I jumped on the opportunity to hide from everyone in my family. “Sure. I won’t be much for conversation, but if it’s get me away from my parents I’m game.”
Jake gave me a curious glance. “It must be bad. I’m out of here. The less I know the better. Sometimes this family is too close for comfort.”
Jake said his goodbyes and left us to be alone in the barn. I turned to Wes, a guy I hadn’t seen since he was around the age of twelve. He’d changed into a man. He held himself well, confident even. It was obvious he could have any girl he wanted. I knew other guys like him back at college. They screwed everything they could with no regard for consequences. Wes was privileged, and even though it had been ages since he’d been back, I had a feeling he was on a mission to set his future in place.
I was jealous. I’d been cramming in extra courses to graduate early. Once I had my first degree, I’d have to attend another four-year program. From there, I’d have to get my hours in at a hospital where I’d finally be able to take my exam and become board certified. I had a long road ahead of me, and with a baby on the way I was beginning to wonder if it would even be possible? A child was a huge responsibility.
Wes motioned to leave. “You ready?”
“Yeah, get me out of here.”
Chapter 13
Wes led me out of the barn to a brand new Ford. The four-door vehicle was raised up, making it difficult for someone petite like me to climb into. He offered me a push and closed the door once I was in securely. Upon climbing in, he pointed to the seatbelt and fastened his own. “Safety first.”
I gave him a friendly smile and buckled up. “So where are we headed?”
“One of the branches of the bank. We’re having a new security system installed and I’m to oversea. Obviously I’ve been screwing around all day at the ranch.”
“Are you taking over the family business?”
“I guess in some ways yes, but the old man won’t be retiring until I’m finished with college. I still have a semester left before I take the reigns.”
“You’re lucky to have a career waiting for you,” I said as we pulled out onto the main road. “Some of us have to work hard to find our break.”
Wes tapped on the steering wheel as if it were to a beat, though there wasn’t any music playing. “So, are you home for good?” He inquired.
“Honestly, I have no idea. I’m hoping this problem of mine can be fixed, but I don’t see a way for that to happen.”
“How big is the problem?”
“Huge.”
“Damn. I can’t wait to be done with school. Duke is a great school, but their expectations are high. If my grandfather wasn’t alumni I don’t think I would have been able to keep up. I’ve worked my ass off to make him proud. My mom never went to college, since she got pregnant with me out of high school. It’s a big deal that I graduate.”
“I bet. After this semester I am planning on attending Stanford. Their medical program is fantastic.”
“Stanford. That’s in California, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you have something against the east coast?”
“No. I’ve spent my whole life on the ranch. I wanted a change of scenery to find myself.”
“And have you, found yourself that is?”
“I’ve found more than I bargained for. It doesn’t matter now. I’ve screwed everything up. I’m lucky if I get to keep my scholarship.”
Wes glanced at me for a second with a worried grimace. “That bad?”
“I screwed my professor kind of bad.”
“Damn,” he said with a snicker. “You know how to make a statement.”
“It wasn’t a statement. It was a lapse of judgment.”
“So, I’m assuming you got caught?”
“By his wife.” It made me cringe admitting it out loud. “I shouldn’t be talking about this. The less people who know the better.”
“Actually, your sister text me when I left the house earlier. She may have mentioned what she knew.”
“Great, blabbermouth Callie strikes again. I feel like we’re teenagers.”
“Yeah, well I didn’t know you then. It sucked when I had to move away. Josh was my best friend. I still remember telling him the news. He didn’t talk to me for months.”
“He was broken up about it. You spent every second together and then you disappeared.”
“I had to go where my mom went. It wasn’t like I could run away. She’d know where to look.”
“True. You seem to have done well for yourself. Duke is a hard school. You said you’re in your last year? I thought you were a year behind me.”
“I graduated high school a year ahead. When you move and don’t have many friends it’s easy to cram more classes in. I went to regular school during the day and took night classes while my mom worked to put food on the table. The only thing my grandfather provided us with was a top-notch education for me. It was rough, even after she remarried. That guy was a tool, so I preferred to stay away.”
“Do you live on campus?”
“I have a house a mile down the road. It was a gift from the old man after I completed my second year. He even furnished it.”
“Wow.” I gave him a once over, playing around like I was looking for something.
“What?” He asked.
“I’m looking for the silver spoon. It’s got to be on you somewhere. I’m thinking I could borrow it for a little while, at least until I figure out what to do next.”
“Funny. I’ll have you know I work. Everything I spend I’ve earned.”
For some reason I believed him. Wes didn’t seem like he was spoiled. He acted appreciative, but also determined to make his own name in the world.
“I didn’t mean to piss you off. I was only teasing. The Wes I used to know liked jokes.”
“Cammie, you never knew me. No offense, but you were too stuck up to notice me, the guy with the bucked teeth and acne. You wouldn’t have been caught in the same room with me.”
“Geesh, you make me sound like a monster. You were my brother’s friend. I wasn’t interested in hanging out with Josh.”
“Back then I had the biggest crush on you. He used to tell me he’d kick my ass over it. I knew you’d never see me as someone you could like, but it was nice imagining it in my head.”
I put my hand up. “Please spare me the details of what you did to my image. I think I get the gist.”
Wes began to chuckle loudly. “Yeah, well, it wasn’t as bad as you’re making it out.”
“So, Callie. She says you two are talking. What’s up with that? Have you decided to try for a different sister?”
Wes pulled into the parking lot of the branch. He left the truck on but put it in the parked position. “I’ve been visiting for the past few weekends. Let’s just say your sister is interested.”
“So you’re not?”
“You ever heard the saying don’t sleep where you shit? Maybe it’s eat where you shit. No matter, I know it will lead to nothing, so I’d rather not burn any bridges.”
“Yeah, like I’ve done with my teacher. I get it. I think you should probably let her know that. When we spoke she said you were talking.”
“You and I are talking right now, that doesn’t mean we’re together.”
“True.”
He tapped on the steering wheel again, seeming to want to keep his eyes focused outside rather than on me. “I won’t be long. I just need to make sure everything is going good.”
“Take your time. I’m in no hurry to get back to the ranch.”
He gave me a snarky grin. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
When Wes climbed out of the truck I had time to think about things. My life was a mess. I had to face my parents. Certain my mother had filled my father in, I was determined to steer clear of them for the next few hours.
Against my better judgment I decided to check my messages, at least my emails. I’d turned in some assignments before leaving and hope
d my grades were reflected.
After logging onto the school website, I filled out my user ID and password. I had three emails. The first was from an assignment portal as verification that my work had been turned in. The second was regarding a meeting I was to have with the admissions advisor. That couldn’t be good. The third message was from James. He’d sent it from his college account.
I opened it with shaking fingers, knowing whatever he would say was going to tear out my heart.
Dearest Cammie:
I’m assuming you’ve left the campus. I paid a visit to your dorm only to find you’ve packed your things and vacated. I’ve had some time to reevaluate our situation, or rather, your current situation. I must urge you to terminate the pregnancy. Having a child won’t benefit either of us. I can’t risk losing everything I have. Make the right choice.
James
That was all it said. Terminate your pregnancy.
I was so angry I tossed my phone on the floor. He had a lot of nerve sending me that message. My blood was boiling. If he were in front of me I may have strangled him to death.
Wes returned shortly after my nervous breakdown. It only took a few seconds for him to gather I wasn’t in my right state of mind. “You okay?”
“Not really.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Not really.”
He let out an air-filled laugh and started the truck. “Are you hungry?”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten. The mere mention of food caused my stomach to growl. “Yeah, I could eat.”
“Good. I’ll treat you to my favorite barbeque.”
“I have my own money.”
“I insist.”
I was familiar with the place he’d taken us to eat at. The smell of smoked meat filled my nostrils. In all honesty, I was so hungry I could have closed my eyes and floated inside.
Wes took a seat across from me. He picked up two menus, handing me one before opening his own. “Do you mind the smell of onions?”
“Love them.”
“Good,” he agreed. “I like them on everything. Before you say something smart, I don’t eat this way on dates.”
“Oh, so I’m just an old compadre?”
His smile was contagious. “Exactly. You’re like sharing a meal with my sister.”
As much as I would have normal hated the analogy, I appreciate he felt comfortable around me, especially since I didn’t have many people I could be around without feeling like a complete screw up.
After a waitress came to our table, we’d almost ordered the entire menu. Wes wanted a large brisket sandwich loaded up with barbeque sauce, horseradish and onions. His sides were macaroni and cheese that they cooked in a crock, and baked beans. I ordered a pit turkey with a side of loaded fries and potato salad. You can never get enough potatoes. While we waited for our food, the woman brought us two large sweet teas.
Now, they have sweet tea in California, but nothing tastes like it does at home. Maybe it’s the water, or all the sugar they add for the perfect blend of flavor. Whatever it was, it felt nurturing to suck it up through my straw and enjoy. “Ah, some things never stop being awesome,” I said while taking another sip.
“I figured you’d be eating avocados with a side of green tea by now.”
“Stereotype! Don’t go there. I like both, but nothing compares to this.”
“So do you plan on staying in California?”
It was a hard question. In the past I would have answered differently. “Let’s just say recent events have changed my opinion on where I want to end up. I’ve done a lot of bad things; most of which I’m realizing can never be forgiven.”
“Fair enough.”
“What about you, Wes? When you take over the bank where will you settle?”
“I’m not sure. I guess it depends where life takes me. Since I know what I’ll be doing, it’s not really anything I’m hard-pressed to decide.”
We chatted for a bit before our food came, mostly about childhood memories we both remembered. After stuffing my face, and even stealing a bite of his delicious macaroni Wes paid for the check. “I guess you need to take me back.”
“Would it be inappropriate to ask if we could hang out again?”
“Does this have anything to do with your childhood crush on me? Are you planning on holding me hostage until Stockholm’s kicks in and I think you’re the best thing since sliced bread?”
He cackled loudly at my comment. “It’s possible. Though I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t need Stockholm syndrome to appreciate my charm.”
“Wes, I think you’re a nice guy. I’m just not in any kind of position to date someone. I’m getting out of something messy, and you don’t want to get involved, trust me. Besides, my sister already has her eyes on you. I’ve pissed off enough family for one day.”
“I wasn’t implying that we buy and house and raise a couple kids, Cam. I just wanted to hang out.”
As soon as he mentioned raising kids I lost it. Tears filled my eyes as I began to imagine how hard it was going to become for me. My child wouldn’t have a father, not one that wanted any part of them. It killed me to think about. “I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I’m not usually such a crybaby.”
Wes reached across the table and grabbed me a napkin. “Was it something I said?”
“It’s not just the affair that brought me home, Wes. There’s something I haven’t told anyone, and when they find out I’m afraid nothing will ever be the same.”
It only took him a few seconds to understand. His eyes widened and he had to look away when he asked. “So you’re pregnant?”
I answered in a whisper. “Yep. I’m about six weeks along. The father, my teacher, he wants nothing to do with it. He keeps pushing me to get an abortion.”
“Damn. Have you considered it might be a better choice?”
I was angry for him even questioning it. “No! I won’t do it.”
“Cammie, I didn’t mean…”
“Just take me home, Wes. I need to come clean and get this over with. I’m sick of keeping it bottled in. I’m sorry I told you. It’s not your burden. I don’t expect you to have to keep secrets for me.”
He stood and pulled his truck keys from his pocket. “I’m sorry if what I said pissed you off. It was insensitive.”
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. It’s best if I go home and handle what I keep avoiding.”
During the ride back to the ranch Wes didn’t say much. He kept to himself, mumbling the lyrics to a few songs that came on the radio. I stared out the window, praying there would be reprieve for me once the truth was revealed.
It wasn’t until we pulled up in front of my childhood home when he said something directly to me. “Cam, don’t tell them yet.”
“Why? What do you care?”
“Trust me. Let them settle on one thing before you add to the plate. Don’t add unnecessary stress to yourself. Let them calm down and then in a few days you can tell them about the pregnancy. You have a great family. They’ll understand. It’s just a lot to take in, especially coming from you.”
“I’m not perfect like everyone keeps assuming.”
“It’s your life. I’m just giving you my opinion. I know you want to right your wrongs, but it doesn’t have to happen right away.”
He had a point. My dad was going to be pissed as it was. The idea of looking him in the eyes and telling him all my dreams were ruined was unimaginable. “Thanks again for lunch. I’m sorry I ended up being bad company.”
Wes reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a business card. “I know you have a lot of support, but if you need to get away just give me a ring. We can all use a friend outside of our family from time to time.”
When he pulled back out of the gravel road I felt like I was about to walk into a war. Nothing was going to be the same once my father saw me as damaged. His precious daughter, the one he’d never had to worry about was about to crush him.
Before stepping foot in the house I prayed I’d be able to make it through this. Then I cursed James for damaging my chances at happiness. If it weren’t for his advances I would have been back at school with little to worry myself over. I was beginning to understand just how much he’d taken from me, and it was enraging to the point of no return.
Chapter 14
They were sitting in the family room waiting for me to return. My father, red-faced and ready to blow, had his arms crossed over his chest. He flipped off the television when he saw me approaching.
He stood and held out his arms. I quietly approached letting him hug me before we had our talk. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Don’t Daddy me, Cam. Your mother has filled me in. How could you have been so careless? Who was this guy? Have you contacted the authorities?”
“Dad, I’m an adult. It’s not against the law to …”
“Don’t even say it. I can’t handle hearing it anymore.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re upset. I wasn’t thinking. It happened. I thought he loved me, but I was wrong. I ruined everything, and there’s no greater punishment than the torture I’m already under. You can be angry. You can lash out and give me hell, but it won’t change what I’ve done.” He was surprised I’d responded in such a way.
He sighed and turned to my mother for guidance. “Maybe she’s right, Conner. Cammie knows what she’s done. There’s no sense scorning her. She’s an adult. This is her decision.”
“She’s ruining her life if she doesn’t return to school.”
“I never said I wasn’t going back, Dad. I just wanted some time to get away from everything.”
“And your scholarship?” He questioned. “Are you going to lose it?”
“I have no idea what the dean will do, or even if he has the ability to take it from me. It’s his daughter. I’m sure he will do whatever necessary to rectify the situation. I’m sure they want to cover it up so it doesn’t give the school a bad rep. I’ve never been in or heard of someone in this situation. They’ve threatened me, but I’m not sure it will hold up legally. I suppose we could contact an attorney. Since I’m guilty I don’t know what good it will do.”
Cammie Healy (Mitchell/ Healy #8) Page 8
