Chapter 2

MARLEIGH

Saturday morning, I wake with the light of day. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I know that this morning is going to be an end to a lot of things I’ve planned in my life. I don’t need a test, I know what it’s going to reflect. It’s going to be positive. I just have a gut feeling.

Looking at my phone, I see I have a text from GC. Oh gosh! My stomach does a flip-flop and my heart begins to shatter when I think of him losing his dream because of one stupid act.

GC: Sorry I missed your call last night. I was at the court with the guys and knew you’d be out. Call me when you wake up!

To reply before or after the verdict? That is the question.

Me: It’s okay. We went to the river, but came home early. I feel like crap. I’ll call you later today.

I don’t wait for his reply; instead, I hurry to the bathroom and open the pink box, pee on a stick, and wait. Sitting on pins and needles in the bathroom, I jump out of my skin when there’s knock on the door.

“I’ll be out in a minute,” I say as calmly as possible.

“It’s us. Let us in,” my sisters whisper.

I open the door and we stand in the bathroom waiting. Who knew ninety seconds could feel like days when you are scared shitless? When the digital screen begins to glow, tears begin to fall. I’m pregnant. Oh fuck! I’m really pregnant. My sisters don’t say anything, instead Carleigh pulls the test from my hand and they both hug me as if their lives depend on it. Now I have to decide what to do. Do I keep it or give it away? How am I going to tell my parents? What do I say to GC?

When I can’t take the hugging any longer, I pull away from them, wipe the tears away as if they didn’t happen, get rid of the evidence and begin to tell my sisters my plan.

“Y’all, I’m not ready for anyone to know. I’ve got to get myself together, decide what I’m going to tell GC and our parents.”

“How can we help?” Carleigh asks.

“Honestly, I have no idea other than help me remain normal until I tell them.”

“Mar, we’re your sisters and we will always stand beside you. Please don’t take to long to tell them. Secrets eat at everyone.”

“I won’t Car. Maybe just a couple of weeks, but when I tell them will you both be there with me?”

“You bet we will,” Tinleigh chimes in. They hug me yet again and I get ready as if I didn’t just take that test. As of right now, this is our secret. Two weeks, I’m giving myself two weeks to get this sorted out.

GUNNISON

It has been three days since I last talked to Marleigh. I know that is partly my fault. I’ve been helping dad at the stable from the time the sun rises, to practice and back to the stable at dusk; life has been hectic. Regardless of what I’m doing she is constantly on my mind and to think that my girl isn’t feeling well and I’m not giving her the attention she needs is killing me.

Each time I’ve talked to her, I feel as if she’s pulling away. I’m really not sure why but what I do know is that the distance between me in Pennsylvania and her in South Carolina, is killing us. It’s not like I can just drive down there and speak to her in person.

Grabbing my gym bag, I head to practice and as soon as the truck engine comes to life my mind wanders to Marleigh and me this summer. I smile and my heart skips a beat as I think about the way she looked at me when I first saw her. As my hand grips the steering wheel, I wish it was holding her hand instead. Damn, I love her so much. I hope she’s okay and we are okay.