A week later-
“Briar, there’s no way that baby is mine! But if you really believe it is, I want a DNA test,” Austin exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table.
I reached over and grabbed his hand, “It’s okay, this is obviously a very stressful situation. Everyone, just take a moment to breath and calm down.”
Briar looked up at me with a very pissed off expression, and a hand draped over her growing bump, “Chloe, I don’t even know who you are, and I don’t understand why you’re even here. This is between Austin and I.”
I rolled my eyes, “Per the fact that Austin is my boyfriend, I am very much involved in this situation now. And not only that, whether or not you want to admit it, our families are tied together so this needs to be resolved.”
I picked up my lemonade and took a sip, Austin following my lead, “The fact of the matter is that you don’t know who the baby’s father actually is, and I understand you wanting to be able to tell people a name. But until it’s proven, you’ve got to stop insinuating that I’m the only possible father.”
“This conversation is done. If you want a DNA test, we’ll get one. And whether or not you choose to believe me, you are the father,” Blair huffed, and stood up to gather her things.
Austin signaled for the waitress to bring the check and I tried to change the subject, “Well, I’ve been doing some research into jobs for me. And unfortunately, it’s not looking good. I think I’m going to have to go back to school.”
Austin looked at me, a puzzled expression was displayed across his face, “It’s only June, aren’t you trying to start working in September? Maybe just give the job boards some more time.”
I shook my head, “No, I knew from the start that finding a job with my degree would be difficult without going to grad school. And honestly, it’s probably best I go ahead and get it out of the way, especially while everything from school is still mostly fresh in my head.”
Austin nodded, “So what does that mean for us?”
I smiled, seeing his look of concern that I would be leaving again was almost comforting, “It doesn’t mean anything, other than the fact that it just delays starting my career. I’m going to do it all online and I’ll probably find a part time job in the meantime.”
Austin, who seemed to have been holding his breath, sighed, “Oh, okay. Well, if that’s what you think you need to do, then do it.”
***
Later that day, after Austin had dropped me off at home, I decided I desperately needed to catch up with Skylar. She was still unaware of the baby mama drama and even though I wasn’t stressing about it, I still wanted her opinion.
“So she’s dead set on this baby being his? But he says there’s no way?”
I nodded, despite the fact that Skylar couldn’t see me, “Yeah, and honestly, I feel like he’s telling the truth. I don’t know why he would lie to me, but something just feels off about it all and I don’t know what. I think it’s just weird that she’s so insistent on the baby being his.”
“Well, maybe she’s just trying to get him back. I mean, honestly, what would you do if the baby somehow actually is his,” she asked.
Her question was a shock because honestly, I hadn’t even thought about how I would feel or what I would do. If the baby does, by some crazy chance, turn out to be Austin’s I would be devastated.
“I don’t know. I’d definitely be questioning things. I mean, I really believe that he doesn’t think the baby could possibly be his. But enough about my drama, I want to hear about you, especially since we don’t have much more time to talk.”
Skylar laughed, “Well, remember that guy I told you about? I actually really like him. Honestly, I think I’m starting to fall in love with him. And I think he feels the same way.”
“You mean the guy you were telling me about last time, that you had made it very clear to that you wouldn’t be staying there,” I questioned, although slightly excited that she had found someone she really cared for.
Skylar groaned, “Yeah, I don’t know what to do about it. But I feel like I could actually see a future with him.”
I paused, not quite sure what to tell her, “Well, it’s not like you really have a choice other than reminding him that you’re leaving after this summer.”
Skylar was quiet on the other end, almost a scary silence, like maybe she was holding back on saying something, “Chlo, I have something to tell you. And I need you to not freak out, because nothing is set in stone.”
I gulped, whatever this was could not possibly be good, “Go on.”
“I may or may not have interviewed for a permanent position with the company. So actually, I may not be leaving at the end of summer. I mean, I would definitely be coming back long enough to tie up all my things in the states.”
It felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. Part of me was thrilled for Skylar, but part of me selfishly just wanted her to come home, “Oh, well, I- I’m happy for you Sky. But, um, I’ve got to go, my mom is calling us down for dinner.”
Which was a complete lie, my mom wasn’t even home. But in that moment, I desperately just wanted the conversation to be over.
“Oh okay, well I’ll talk to you soon then? Love you, Chlo,” she finally said.
“Love you too,” I responded before quickly ending the call.
That was not the way I had envisioned our conversation going, not in a million years. The idea of my best friend and I being separated by an entire ocean was a lot to take in. While Skylar’s career was taking off, I felt like mine was falling apart.