Honor Student

chapter Thirty-Three

After taking a shower and eating something I felt a lot better but my heart still ached and the cause of it was sitting just a few feet from me.

“I want to go home.” I said, pulling my knees to my chest.

“Give me a chance to explain.” He said, his voice panicked. I glared at him.

“What is there to say?” I could feel my chest growing heavy as I relived what had happened in my mind.

“I know you deserve better than me.” He looked at me and waited for a response. I didn’t say anything. “Can I hold you?” He asked. His words caught me off guard. I wanted to scream at him and run out of the door but I sat, frozen in place. William slid closer on the couch and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me down on him as he laid back. He sighed, pushing my hair back from my face.

“Abby was pregnant.” He whispered. My blood ran cold.

“What?” I asked, in shock as I twisted to see his face. His eyes were pink and swollen like he had been crying since I left.

“We had just found out.” He smirked at the memory.

“You have a…” He shook his head before I could finish my sentence.

“She took the money, remember? She didn’t have room in her life for me and our…” His voice trailed off. He pressed his eyes closed, trying to forget. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just…couldn’t.” A tear escaped his eye and rolled down his cheek. I wiped it with my thumb, staring into his eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” I whispered. He ran hands through his hair as he sat up.

“You’re sorry? Emma, I damn near ruined your life in the short time that I’ve known you.” He was angry with himself and on the verge of breaking down completely.

“William, everyone has a past. Mine isn’t that great either but it made you who you are today. The man I love.” I put my hand on his chest. His heart was beating wildly.

“You still love me?” His face was pained as he braced himself for me to break his heart.

“More than anything.” I smiled as I looked down at my hand on his chest, thinking of how far we have come in this short amount of time. “I belong to you.” I said quietly. His eyes began to burn and I could tell his mood was shifting. He grabbed my hand and held it tightly against him.

“I love you more than anything, Emma. I don’t want to ever feel the way I did when I thought I had lost you forever.” I smiled and leaned in to kiss him. His lips pressed hard against mine. “Marry me”