“I’m trying, but I keep throwing them up.”
“That’s okay. You should start to feel a little better in a few weeks, and the baby will get whatever it needs from you regardless. You’re doing fine.” Kalli paused, looking at me, but I wasn’t about to interrupt the incredible line of questioning she had going on. “Have you told your parents yet?”
Silence.
My mind started spinning a mile a minute. My gut was telling me that Ma and Pops would never turn Halah away. They’d be shocked by her news, perhaps a little disappointed at first, but they’d never kick her out, never make her go away. But her silence had me worried. What if she’d told them and they’d blown up?
“Halah, Riot and I aren’t here to judge you, we want to help.”
“I’m afraid to tell them.”
“Why? Ma and Pops love you.”
“I’m afraid they’ll be disappointed in me,” she said, and started crying again. I didn’t know what to say to that.
“They’re probably going to be really surprised, Halah. And they might think they’re disappointed at first, but they will come around and they’ll support you no matter what. I know I’ve just met your family, but your parents are so loving and caring. There’s no way they’ll turn you away for this.”
Kalli’s eyes came up to meet mine and even she looked worried. I could see what looked like indecision in her eyes. She gave my hand a squeeze and then asked a question I hadn’t even considered.
“Is the father supporting you with everything?”
The father? For fuck’s sake, a guy had gotten my baby sister pregnant. Instantly I was enraged, which was why Kalli’s free hand found its way to my chest. My head snapped to look at her, only to see her gently shaking her head at me. Then her hand moved from my chest to my cheek, where she gave me a gentle rub. I groaned, with images of my sister, hugely pregnant, and my fist slamming into some dude’s face alternating through my brain.
“I haven’t told him.” Halah’s voice might as well have been a whisper for how quietly she said those words.
“Oh, Halah…” Kalli said, sounding both extremely sorry for Hal, but also not in agreement with her statement. I, on the other hand, was still angry that some dude had gotten my sister pregnant.
“Who is he?” I barked.
“Ri, calm down,” she answered, still upset, but the crying was tapering off. “He didn’t do anything wrong. We broke up before I found out I was pregnant. He was quitting the boat and I didn’t want a long-distance thing. It’s not like he knocked me up and then ditched me.”
“Who. Is. He?”
“His name is Jordy.”
“Jordy?” I scoffed. “What kind of a name is Jordy?”
“Riot,” Kalli whispered angrily, the space between her eyebrows crinkling as they drew together. “Be quiet. You’re not helping.” She shook her head at me and truthfully, I instantly felt a little bad about my comment. “Now, Hal, why haven’t you told him yet?”
“He took our breakup really hard. I mean, so did I. I love him. But I didn’t want a relationship where I never saw him. He was starting an art program at a really good school, and I know if I tell him, he’ll drop out and come here.”
“Damn straight he will,” I yelled, right before Kalli gave me a slap on the arm.
“Seriously, Riot? Your macho big brother routine isn’t helping.” This came from Halah.
“Don’t listen to him.”
“I’m not.”
“Hey,” I cried. “If you didn’t want me to act like your big brother, then why did you call?”
“Ugh, Riot, I needed to tell someone. I’m terrified to tell Ma and Pops, Jordy can’t know because it’ll ruin his life, and sooner or later, everyone’s going to find out because I’m going to start looking pregnant any day now. Excuse me if I was hoping my big brother could offer me some soothing words or helpful advice. For crying out loud, at least your girlfriend isn’t a complete asshole.”
“Okay, Hal, calm down,” Kalli said with a soothing voice. “I think Riot is just having a hard time processing the fact that his little sister had to have sex with someone in order to get pregnant.”
I couldn’t help it if I growled a little.
“But seriously, Halah, maybe you should call Jordy and tell him what’s going on. It might be easier to tell your parents if you have a plan.”
“But I know he’ll quit school and come to me,”
I was biting my lip really hard, trying not to explain to her that dropping out of school and coming to her was exactly what he should be doing.