Fuck.
Thoughts are racing through my head as I drive to the clinic where Selena is with Dr Wells. She’s pregnant. She’s fucking PREGNANT. She took that morning-after pill. God, it must be Landon’s.
Fuck.
This is all so fucked up.
I walk into the clinic convinced that this is Landon’s child, determined to terminate the pregnancy right here and now. I’ll buy Selena a car, or fuck…something.
I’m not raising another man's child. Fuck, I’m not even raisingmychild.
We’ll terminate.
I’ll take her to Italy…or I’ll buy her a puppy.
Fuck, I don’t want a puppy.
I march into the doctor's private office. We are terminating this pregnancy. Nothing Selena will do or say can change my mind. I do not want a child, and I absolutely won’t raise a fucking kid that isn't mine. My heart will not stop beating, and I want to strangle somebody. Murder is all I have on my mind at this point. I’m livid and hot with rage when I walk in and see herlooking tiny in an overstuffed chair. Her face is red and swollen, and she’s sobbing. As horrible as I am, I feel overwhelming empathy for Selena. This is not something she planned for.
“We’ll get it taken care of,” is the first thing I say as I walk over and kiss her head. She’s already dressed back in her street clothes. I’m aware I’m being absolutely monstrous, but I’m not capable of better at this point.
Selena sobs even more and is now inconsolable.
Dr. Jane says in her calm and even tone, “I think we should discuss options, Griffin, before you barrel in and announce the plan. Let Selena discuss her choices with you before youbothmake a decision.” She’s so level-headed; I’m glad we’ve decided on using her.
“Right, yes. What are they?”
“The pregnancy is in its early stages. Mrs. Calloway’s hormone levels show that Selena is about ten days post conception—”
“Not more?” I accuse, and Selena breaks down again. Fuck.
“No, definitely not more. Her hCG is very faint. Her blood test confirms pregnancy, but the levels are only slightly elevated. Carrying to term, termination, and adoption are all options I’m going to ask you to consider.”
I stop her. “Can you terminate it today?”
“I can, but I’ll need to have a private conversation with both of you, and I’ve asked for a social worker to come speak to Mrs. Calloway. All of this is normal procedure for —”
I interrupt her again. “Can you tell if I’m the father?”
“What?” Selena asks, horrified.
“You walked out on your husband at the altar, little more than a week ago. I’m not raising his bastard child.” Even I hate myself at this point.
“I’m not terminating,” Selena nearly screams.
“In about four weeks, we can do a prenatal paternity test, but we’ll be close to the deadline for termination,” Dr. Jane says with clinical clarity.
Selena is shaking and convulsing in stress. “It’s my body. I made a mistake. I never should have done this. I never should have married you.” She stands up and heads for the door.
I block her. “Run, that’s all you ever do is run.” I scold her, feeling heat inflame my entire body.
“Yes. I run. I’m a coward, or a bitch, or a slut, or whatever you fucking want to call me, but I won’t stay in a toxic situation. I left one already, and I’m leaving this one now. Step aside, or I’ll call the police.” She takes out her phone, and I know she will.
This has all escalated too quickly, and Dr. Wells intervenes. “Give her some space, Griffin, this is a hard decision.” The doctor touches my shoulder, and I try and breathe through my rage.
I step aside and let Selena walk out of the room.
“We’ll discuss this tonight,” I tell her, and punch my fist into my hand.
