn't. She also didn't want to have Robin be mad at Robert.
"Holly? You're hugging me a little too tight." Robin said as Holly let her go. "Are you alright?" She asked her.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just have to go away...to see my family. I'm going to miss you." Holly told Robin.
Robin was sad but knew Holly had loyalty to them. She gave her another hug. "I'm going to miss you too. You are coming back right?" She asked her.
"Of course. Before you know it. What do you say to an ice cream date before I go?" Holly smiled sweetly at Robin.
Robin's eyes lit up as she nodded. "I say, what are we waiting for?" She let out a laugh as the two went into the kitchen.
Holly's Mother's Home
Holly wasn't even sure about telling her mother but had to tell someone. "Mum, I'm pregnant."
"Are you sure? Who is the father?" She asked, she wasn't expecting this to be why she was visiting.
"Yes I am and it's Robert, we had one night before he left. Neither one of us were thinking about being careful." Holly had tears in her eyes from missing Robert and from this child who she needed to protect.
Catherine knew what she was thinking, she could see the fear in her daughter's eyes. "Let me raise th baby, I'll keep a low profile and take care of it. You can earn a living and help support the baby."
"Earn a living doing what?" Holly asked, she had a job back in Port Charles and she definitely would give every dime to her child.
"Conning, darling. It is what you are best at." Catherine told her daughter.
Holly felt like she had been punched in the heart. Was Robert really the only one who ever saw the good in her? She felt defeated but also determined to protect her child. "Fine."