Beginnings of the Heart by J. J. Nite

learning you were pregnant and things got a little out of hand. Now, we realize this is your baby and the two of you will be making the decisions in regards to the baby. Also, we know we can’t order the two of you to stop seeing each other. In truth, it’s a little late. Instead, we would like for there to be a few concessions on your part concerning the two of you being together which will include a new, earlier curfew during the week and on the weekends and, for a while, we would like for the two of you to not be alone with each other. Now, about the plans you’ve made. It’s obvious you put a lot of thought into them and they are very good. We are prepared to help as well in whatever way we can.”
    I sat frozen in my chair. Of everything I had imagined, I didn’t think this second round was going to go so well. My dad looked apologetic and sounded sincere. My mother didn’t look furious any longer, but there was something still there burning in her eyes. I didn’t know if it was anger or some other emotion.
    â€œWhat about the not-so-subtle suggestion Morgan put the baby up for adoption and not ruin her life? I’m not comfortable having her stay here if she is going to be constantly bombarded by veiled threats or accusations. I know you were both in shock earlier, but those kinds of thoughts don’t really go away. We made the decision to keep the baby and raise it. I mean no disrespect, but I need to look out for Morgan’s and the baby’s well-being.” Cole said.
    My mother’s eyes continued to smolder as Cole spoke, and I was suddenly very nervous to be here without him. I gripped his hand harder to try and draw some of his strength and confidence into myself.
    â€œThere isn’t going to be any further talk about you not keeping the baby. The two of you have made your decision, and we will respect it.” My dad answered.
    â€œYou can’t expect us to accept this and move on like nothing has happened overnight. It is going to take some time, and there is one last thing we would like the two of you to do.” My mother began. “We don’t want you to tell anyone until you have to. I know you have made your decision, but I don’t think you really understand how everyone is going to react, and I would like to spare you as much of the gossip as possible for as long as we can.”
    I looked at Cole, and he looked back at me. I wished we were alone so I could talk to him about all of this. As it was we had both of my parents staring at us. He nodded his head once at me, and I nodded back.
    â€œWe’ll agree to the requests you’ve made, but a curfew? Seriously?” I asked.
    â€œI’ve never been more serious about anything. It won’t do you any good to argue the point either. During the week you won’t be allowed to go anywhere except school and home, and if Cole visits, he will need to leave by eight o’clock. On the weekends, we would appreciate you going only to his house or here. Curfew at eleven. I think we are being very generous by these hours.” My mother stated stiffly.
    I nodded my head and then looked at Cole. He was looking at my parents, and I was sure he was making some kind of assessment as to their sincerity. He looked at me and smiled, and I nodded back.
    â€œWell, I’m going to talk to Morgan for a few minutes and then take off. Thank you for being supportive of us. It means a lot.” Cole said.
    Cole stood up and, still holding my hand, led me into the living room. Once out of sight of my parents he pulled me into the comforting circle of his arms and rested his chin on the top of my head. We stayed wrapped together for a few minutes, and I could feel the tension leave my body.
    â€œIf you don’t feel comfortable staying here you can always come stay with me. I think they really are sincere, but your mom is still angry. You need to promise if it becomes too much here you’ll