Page 14 of Protect My Heart
He shrugs. ‘I just failed a test. My alarm didn’t go off and I got there late and couldn’t finish. The test was half our grade and I was already failing that class.’
‘Which class? I could talk to your professor and see if you could take a make-up exam.’
He shakes his head. ‘I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore.’
‘Do what?’
‘School. I hate it. I’m dropping out.’
‘Did you talk to your parents about this?’
‘I talked to my mom. She’s going to talk to my dad.’
His dad is verbally abusive, which is why Kirk has been seeing me. His father is always putting him down and telling him he’s lazy and not good at anything.
‘Anyway, I just wanted to say you’ve been a big help. I’mnot afraid to go home anymore.’ He smiles a little. ‘And I know what my dad says about me isn’t true. So, thanks for that.’
‘You’re welcome.’ I smile back, but I’m tearing up. I’m going to miss Kirk. He’s one of those guys who tries to act all tough but deep down he’s caring and sensitive and really sweet.
‘I’ll be okay,’ he says, noticing me tearing up.
‘I know you will.’ I pull him in for a hug. ‘You keep in touch, okay?’
‘Yeah, okay.’ He pulls away. ‘Oh, and congrats on the baby. You’ll make a great mom.’
‘Wait—how did you know?’ I ask, because I haven’t told anyone except Nora.
‘I heard you talking to your friend when I was waiting in the hall. I didn’t even know you were married.’
‘I’m not.’ I clear my throat. ‘I mean, not right now. But we’re planning on it.’ I put my hand on my stomach. ‘This was somewhat of a surprise.’
‘That happened to my aunt. She had twins.’ Kirk glances behind him. ‘I gotta go. I just wanted to say goodbye.’ He takes off, meeting up with a girl who was waiting for him in the hall.
I shut the door, trying to figure out why I told Kirk I was planning to marry the baby’s father when I’m not even talking to him. It’s like I was ashamed to admit I’m doing this alone. But I’m not ashamed. Things like this happen all the time. So why did I say that?
My phone rings. My pulse races, assuming it’s Jason. But when I look at the screen, I see it’s my mom.
‘Hi, Mom,’ I answer.
‘Hi, honey, are you working?’
‘Yes, but my next appointment just cancelled.’ I walk over to my desk and sit down.
‘I was calling about your graduation. Your father and I decided to fly out there early and make a little trip out of it. Deloris was telling me there are some darling little towns in that area.’
‘How early?’ I ask, wishing she’d asked me about this before booking her flight. I need more time before I tell them my news. I need to talk to Jason first, and then I need to figure out how to tell my parents. They’ll be excited about having a grandchild, but upset that I’m not married. They firmly believe you should be married before having a child. They’re from a time when that’s what everyone did.
My parents are in their seventies. My mom had me when she was 45 and my dad was 53. My parents didn’t think they could have kids until I came along and surprised them. I guess surprise babies run in the family.
‘Mom, I don’t think you and Dad will like it out here. The towns are mostly farm towns. They aren’t touristy like out there.’
My parents live in a suburb just north of Boston. Now that they’re retired, they’re always looking for things to do.
‘We’ve already looked online and found some wonderful places we’d like to visit. We found a town to stay in at night and then during the day we’ll take little side trips. We’ll head to Madison on Friday. We didn’t want to get there early and be in your way. We know you’re busy.’
‘So when are you getting in?’
‘The 16th, and we’re staying in Haydon Falls. It’s supposed to be a beautiful little town. Have you heard of it?’
