“Why? Why would you do that?”
“You need to learn that you just can’t go around doing whatever you want. There’s a price to pay for every wrong step you take. Maybe you’ll think twice about spreading your legs to biker trash in the future.”
Another pain rips through me. “Just fucking call him,” I scream.
“Your father will be in soon to check you. It’s almost time. The Mahoney’s will be here shortly to pick up the baby as long as she’s healthy.”
“No. I want to spend her first night with her. You can’t do that. I didn’t sign anything yet.”
“Really, Alexa. You can’t expect to keep her. You’ll never make it on your own.”
“Call James.”
“Wake up, you fool. He’s not coming. He doesn’t want you or his bastard. He never did. He used you. Preyed on your weak nature.”
He promised me. He swore I could count on him.
“No. He’ll come if you call.”
“I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice. I spoke with your precious James and you know what he said. He said that you were a delusional little girl with a crush. He denied everything. Now I don’t know who the father is, but you’ve got to stop this behavior. But since we need his signature for the adoption, he signed the paperwork if we promised to keep it all discreet. You should be ashamed, lying like that on a married man. A man who took you in. He wants nothing to do with you. They all blame you for what happened to Rochelle and her boyfriend. You think he wants to see you. Hear more of your lies. That man said to tell you to keep away or he’d be forced to take actions to shut you up for good.”
“I hate you.”
“Well, darling girl, the feeling’s mutual. You think I want to be here cleaning up the mess you made of your life? I’m here for the sake of your father’s reputation. He has a status to uphold in the community.”
“Get out.”
“What?”
“You heard me, Victoria. I want you to leave. I don’t want you or your help. I’ll take care of my baby on my own.”
“The Mahoney’s are good Christian folk. And if you pay your cards right you father has arranged a husband for you. One of his doctor friends. He’s a bit short and going bald but with your prospects I think you should count your blessings that anyone is willing to marry you or take your child.”
“I don’t care if they have all the money in the world or if God himself comes down to put my child in their arms. It’ll happen over my dead body. Now get the fuck outta here so I can birth my daughter in peace.”
“If this is what you want. Then fine. Have it your way, but when you and that baby are hungry and homeless don’t call upon me.”
“Don’t worry.” I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, attempting to control the pain. “We don’t need you. We don’t need anyone.” Not James either. I can do this. Somehow. Someway.
The second she leaves I collapse into a heap of pain and tears.
Another contraction rips through me so violently I feel as though my spine will tear itself free from my body. I go blind momentarily from the agony. I blink and attempt to stand. I can see my cell phone on the other side of the room laying on top of my bag. If I can get to it, I can call James myself. Another contraction hits me, followed by another, and I go to my knees, screaming for the nurse.
My monster prick of a father rushes in and goes into doctor patient mode.
“No. I don’t want you here.” I attempt to shove him away.
Thwack. His hand whips across my face. “Calm down damn it. Right now, what matters is delivering your child safe and healthy. Now get back to bed so I can examine you. Don’t know why you are up to begin with. Where is that stupid nurse?” he curses under his breath ushering me into the bed.
I don’t want him to touch me but am left without a choice as my baby doesn’t want to wait any longer.
“I can see the head,” he announces as the nurse finally shows up.
Fifteen minutes later my gorgeous Wylla Mae is cradled in my arms screaming her head off as I kiss all her fingers and toes feeling more love than I could ever imagine for this one tiny person who has been the source of so much trouble and heartache.
“Hello, my tough baby girl. It’s just you and me, but I will always love you and protect you. I named you Wylla because it means faithful. And Mae after my friend. Rochelle Mae Thatcher. She would have loved you. She’s your big sister, and I bet right now wherever she is that she’s your guardian angel.”
Wylla Mae and I are both released from the hospital the following evening. Me with more stitches than ought to be humanly possible and her healthy as can be. I have no one to call. I keep telling the nurse my ride is running late.
I’ve gotten as desperate as calling Nickel but he’s not picking up. I even thought about calling Tanner, Colter’s friend. That’s how sad and pathetic I am. I have no friends. Rochelle was all I had, and I killed her. No one is coming. No one cares about us.
“Knock. Knock.” I glance to the door of my room and see Ruthie.
My heart jumps to my throat. “Wha-what are you doing here?”
“I meant to come sooner, but I’ve had some car trouble.” She rolls her eyes. “Anyway, the nurse said you were released and asked if I was your ride. Do you need a ride?”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“It’s no trouble. I figured your mom would be here.”
“We aren’t speaking.”
“Okay. Well I’m here. Do you have
