The Choice Read Free Page B

she began, fighting back tears. “I never wanted to do anything to embarrass you and Mama. I wish—”
    Before Sandy could continue, her father opened wide his arms.
    â€œCome here, sweetie,” he said.
    Sandy flew across the kitchen and into his embrace. Her father held her close as tears soaked his shirt. When they separated, Sandy felt both drained and strengthened.
    â€œWe’ll talk tomorrow,” her mother said. “There are some things your father and I have to discuss first.”
    Sandy nodded. She’d received what she needed—assurance that she would have the support of her family as she faced the future.

    The following morning Sandy spent fifteen minutes in the bathroom unsuccessfully battling nausea. Her face remained pale when she checked herself in the mirror. Her father was waiting for her in the foyer when she came downstairs. The house was quiet. In the light of a new day he looked serious, not angry. Sandy checked her watch. If she didn’t leave soon, she’d be tardy for homeroom.
    â€œWhere are Mama and the boys?” she asked.
    â€œShe took them to school this morning so you and I could be alone. Are you going to talk to Brad today?”
    â€œYes, sir. I thought I’d wait until sixth-period study hall. That way he won’t have to think about it all day during classes.”
    â€œBut he won’t go straight home after school. He’ll have football practice.”
    â€œI know.”
    The grandfather clock in the foyer chimed the quarter hour.
    â€œYour mama and I stayed up late talking last night. We believe we should meet with the Donnellys as soon as possible, even if Carl is out of town. That means Brad needs to talk to his mother as soon as he gets home. We’d like to do it tonight.”
    The thought of a larger group that included Brad, his mother, and both her parents didn’t help Sandy’s nausea. The meeting was inevitable, but that didn’t make it easier. Bracing herself, she asked the question that had been uppermost in her mind as she lay in bed the previous night unable to fall asleep: “What are you going to say to Brad?”
    â€œThat he has to take responsibility for his actions. What that means at this point is one of the things we’ll discuss.”
    â€œLike Brad and me getting married?”
    â€œSandy,” her father said in a tone that instantly put an end to any debate. “If you want our help, you’re going to have to let us guide you through this.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œGet going,” he said, opening the front door for her. “I’ll be home early from work.”

    It was one of the longest days of Sandy’s school career. The first time she saw Brad, the lanky young man with reddish-brown hair and green eyes was standing in front of his locker. He had on the same shirt and pants he’d worn the night the baby was conceived. Sandy shuddered and ducked into the girls’ bathroom so she could avoid him. She tried to act normally at lunch. Brad pressed his leg against hers beneath the table while he joked with his buddies. Sandy wanted to pull away but forced herself to remain still.
    During fifth-period chemistry, Jessica tapped Sandy on the shoulder when Mr. Cook stepped out of the room for a minute.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” the tall, dark-haired girl whispered. “You don’t look so well. Do you think you’re coming down with something?”
    Sandy touched her right cheek. She’d applied the usual amount of makeup before leaving the house.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œAnd you didn’t say a word at lunch. Did you and Brad have a fight?”
    Sandy and Jessica had known each other so long that they were as sensitive to each other’s feelings as natural sisters. Unwelcome tears suddenly came to Sandy’s eyes. She looked straight ahead so Jessica wouldn’t see and shook her head.
    Mr. Cook returned to the room, and