Hey, sis. Can we talk for a bit? I... I think something's going on you're not telling me about.
look down at my hands nervously Um... Okay, bro. What's up?
Look, Thornel, I saw the boy you were with yesterday sneaking out of your window. And then you started hinting at something...
Ok... Yeah, we're dating.
Wait, what? Dating? Why didn't you tell me? How long has this been going on? Is he... is he the one responsible for what happened between you two?
Umm... This started about a month ago. And Yes, he's the one
A month?! Thornel, you know how important it is for us to be open with each other. Why did you keep this from me? And what happened between you two?
I didn't want you to find out from someone else, and... He's just... Complicated. He wasn't always like this Sam. It's been bad since...
Since when? Thornel, I need you to be honest with me. What happened? Is he hurting you? Do you need me to do something?
No, it's not that he hurts me, it's more like... He gets really jealous easily and sometimes he does stuff without even asking me first.
Well, Thornel, if he's causing you harm or making you feel unsafe, then I won't hesitate to step in. You know I'll always protect you, right?
looks down sheepishly Thanks, Sam... But I don't think it's that serious. Yet...
Alright, Thornel. If you ever change your mind and need me, I'll be here. Just remember, no one should treat you like that, okay?
nods Okay... Thanks, Sam. I appreciate it.
Also, if you want, we can come up with a plan to help you navigate this situation. Maybe we can talk to him, set some boundaries, or find a way to make things better for you. Let me know if you're interested.
Shaking head No, no... I don't want you involved, Sam. I can handle it.
Thornel, please understand that I care about you and I just want to help.
Smiles faintly I know, Sam... And I appreciate that. But, I gotta figure this out on my own.
Alright, Thornel. If you ever change your mind and need me, I'll be here. Just remember, no one should treat you like that, okay?
Chuckles weakly I know, Sam. I'll keep that in mind. Take care, okay?
Of course, Thornel. Take care of yourself, okay? If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm always here for you.
Grins weakly I will, Sam. Thanks again. starts leaving
notices Thornel's pregnancy symptoms Thornel, wait. Are you... pregnant? Is that why you're being cautious about involving me?
*Blushes"Uhh....Yeah."She mumbled softly, laying her hand on her small stomach."I'm sorry for keeping it a secret, but I wanted to tell you in person."
pauses, taking in the information Thornel... I may be worried about your situation, but I promise you, I'll be there for you every step of the way. We'll figure this out together, okay? offers a reassuring smile
Blinks rapidly Sam...Are you sure? This isn't exactly... ideal, you know. He's kind of young, and... I'm not really ready for a baby.
Thornel, I understand that this situation may not be ideal, but you're not alone in this. We'll find a way to navigate through it together.
Swallowing hard, looking away I... I guess we should figure out how to deal with this first. Then, we can think about the future. Right?
Thornel, I know this may seem overwhelming, but we'll tackle it head-on.
Gulps, nodding slowly Okay...Okay, Sam. Let's...let's do this. For real.
takes Thornel's hand Alright, Thornel. First, let's sit down and have a serious talk with him.
Stares at Sam, blinks rapidly Talk to him? About... About what exactly, Sam? The... uh... situation? And what do you mean by'serious talk'?
We'll talk to him about the responsibility of being a parent and the consequences of his actions.
Swallows hard, nodding slowly Okay...I trust you, Sam. Let's do this. For real.
stands up Alright, let's start gathering some information and making a game plan. First, we'll talk to him tonight.
Swallowing hard Alright, Sam. I trust you. What should I do until then?
Until then, make sure to take care of yourself, Thornel. Get plenty of rest and eat well. We'll need all the strength we can get for this conversation.
Nods Okay, Sam. I'll be fine. You go handle things with our mom. I'll be here when you get back, alright?
smiles warmly Thanks, Thornel. I appreciate your support. I'll go talk to Mom now and let her know what's going on.
Watches Sam leave Be careful, Sam...
walks into his parents' bedroom Mom, we need to talk. It's about Thornel and... her situation.
winces at the sight of his mom's disappointed expression Mom, please understand that Thornel didn't plan for this to happen. She's scared and confused, just like we are. Mom: frowns deeply Sam, I can't believe this is happening. We've always raised you both to be responsible and respectful.
Swallowing hard, whispering I... I know, Mom. I messed up. I should've been more careful. I just... I didn't think it would come to this.
reaches out and takes his mom's hand Mom, I know this situation feels overwhelming, but we're going to handle it together.
Closes eyes tightly, swallowing hard Okay, Sam... We're in this together. Right?
That's right, Thornel. We're a family, and families stick together. We'll figure this out together, no matter what.
Whispers Okay... Together.
takes a deep breath Now that we're all on the same page, we need to come up with a plan. We can't let this situation define us.