Chapter 12: The Choice

Caleb frowned, listening to the doctor’s diagnosis.

The exam room was cold, the walls painted a sterile white. Caleb sat beside me, his hand resting on mine. The doctor’s words hung in the air, heavy and final.

"Miss Carter has taken too many Plan B pills before, so the embryo didn’t implant easily. If you abort this time, it’ll be hard to get pregnant again…"

The doctor—a kind woman in her sixties—looked at me with concern. Her eyes were soft, but her words were firm. She wanted me to understand the consequences, to make an informed choice. I nodded, barely hearing her.

The elderly doctor shook her head, sighing, earnestly urging me to keep the child.

She spoke gently, listing the risks and options. I tried to listen, but my mind was elsewhere. Caleb squeezed my hand, offering silent support.

Caleb’s hand hovered over the consent form, hesitating.

He looked at me, searching my face for answers. I saw the conflict in his eyes—the desire to help, the fear of doing the wrong thing. I wished I could make it easier for him.

He led me out of the clinic.

We walked in silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on us. The sun was bright, the world going on as if nothing had changed. I felt numb, detached from everything around me.

"What are you doing?" I didn’t understand.

I stopped, turning to face him. His expression was serious, concerned. I searched his eyes for answers, but found only more questions.

"Do you want to think it over? After all, it’s your own flesh and blood."

He spoke softly, his words gentle. He wanted me to be sure, to make the choice for myself. I appreciated his kindness, even if it hurt.

"I’d rather die than give birth to Derek’s child."

My eyes were red as I forced out the words.

I felt the tears welling up, but I blinked them away. I wouldn’t let him see me cry. I needed him to understand how much this meant to me.

"Then whose child do you want? Your old lover’s?"

Derek’s voice cut through the hallway, ice-cold. I froze, the paperwork still trembling in my hands. There was nowhere left to run.