Chapter 7 His denial
FEW WEEKS LATERS
GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Darby stared hard at the pregnancy test kit in her hand, she didn't want to believe that a living being was growing inside of her. She had been dealing with heartbreak for about three weeks since her encounter with, Leo. Moreover, because her dreams of having him ask her out to prom or the both of them getting to talk more and get closer was all in shambles when he didn't even acknowledge her presence when they bumped into each other some days after their intimate moments.
She felt like dirt. Her mother was probably right about her being jinxed and that no one wants to have anything to do with her. Not even the one who appeared to be a bit interested in her. She must have misunderstood his intentions. It would have been best if things didn't result to this. All through the final papers, Darby had a hard time concentrating as she was down with fever. Thinking it was just that, it took her some days to notice that her period was really late. Only for her to check at the pharmacy to narrate her symptoms and she was told to do a quick pregnancy test. The attendant had affirmed that she was pregnant by the result.
Still in disbelief, Darby had rushed down to school to get done with her final papers while hoping the result on the stick would have changed. Instead, reality stared right in her face. Tears laced her eyes at the thought of her career being over.
"I can't believe Leo won't be joining us for prom." Someone said outside the toilet where Darby was.
"It's so sad, I heard his mom is ill so he has to leave." Another added.
Another one let out a scoff, sounding displeased. “To think that tramp, Darby, really thinks Leo was interested in her. I heard he didn't even approach her since that party night."
"I bet she has no idea that he is leaving LA. It's of course certain that a guy like Leo wouldn't want someone like Darby for anything but just to warm his bed." The girls squealed as they made jest of Darby, before leaving the rest room.
It felt like a strange noise pierced Darby's ears as their words kept ringing in her ears. There is no way Leo was leaving without informing her. He has to know of his new responsibility. Standing up in a hurry, she grabbed her back and ran out of the restroom through the hallway searching for him. He was at basketball court just as she had expected, thankfully he was the only one seated. She ran towards him panting hard to catch her breath.
Leo had a blank look on his face as he looked at her. She appeared more beautiful than the last time he saw her and it was almost like a bit of glow has been added. Gulping hard, he chided himself for thinking about her in such manner.
"Leo." She called out softly.
"What do you want, miss?"
Darby exhaled, holding his gaze. "I heard you are leaving, LA. Is this true?"
Leo snickered. “I didn't think I owed you an explanation to whatever movement I make. What's all this interrogation about?"
"Leo, I don't know what I did to you. I thought we were going to get along quite well, considering how close we were that night."
"Yo, bitch!" He bickered. "Haven't you heard about one night stands? That shouldn't be new to a slut like yourself. Don't try to act innocent in front of me."
She had a confused look on her face, clueless as to what he meant by acting innocent. "Fine! I get that you might be going through a whole lot. I just need to let you know that, I am pregnant!" Darby announced almost holding her breath.
He looked unfazed. "So, what business of mine is that?"
Staring with her mouth agape, Darby gasped lightly. "What are you talking about, Leo? It's yours. You are the only one I have had sex with, so obviously the child is yours."
Leo chuckled dryly, getting off the seat he was on. "You are such a pathetic liar! How dare you come to my face and spit out that rubbish?"
"What do you mean?" She queried looking more confused.
"You think I don't know? That you have slept with almost half of the basketball team and other random guys that no one even knows about. Why would I accept the claim of a child that I am sure you don't even know who the father is. I don't care whatever you say or do. What I know is, that child ain't mine. Not you coming to me with such faked innocence. How do you live with yourself?" Leo hissed walking away.
Darby looked dazed but that didn't stop her from running after him. The tears were beginning to fall nonstop. "Leo, you can't do this to me, please. I promise, I have never had anything with anyone else. You have to believe me. Those are just fake rumors being spread about me."
He paused in his tracks, turning to face her. A part of him was aching from the heartbreak he feels. "Why would anyone want to spread rumors about you unless it's true? You aren't even among the popular ones for me to think it might be a conspiracy against you. You should really stop trying too hard, I am not going to take on a responsibility that isn't mine. I am guessing you must have heard about my family background for you to want me to be your baby's daddy so bad. News flash baby! That's never going to happen! This is my last time here and I am glad that I will never see your treacherous face ever again." He glared at her walking away without sparing her another a glance.
Watching him leave felt like her entire life was fading away. Darby collapsed to the ground as the tears fell uncontrollably. How did she let herself get fooled by someone like Leo? He obviously pulled a fast one on her like regular playboys would. What exactly was she going to tell her parents? Her already distorted life has become more gloomier and there seem to be no hope.
Sobbing silently, she stood up in a rush when she heard some people outside the court. She hurried off to avoid getting seen. Abigail stood still as she saw Darby's receding back. She wondered what it is she discussed with Leo to make him so angry. Taking her time, she followed Darby, trailing her movement while pushing every student that got in her way.
Abigail noticed Darby threw something into the trash can as she hurried out of the hallway. Running towards the trash can, her eyes jolted like saucers when she noticed what it was. A pregnancy test kit. Picking it up, she wondered what the result is. Hurrying off she met with her friends at their usual meeting spot but only Samantha was seated.
Samantha flipped hair. “Why do you look so happy? Did you win a jackpot?" She asked.
Abigail shrugged handing her the kit. "I really can't tell yet, do you know what the result on this is?"
Her friend gasped after looking at the strip. "You are pregnant? Do you know who the father is?"
She tilted her head to the side. "It’s positive?"
"Damn girl, it is. Who the fuck knocked you up? Why am I even asking? I bet you don't know who." Samantha scoffed.
"Shut up! This isn't me at all! It's more of a checkmate." Abigail grinned wickedly. This was the last nail she needed to close up the bloody coffin.
Chapter 8 The good, the bad and the uglyMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES."What are you talking about, Abigail?" Noah asked as he removed his reading glasses and placed it gently on the stool next to him. "Who is pregnant?"Abigail folded her arms against her chest with a defiant look. "Darby of course. She has been sleeping around with different guys in school. It's such a shame to watch."Emma swallowed hard when Noah gave her a knowing stare. "How did you know this?"Searching her bag, Abigail presented the pregnancy test kit. "Darby couldn't hold herself back that she had to run a pregnancy test in school."Snatching it from her, Emma stared hard at the result and her hands shook as she held it. "How dare that wench? How could she do this to me!" She screamed.The door opened and a depressed looking Darby walked in. She looked shocked seeing everyone seated at the same time. "Good evening, mom and dad."Noah glared at her. “What is this that I hear about you being pregnant?" He querie
Chapter 9 The Huge StepMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Darby kept turning all through the night till the next morning making her body ache. She couldn't sleep a wink as her mind was plagued with different thoughts. Her discussion with Abigail the previous night made her realize that things might have worked out between herself and Leo if her stepsister didn't get so spiteful and spread rumors about her. At the same time, she has learnt a hard lesson that being loved has to come from within. She has to be her own cheer leader.Would Leo have turned his back against her if he knew the truth? He couldn't even try to figure out the truth and be sure of what he heard about her. Just like her mother treating her as a regretful mistake and not bothering to know her as her biological daughter. It shows how ridiculous the human is.Sitting up, she checked the clock by her bed stand, it was past eight already. She must have slept off in the early hours of the morning. Getting off the bed, she sear
Chapter 10 Zac the saviorFIVE YEARS LATERDARBY’S APARTMENT, SAN FRANCISCO"Easy there, Sinclair. I don't want you having a bruised face!" Darby called out at her four years old son.His nanny, Isabella laughed softly. "He is such an hard worker, so full of life." She noted as the little boy settled to arrange his Legos after jumping off the couch.Smiling to herself, Darby kept arranging the stuffs into the carton. She hates packing so much, but has no other choice but to do it. It has been a long time coming and she has to move on to make a better life for herself and Sinclair.Five years ago, she had left Los Angeles with her few weeks pregnancy to save the life of her innocent child. She had been worried that her decision would flop at first, especially when she faced so much inconvenience during the first three months of her arrival in San Francisco. Darby doubted if she was capable of loving the child she carried. But her doubts were out of the window the first time she met her
Chapter 11 About to wedLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELESAdjusting his tie properly, Leo straightened his collar and suit. Satisfied with his look in the mirror, he grabbed his office bag and left the room. Stepping into the living room, he sniffed the air. "Wow! The house feels like a chicken restaurant. What are you both up to?" He inquired, looking towards his fiancee, Chloe and the chef."Hey, baby." Chloe cooed drying her wet hands on a napkin, before walking towards him. "I was hoping you would have breakfast before leaving." She muttered kissing him.Rubbing at her back with his free hand, he smiled weakly. "I have something important to attend to at work. I will get something on my way out."She looked a bit disappointed, but managed to hold up a smile. "Alright. How about I send you the food later on?"He shook his head in disapproval. “That would be too much of a hassle. Just put it in the fridge or something. I would eat when I return.""Okay. I will be going out with my godmother
Chapter 12 Most influential designerDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES"Wow, this place is amazing! Checkout these gorgeous dresses!" Chloe squealed in delight as she surveyed the store.Desire laughed sweetly. "I knew you would love it. I tell you, Darby is a talented stylist. I just knew she would be a force to reckon with in the fashion world. The world isn't ready for her at all."Chloe nodded in agreement. “Her works are truly breathtaking.""I have been waiting for so long and feared you would never visit." Darby said behind them, wearing a bright smile on her face with a measure tape hanging around her neck. "I came as soon as the secretary called me.""Darby, my darling." Desire spread out her arms for a hug. "I am sorry it took me this long to come. Here, meet my goddaughter, Chloe. She is getting married and here to pick a befitting wedding dress for royalty.""Hi." Darby waved at her. "Congratulations on your engagement."Chloe gasped lightly, she didn't think the designer wou
Chapter 13 The Meet AgainLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Leaning his head against the bed frame, Leo tried to pay attention to Chloe's description of how her day went. She seem unusually excited which makes him more interested in whatever she has to say. Even if he lacks the ability to show her affectionate love, the least he can do is be a good listening partner."You should have seen the space! My wedding dress will definitely be the talk of the town!” She said walking out of the bathroom while ruffling her wet hair with a towel."But don't you meet different designers everyday? What is so special about this one?" Leo asked yawning lightly."That is a good question. Her creativity is what makes her different. And she got featured on FORBES under thirty influential women. She might not know this, but I am inspired to become great in my work as an interior designer. She has indirectly given me hope and to think I will be wearing the dress made by a FORBES lady? That's like the ultimate goa
Chapter 14 Making AmendsDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELESDarby held Sinclair back shielding him from Leo. "Isabella, come get him." She yelled feeling her blood boil."Mommy, come with me!" Sinclair whimpered, pulling at her hand. Isabella rushed towards them panting hard. "I don't want to go with Bella." He whined."I just need to do something quickly, baby. I will be with you in a minute. Please take him." Darby said, pushing him towards his nanny. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Leo. "What can I do for you today, sir? What dresses would you like to pick out for your significant other?"Leo blinked rapidly, he almost got confused forgetting how he got there. "Oh, so sorry please. I am not here…here…here …to..to buy any dress." He stuttered."So, what are you here—“"That's my son, right?" He cut in holding her gaze.Staring at him unfazed, Darby raised a brow. "He is not yours. And I don't know why a stranger would walk in here to lay claims on my son. Please leave before I
Chapter 15 Moving onGRACE’S HOME, BEVERLY HILLS.Leo drove through the fancy streets of Beverly Hills lost in his thoughts. If he wasn't too cautious he would have probably rammed into a tree because of how far his mind was. All through the night he couldn't sleep. One of the reasons why he had chosen to visit his mother the moment he got up from the bed.He had practically dug a sleep depriving hole for himself when he chose to visit Darby. Her face kept haunting him, she looked more beautiful and he would have love to cup her face in his palms and kiss the living daylights out of her. But the most bothersome part of the entire issue is her bold denial of the child he had seen. To be sure he wasn't imagining things, he had gone to get a copy of the FORBES magazine she was featured in. Her family had been briefly discussed and a picture of Darby and her son, named Sinclair was right there. And it felt like he was seeing a younger version of himself. To keep his senses in check, he ch