Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Suddenly fears flood my mind as I think of the worst. I’m wishing I hadn’t called Derek because I was feeling good before that.
"Oh, you definitely need help. You shouldn't be alone like this. I'm going to take a sabbatical from school. In fact, I can start that right away because you know my school isn’t all that into academics. They’re just glad I swim for them. The season is almost over though so they won’t care what I do after this, as long as I show back up next season!”
“That’s really nice of you to offer that, but I can’t accept it,” I tell her. “I want you to focus on your classes.”
“Well, I don’t. They’re boring! Why don't you come up here and stay with me? It will be so much more fun. Just like old times. I really miss high school, and how we always used to hang out. Don’t you?”
“Yes,” I admit.
I haven’t found any good friends like Janice or our other crowd here. It’s harder to relate to people I haven’t known forever, I guess—especially since I worry they’ll judge me once they find out I’m pregnant!
From what Janice has said, she hasn’t managed to make many new friends, either. I guess it could be good for both of us to reunite.
“Please let me help you! I can talk to my parents about it— you know they’ve always liked you— and we can do whatever is necessary so that you won't be alone at this time," Janice suggests.
She’s right about that. Her parents felt bad that my own were so neglectful. Sometimes when they’d have a big fight, they’d lock each other out of the house and forget that I couldn’t get in, either.
So Janice’s parents would also let me come stay with her at their house. I like it there. And a change of scenery wouldn’t be so bad.
"Are you sure about that? I don't want to be a burden on anyone. I'm fine doing all this on my own," I answer.
"No, no, it's not a big deal at all; trust me. I know my parents will be happy to help. Besides, you're my best friend. This is what we do for each other. And you can stay with me at my parents’ vacation home. They're not using it anyway, so it's empty right now. That’s the perfect solution to all of this. It'll have everything that you need," Janice answers.
After a few seconds of deliberation, I accept.
"Okay, we'll do that. Just give me some time to pack and talk to the school," I answer. “Thank you so much.
"Awesome. Just call me when you’re ready and I'll drive up there and get you and then we can go to the vacation home together. I have to talk to my parents about this, but I know they'll be supportive," Janice answers.
At least someone is, I thought, wishing for the millionth time that I could have had parents like Janice’s.
After we hang up the phone, I go to my room and start packing up things that I'm going to need. Obviously I'm not calling my brother to tell him where I'm going.
Nor my parents either. It's kind of strange now that I'm more or less estranged from my family.
I mean, I knew that Derek was going to get upset when I told him the news, but I wasn't expecting him to flip out like that.
My phone rings several times. I can see that it's his number, but I ignore the calls. After I'm done packing, though, I grab the phone and listen to the voicemails.
They're all angry and he’s yelling in them.
“How could you do this? You're ruining your life! Don't you realize you're throwing your life away? You have your whole future ahead of you!"
They all pretty much say the same thing, making me glad I didn’t answer.
With a loud, aggravated sigh, I set my phone down. I need to get the time off from school now. I start writing out and planning what I'm going to say to the admissions people. I feel nervous about it but it’s the only way things will work out.
And hopefully they take my news better than my brother is!
Janice calls back later that night.
"Hey sweetheart, I talked to my parents, so everything is a go and the vacation house is all ready for us. I have a key so I can drive up and get you whenever you're ready," she explains.
"Okay, good. I'm going to talk to the people tomorrow and request my time off and then I should be good to go after that," I explain, finally letting out a sigh of relief. “I have a final exam tomorrow and that wraps up the semester for me. It seems like a good time for a break.”
"Yes. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon and don’t forget that I'll pick you up,” Janice says to me. “I don’t want you to feel alone on this journey for one more second.”