SEPARATED: CONCLUSION TO UN-RELATED by Kimberly Schwartzmiller Page B

don’t know what to say.”
    “You’re going to have to face it sooner or later.”
    “I know. But, right now, the way I feel, and knowing how hurt and angry he is, I’d just assume wait for later. I kind of needed to talk to you…first, anyway.”
    “Okay. Let’s talk. But, first, why don’t I give him a call…?”
    “Not yet! If I know he’s on his way over, then I won’t be able to talk to you. Kellan said you were wonderful and you helped teens…like me, all the time,” I said, lowering my head to hide my shame. But, I looked back up at her when I thought about it for a minute, and realized I had done nothing wrong.
    “I help pregnant teens, but I’m happy to help anyone who needs it.”
    “I’m…pregnant.”
    “I’m assuming Kellan doesn’t know about this?” she asked, looking at me sadly.
    I shook my head no as the tears started.
    “What happened, Abby?”
    I looked up at her with fear in my eyes.
    “Abby, whatever you tell me is going to stay just between us, okay? I promise you that I won’t tell Kellan or anyone else what you tell me. But, if I’m going to be able to help you, then I need to know the truth. And, from the looks of you, you need to talk, and you need medical care. I can help you, but you have to let me.”
    “Kellan said you were good, but if he finds out…?”
    “He won’t hear it from me. I promise you that.”
    I took a deep breath and then told her everything. She sat there quietly, holding my hand and giving me reassuring pats and nods.
    “So, that’s why I can’t tell him,” I said when I was all done.
    “He is very protective of you. I still think you should tell him…”
    “NO! Please don’t tell him!”
    “I told you that I wouldn’t and I won’t. But, he needs to know. Your social worker also needs to know.”
    I shook my head no. “Nancy has something on Kellan…and I know she’ll use it against him. But I won’t let her have this baby…even if I don’t…want it. And she can’t do anything to him because of that,” I said, looking down at the ground.
    “So, what do you think Kellan will do to your foster father?”
    “I don’t know, but it won’t be good, and I know he’ll be the one to get into trouble, even though he didn’t do anything.”
    “Okay, I won’t harass you about it anymore. So, I have one more question, and then I’m going to ask you to let my daughter come in and examine you, if that’s alright? She’s a nurse midwife and I promise she’ll take wonderful care of you.”
    I didn’t say anything for a minute.
    “Abby, you need medical care. It’s either you let Landry take care of you, or Kellan will take you to the emergency room when he gets here. I’m not threatening you, honey. It’s just, he’s going to take one look at you and carry you there himself.”
    “Yeah, I know. Do you think she’ll mind?”
    “No, she’s fine with it. She’s setting up your room. And, this way you won’t have to register at the hospital or a clinic, and no one will find you.”
    “Thank you,” I said, looking up at her. “What do you mean she’s setting up my room?”
    “I’m giving you a room upstairs. She ran to her office and grabbed some supplies and she’s waiting for you upstairs.”
    “I’m sorry to be putting you both out…I just didn’t know where else to go.”
    “It’s okay. You’re welcome here for as long as you want.”
    “I’m sure I can go with Kellan…”
    “No honey, you can’t. He’s welcome to stay here, too. If you stay with him, they’ll find you. I don’t usually let anyone stay here , but you’re an exception. Kellan’s done a lot for me…”
    I cringed but refused to look away and offend her. “Um, what was your other question?”
    “I guess I just wanted to make sure that you’re okay with…me?”
    “What do you mean?”
    She smiled softly and said, “Do you feel up to walking down the hall with me for a minute? It’s on the way to your room.”
    “Okay.”
    I