The door slammed shut.
Bailey flinched.
Her hand lifted instinctively to knock, to scream, to force him to listen.
Then she stopped.
Why should she beg?
She had done nothing wrong.
Years of love, years of trust, destroyed by rumors and a man who chose pride over truth. She thought love was built on something stronger.
She was wrong.
Love was an illusion. Just like her parents’ marriage. A beautiful lie meant to break people like her.
Bailey wiped her tears and turned away.
And with her heart in ruins, she made a vow she would never break. She would never trust love again.
Part III — What She Left Behind
It was pouring rain.
Bailey folded into herself as she walked home, shoulders hunched, arms locked tight around her shaking body. From the street, the white colonial house looked almost gentle under the dawn light, rain sliding down its walls, a few lamps glowing inside. Her mother’s car was already there.
She stopped at the gate.
If her mother turned her away tonight, there would be nothing left. This was her last place to fall.
Not long ago, she had believed she had everything. A family. A boyfriend. A best friend. Now she had no one.
After Ashton walked away, Bailey turned to Lynda, the same person who had pushed the clinic before. Lynda did not hesitate this time. She spoke firmly, insistently, repeating that it was the only option, that there was no future in keeping the baby. Bailey hated the word, hated what it demanded of her, but grief had stripped her of the strength to argue. She could barely take care of herself, let alone a child.
The appointment was made before Bailey could change her mind.
Inside the clinic, the air smelled clean and cold. Lynda filled out the forms for her while Bailey stared at the clock, counting the minutes until everything was supposed to end. Her hands would not stop shaking until Lynda reached over and squeezed them.
“It will be over soon,” Lynda said. “You are doing the right thing.”
“Promise you will stay.”
“I promise.”
When her name was called, Bailey followed the nurse down the hallway. Halfway there, she turned back. Lynda was still in her seat, giving a small wave. Bailey forced herself forward.
The room was quiet. Too quiet.
They confirmed the pregnancy with gentle voices and practiced care. When the nurse asked if she wanted to proceed, the words crushed her chest.
She broke.
The sobs came hard and fast, stealing her breath. The nurse stayed with her, calm and patient, telling her she was not weak, that doubt was normal, that there were other choices. Support. Family. Time.
Bailey had forgotten she was allowed to choose.
She sat up, numb but clear. She thanked the nurse. She walked out.
