I fight back tears, not wanting to cry in front of Kyle. “I’ll break things off with Walsh.” The words make me ache as I say them, and Kyle smiles before licking his lips.
“I’ll pick you up tonight at seven. Be ready and don’t wear the stupid glasses.” He turns and walks away while I stare at his back until he disappears.
Shoving all my things in my bag, I call Graham and ask him to come pick me up. I know my sister and Luke went into the city for a doctor's appointment because she’s getting an ultrasound today. Then Luke is taking her out to dinner and dancing. Kat loves to go dancing, and I’d already told her I’d be out for the night with a new friend. She just asked for me to send the address and to be safe.
My hands shake as I text Walsh.
Me: Something came up. I can’t make it tonight.
Walsh: Why. What’s come up? Are you okay?
Me: Family stuff
My phone starts to ring in my hand, and Walsh’s name lights up. I hurry out of the library and out the main doors of the school. My phone only stops ringing to start again. If Walsh is anything, it’s relentless. That’s what worries me. I don’t think he would care if he ruined his career. He might be fine with it at first, but he’d grow to resent me. Then there is still my sister and Luke.
“Hey,” I say, answering it.
“What’s going on?”
“I can’t do this.”
“Can’t do what?” His tone turns firm.
“I need to think, please.” A sob escapes.
“I’m coming to you.” I hear him moving around.
“No! I’m leaving school now. I just…” I trail off.
“Little flower.” His tone softens. “Everything is going to be okay. I told you that you’re mine. This isn’t some fling. Do you understand that?” He’s only making this harder.
“Walsh,” I breathe.
“I’ll give you some space, but this isn’t over. Understand me?”
“But—”
“No buts. Buts are long gone, little flower. You could already have my baby inside of you.” My hand goes to my stomach, and a longing I didn’t know I had hits me hard. If that’s true, then maybe we could be together. Or it could make everything so much worse.
“I’m sorry,” I say before I end the call and turn my phone off. I’m too weak not to answer him if he calls.
Thankfully, Graham pulls up a few minutes later.
“Nadia, are you okay?” he asks when I get into the car.
“Not really. I just want to go…” I almost say “home.” “Back to the house please.”
“All right.”
“Please don’t worry my sister.” I can tell Graham wants to fight me on this. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow, just let her have today.” Graham nods before pulling away from the school. Maybe I can talk some sense into Kyle tonight and try to make him see reason.
The ride home is torture. As soon as the car stops, I rush inside to my bedroom, and I barely get the door closed before I burst into tears.