Chapter 4 His denial

Chapter 4 His denial

FEW WEEKS LATER

GREENVILLE SCHOOL

Darby stared hard at the pregnancy test kit in her hand, she didn't want to believe that a living being was growing inside of her. She had been dealing with heartbreak for about three weeks since her encounter with, Leo. Moreover, because her dreams of having him ask her out to prom or the both of them getting to talk more and get closer was all in shambles when he didn't even acknowledge her presence when they bumped into each other some days after their intimate moments. She felt like dirt. Her mother was probably right about her being jinxed and that no one wants to have anything to do with her. Not even the one who appeared to be a bit interested in her. She must have misunderstood his intentions. It would have been best if things didn't result to this. All through the final papers, Darby had a hard time concentrating as she was down with fever. Thinking it was just that, it took her some days to notice that her period was really late. Only for her to check at the pharmacy to narrate her symptoms and she was told to do a quick pregnancy test. The attendant had affirmed that she was pregnant by the result.

Still in disbelief, Darby had rushed down to school to get done with her final papers while hoping the result on the stick would have changed. Instead, reality stared right in her face. Tears laced her eyes at the thought of her career being over.

"I can't believe Leo won't be joining us for prom." Someone said outside the toilet where Darby was.

"It's so sad, I heard his mom is ill so he has to leave." Another added.

Another one let out a scoff, sounding displeased. “To think that tramp, Darby, really thinks Leo was interested in her. I heard he didn't even approach her since that party night."

"I bet she has no idea that he is leaving LA. It's of course certain that a guy like Leo wouldn't want someone like Darby for anything but just to warm his bed." The girls squealed as they made jest of Darby, before leaving the rest room.

It felt like a strange noise pierced Darby's ears as their words kept ringing in her ears. There is no way Leo was leaving without informing her. He has to know of his new responsibility. Standing up in a hurry, she grabbed her back and ran out of the restroom through the hallway searching for him. He was at basketball court just as she had expected, thankfully he was the only one seated. She ran towards him panting hard to catch her breath.

Leo had a blank look on his face as he looked at her. She appeared more beautiful than the last time he saw her and it was almost like a bit of glow has been added. Gulping hard, he chided himself for thinking about her in such manner.

"Leo." She called out softly.

"What do you want, miss?"

Darby exhaled, holding his gaze. "I heard you are leaving, LA. Is this true?"

Leo snickered. “I didn't think I owed you an explanation to whatever movement I make. What's all this interrogation about?"

"Leo, I don't know what I did to you. I thought we were going to get along quite well, considering how close we were that night."

"Yo, bitch!" He bickered. "Haven't you heard about one night stands? That shouldn't be new to a slut like yourself. Don't try to act innocent in front of me."

She had a confused look on her face, clueless as to what he meant by acting innocent. "Fine! I get that you might be going through a whole lot. I just need to let you know that, I am pregnant!" Darby announced almost holding her breath.

He looked unfazed. "So, what business of mine is that?"

Staring with her mouth agape, Darby gasped lightly. "What are you talking about, Leo? It's yours. You are the only one I have had sex with, so obviously the child is yours."

Leo chuckled dryly, getting off the seat he was on. "You are such a pathetic liar! How dare you come to my face and spit out that rubbish?"

"What do you mean?" She queried looking more confused.

"You think I don't know? That you have slept with almost half of the basketball team and other random guys that no one even knows about. Why would I accept the claim of a child that I am sure you don't even know who the father is. I don't care whatever you say or do. What I know is, that child ain't mine. Not you coming to me with such faked innocence. How do you live with yourself?" Leo hissed walking away.

Darby looked dazed but that didn't stop her from running after him. The tears were beginning to fall nonstop. "Leo, you can't do this to me, please. I promise, I have never had anything with anyone else. You have to believe me. Those are just fake rumors being spread about me."

He paused in his tracks, turning to face her. A part of him was aching from the heartbreak he feels. "Why would anyone want to spread rumors about you unless it's true? You aren't even among the popular ones for me to think it might be a conspiracy against you. You should really stop trying too hard, I am not going to take on a responsibility that isn't mine. I am guessing you must have heard about my family background for you to want me to be your baby's daddy so bad. News flash baby! That's never going to happen! This is my last time here and I am glad that I will never see your treacherous face ever again." He glared at her walking away without sparing her another a glance.

Watching him leave felt like her entire life was fading away. Darby collapsed to the ground as the tears fell uncontrollably. How did she let herself get fooled by someone like Leo? He obviously pulled a fast one on her like regular playboys would. What exactly was she going to tell her parents? Her already distorted life has become more gloomier and there seem to be no hope.

***********************

MILLER’S HOME

"What are you talking about, Abigail?" Noah asked as he removed his reading glasses and placed it gently on the stool next to him. "Who is pregnant?"

Abigail folded her arms against her chest with a defiant look. "Darby of course. She has been sleeping around with different guys in school. It's such a shame to watch."

Emma swallowed hard when Noah gave her a knowing stare. "How did you know this?"

Searching her bag, Abigail presented the pregnancy test kit. "Darby couldn't hold herself back that she had to run a pregnancy test in school."

Snatching it from her, Emma stared hard at the result and her hands shook as she held it. "How dare that wench? How could she do this to me!" She screamed.

The door opened and a depressed looking Darby walked in. She looked shocked seeing everyone seated at the same time. "Good evening, mom and dad."

Noah glared at her. “What is this that I hear about you being pregnant?" He queried in his usual cold voice whenever he talks to her.

Darby's eyes shot out like a deer caught in the headlight. "How did you know that?"

"So it's true?" Emma questioned with a sneer.

"I don't know what you are talking about." She denied.

"Stop lying, Darby. You and I know that you have been shamelessly giving yourself out to any available guy in school. That's how needy you are. Didn't you throw this into the bin at school?" Abigail bickered at her, a mischievous look in her eyes.

A shocked gasp escaped Darby's lips. "You told them?"

"How could you!" Emma yelled, slapping Darby on the face. "Why would you choose to bring such shame into this family? Isn't your awful birth enough?" She wailed.

"Enough!" Noah ordered. "That's enough! Who got you pregnant, Darby?"

Holding onto her face, Darby stared at the wall saying nothing. Her entire body was still in shock as regards the slap. Also it would do her no good to admit Leo being the father since he would outrightly deny it which would lead to further embarrassment. She would rather remain quiet till death.

"You don't have an answer to that?" Her mother inquired.

Abigail snickered. “What do you want her to say, mom? She doesn't even know whose pregnancy she carries."

“I can’t believe this! Book your shameless daughter an appointment for tomorrow! Get rid of that worthless thing in her!” Noah yelled before he stormed off.

*******************

Taking a quick step backwards, Darby lowered her gaze. "Good morning, mom."

"Morning, Darby." Emma sounded different. "Can I sit with you for a moment?"

Surprised at the sudden coolness in her voice, Darby stuttered pointing at the bed. "S...sure, you can sit."

Taking her time to gather her thoughts, Emma stared hard at Darby. "I must say that I am really disappointed in the fact that you fell pregnant and have no idea who the father of the child is. I don't know what it is that you were thinking to indulge in such silliness, but I am quite sure that I am so not going to let you keep it. Your father and I have decided that you will abort the child. I already scheduled an appointment with the doctor and the both of us will leave by ten."

She shook her head. "I don't think I want to do abortion. My life would be at risk."

"You can be rest assured that you wouldn't have anything to worry about and you will have your free life back. Doctor Anderson is well known for carrying out such surgery with ease."

"Do I have to? I think I would like to keep it."

Anger flashed through Emma's eyes. "You really are a hard nut to crack. Do you think Noah and I will let you live with us, eat our food for free and then birth a child that you don't even know who the father is, to live under the same roof with us?"

"I will get a job. Thank God I am done with high school. The only clause is my dream of going to college. I can manage that till he or she is old enough."

A shocked scoff escaped her lips. “I don't care about that you think. I will make sure you get rid of that bastard you are carrying. Even if you will be subjected to bleeding to death, I will be sure to run you a befitting funeral. Get ready, we leave by ten."

Darby's heart raced as the tears blinded her eyes. She knows that look in her mother's eyes. Emma doesn't make empty threats and she means every word that she said. Standing in front of the mirror, Darby sobbed quietly as she gripped the vanity edge tightly. As much as she wants to agree with her mother, her instincts and everything within her wants to keep the child. It's not like she agreeing to the abortion will make her parents love her, it will be the same plain life she has been subjected to living.

What if this child is an answer to her prayer? He or she would get to be her confident. Her mother had a choice to either love or hate her but she chose to pick the negative side to it. Darby doesn't want to live a spiteful life like that of her mother. She doesn't intend to regret every moment of her life which is why she finally made up her mind to make a run for it. Checking the time it clocked five minutes past nine. Darby ran to her closet picked up all the money in the box into the folder in a hurry. Grabbing her school bag, she threw in her emergency essentials while stuffing in a few clothes too. She would have to travel light, just incase there would be a need for her to break into a run. As she got dressed, tears kept rolling down her face. Darby has no idea where she would go. She can't reach out to Maureen to avoid being found by her parents. As much as Maureen loves and respects her, she wouldn't fail to express her disappointment as regards the pregnancy. At the moment, she has absolutely no one on her side. To save her child, she would have to be brave and do whatever it takes to survive.

Carrying her backpack, she exhaled staring at her pale self in the mirror. Summoning courage, she gave the room one last look and stepped out of the room. She knew none of them would be downstairs. Making her way towards the door, Darby moved hurriedly down the street knowing it will take a while for her to get a taxi. The moment she saw one, she jumped into it.

"Where are you headed, miss?" The driver inquired.

Darby stared back at the road that leads to the house she has known all her life. Sniffing back a tear, she turned to the man. "Please take me to the train station." She said.