"Thank you for giving me a place to stay, but I'm leaving now" I hissed, feeling betrayed by her.

"ALL YOU DO IS RUN AWAY!" Aaliyah screamed, causing more people to look at us as I pulled out my phone. I was going to call an uber, but then realized I couldn't afford it.

To my contact list I go.

I went through my contact list, debating who was my best bet.

I decided on my older brother and I thanked god that he answered, and without any questions agreed to come get me.

"Leighton stop running away! Are we really arguing because of a fucking onesie! Are you kidding me!?" She yelled as I walked farther down the sidewalk towards a bench.

"THAT'S NOT WHY I'M MAD! AND WE ARE ARGUING BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET IT!"

"What don't I get?!"

"I WAS SCARED, AND ALONE, AND THE ONLY PERSON WHO WAS WILLING TO BE THERE WAS KATRINA! YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD WORK! I GET THAT! I GET I'M NOT SOMEONE YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR LIFE ON HOLD FOR, BUT SUPPORT WOULD BE NICE! Suggesting that we buy baby clothes isn't support!"

"You cry every two seconds! And I really did have to work also what the fuck does that even mean? All I said was that the onesie was cute and we should buy it!"

"I'M PREGNANT! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT! TRUST ME, I WISH I COULD CONTROL IT! IT'S EMBARRASSING AND ANNOYING TO CRY ALL THE TIME!"

It was silent and the tears fell down my face, landing on the cement beneath me.

"I feel like ever since I left Gabe, you've given up on me" I whispered, wiping away some tears.

Before Aaliyah could reply, I was walking to my brother's car, and quickly got in.

We sat in silence for a couple minutes before he spoke. "Are we going to talk about it?" He glanced towards me, and I sighed, leaning my head against the window.

"Aaliyah and I got into an argument. Thank you for picking me up" I gave him the best smile I could muster, which seemed to only be a basically nonexistent one.

It was the thought that counted... right?

"Since when do you guys fight in Target other than what ice cream to buy?" He chuckled, stopping at a red light.

"I don't want to talk about it right now" I replied softly, letting the glare from the lights shine in my eyes.

"Damn, it must've been pretty bad. Where are we going?"

"Stop at Aaliyah's. I want to get my crap" I saw him nod and the rest of the car ride was silent.

Logan helped me carry my boxes into his truck as I gathered up a few of my miscellaneous things that were laying around.

I grabbed 75 dollars and left it on her counter with a note that said.

I left one more note that said

"Don't you think this is slightly dramatic?" Logan asked and I shook my head, wanting to get away from everything.

"So because she wanted to buy a onesie, you're leaving her and dumping her like she's the lowest piece of trash on Earth?" Logan asked and I pursed my lips.

"It's not forever, but I need to figure some stuff out. Can we please leave?" I asked and he nodded, starting the car.

That next morning, I woke up in Logan's spare bedroom which confused me for a moment until I remembered what had happened.

I couldn't help but regret my choices, wondering if I truly was overreacting.

I walked out to their kitchen and saw Cynthia, Logan's wife, cooking something in a pan.

"Good morning, Leighton" She gave me a smile. "Would you like some eggs?" She asked, glancing at me over her shoulder.

I nodded and grabbed some water.

"Where's Logan?"

"Showering"

I nodded, staying quiet. I sat at the dinner table and traced the wood grain with my finger, zoning out.

"How about we go get our nails done today?" Cynthia asked, dishing some food onto some plates.

"Can you get your nails done whilst pregnant?" I asked, not realizing what I had said.

I watched her tilt her head as her expression changed to a "What did you just say" look.

"What?" I asked, not sure why she was looking at me funny.

"Did you just say you were pregnant?"

Shit

"Um.." I trailed out, not sure of what to say

"Oh my god! Leighton!" She squealed, running over to me.

"Can't. Breathe." I exhaled as she hugged me, which only caused her to hug me tighter.

Just as Cynthia let go, I heard my brother's voice say, "I'd like my little sister to stay alive babe" Making me smirk at Cynthia who rolled her eyes. "What are you two hugging over anyway" He raised an eyebrow at the both of us, Cynthia shrugging whilst forming her lips into a thin line. "Leighton" His voice dropped lower, staring at me.

"I may or may not be pregnant" I sighed and watched his expression turn to surprise.

"My baby sister got knocked up?!" He shouted and I couldn't tell if he was mad or not and the idea of him being upset with me made my eyes water.

"I'm sorry" I whispered, trying to blink away the tears but instead they fell down my cheeks.

"Who knows?" He asked, taking a seat across from me.

"You, Cynthia, Aaliyah, Gabe and my new friend Katrina"

"Gabriel's the dad, right?" He narrowed his eyes at me, and I gasped. "I'm not a whore!"

"I never said you were Leigh" Logan spoke calmly.

"Yes, it's his fucking baby" I hissed, upset he'd even ask me that question.

"Well you haven't exactly been thinking clearly! Have you heard from Aaliyah?" Logan asked and I shook my head, Logan shaking his head in disapproval at me before his face turned more stern. "You're keeping it right?" He asked and I bit my lip.

"I want to... but I don't know if it's a good idea" I confessed, afraid of what their reactions would be.

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked, and I sighed, hating having to bring up all this shit again.

I honestly just didn't want to think about it, but I knew that every time I would tell someone I was pregnant, there were always going to be a million questions afterwards.

"Gabe and I broke up" I told her and Logan scoffed. "Because of the baby? Leighton, he's a dick, don't let him ruin your life!"

"No. We broke up before I found out I was pregnant"

I watched Logan sigh, leaning back against the chair, frustration easily noticeable on his facial features.

"Why wouldn't you want to keep the baby?" Cynthia asked, taking a seat next to me once she had handed me a fork for my plate.

"My life seems to be falling apart ever since I found out" I mumbled, taking a bite of the eggs that had cheese melted onto them.

"What do you mean?" She asked and I glanced towards Logan, who was rubbing his temples.

"I'm broke, I move in with strangers tomorrow, I can't seem to land a job, my boyfriend and best friend couldn't make it to my ultrasound, I can't even imagine how I'm going to afford this baby if I can barely afford rent, which is only 200. I have about 53 dollars to my name right now. How the fuck am I going to raise a baby on that? How am I going to buy food, and keep paying rent, if I can't land a fucking job! I couldn't keep working at Gabe's dad's company. It would feel wrong"

"Did you make this baby alone?" Logan asked me, staring me dead in the eyes.

I just stared at him.

What?

"Did you make this baby by yourself?" He asked again with a sterner tone, and this time I shook my head. "Then you're not paying for the baby alone. He will give you child support and if not, we can either go to court or you have so many other people who would help you in a heartbeat. You're not alone Leighton. Don't let your pride and insecurities get in the way of making the right choices. If you can't afford rent, talk to your roommates, or call me. Leighton we will help you. You're 20. You're not supposed to have the world figured out yet. It's okay to need help. I'm almost 26 and I barely know what I'm doing. Hell, Cynthia has to teach me every time how to properly write a check for our Mortgage. It takes a village to raise a baby, but just because you can walk and talk, doesn't mean the job is done. You have a lifetime of mistakes to make and decades of lessons to learn. You'll never be alone, Leighton. Even if I'm all that's left." Logan reassured me and I was full out sobbing as I stood up and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his own wrapping around my back.

"I love you" He whispered, and I just sobbed harder into his shoulder. "You'll never be alone. It'll be okay, I promise. I'm just a call away, always" He whispered into my hair as he rubbed my back.

I finally pulled away and there was a gleam in his eye before he asked with a chuckle "How the hell are you going to tell mom?" Making me laugh as I wiped my tears.

"I have no idea. Dad will be easier"

"Honestly mom will either be pissed or overjoyed" He chuckled, and I gnawed on my lip, imagining all of the possible outcomes.

Cynthia and I ended up getting our nails done and I was obsessed with how mine turned out.

"I'm honestly surprised you didn't get more gems, they're so pretty!" Cynthia grinned, inspecting my manicure.

"I was so tempted! But I didn't want to be too flashy. By the way, No one tell Lexi we went without her" Cynthia laughed and I giggled glancing over towards her.

"Why?"

"She's already pissed Landon got a boyfriend before her" Cynthia informed me, and I frowned, curious to know why our sister in law knew this information before me.

"He got a boyfriend? Oh my god have you met him?!" I squealed, excited for my little brother.

"Lexi and your dad have, the rest of us haven't. He's apparently edgy, but sweet"

"What do you mean by edgy?" I laughed.

"Like dresses kinda edgy but is apparently a total puppy"

"Awe, that's cute! Do you know his name?"

"Braxton"

"Awe! I can't wait to meet him!" I squealed, feeling very excited.

Cynthia and I ended up talking about the baby, and how far along I was and how the ultrasound went.

"I'm due December 5th, so I'll get the best Christmas gift imaginable"

"Just be glad you live in California" She laughed, and I nodded.

Cynthia and I ended up at some sort of department store, and we got on the topic of my moving into Sam and Colby's.

"Are you at least excited?"

I shrugged, because in all honesty I was quite unsure.

"Just nervous I'll fuck up somehow, I guess. They don't know I'm pregnant" I sighed, reaching for a yellow top. "This yellow would look so pretty against your skin tone" I held the top up to her dark skin tone, feeling envious that she could pull off yellow so well.

"I think they'd be pretty shitty people to kick you out just because you're pregnant" Cynthia noted, grabbing a cute flowy white top.

"I'm not going to fit in that next month" I laughed, Cynthia rolling her eyes.

"Humor me! It's cute!"

I tried on the top but put it back.

Yeah, it was cute, but no point in wasting money on something that won't fit next month.

"So, tell me about the roommates" she said, reaching for a pair of skinny jeans

"Those won't fit next week" I noted, Cynthia rolling her eyes at me, yet again.

"They're for me silly" She held them up to her waist, asking for my thoughts.

She ended up putting them in the basket, and then asking me again about Sam and Colby.

"Sam seems nice. He seems genuine and like he really wants me there. Plus, his girlfriend has shockingly been by my side no matter what, even though we didn't meet that long ago. She's actually who accompanied me to my ultrasound. She doesn't live there though sadly. Next is Colby, he doesn't seem like a dick, just more closed off. I don't know, he's hard to read at times. Like when I first met him, I felt like he didn't like me, and then he commented on my rose tattoo and how he liked it, and then things went back to being more closed off. When I saw him again, he didn't pay me much attention, and I wasn't feeling good, so I sat in the hallway of the bowling alley we were at, and he bought me food, but then left me alone. Like there are moments he's really sweet, and then there are moments where I feel like he can't even see me"

"Are you desperate for his attention?" Cynthia smirked at me, and I felt my ears get hot.

Was I?

"No. I just don't want to live with someone who hates me. And then there is Jake. He seems interesting" I shrugged and Cynthia laughed.

"Well I hope it works out for you Leigh. Worst case scenario, the guest room at our house has your name written all over it" Cynthia told me and I smirked.

"Well I did decorate it"

Cynthia and I moved to a different store and ended up buying some bedding for my new room at Sam and Colby's. I tried to pay for it, but Cynthia told me to consider it part of her housewarming gift which made me roll my eyes since I didn't even own a house yet.

Cynthia ended up helping me move into Sam and Colby's house, both of us carrying a box in, myself carrying my box of clothes and she carried a box of Knick knacks.

Sam greeted us at the door and grabbed the third box, seeming surprised that this was all I had.

I didn't own a ton of stuff so it wasn't too hard to bring the few box's in.

"Girl, we need to buy you more stuff. We can't live on my little pony figurines" Cynthia laughed, setting the box down.

"Hey, I got that from Logan before he went to college" I pouted, reaching for the pinkish purple My Little Pony figurine.

The bed was pushed to the left corner farthest away from the door, against the wall and across from it was a dresser which was next to a closet.

Cynthia was helping me place the trinkets around, when I heard Colby ask, "Do you need any help?" surprising me.

He wanted to help me?

"I mean, if you don't have anything better to do, we'd enjoy some company" I sat on the floor, reaching for a box and saw him nod out of the corner of my eye.

"This is Cynthia by the way, she's my sister-in-law" I nodded towards her, and Colby said a quick hello.

"So, were you born in California or?" He sat on the floor with me, giving his opinion on where I should put things.

"No, I moved here when I was 12. I'm actually from Minnesota"

"That's cool! Sam and I are from Kansas"

"Heard Kansas was boring" I chuckled, glancing up at him before pulling more clothes out of my box.

"I mean, it's not the most interesting place on the planet, but if you give it a chance you can find some pretty cool places. Maybe we'll take you there sometime" He suggested, and I nodded.

"Maybe one day" I replied kind of quietly, the idea of going to where they lived played through my head like a movie, clogging up my thoughts.

"Do you guys' care if I use your washing machine soap? I haven't bought any yet. Otherwise, I got to head to the store"

"I don't mind. I doubt Sam would. It isn't anything fancy though" Colby shrugged and I nodded.

I couldn't help but wonder if it would always be slightly awkward between us.

"Can you show me where the laundry room is again?" I questioned, grabbing a box of clothes I had once I stood up.

I followed Colby down the stairs to where the garage door was. "This is the garage door, and then the room next to it is the laundry room" He opened the door for me, and I thanked him.

I tried to ignore him as I put my clothes into the washer, starting it and setting a timer on my phone so I wouldn't forget, but when I looked up, he was still standing there.

Did he not trust me in their home? If not, why'd he let me move in?

"Do you not trust me?" I quickly asked before I could rethink my choices. I instantly felt regret when I watched his eyes widened a little in surprise.

"What?"

"You're hovering. Do you not trust me?"

"What? No. I didn't mean to hover. I'm just bored, sorry" He quickly dismissed, changing his stance to appear more unsure.

"Oh, sorry for accusing" I sighed. "Is it okay if I leave the box here, to carry the clothes back up?"

"Don't you have a hamper?" He questioned, looking confused. I shook my head and mentally sighed.

Another thing to add to the list.

Colby helped Cynthia and I put my room somewhat together.

"We took the futon out like 2 days ago" Colby chuckled, glancing around the room. "Rooms a lot smaller with a bed in it. Are you sure you don't want Corey's old room?"

I nodded and reached for my sheets I had gotten earlier with Cynthia, and when I tell you putting the sheets on made me out of breath, you should've seen me try and lay out the comforter.

I breathed heavily, holding my back as I looked at our accomplished work.

"Are you okay?" He laughed as I huffed and puffed.

"I'm alright" I breathed out.

"Leighton I could've helped you" Cynthia spoke, arriving back from the bathroom.

"Colby helped me, it's okay" I gave her a reassuring smile.

I was very thankful I told her in the car that no one in the house knew I was pregnant, and to not let it slip, especially in times like this where my back fucking hurt, and my stomach felt like hell.

I told Colby I was going to take a shower, I watched him leave the room before I grabbed my shampoo and body wash.

Cynthia had left to go to her mom's house about 15 minutes ago, and I felt kind of lonely again.

I really didn't know anyone here and having her here made it feel a little more like home.

I walked into the bathroom across the hall and mentally sighed, turning on the fan.

I always hated showering in new places. It felt wrong. Like it wasn't mine. Like I was invading someone's personal space.

I had undressed and I did my annual look in the mirror to see if I had a bump yet or not and much to my surprise, I noticed a slight little pudge sticking out.

It definitely looked like I ate too much a couple hours ago, but I knew it was my baby and that was enough to send me into tears.

I assumed all the pains and aches I was feeling throughout the past few days, was my bump working on making itself known, and I couldn't have been more excited.

I took photos and videos of my stomach, turning my body every angle possible.

I sent the video and photos to Gabe, expressing my excitement.

I could see my baby.

My little baby was in there, and I had physical confirmation.

I just stared at myself in the mirror as tears ran down my face, my hand running over the tiny pudge sticking out.

"Hello little one" I whispered, turning myself to the side, to see my side profile. "You're growing so big and strong! I can't wait to meet you" I smiled down at my tiny bump and took a picture.

When I finished in the shower, I grabbed my journal after putting on some leggings and a hoodie.