What you know about me?

As they sat together on the weathered swing, the gentle creaking of the chains echoed through the stillness of Mr. Newood's open garden. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lush green grass, where children's laughter and shouts had once filled the air.

Ryann's eyes locked onto Rachael's, his gaze searching for answers. "So, let's get this straight," he said, his voice low and measured. "You're telling me that we...that we had sex on prom night, and now you're pregnant?"

Rachael's expression remained calm, her voice steady. "We did, Ryann. And yes, I'm pregnant."

The words hung in the air like a challenge, daring Ryann to deny the truth. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he processed the enormity of what Rachael was telling him.

"Who else knows?" Ryann asked, his mind racing with the implications.

Rachael's gaze never wavered. "No one. Just us."

She paused, her eyes searching for a glimmer of understanding. "Ryann, I don't want to keep this baby. I'm not ready to be a mother, and I don't want to burden you with this either."

Ryann's eyes widened in shock. "You're talking about an abortion?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rachael nodded, her expression resolute. "I am. And I need your help to make it happen."

Ryann felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He couldn't believe what Rachael was asking of him. Abortion? It was a word that had always been shrouded in controversy and taboo.

"Have you...have you done this before?" Ryann asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and revulsion.

Rachael's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance. "No, I haven't. But I'm willing to do what it takes to take control of my life, even if it means making a difficult choice."

It's a bad phase that will pass. Ryann said

Rachael's eyes constricted, her gaze piercing with skepticism. "A phase?" she repeated, her voice laced with incredulity. "You think this is just a fleeting moment? I'm pregnant, Ryann. This is my life unraveling before me."

Ryann felt a pang of guilt, knowing he'd never harbored romantic feelings for Rachael. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to condone abortion. "I understand this isn't easy, Rachael," he said, his tone measured. "But we can't simply...terminate it. We must consider the repercussions."

Rachael's voice escalated, her frustration palpable. "Consequences?" she echoed, her words dripping with disdain. "You're worried about consequences? What about my future? What about my education?"

Ryann raised his hands, a calming gesture. "Okay, let's not make any rash decisions. I'll speak with my mother, and you talk to yours. We'll navigate this together."

Rachael's expression softened, her nod almost imperceptible. But my father...he can't know. He'll be merciless." Ryann said

Rachael eyes widened, understanding etched on her face. "Don't worry, I won't breathe a word. This will remain between us, for now."

As he pushed open the front door, his mom's eyes flicked towards him, and she swiftly ended the call she was on. "Hey sweetie, where have you been? Ana's been looking for you."

He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Who were you talking to, Mom? Why did you hang up like that?"

His mom's expression was casual, but he detected a hint of evasiveness. "No one, sweetie. I was about to end the call anyway before you came in."

He narrowed his eyes, unsure he believed her. "Hmm, okay."

He changed the subject, asking, "Where's Ana?"

His mom replied, "She went to Ginny's place."

He nodded, his mind preoccupied with the conversation he'd just had with Rachael. "Okay, good."

His mom's eyes locked onto his, and he said, "Perfect timing, actually. I have something to tell you, mum."

Ryann's observation hung in the air like a challenge, his eyes scrutinizing his mom's uncharacteristic demeanor. "You seem to be in an exceptionally good mood today, Mom. I haven't seen you smile like that since I was ten."

His mom's attempt to downplay the obvious was transparent. "I've always been smiling, sweetie."

Ryann's gaze lingered, his skepticism palpable. "Okay..." He paused, collecting his thoughts before dropping the bombshell. "Mom, I need to tell you something. I got a girl pregnant."

The words hung in the air, heavy with consequence. His mom's expression faltered, her eyes widening in shock as the color drained from her face.

Her eyes flashed with a mix of shock and incredulity. "You did what?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising to a near-shout.

Ryann stood his ground, though his heart sank under his mom's intense gaze. "I got Rachael pregnant, Mom. I know it's a shock, but I'm telling you the truth."

His mom's expression transformed from shock to scrutiny. "I know you, Ryann. You're not the careless type. Are you sure you know what you're saying? Are you certain this is your...responsibility?"

Ryann's smirk was laced with a hint of bitterness. "What do you know about me, Mom?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

His mom's expression faltered, her eyes widening in surprise. Ryann's words spilled out in a torrent, each one a accusation.

"Do you even know my allergies? Do you even care about my grades? What about my likes and dislikes? Do you know what I eat for breakfast every morning before school?"

His mom's face paled, her eyes filling with a mix of guilt and shock. Ryann's voice rose, his emotions boiling over.

"Do you know I got a letter from college? Do you even care about my feelings? About how I feel like I'm shouldering all the responsibilities around here?"

Ryann's voice cracked, his eyes welling up with tears. "Do you know Ana started her period at ten? I took her to the doctor, Mom. Me, not you. And her teacher thinks she needs therapy. Do you even know how hard I'm trying to hold everything together?"

The room fell silent, the only sound Ryann's ragged breathing. His mom's face was etched with regret, her eyes filled with tears. "Ryann, I..." she began, but he cut her off.

"What do you know about me?" Ryann repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.