Re: Reality Revealed (M/L CC MATURE) Ch 11 21/09/09
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:42 pm
Hey everyone, I'm back. Thanks for all the feedback, and for reading.
This chapter originally went further but it's taken me this long to get it this far so I figure I'll post the rest as the next chapter. Sorry to have taken so long to update but I'm doing my best, honest!
natalie36 - Well there'll be bumps along the road for sure, but together, I'm sure they'll make it.
keepsmiling7 - Oh I'm returning to continue. It just sometimes takes me a while, sorry about that. As for Max, yeah, I'm not sure I'd have wanted to be in his shoes. Hope I handled it sensitively enough.
Flamehair - Thanks for sticking with it, hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Isabelle - The two are living at the Evans's house currently - you'll hear that in this next chapter. As to the rest, I'll do my best to include it later on. I'm guessing they wouldn't have been crazy enough to risk the blood test without having checked the blood's appearance at least. Other than that, it's still a risk of course, but I think even without the parents insisting on it (and I think the Evans probably would eb by now) I think maybe Max is too concious of the fact that he wasn't able to tell that Liz was pregnant when he connected with her after her fainting. What if something goes wrong and he doesn't realise it... Maybe it's risky but I have to assume they'll have weighed up the risks on both sides...
Anyway, here's the next chapter (albeit cut a little short) I hope you'll all enjoy it. Love to hear what you think.
Kat
Chapter 11
“So…?” Barely had Liz and Max passed through the doors of the school than they were accosted by an overly excited Maria. “How did it go?”
Liz winced slightly at the volume of her voice. “Could you take it down a notch or two, I don’t really think Mrs Choo want’s to hear all about it…” Making downward motions with her hand, she looked hopefully towards her friend.
The blond looked somewhat abashed at the request. “Sorry…I didn’t realise…” She apologised in a much lower tone.
Max smiled and nodded. “No problem Maria… Although shouldn’t you be in class?” His eyebrows raised slightly as he looked towards the clock on the wall which firmly stated that the first period wouldn’t be over for another ten minutes. They had made good time it seemed.
“Yeah well I had study period…so I just decided to study elsewhere…” The curly spitfire responded with a grin as she asked again, “So come on, are you going to tell me or what…?”
“You know I’m beginning to think all you’re interested in is some gossip… It certainly can’t be your friends since you didn’t even say hello…” Liz’s eyes twinkled in amusement as she teased her best friend.
Eyes widened in response to that, a momentary look of horror flashing over her face before she realised that it was in fact a joke. “You’re getting to be mean! Of course I’m interested in my friends, I just want to know how the little one was too!”
Max shook his head, deciding to let his girlfriend deal with her possibly hyper friend. Had Maria been drinking expresso this morning or something because he could swear this was something even for her?
Liz on the other hand, had known Maria since they were in diapers and had been privy to many a display such as this one. It was nothing new and she tried to take it in her stride. “Well the little one most likely does exist for starters…although we have to wait a couple of days to get final confirmation…”
“But so far the doctor said that everything looked healthy and normal…” Max put in.
Maria grinned. “Great! And he was okay?” She felt she had a big stake in this having come up with the name of the doctor herself from her mother’s address book. Amy had in recent years changed her gynocologist but fortunately being as scatter-brained as her daughter she was hadn’t bothered to remove the contact details from her list.
It was a fortunate mistake for Liz who had happily accepted the details offered as an alternative to going to her usual doctor who was of course a less than ideal option… She nodded again. “He was really good actually thanks…” She paused a moment, contemplating, “He actually even congratulated us which was really nice…”
The smile dropped from her friend’s face at the last comment as a realisation hit her like a bucket of cold water. Her eyes went wide as she grabbed for Liz’s arm. “OMG chica, I am so sorry. I haven’t said it have I? I can’t believe that I didn’t tell you, that I didn’t think that I-“ She broke off mid babble and took a moment to get a hold of herself before looking to the couple once more. “Congratulations…really, both of you, congrats!”
As the blond engulfed both of the pair in a big hug, the bell on the wall above them sounded and rivers of kids of various ages came pouring out of the doorways all around, filling the corridor in a second.
The trio pulled apart quickly with mutual smiles as they agreed they could talk more later and for a few moments their biggest trouble was finding a way across the corridor through the current of students to get at their lockers before heading to class.
**********
The day progressed and for the most Liz could honestly say she didn’t think about the baby. Classes were getting harder this year and AP stumped even her at times. So instead of dwelling on the situation she found herself in, her focus remained fixed on the job in hand, in copying down assignments, working on questions, answering tests.
And her symptoms seemed to have subsided somewhat too – it was almost as though they had been showing so readily as a way to alert those involved to the truth. For the first time in weeks she felt energetic and lively, a far cry from the overwhelming exhaustion she had felt only days before.
In fact, it wasn’t until the final period of the day that she began to feel in any way strange. Phys. Ed. - Liz grimaced at the thought as her stomach began to churn. Oh… what a way to end the day… Resigning herself to the fact that nothing could be done about it though, she headed into the changing rooms to get ready with the rest of the group.
However, even as she passed through the door it was as though a change passed over her. A way for her body to tell her that this next task would be too great for it in it’s current state perhaps? She didn’t know. In that instant though what she was certain of though, was that she wasn’t going to manage to get through this…
An hour of running around, chasing a ball and throwing it about? Even thinking about it made her about ready to collapse. The energy which had been streaming through her body all day had trickled away to nothing and she was left feeling completely done in.
The brunette sat for a moment, playing for time in the hopes it was momentary and the feeling would pass. However, as the girls around her began to get changed, she simply felt worse and worse…
“Miss Parker!”
She turned to look at Mr Sandleton who was now stood in the doorway. “Is there a problem…? Those clothes don’t look much like a gym kit! He raised his eyebrows in question.
The chattering crowd of girls around stopped, and the clamour became a murmur of voices.
“Alright, anyone who’s ready can head into the hall, do some stretching and warm-up exercises and then three laps.” He nodded towards the door. “Come on ladies, I’m sure you know the drill…”
At once the volume of chatter in the changing room rose once more before falling again as the girls finished either finished their preparation or moved out towards the hall. A few moments later only the teacher, Liz and any stragglers were left.
Mr Sandleton looked once more towards his pupil. “Well Miss Parker, is there some reason I should know about as to why you are not ready for class.”
Liz bit down hard on the inside of her lip, uncertain what to say. If she had thought quick enough she would have hidden her kit and claimed to have forgotten it but unfortunately the offending clothing was smack bang in front of his view. So instead, she went for a version of the truth. “I-I don’t feel very well Sir…may I be excused?”
A simple request which under normal circumstances would probably pass without incident. However, “I see…” Mr Sandleton nodded thoughtfully. He didn’t look convinced. “The problem with that Miss Parker, is that you seem to have been unwell or simply missing for quite a number of my lessons recently…” He consulted his attendance sheet briefly as he continued. “So I’m afraid that unless you can give me something more concrete as a reason – an explanation for this sickness perhaps – I am going to have to insist that you participate!”
Could he have chosen a worse time to clamp down on the prevelant practice of skipping Phys- Ed? Liz was certain that she hadn’t missed half the number of lessons that a lot of the girls had. A few had to be sacrificed in favour of chechzlovakian business of course, and she had missed one due to pregnancy symptoms before they knew what the symptoms were indicative of, but then Mara seemed to skive every other lesson, and even when she turned up rarely got involved.
“Miss Parker?” Mr Sandleton tapped a food impatiently, looking expectantly at the teen in front of him.
She swallowed, considering her options as the last of the class went scurrying out, whispering amongst themselves. She could tell him everything – which was sooner than hoped but perhaps not completely unexpected – or push herself that bit further, get changed and very possibly collapse from the effort… Liz didn’t like to think how Max might react to the latter.
In fact, she was just coming to the conclusion that perhaps the truth was the best way to go, when the door opened once more.
“I thought I told you kids to-“ Mr Sandleton broke of sharply as he realised this wasn’t one of his class. It was however, a student – from appearance one of those on office duty. “Yes…?”
The student, a shy looking blond, quickly crossed the floor to offer the note in her hand in response.
Opening the sheet, he scanned it quickly and nodded. That was…convenient… In fact with another student he might have suspected too convenient but under the circumstances… He turned to Liz. “Miss Parker, it would seem you get to miss another of my lessons after all… The guidance councillor would like to see you…”
The initial relief drained rapidly from her face as Liz heard she had been summoned. Why…?
“I suggest you go over there right now… And Miss Parker…” Mr Sandleton looked over at her once more. “I suggest you come to my next lesson ready and able to participate…”
The brunette nodded swiftly as she bent to retrieve her bag. “Yes Sir… Thank you…” She slipped past the younger student eagerly and passed out the door. Moments later, her pace slowed once more as she headed towards the office, a multitude of thoughts in her mind.
Had something happened, had something been said…? She wanted to believe that there was a logical explanation which had nothing to do with any of the recent happenings… A college application perhaps, or a possible work placement…? Realistically though, there was little doubt in her mind and it was with some amount of trepidation that her hand slipped around the round handle of the door and she knocked.
“Come in!”
A slightly over-weight, motherly looking red-head rose from behind the desk as Liz walked through the door. She smiled, “Miss Parker I presume?”
She gave a nod. “That’s right…”
Another smile. “I don’t think we’ve met before, it’s nice to see you… I’m Mrs Gates…” The woman held out a hand.
“Uh…no, I guess not…” Liz nodded, shifted a little nervously and hesitated for a moment before shaking the hand offered.
“Please, sit down…” Mrs Gates gestured towards the seat opposite encouragingly.
“I’m fine thanks…”
The gesture was firmer this time. “Miss Parker…” The message was clear.
Realising that there was little point in continuing to be awkward, Liz dropped into the seat silently.
“Liz – sorry, can I call you Liz…”
The teen shrugged non-commitedly. “I guess…”
“Look Liz, understand that you might be a little ne—“
Quick to look up, Liz interrupted. “I don’t mean to be rude Mrs Gates, but can I ask why you asked me to come here?” She questioned shortly, already tired of tiptoeing around the point.
The guidance councillor paused, taken by surprise but quickly regained her composure and pressed forward with a nod. “Alright then Liz… I’ve heard a number of rumours about you recently…”
Liz fought to keep a straight face. “Saying what…?” She questioned in an even tone, silently praying even then that her initial expectations would be wrong.
“Suggesting you are no longer living at home…” Mrs gates looked over at her, watching for any sign of response.
It was exactly what she had feared… The pregnancy at least might remain a secret for a short while longer, but the kids at school weren’t stupid and many of them hung around the Crashdown. It had only been a matter of time – likely a short one at that – before they put two and two together… She swallowed. “No, that’s actually correct…” Determined not to show her feelings, the brunette’s words were deliberate and clipped in tone.
“May I ask where you are living then…?”
Somehow, despite the question she couldn’t help thinking that the councillor most likely already knew the answer to that too.
“Liz…?” She pressed once more at the student’s continued silence.
“At Max’s hous—I mean with the Evans…” She corrected herself quickly, not wanting to give the wrong idea and adding as an afterthought, “It’s a temporary arrangement…”
“And the long term plan?”
Liz was silent, her lips pressed tightly together in an effort to remain seemingly unaffected by the question which was afterall, the question…
“Miss Parker?” Miss Gates’ tone again gained a pressing tone now as she looked back at the student in front of her.
The brunette blinked and stuttered a little in her response. “I-I’m sorry Miss Gates… The truth is I—“ She halted, closing her eyes and looking away for a moment before finally whispering. “I don’t know…”
The councillor nodded. “Well…do you think perhaps you should think about going home…” She paused a moment, before adding. “Whatever this is about, I’m sure if you just talk about it…”
“N-No!” Liz blinked and bit down on her lip. She shook her head sharply in silence, not trusting herself to say anything more without giving it all up. And she wasn’t ready for that…she wasn’t ready to tell…
“Oh I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think Liz…” Switching to first name without pause, Miss Gate’s tone grew increasingly soft as she turned to try and coax her student now. “I know that things might have seemed bad, but lots of kids go through rough periods with their parents about now… It’s a difficult age I know, and you probably think you’re ready to up and spread your wings, but it’s a lot harder than you might think and maybe you should think about going back to your parents…just for the rest of the school year…?” She paused a moment to offer what she hoped would be taken as a reassuring smile. “You’re going to be leaving soon enough for college anyway, surely a couple of months longer with your parents wouldn’t be all that bad…”
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but you really don’t know what you’re talking about!”
She raised her eyebrow. “Really…? Then why don’t you fill me in Miss Parker…?”
Liz blanched as she realised she was on the verge of opening up a whole new can of worms. The last thing she wanted to do right now was go public with all of this. It would be necessary eventually of course, it wasn’t as though you could hide a baby, but right now she and Max were just trying to get used to this themselves – to keep the news to themselves for just a little longer wouldn’t be too much would it?
“Liz…? Why did you move out?” She peered at the teen who sat in front of her, realising there was something very wrong here. So much for expecting to find that the rumours were completely ridiculous…
The brunette blinked and drew in a sharp breath. “W-we had a difference of opinion…” She faked a weak smile. “We just weren’t getting on…I’m growing up…”
The ‘cool act’ failed to fool her councillor. She had dealt with enough evasive teens by now to recognise when something was being left unsaid. She fixed her gaze on the student in front of her. “Well I’m sure it wasn’t the first time you’ve disagreed on something…and assume you haven’t tried to leave home before…”
Her silent message was clear and with a sinking feeling, Liz knew that she had little choice… “This was different…” She gasped softly with a resigned shake of her head.
“Perhaps you should elaborate… Liz, I’m good at what I do, and I can tell that something is not right here… What’s going on? What’s the real story?”
Liz ran a hand slowly through her hair, silently building up the courage and then, finally… “I’m—“ She broke off, wishing the floor would just open up and eat her.
“Miss Parker… Liz…” The councillor’s tone had softened once more now as she looked over at the teen, her eyes wide and full of concern it seemed. “Liz, believe it or not, I’m not the enemy here… I want to help you! Now, is there something you want to tell me…?”
The brunette looked away, her expression distant it seemed.
And, perhaps it was simply because she was fed up of asking, or perhaps she correctly understood that what was about to be shared was big and important, but for whatever reason the councillor on this occasion instead remained silent, waiting…
“I-I’m pregnant…” Liz finally responded in little more than a whisper.
This chapter originally went further but it's taken me this long to get it this far so I figure I'll post the rest as the next chapter. Sorry to have taken so long to update but I'm doing my best, honest!
natalie36 - Well there'll be bumps along the road for sure, but together, I'm sure they'll make it.
keepsmiling7 - Oh I'm returning to continue. It just sometimes takes me a while, sorry about that. As for Max, yeah, I'm not sure I'd have wanted to be in his shoes. Hope I handled it sensitively enough.
Flamehair - Thanks for sticking with it, hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Isabelle - The two are living at the Evans's house currently - you'll hear that in this next chapter. As to the rest, I'll do my best to include it later on. I'm guessing they wouldn't have been crazy enough to risk the blood test without having checked the blood's appearance at least. Other than that, it's still a risk of course, but I think even without the parents insisting on it (and I think the Evans probably would eb by now) I think maybe Max is too concious of the fact that he wasn't able to tell that Liz was pregnant when he connected with her after her fainting. What if something goes wrong and he doesn't realise it... Maybe it's risky but I have to assume they'll have weighed up the risks on both sides...
Anyway, here's the next chapter (albeit cut a little short) I hope you'll all enjoy it. Love to hear what you think.
Kat
Chapter 11
“So…?” Barely had Liz and Max passed through the doors of the school than they were accosted by an overly excited Maria. “How did it go?”
Liz winced slightly at the volume of her voice. “Could you take it down a notch or two, I don’t really think Mrs Choo want’s to hear all about it…” Making downward motions with her hand, she looked hopefully towards her friend.
The blond looked somewhat abashed at the request. “Sorry…I didn’t realise…” She apologised in a much lower tone.
Max smiled and nodded. “No problem Maria… Although shouldn’t you be in class?” His eyebrows raised slightly as he looked towards the clock on the wall which firmly stated that the first period wouldn’t be over for another ten minutes. They had made good time it seemed.
“Yeah well I had study period…so I just decided to study elsewhere…” The curly spitfire responded with a grin as she asked again, “So come on, are you going to tell me or what…?”
“You know I’m beginning to think all you’re interested in is some gossip… It certainly can’t be your friends since you didn’t even say hello…” Liz’s eyes twinkled in amusement as she teased her best friend.
Eyes widened in response to that, a momentary look of horror flashing over her face before she realised that it was in fact a joke. “You’re getting to be mean! Of course I’m interested in my friends, I just want to know how the little one was too!”
Max shook his head, deciding to let his girlfriend deal with her possibly hyper friend. Had Maria been drinking expresso this morning or something because he could swear this was something even for her?
Liz on the other hand, had known Maria since they were in diapers and had been privy to many a display such as this one. It was nothing new and she tried to take it in her stride. “Well the little one most likely does exist for starters…although we have to wait a couple of days to get final confirmation…”
“But so far the doctor said that everything looked healthy and normal…” Max put in.
Maria grinned. “Great! And he was okay?” She felt she had a big stake in this having come up with the name of the doctor herself from her mother’s address book. Amy had in recent years changed her gynocologist but fortunately being as scatter-brained as her daughter she was hadn’t bothered to remove the contact details from her list.
It was a fortunate mistake for Liz who had happily accepted the details offered as an alternative to going to her usual doctor who was of course a less than ideal option… She nodded again. “He was really good actually thanks…” She paused a moment, contemplating, “He actually even congratulated us which was really nice…”
The smile dropped from her friend’s face at the last comment as a realisation hit her like a bucket of cold water. Her eyes went wide as she grabbed for Liz’s arm. “OMG chica, I am so sorry. I haven’t said it have I? I can’t believe that I didn’t tell you, that I didn’t think that I-“ She broke off mid babble and took a moment to get a hold of herself before looking to the couple once more. “Congratulations…really, both of you, congrats!”
As the blond engulfed both of the pair in a big hug, the bell on the wall above them sounded and rivers of kids of various ages came pouring out of the doorways all around, filling the corridor in a second.
The trio pulled apart quickly with mutual smiles as they agreed they could talk more later and for a few moments their biggest trouble was finding a way across the corridor through the current of students to get at their lockers before heading to class.
**********
The day progressed and for the most Liz could honestly say she didn’t think about the baby. Classes were getting harder this year and AP stumped even her at times. So instead of dwelling on the situation she found herself in, her focus remained fixed on the job in hand, in copying down assignments, working on questions, answering tests.
And her symptoms seemed to have subsided somewhat too – it was almost as though they had been showing so readily as a way to alert those involved to the truth. For the first time in weeks she felt energetic and lively, a far cry from the overwhelming exhaustion she had felt only days before.
In fact, it wasn’t until the final period of the day that she began to feel in any way strange. Phys. Ed. - Liz grimaced at the thought as her stomach began to churn. Oh… what a way to end the day… Resigning herself to the fact that nothing could be done about it though, she headed into the changing rooms to get ready with the rest of the group.
However, even as she passed through the door it was as though a change passed over her. A way for her body to tell her that this next task would be too great for it in it’s current state perhaps? She didn’t know. In that instant though what she was certain of though, was that she wasn’t going to manage to get through this…
An hour of running around, chasing a ball and throwing it about? Even thinking about it made her about ready to collapse. The energy which had been streaming through her body all day had trickled away to nothing and she was left feeling completely done in.
The brunette sat for a moment, playing for time in the hopes it was momentary and the feeling would pass. However, as the girls around her began to get changed, she simply felt worse and worse…
“Miss Parker!”
She turned to look at Mr Sandleton who was now stood in the doorway. “Is there a problem…? Those clothes don’t look much like a gym kit! He raised his eyebrows in question.
The chattering crowd of girls around stopped, and the clamour became a murmur of voices.
“Alright, anyone who’s ready can head into the hall, do some stretching and warm-up exercises and then three laps.” He nodded towards the door. “Come on ladies, I’m sure you know the drill…”
At once the volume of chatter in the changing room rose once more before falling again as the girls finished either finished their preparation or moved out towards the hall. A few moments later only the teacher, Liz and any stragglers were left.
Mr Sandleton looked once more towards his pupil. “Well Miss Parker, is there some reason I should know about as to why you are not ready for class.”
Liz bit down hard on the inside of her lip, uncertain what to say. If she had thought quick enough she would have hidden her kit and claimed to have forgotten it but unfortunately the offending clothing was smack bang in front of his view. So instead, she went for a version of the truth. “I-I don’t feel very well Sir…may I be excused?”
A simple request which under normal circumstances would probably pass without incident. However, “I see…” Mr Sandleton nodded thoughtfully. He didn’t look convinced. “The problem with that Miss Parker, is that you seem to have been unwell or simply missing for quite a number of my lessons recently…” He consulted his attendance sheet briefly as he continued. “So I’m afraid that unless you can give me something more concrete as a reason – an explanation for this sickness perhaps – I am going to have to insist that you participate!”
Could he have chosen a worse time to clamp down on the prevelant practice of skipping Phys- Ed? Liz was certain that she hadn’t missed half the number of lessons that a lot of the girls had. A few had to be sacrificed in favour of chechzlovakian business of course, and she had missed one due to pregnancy symptoms before they knew what the symptoms were indicative of, but then Mara seemed to skive every other lesson, and even when she turned up rarely got involved.
“Miss Parker?” Mr Sandleton tapped a food impatiently, looking expectantly at the teen in front of him.
She swallowed, considering her options as the last of the class went scurrying out, whispering amongst themselves. She could tell him everything – which was sooner than hoped but perhaps not completely unexpected – or push herself that bit further, get changed and very possibly collapse from the effort… Liz didn’t like to think how Max might react to the latter.
In fact, she was just coming to the conclusion that perhaps the truth was the best way to go, when the door opened once more.
“I thought I told you kids to-“ Mr Sandleton broke of sharply as he realised this wasn’t one of his class. It was however, a student – from appearance one of those on office duty. “Yes…?”
The student, a shy looking blond, quickly crossed the floor to offer the note in her hand in response.
Opening the sheet, he scanned it quickly and nodded. That was…convenient… In fact with another student he might have suspected too convenient but under the circumstances… He turned to Liz. “Miss Parker, it would seem you get to miss another of my lessons after all… The guidance councillor would like to see you…”
The initial relief drained rapidly from her face as Liz heard she had been summoned. Why…?
“I suggest you go over there right now… And Miss Parker…” Mr Sandleton looked over at her once more. “I suggest you come to my next lesson ready and able to participate…”
The brunette nodded swiftly as she bent to retrieve her bag. “Yes Sir… Thank you…” She slipped past the younger student eagerly and passed out the door. Moments later, her pace slowed once more as she headed towards the office, a multitude of thoughts in her mind.
Had something happened, had something been said…? She wanted to believe that there was a logical explanation which had nothing to do with any of the recent happenings… A college application perhaps, or a possible work placement…? Realistically though, there was little doubt in her mind and it was with some amount of trepidation that her hand slipped around the round handle of the door and she knocked.
“Come in!”
A slightly over-weight, motherly looking red-head rose from behind the desk as Liz walked through the door. She smiled, “Miss Parker I presume?”
She gave a nod. “That’s right…”
Another smile. “I don’t think we’ve met before, it’s nice to see you… I’m Mrs Gates…” The woman held out a hand.
“Uh…no, I guess not…” Liz nodded, shifted a little nervously and hesitated for a moment before shaking the hand offered.
“Please, sit down…” Mrs Gates gestured towards the seat opposite encouragingly.
“I’m fine thanks…”
The gesture was firmer this time. “Miss Parker…” The message was clear.
Realising that there was little point in continuing to be awkward, Liz dropped into the seat silently.
“Liz – sorry, can I call you Liz…”
The teen shrugged non-commitedly. “I guess…”
“Look Liz, understand that you might be a little ne—“
Quick to look up, Liz interrupted. “I don’t mean to be rude Mrs Gates, but can I ask why you asked me to come here?” She questioned shortly, already tired of tiptoeing around the point.
The guidance councillor paused, taken by surprise but quickly regained her composure and pressed forward with a nod. “Alright then Liz… I’ve heard a number of rumours about you recently…”
Liz fought to keep a straight face. “Saying what…?” She questioned in an even tone, silently praying even then that her initial expectations would be wrong.
“Suggesting you are no longer living at home…” Mrs gates looked over at her, watching for any sign of response.
It was exactly what she had feared… The pregnancy at least might remain a secret for a short while longer, but the kids at school weren’t stupid and many of them hung around the Crashdown. It had only been a matter of time – likely a short one at that – before they put two and two together… She swallowed. “No, that’s actually correct…” Determined not to show her feelings, the brunette’s words were deliberate and clipped in tone.
“May I ask where you are living then…?”
Somehow, despite the question she couldn’t help thinking that the councillor most likely already knew the answer to that too.
“Liz…?” She pressed once more at the student’s continued silence.
“At Max’s hous—I mean with the Evans…” She corrected herself quickly, not wanting to give the wrong idea and adding as an afterthought, “It’s a temporary arrangement…”
“And the long term plan?”
Liz was silent, her lips pressed tightly together in an effort to remain seemingly unaffected by the question which was afterall, the question…
“Miss Parker?” Miss Gates’ tone again gained a pressing tone now as she looked back at the student in front of her.
The brunette blinked and stuttered a little in her response. “I-I’m sorry Miss Gates… The truth is I—“ She halted, closing her eyes and looking away for a moment before finally whispering. “I don’t know…”
The councillor nodded. “Well…do you think perhaps you should think about going home…” She paused a moment, before adding. “Whatever this is about, I’m sure if you just talk about it…”
“N-No!” Liz blinked and bit down on her lip. She shook her head sharply in silence, not trusting herself to say anything more without giving it all up. And she wasn’t ready for that…she wasn’t ready to tell…
“Oh I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think Liz…” Switching to first name without pause, Miss Gate’s tone grew increasingly soft as she turned to try and coax her student now. “I know that things might have seemed bad, but lots of kids go through rough periods with their parents about now… It’s a difficult age I know, and you probably think you’re ready to up and spread your wings, but it’s a lot harder than you might think and maybe you should think about going back to your parents…just for the rest of the school year…?” She paused a moment to offer what she hoped would be taken as a reassuring smile. “You’re going to be leaving soon enough for college anyway, surely a couple of months longer with your parents wouldn’t be all that bad…”
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but you really don’t know what you’re talking about!”
She raised her eyebrow. “Really…? Then why don’t you fill me in Miss Parker…?”
Liz blanched as she realised she was on the verge of opening up a whole new can of worms. The last thing she wanted to do right now was go public with all of this. It would be necessary eventually of course, it wasn’t as though you could hide a baby, but right now she and Max were just trying to get used to this themselves – to keep the news to themselves for just a little longer wouldn’t be too much would it?
“Liz…? Why did you move out?” She peered at the teen who sat in front of her, realising there was something very wrong here. So much for expecting to find that the rumours were completely ridiculous…
The brunette blinked and drew in a sharp breath. “W-we had a difference of opinion…” She faked a weak smile. “We just weren’t getting on…I’m growing up…”
The ‘cool act’ failed to fool her councillor. She had dealt with enough evasive teens by now to recognise when something was being left unsaid. She fixed her gaze on the student in front of her. “Well I’m sure it wasn’t the first time you’ve disagreed on something…and assume you haven’t tried to leave home before…”
Her silent message was clear and with a sinking feeling, Liz knew that she had little choice… “This was different…” She gasped softly with a resigned shake of her head.
“Perhaps you should elaborate… Liz, I’m good at what I do, and I can tell that something is not right here… What’s going on? What’s the real story?”
Liz ran a hand slowly through her hair, silently building up the courage and then, finally… “I’m—“ She broke off, wishing the floor would just open up and eat her.
“Miss Parker… Liz…” The councillor’s tone had softened once more now as she looked over at the teen, her eyes wide and full of concern it seemed. “Liz, believe it or not, I’m not the enemy here… I want to help you! Now, is there something you want to tell me…?”
The brunette looked away, her expression distant it seemed.
And, perhaps it was simply because she was fed up of asking, or perhaps she correctly understood that what was about to be shared was big and important, but for whatever reason the councillor on this occasion instead remained silent, waiting…
“I-I’m pregnant…” Liz finally responded in little more than a whisper.