Two Blue Lines (Crossing The Line #1) Read Free Page B

at her mother. “You of all people should understand.”
    I stood to try and do something, though I had no idea what, but she ignored me.
    “I’m keeping this baby.” She glanced at me. “ We’re keeping this baby. And you can love us and support us, or not. The choice is yours. But we’ll find a way.” She spun and stormed away like an angry hurricane.
    I glanced once more at my mom, who offered me a small smile of support, before I followed Melissa out, hoping like hell she was right.
    “Just get me out of here!” Mel’s voice was like a war cry, loud, but tinged with fear. I couldn’t blame her, we were in the battle of our lives.
    She slammed out the front door, heading for my car without looking to see if I was following. She probably knew me well enough to know I’d do anything for my dark-eyed girl. My true best friend. God, how I missed laughing with her like we used to.
    I patted my pockets, grateful I had my keys, and rushed to let her in the car. We took off into the descending darkness, letting it enfold us as we drove further and further away from our parents’ disappointment and tears.
    I gripped her hand, flicked her a worried glance. “You okay?”
    Her eyes stayed trained out the windshield. “Yeah.”
    “Where do you wanna go?”
    “Anywhere but there.”
    I nodded, though I knew she couldn’t see me, and turned onto Lamar. Headed toward nowhere.
    I think we both just needed time. But could time ever heal this wound? I wasn’t so sure.
    “Mel?” I finally said after we’d been driving a while.
    She shifted and faced me, her eyes boring into me. I hated that her wide, honest eyes seemed clouded now; miserable.
    I glanced at her and slowed to allow a fire truck to pass. Once its blaring lights were a blur in the distance, I caught her gaze in the dark interior. “You’re sure, right?” I swallowed, wishing I could find the strength to argue. Just not tonight. “I mean . . . we’re sure?”
    She blinked at me, her voice strangely unconvincing, “Yes. I’m sure.”

June 13 th Continued
     
    Yeah, so we told all the parents tonight. A-W-F-U-L.
    You’d think we told them we were mass murderers or something with the way they stared at us in horror, pounding us with a million questions. Not what I needed.
    And, let me say, we were not prepared for the interrogation. I mean, seriously, Reed and I have only scratched the surface of this whole problem. Like, I dunno, dealt with the fact that there is a real live baby in my belly. God, what if they knew the whole truth? What if I’m torturing Reed and his family for nothing? I almost puked all over everyone.
    But it was my mom who hurt me the most. Abortion? Adoption? Really? My own mother? But I guess she’s never really been able to understand how I feel. I mean, how could she?
    She came to my room when we got home and tried to talk to me. Tried to explain that she only wanted what’s best for me. I know in her mind, that’s true. Doesn’t she see I want that for this baby, too? She made her choices, I need to make mine. I’m trying to be strong, hope for the best, find love for this baby, no matter its DNA. I hope she gets it eventually. I know she would’ve never given up Chris. Ever.
    Chris, in all his perfectness. How can I compete with that? Don’t get me wrong, he’s great. But he’s theirs . He fulfilled every wish they had, while I was the consolation prize.
    I’m nobody’s first choice. Except Reed’s.
    I hate that I can’t be honest with him. He deserves better. But I’ve got this mind-numbing fear looming over my head, and I think if I stay quiet, it’ll all be OK. At least for a while. Right?
    Man, I wish I could be strong like those girls on TV, who stand up for what’s right. But I’m too weak, too frightened. I need Reed by my side during this. Though my lies may ruin everything, I just can’t give it all up. Not yet.
    I love Reed. I love him, I love him, I love him. But I feel my soul-eating shame