-Chapter 2-

May, four months later

"What do you mean you're leaving?"

"Exactly what I said." Lane sighed. It wasn't that hard to understand.

"Why?"

"Because I can't stay here. I need to go. If Brandon found out now, he wouldn't go to school like he always wanted to and he'd feel obligated to take care of me and the baby. He'd give up everything and I can't do that to him. I won't do that to anybody. So, I'll graduate—I won't show too much in the next month and I can hide what'll be there—and then I'll basically just… disappear."

"So you're not going to tell Brandon? He deserves to know, Lane."

"And I'll tell him after he's done school. I'm not keeping it a secret from him, I'm just not going to be the reason he gives up his life. And I won't have him resenting me or the baby because of it. I'll eventually tell him."

"And you don't think he'll get the wrong idea?"

"I won't expect anything from him, Michelle. I'll just give him the choice to see his child if he wants."

"What about your family? And his? Don't you think they're going to want to know they have a grandchild out there?"

"I'll tell them when I tell him. I don't care about the consequences; this is the right thing to do. I told you because you're my best friend, Michelle. I expect you to keep it to yourself. Please don't make me regret it."

"God, Lane. Do you have any idea what you're asking of me? What kind of position you're putting me in?"

"Yes." Lane knew it was hard and would continue to grow more difficult as time went on.

Did Michelle know how hard this would all be on her? She was leaving everything she'd ever known—and loved—behind. She didn't know why she'd felt compelled to tell Michelle other than the fact that she wanted—needed—somebody to know. From the sounds of it Michelle didn't understand why she was doing it but she was her friend and would stick by her. This way, Lane at least had one person who knew the reason, right or wrong didn't matter.

Lane knew she had a long and hard road ahead of her but she'd always be able to talk to Michelle because unlike everybody else, Michelle would know the entire story. She planned it all out. She'd break up with Brandon and leave a note for her family and move to some small town away from this small town. She'd have to find work and an apartment and support herself, and in approximately seven months, a baby. She intended to keep in contact with her family but she didn't fool herself that it would be easy. They'd ask questions and she couldn't let anyone know where she was. Worst case scenario she'd just have to cut off all communication. Needless to say, she was praying for the best.

Michelle turned away from her, her back to the mirror. Lane's hands gripped the edges of the sink and stared at the reflection. Everything was riding on this moment. Was it a mistake to tell Michelle? If she didn't agree to this, Lane's whole plan would fall apart. "Okay."

"Okay? You'll keep this to yourself?"

"Yes." She turned and walked out the bathroom door. She wasn't happy with the situation, but Michelle would stay loyal to her. That's all she needed to know. By being upset, she'd cemented Lane's belief that telling her was right, but further, that leaving was right too. Lane wasn't happy about it either but it was the best for everybody involved.

At least now she knew. Even when she ostracized herself, no matter where this all led her, she'd always have somebody.

AN: This story takes place over a long period of time for being so short, so if at any time, you notice my time line doesn't fit, let me know. I had a terrible time making the pregnacy time frame match up.