from Claire, maybe, because Claire was always around

d have expected

he needed to make sure Katie was alrig

if they hadn't been paying attenti

appened." Selena sat beside he

ked at her sister. "Mum, Dad, and I have tried to

to tell us, please do." She paused as something occurred to her. "Is it someone we know? Is that why

did your f

on handled and attend school there under our

o Katie. "Do you want this?" Katie kept crying b

r future for that?" Her voice r

this time. "Don't you

Claire froze. Kat

circular motion. Selena felt a pang in her chest. She could see how badly Katie wanted to keep the baby, but she also kn

can ke

ed toward Se

she can keep the baby. If you talk to your aunt, maybe she can help take care

ght have to stay home for a year. Unless your dad is wil

een. What do we know about raising a child? And Dad isn't going

tion. Then her eyes widened. "Ah-ah!" Sh

Claire didn't question her. She picked up her phone and made the call whil

ree girls exchanged nervous glances several times

ced that neither of them seemed particularly cheerful when they returned from work. She had almost asked what was wrong, but she stopped herself. They had be

er father called this morning and told us about the... situation." Her eyes briefly moved toward

ce but to follow them. Brandon clos

ed from your trip?" he asked immediately. Sel

na explained. "I only found out today t

s the reason she's sleeping over." Bra

pregnant at the dinner table, or is t

this frightening. And she couldn't understand why

d. Brandon gestured

nnounced something completely outrageous. Brandon began pacing around the room. Selena lowered her head and r

His expression softened almost immediately. He took a deep brea

r. Then he crouched in front of her so they were at eye level. "Her

ed at him. "

that you and Claire got her drunk, and that you so

ned. "That isn't tr

?" Louisa asked gen

bar. You both know I don't really like going

e somewhere without telling you guys

Brandon sudd

blinked.

bbing her shoulders. "It's a luxury hotel.

what he accused you of. We simply thought the girls might have gone downstairs withou

slowly

want us to do?" She

." Brandon extended his hand and Loui

because they genuinely cared about her.

prom

Brandon repeated. Se

nd honestly, we can't force her. So what we thought was... maybe she's ab

, and she's willing to take care of both of them." She took a breath. "Please help her with school too. Help her k

look. They didn't need to say anythin

th that plan," Brandon finally said.

oing to make sure we keep our

her leave, amusement filling their eyes. What Selena had asked of them wasn't particularly difficult.For people like them, making arrangements, calling

behind Selena, Loui

whispered seductively in his ear, leaning in close. "You scar

apping his hands around her waist and pulling her into a deep kiss. "I had

and she'll start getting afraid of us, thinking we don't like her any

rmured, trailing k

e promise we mad

head to look at h

t later." She leaped up slightly to wrap her legs around his waist, and he g