The Day Our Promise Breaks

Pregnant?

Brooks' mind went completely blank for a second.

But he quickly pulled himself together and apologized, his voice sincere. "I'm sorry, that was careless of me. Is my girlfriend—and the baby—are they both okay?"

The doctor, seeing how stunned Brooks looked, softened his tone. "They're fine."

"There's no need to stress too much. Her condition has stabilized. I get it-you're both young and want to focus on your careers, but now that she's pregnant, you have to take her health seriously. The first three months are especially important. Don't let her overdo it."

"I understand, doctor. Thank you," Brooks said, grateful.

After the doctor left, Brooks pushed open the door to the little house and stepped inside.

Evelyn was already awake.

She'd heard everything the doctor had said to Brooks outside.

She was pregnant.

It all started over a month ago, that unexpected night with Charles.

To be safe, she'd taken two emergency contraceptives.

But then, while heading upstairs for a shower, she'd thrown up in the bathroom.

After that, she'd taken another pill, just in case.

Later, while out to eat with Brooks, she was sick again in the restaurant bathroom.

When she came out, Brooks was waiting, worry written all over his face.

He asked her what was wrong. She didn't hide it from him.

She pulled out the pills from her bag, ready to take yet another.

Brooks stopped her.

a family

her she

always been fragile, made worse by years spent soaking

recover. Only recently had she started to get a little

already taken three pills. Taking more would only hurt

she really damaged herself, she might never be able to

time she'd taken the medicine, even though she threw up, enough time had

need to keep taking

Evelyn listened.

Charles over an accident she never asked for, but ruining

never expected she'd end

hand gently on her stomach,

grew up in an orphanage, always craving a

had left a hole she'd

And now, pregnant again.

hand tightened a little on

sat down beside her on

see the conflict in her eyes. He reached out

up

smoothed the

his voice

vel

whatever you do?

here for you."

want to

be

schedule the procedure. I

cut him off, pulling her hand away from

already made up her

quickly. The longer she waited,

"Evelyn..."

wanted to ask her to

down,

still