This is the sequel to the original The Rose and the Thorn. Not the Revised version, so if you read this, begin with the original Rose & Thorn. Thanks. :)

PROLOGUE

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running round my brain

OOOOOOO

Bekah unzipped the suitcase while tears streamed down her face, and lifted her clothes from the luggage, pausing before allowing the neatly-folded pile to plop into the drawer. It was six-thirty on the morning of her 18th Birthday, and she was celebrating by renting her first hotel room on her own. Alone. Her heart throbbing painfully, the clothes fell into the drawer, and then she dropped onto the bed.

Did I do the right thing? How did Dan react to my letter, and what if he didn’t get it? What are my parents thinking?

She would run to Dan’s house now, but he wouldn’t let her leave again, and the only way to make sure nothing ugly came out of this situation was to keep her distance. Wasn’t it the only way? Quiet sobs broke loose and she clamped her hand over her mouth.

The least she could do was call Dan and let him know that she was OK, but she wasn’t sure what would come up on his caller ID and if he’d be able to track her. If he found her, would he insist on her coming home, or would he agree to keep her hidden, and come visit her once in a while? West Virginia really wasn’t far from Columbus, only about a four hour drive.

He’s going to think you’re immature and impulsive. Or maybe he’ll think in a way, you’re more grown up for taking matters into your own hands and trying to protect him at all costs- well, almost all costs.

Who cares? You’ve hurt him either way.

Her hand rested on her stomach. I can’t be a mom. God, how am I going to do this? What about college? How am I going to do ANYTHING?

The same questions that had been going through her mind for the past two weeks. She’d only known for sure for two weeks, because the second test she’d taken in the morning a month ago had come out negative. But the nausea hadn’t eased up, so she wound up buying another box of tests. Both were very blatantly positive.

Her first instinct had been to tell Dan, but the same thought kept coming back: The only way to protect him is to run and hide.

If he went to jail because of her, she would never, never forgive herself.

I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running round my brain
I guess I’m always hoping that you’ll end this reign
But its my destiny to be the king of pain

Either way she chose, she’d be in pain, but it was better to be in pain when she knew that Dan was safe. Even if he was suffering, too.

No, go to his house. Go back now! He’ll help you figure something out, and you know that he’s got the resources to do things that other guys can’t.

No, you’ve gone over this a thousand times.

More tears gushed from her eyes, pouring down her cheeks, slinking along the corner of her quivering lips and leaving a tinge of saltiness on her tongue.

One night of bliss can sure change your life. Even if you did have protection, there’s no guarantee.

Am I doing the right thing, God? Please help me.