Chapter 1

Amara's POV:

I paced around in the bathroom. Since it was small, I did way too many laps as I waited for the minutes to pass. By the time I heard my timer go off, I was little dizzy, shaky and most definitely nervous. I took a deep breath, staring at myself in the mirror as I picked up the stick.

Two lines...No, no, no. How could I have let this happen? I picked up the second stick, hoping the result would contradict the first one — only it didn't. They both had two dark lines each, telling me that I was indeed pregnant.

I couldn't be pregnant, not now. I was only 21, and I had just barely finished my two—year course at culinary school. Not to mention, the father was a one–night stand. I had to tell my mother. I unlocked the door after disposing of the tests and walked out to the living room where I saw her last. It wasn't like I could keep it a secret. I still lived with her and paid my share of the bills.

"Ma, I have to tell you something." I walked up to her and stood near the couch, arms crossed as I looked at her.

"Hmm?" she hummed, looking up from her phone.

"I'm pregnant", I annoyed calmly.

"What?? That's wonderful! You'll take Micah back at last, then!" She practically jumped up, her phone long forgotten as she reached out to hug me. I would never get why she liked Micah so much.

"No, it's not his child. I don't want that cheating piece of—"

"What do you mean it's not his?!" She unwrapped her arms from around me and glared at me. She placed her hands on her hips aggressively.

"I had sex with someone else," I mumbled slightly ashamed *I didn't know the man.

"I don't care; tell him it's his. His parents will make him marry you," Mother said with a devious smirk as if I'd follow through with her plans. Again, I didn't get her Micah obsession. Surely, money couldn't make someone that crazy.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Can't you see I don't want to be with him?" I asked, frowning and shaking my head, already walking to my room, knowing where this would lead. The last time a conversation like this happened, she kicked me out for a few days.

"I will not have you here as some sort of slut. You're ruining my reputation!" She yelled at me pushing my door open hard. The doorknob hit the mirror behind it, cracking it. I had already pulled out my bags and started filling them up. The good thing was I had a trip already planned, so some things were packed. The bad news was I might have to cancel that trip for financial reasons.

"Your reputation is already ruined. Aren't you the army wife who slept around while Daddy was doing his tours?" I said without thinking, throwing clothes into the huge suitcase.

"That's it! You dare disrespect me in my house? I want you out!" She screamed at me, storming out and slamming the door behind her.

"You kick me out ,now, and i'll never come back," I warned as I stepped out of my room. I knew thus was a possibility, but I had hoped she'd handle things differently. "Sorry for what I said."

"I don't care. Like I said, I don't want to be seen with girl who opens her legs for anyone," she shouted, still stomping away on the tiled floor. I already paid more than half of the bills; I might as well move away. But I couldn't afford a place all by myself. I let out a frustrated sigh and picked up my phone to call Nicole.

"Hey girl," she answered, luckily for me.

"Nic, hey."

"Everything okay?" she asked worridly.

"I, uh, got kicked out," I told her, still packing up my things.

"Say no more. You can come over, or I should come get you?"

"It's fine. I'm packing up the coming to you," I answered, letting out a soft sigh.

"I'll be waiting. Hey I love you," Nicole replied, making me smile a little. God, I loved that girl. She was the best of friends. Always had my back no matter what.

"I love you too. Thank you so much," I said hastily and ended the call.

I finished packing up and left the house. I couldn't see Mom anywhere. Not that I wanted to say goodbye, so maybe this was for the best. At least now, I wouldn’t have to hear about how great Micah was daily.

"*Wait, what? You're pregnant, and she kicked you out again?" Nicole exclaimed, her dark brows furrowed. "Give me the full story, man*!"

"*Okay, okay so I announced pregnancy, and she got excited, saying now I'd take Micah back, but I told her no. This child isn't his, and I and don't even want him back, not after what happened." I sat down on the cheap couch, the cushion barely sinking as I sat down*.

"*Oh, honey, no." She shook her head. Obviously she didn't like Micah*.

*I don't see why wants me to be with him so badly. All he does is lie and cheat — constantly." I sighed, leaning back. I grabbed a fiery red pillow and played with it*.

"*I'm sorry for Dana's behavior. I'm," she apologized for her sister's behavior*.

"*It's okay, Nic*."

"*You know, I just got a raise, and from what I've heard, you pay your mother for rent. We could rent an apartment together," Nicole suggested, taking me by surprise. I thought I'd be on her couch for a week until I found a place for myself*.

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