Chapter Five

It was no surprise to me that I did indeed pass a pregnancy test. In fact, three of them. I don't know why I lied to him about being on birth control. Aj probably didn't have any condoms anyway.

We did have sex multiple times that first day he was at the motel. A few times the second day. We did normal couple things on days three, four and five.

On day six of his visit, we only made it to third base. Not skipping first and second. I wasn't expecting my period for another three days, but I wasn't surprised when the most common of pregnancy symptoms hit me. Morning sickness. I wasn't alarmed at all. Aj certainly was since he was the one making meals.

Another thing I noticed is that my normal cold temperature rose. My boobs felt a little sore. And I felt a little dizzy.

He was holding me on the couch stroking my hair. My cheek was resting against his chest. Suddenly, I hear his heart beat quicken in pace. His fingers halted and rested with strands of hair still locked within his weak grasp.

He clears his throat. "Rena?" He says a little hoarsely. "By any chance- did you remember to take your birth control the day we fucked the first time?" He asked quietly. I act like I'm thinking for a moment. "Oh no." I whisper. He closes his eyes and curses under his breath.

"Okay, this is what we're gonna do. I'll drive you up to a drug store and I want you to buy a box of pregnancy tests. We need to be sure about the results so when we get back, take a few of them." He said slowly. "Thank God I look older than I am. I don't want the clerks judging me." I whisper.

I asked to be alone when I took the tests. I place some folded toilet paper on the counter to set the tests on. When I was done with one, I set it down. I got the other and positioned it under me. When I was finished, I set it down next to the first test. I wipe, flush, and pull my pants back up. I then walk to the sink and wash my hands.

Aj knocks on the door. "You can come in." I say softly. He opens the door. He stands behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. I turn around and place my face in his firm chest.

"Could you please look at the results for me?" I ask in a pleading voice. His eyes soften and he nods. A few moments later, he sucks in a breath and the grip he has on me tightens. "Well-" He mumbles. "Looks like you've locked me in with a baby." My heart pounds.

"Fuck!" He shouts. I begin to cry. I'm kind of happy to be pregnant with his child, but he doesn't seem happy that he's an impending father. "Baby, I know it seems I'm angry about this. I'm not. Just stressed." I look up at him with a tearful look. "Oh, baby. Don't cry." He murmurs, wiping the tears away with his thumb.

He kisses my lips. "Looks like my stay here has been extended. I'll need to head home for a bit to grab some things so I can get a job here. I intend on taking care of you and our baby." He whispers.

He made plans to leave within the next few days. I go home to sit and think about the turn my life has taken. I go to work and attend school as usual.

Because of my petite waistline, my baby bump begin to show within about four weeks. By then, I had told my mother about the pregnancy. I told her that my boyfriend broke up with me because he didn't want to handle the responsibility of being a father. That of course, was a lie.

It was a cover up story so Aj wouldn't face problems due to our ages and the circumstances. I didn't tell anyone at school about the pregnancy. I can live with the shocked glances and whispers. Everyone knew I rejected anyone who professed love to me. Ever since sophomore year. Now being a senior holding the same rule, I walk into school with a growing maternal bump and everyone seems to go nuts.

When Aj returned, I was in my second week of pregnancy. He had applied for jobs and got interviews for a few of them. It took him three days to land a job.

From there he worked as a construction worker full-time. His hours were 6am-8pm four days a week. 9-5 two days a week. He only had one day off. His paychecks came weekly and he was paid twenty dollars an hour. He'd deposit his earnings into his bank account instead of cashing them.

Meanwhile, I got paid biweekly and was paid fifteen dollars an hour. I worked five days a week from 2:30pm-10pm. I always had the weekends off. That would be when I visited Aj. We'd fuck a few rounds, shower together, cuddle, and then I'd return home.

When my bump showed up through my work clothes, my boss pulled me aside. "Ira, are you pregnant?" He asked. I nod. "Yes, sir." I always hated calling other men sir. The word was mainly meant for my sir.

"Forgive me if this is invasive, but does the father know? Do your parents know?" He asked. "Yes. And yes." I answer. "However, the father is no longer in the picture. I told him immediately upon finding out and he left. He said he can't handle that type of responsibility." I try to act upset.

My boss Mr. Matthews rocks back and forth on his feet. He had his hands clasped behind him and he was thinking. "I understand you're almost an eighteen year old. So that would mean handling your own finances. When your kid is born, I'll give you a pay raise to assist with the childcare." He says. I smile softly.

"You don't have to do that." I say. He shakes his head. "No. You're a hard worker. You deserve this." He smiles and then walks off. I continue working my shift as if nothing happened.

The people at school didn't notice the pregnancy until after the second month. A girl I knew vaguely due to being in my calculus class came up to me.

"Are you pregnant?" She asks. Right off the bat. My jaw drops. She giggles nervously. "I know it's a rude question but-" I cut her off. "Yes. I'm pregnant." I say. I let out a huff of air and headed to my next class. I don't worry about the fact I can hear her going back to her friends. "She is! She totally is!"

Then the rumors began circulating. The first rumor claimed that I was sleeping with a teacher. Another said I had a secret boyfriend at the school.

Some suspected rape or abuse. Some thought I was sleeping around with a football player of a rival team. It was all very annoying. I didn't confirm or deny any of the rumors, leaving people even more puzzled.

I let them believe what they wanted to believe. None of them need to know who the father is. No one can find out.