Page 41 of This Memory (Moose Village #3)

Searching for Harmony

PROLOGUE

Trey reached for my hand as we stood in my living room. My mother and father stared at both of us as I inhaled a deep breath. My brother Jake sat to the side of my parents as he gave me a reassuring smile. “Mom, Dad, we have something we need to tell you.”

Glancing at his watch, my father drew in a sharp breath. “Well, Harmony, don’t just stand there; go on and tell us. We have a dinner at eight that I cannot be late for.”

My heart dropped as I felt Trey squeeze my hand. Two days ago, Trey and I had broken up. We were about to graduate from high school and were heading to two different colleges. It wasn’t that I didn’t love Trey, I did. I simply wasn’t in love with Trey, and I knew he felt the same way.

This morning everything changed. Both of our worlds came to a complete stop.

Closing my eyes, I spoke the words in almost a whisper. “I’m pregnant.”

Trey dropped my hand and snaked his arm around my waist. I knew it was only a show of support for me. He hated my parents. Hated the way they treated me like I was an asset instead of a daughter. I was used to it since it was all I ever knew.

Standing, my father cracked his neck and nodded. “I’ll take care of everything first thing tomorrow morning.”

Pulling my head back in surprise, I asked, “Take care of what?”

My mother stood and faced my father. “We’ll need to do it swiftly and keep the utmost privacy. Maybe we need to look into Harrison County.”

Glancing at Trey, he raised his shoulders and shook his head. Turning back to my parents, I stepped forward. “What are you both talking about?”

Giving me a weak smile, my mother said, “An abortion. It will be done within a week.”

Bringing my hands up to my mouth, I stood there stunned. Surely they were not serious. My parents were religious and did not believe in abortion.

Trey laughed as he said, “You’re both crazy.”

Jake stood up and looked between my parents. “You can’t be serious.”

Shaking my head, I said, “No. I’m not having an abortion. What are you even talking about?”

Daddy turned to Jake and said, “Stay out of this. It doesn’t concern you.” Looking at Trey and then me, his eyes turned to sadness. “You have two options, Harmony. Abortion and continue on to Harvard or leave and be disowned by your parents. It’s your choice.”