Redeem Me

by Jennifer Foor

  More than anything I knew I needed to talk to Parker. His opinion mattered to me, and without it I didn’t know what I was going to do. I knew enough about science to be aware that terminating a pregnancy after the first trimester was dangerous.

  Why was I even considering this to be an option?

  While still having my freak out, a nurse came in and asked if I needed anything. The only thing I asked for was a phone. I had to make a phone call, even if I didn’t want to.

  My parents would still be at the office, so I called the main number and asked the secretary to patch me in to my mother’s line. This wasn’t something I wanted to discuss with my dad on the phone.

  “Catherine Hynson.”

  “Mom, it’s me.”

  “Cameron, are you crying? What’s wrong?”

  I hated having to say it out loud, especially after how I’d acted toward my dad. “I’m in the hospital.”

  “Oh my God, are you hurt? What happened?”

  “I’m okay, but they’re keeping me for a while. Can you just come here? I don’t want to be alone right now.”

  “You’re scaring me, darling. Tell me what’s going on.” She paused and yelled for my father, which was very unlike her. It told me that she was worried, and frantic to get to me. It was the kind of support I needed, especially after Parker had walked out. “We’ll be there in ten minutes, Cameron. I’m just going to get your father and we’ll be on our way.”

  When she hung up I sat there with the phone still in my hands. More than anything I wanted to talk to Parker. He’d been gone for a long time, and all I could assume was that he’d left and gone somewhere to be alone. It hurt me thinking about him abandoning me in a hospital. That’s the main reason that I’d decided to call my parents. I knew I couldn’t depend on Parker, since I had no clue where he was or what he was even thinking. It was important to give him space, at least for a little while, so he could come to grips with the news.

  In a short amount of time my parents, whose office was extremely close to the hospital, arrived. Now I had to just find a way to tell them that I’d screwed up my life, and that I was pregnant by a guy they didn’t want me with in the first place.

  Chapter 19

  Parker

  I’d been gone too long. As I turned the corner to enter her room I saw two people entering from the opposite direction. Their focus was on their daughter, instead of me. Before I got the nerve to walk inside the room and face her father, I stood and listened to what they were saying.

  Cameron was a basket case, crying so hard that I could barely make out what she was saying. Her father’s response was clear.

  “This isn’t going to happen, Cameron. Do you understand me? You’re not having this child and ruining your life. Your mother will call and schedule the appointment. Until this is resolved you’re coming home to stay with us. I won’t have that kid causing you any more stress than he already has.”

  I was clenching my fists, trying so hard to hold in my anger. That was the woman that I loved. She was carrying MY child. There was no way in hell that I was going to stand by and let him make the decision for us.

  “Dad, please. It’s my choice,” she argued.

  “This again? Your call earlier was his idea wasn’t it? He’s been feeding you hogwash to convince you to give up on what you’ve worked so hard for. Now this?”

  “You can’t control me anymore. This has nothing to do with Parker. It’s my life. This is my baby.” Hearing her say that was like a kick in the gut. There was a baby growing inside of her that we’d made out of love. This wasn’t the result of an accidental one-night stand. How dare this guy treat her like it was.

  I took a step to walk inside, just as her mother was coming out. She grabbed me by the arm and pulled me away. “It’s not a good time, Parker.”

  She’d never been my friend before, or treated me respectfully. One look into her eyes let me know that she was very emotional. “What are you sayin’? It’s the perfect time. I need to be there for Cameron. She needs me.”

  The woman shook her head. “No, you’ve done enough. Please, just walk away from this. Let us handle things from here on out. It’s for the best.”

  “The best for who? For you? That’s my girlfriend in there. I’ll be damned if I’m goin’ to abandon her.”

  Her facial expression changed. This was an angry woman standing in front of me. “You don’t want to cross my husband. He’ll make it his life’s mission to ruin you, Parker. I’ve never seen him so upset. You’ve got to walk away for your own good.”

  I sank down to the floor and covered my face with my hands. “You can’t ask me to do this. You can’t stand here and make threats. Cameron is an adult. She can make her own decisions.”

  “You don’t understand. You couldn’t even begin to know what it’s like. She’s all he has, and he won’t stop. If you know what’s best for you, you’ll walk away.”

  I looked up to see her reaching inside of her purse. She pulled out a check book, drawing my attention immediately. “What are you doing?” I stood up and watched her writing down my name on the first line. “Seriously, what is that for?”

  I think I already knew what she was going to say even before she started explaining. “This buys you your freedom. Take this check and walk away from my daughter. Live your life to the fullest. Just disappear, please. You’ve done enough.”

  I crumbled up the paper and tossed it in her face. She wasn’t going to fucking buy me. Her attempts to rid me of her daughter’s life were only pissing me off more. “Fuck you! I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

  She reached down and picked up the balled check. “Just take the check, Parker. At least go sleep on it. If you still want to be with Cameron, then I won’t be able to stop you.”

  I sighed, and looked down at the wrinkled up check. Instead of causing a scene, and making things worse, I was going to agree to sleep on it, even though I knew I’d never give up on Cameron. If she didn’t want the baby I would understand, but I wasn’t going to let them make that decision for her. I’d call the hospital later when I knew they’d gone home. Hell or high water, I was determined to prove to Cam that I was the one person she could on count on, no matter what.

  Cameron

  “Please, don’t make me do this, Mom. You can’t let him force me to give up my baby.” My father had stepped out to make a phone call. He was probably calling his detective goons to murder my boyfriend. Okay, I knew my father wasn’t capable of murdering someone, but he’d certainly do whatever he could to hurt Parker.

  “He’s made his mind up, honey. We check out in the morning and you’re coming home with us. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Don’t let this tiny mistake ruin your future. You’ve got so much going for you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Seriously? You’re going to give me that same crap again? Do you care about my feelings at all? I won’t let you dictate my life like this. You can’t make me abort my baby. Parker will never let you make that decision for us.”

  “Of course I care, and so does your father for that matter. This decision is for your own good, and frankly it’s not up to the father of the child. It’s up to the mother. Being that you’re incapable of caring for a child on your own, we’re going to help make it all go away.”

  “Where’s Parker?” The more I thought about it the more I wondered if they’d seen him, and made him leave. I knew them well enough to know they’d do that if given the chance. In fact, they would have done anything in their power to convince him that an abortion was a good idea.

  The bile rose in my throat as I contemplated all of the resources they had to make my life miserable.

  “Parker went home. I told him you’d be fine for the night. There’s nothing more he can do for you anyway. He’s obviously done enough. We told you that boy was no good for you. Now get up in that bed. You’re only wearing that gown, and anyone could walk in here and see something you don’t want them to.” Was she really worried about someon
e seeing my bare back and a pair of underwear, when my life was in such disarray? I had a huge pad on that felt like a diaper. Couldn’t she see that I had bigger issues than being naked in a hospital?

  Then there were her opinions about Parker. Don’t even get me started on how angry I felt when either of them talked down about him. Yes, we had issues, but Parker loved me. I never doubted that. He wouldn’t purposely hurt me, especially in this type of situation. He may have been confused, but he wouldn’t have left, even if they told him to. He would have fought them. I knew him enough to be confident about that. He’d had no problems in the past reminding me that they could never tear us apart. They had to have been threatening him with something. It irked me to no end. I was inconsolable, and helpless.

  “He’s a good man, and I love him. You have no idea who he is, or how he treats me. You’d rather marry me off to one of your friends, because it’s good for your business. It’s disgusting. Nothing is going to make me stop loving Parker.”

  That was the last straw. I started to climb further out of the bed. “I hate you. You’re ruining my life. I need Parker here with me. Give me your phone, Mom.” I held out my hand, but she refused. “Mom, please. I need your phone now! He needs to know I want him here. He should be here with me right now.”

  “I’m not giving you my phone so you can make another mistake. Enough is enough, Cameron. You’re not calling that boy tonight, and that’s final. Stop asking about it. Parker won’t be returning. Get back in that bed or I’ll be forced to call the doctor and tell him that you’re not following his orders.”

  “Please,” I pleaded, as more tears began to fall down my cheeks. I couldn’t remember ever feeling so distraught. “Please just let me call him. Let me tell him goodnight. I know he’s upset. Just let me talk to him for a minute,” I wasn’t going to stop desperately begging. This was my well-being she was messing with. My behavior may have seemed rash, but it was only because of the situation that they were putting me in.

  “I’m sorry, Cameron, but it’s not going to happen. Your father had made it clear that he doesn’t want Parker in here with us.”

  My father walked back into the room, conveniently at the same time my mother was speaking. “He’s gone, Cameron. He’s not coming back, so I’d appreciate it if you stopped asking.”

  I was speechless for a moment as his damaging words sank in. “What’s that mean? Did you tell the hospital he wasn’t allowed in here?”

  He shook his head. “You need to calm down.”

  “I’m getting the nurse,” my mother interrupted before hauling ass out of the room.

  I leaned against the bed, literally breaking down so terribly that I couldn’t hold myself up. I cried loudly, not caring what my father thought about me being so weak. They were keeping Parker from me, I just knew it.

  While trying to think of something to say to my parents to convince them to reconsider, my mother came in followed by three nurses. Before I knew what was happening, they were putting me back in the bed, and strapping me down. I kicked and screamed, yelling profanities and threats. Another nurse came in with a needle, and proceeded to insert something into my IV. The room started to look blurry, while my eyes fought to stay open. Then I couldn’t fight it any longer.

  I knew this was my parent’s doing, and I was never going to forgive them for caring more about control than my well-being.

  Chapter 20

  Parker

  Apparently my feelings were irrelevant when it came to Cameron’s parents. Did they really think they could get rid of me that easy? I wasn’t going to be paid to stay out of their daughter’s life, and since they’d even made that assumption, I was now determined to get her the hell away from them.

  They’d messed with the wrong guy if they thought I’d sit back and let them win. I’d lost everything in my life except for her, and even though things were looking up, I knew I’d never be the same without her by my side.

  I waited until visiting hours were over before calling the hospital. I knew she’d be transferred to a real room by then, and have a direct line to call. It was strange when I called the main desk and they told me that Cameron Hynson was unavailable to accept calls. Feeling like her parents had interfered again, I decided to get some sleep and head over in the morning.

  Since I was so upset over everything that had transpired, I wasn’t able to get much rest. By the time the sun came up I was ready to head to the hospital to be with Cameron. As soon as visiting hours began I was walking inside of the hospital with a bouquet of flowers in my hand. Cameron was about to find out that I’d stand by whatever decision she wanted to make. I wanted her to know that I’d be her shoulder to cry on, and her supporter for whatever was to come.

  The front desk associate was a petite dark-skinned woman. She smiled when I approached. “Good morning. Can I help you with something, sir?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m here to see my girlfriend. They kept her overnight, and I was told she’d be in her own room by now. Her name is Cameron Hynson.”

  She started typing on the computer. “You said Hynson, with a Y?”

  “Yes.”

  She frowned, but kept typing. Then she shook her head. “I’m sorry, but she was released overnight.”

  I was at a loss for words. I’d been in the room when the doctor stated he wanted to observe her. I knew he wouldn’t have allowed her to go home unless he was persuaded. It rubbed me the wrong way knowing that it concerned her health.

  “Thanks for lettin’ me know. I’ll try to reach her at home then.” I walked out of there feeling defeated, but remained determined to locate where she was staying and letting her know my intentions.

  I hopped back in Cameron’s car once I reached the parking lot, and headed on my way to her parent’s estate. I was more than certain that she’d be there, and that they were going to give me a hard time about seeing her.

  On the way there I tried her cell phone several times, continuously getting the voicemail. I didn’t leave a message on account of wanting to tell her how I felt in person. It wasn’t something I’d ever consider leaving over the phone. Cameron deserved more than that.

  Until I reached that mansion, all I could think about was being in that hospital room and hearing the doctor announce that she was pregnant. Another thing I continued dwelling on was the fact that it had been twins. Had it survived, I would have been the biological father of four children before the age of twenty-two. That made me very aware of how serious this situation was, and also that I needed to do the right thing. All night I’d tossed and turned imagining myself being a father. I pictured the way it made me feel to hold Lyla, and how I knew my own child would be more enlightening. I wanted to feel that way again, even if it scared the shit out of me. It was an experience that I’d never felt before, and although it was overwhelmingly scary, it made me feel loved. That child that Cameron was carrying was going to love me. It only made sense for me to want to have that in my life. I’d made mistakes, and maybe in many ways I didn’t deserve to be a father, but it was happening.

  I pulled up at the gates to enter into the private yard. After pushing the intercom button I heard the maid’s voice. She was just a nice old lady that had lived with them since Cameron was a small child. In many ways I think she was more of a mother than Mrs. Catherine. While she was busy with her career, Miss Mary would do all of the cooking, cleaning, and also take care of Cameron. My girlfriend loved the woman, and every year for Christmas and her birthday she would buy her something very nice. Sometimes I wondered if Cameron also considered her and the other help her best friends. It wasn’t like she was given the opportunity to play with other children outside. Their estate was a damn fortress.

  “Can I help you?” Mary’s voice filled the intercom system.

  “Miss Mary, it’s me, Parker. Can you open the gate so I can pull the car in?”

  It took her a couple seconds to reply. “I’m sorry, Parker, but I’m not supposed to let you in to see Cameron. Mr.
Hynson gave me strict orders.” I could hear it in her voice that she was upset about it.

  “Just let me in. I won’t tell them if you don’t.”

  Suddenly the voice on the other end changed. Her father sounded pissed. “I’d advise you to drive back to college and leave my daughter alone, son. Just turn around and head back before I call and report my daughter’s car stolen.”

  I beat my fists on the steering wheel realizing that driving Cameron’s car had left me vulnerable to her father’s wrath. He had me by the balls, and there was nothing I could do but leave before he went to extremes to get me to go away. “I’ll leave because you’re threatenin’ me, but I won’t give up on your daughter. You can’t keep her locked up forever.”

  I peeled wheels down the road, unable to control my frustration. They were fucking with me because they could. Not only was I pissed, but it hurt me to not be able to hold my girlfriend. She needed to know that I wasn’t going anywhere. It was bullshit.

  Cameron

  They’d taken me out of the hospital in the middle of the night like some secret protection agency. I couldn’t believe how low they were stooping to keep me away from Parker. I awoke to the sound of someone ringing in on the intercom. Before I could hop out of bed and get to the hallway, where the answering device was placed, I heard my parents walking down the hall. I stood, silently against my bedroom door listening to what was being said. First our housekeeper answered, and I immediately heard Parker talking. For a moment I was utterly excited that he’d come to see me. The last time we’d spoke he’d walked out, and I wondered if after a whole night of thinking, he’d decide that all of this wasn’t worth the trouble. He could easily walk away, and my parents would help him do it.