Chapter 4

Callie's POV

November 14, 2021

How did this happen? How did I let this happen? I not only ruined mom's party, but I lost the only thing that brought me any hope for the future. How did I let him hurt you?

*The night before*

"We better get going Cal", Lena said, getting up from the couch and grabbing my hand.

I nodded and got up as well. I followed her out of the room and into the kitchen where mom was sitting reading the newspaper.

"It's time to go babe", Lena said, "The kids will be waiting at the restaurant."

"Wow, I can't believe it. I am so excited. I am going to have all my children here for my birthday. I am going to see all my children at the same time. It hasn't happened in almost a year. This is the best birthday present ever", Stef said with a giant smile on her face.

"I'm sorry mom for not getting home a lot over the last couple of years", I said now feeling even more guilty.

"No baby that is not what I meant at all", She said moving over and grabbing my face with her hands, "I am just so happy that you are here. I love you."

"I love you too", I whispered to her.

Twenty minutes later we were heading to a nearby park. Stef started to get confused when we did not turn down the road to the restaurant Lena had said we were going to.

"Where are we going?" Stef questioned.

"We need to make a little pit stop", Lena said with a smile on her face.

Lena kind of can't keep a secret. It was obvious that she was hiding something, but Stef knew better than to question her. When we pulled up to the park there were people everywhere and a big sign saying happy birthday.

"What is this?" Stef said, looking at Lena.

"Surprise babe. Happy birthday", Lena said with a laugh.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now go and enjoy yourself."

I smiled. I loved watching their relationship. It made me so happy to be a part of this family. I watched them get out of the car and were greeted by many people who loved them including my siblings. I climbed out of the car and was immediately embraced by this perfect family. The night was going greatly, but the little one was pressing onto my bladder so I needed to use the bathroom.

"I will be right back. I have to use the bathroom", I said, excusing myself.

As I was walking to the bathroom I felt a strange feeling pass over me. I stopped before reaching the door to the bathroom and looked around me. That is when I saw it. That is when I saw his truck. Why was his truck here?

"Hi Callie", His cringy voice called out to me.

"Ben?" I said, not moving to look at him, "What are you doing here?"

"You cannot leave me", He said, "I say when we are done. Do you hear me?"

"Listen Ben. I need you to leave me alone", I said, trying to walk away from him back to my family.

I heard his footsteps following closely behind me. I moved a little faster until my family came into view. If I could just reach them he would leave me alone. My hopes got crushed when I felt his hand wrap around my arm. He flipped me around to face him.

"You do not get to walk away from me", He slapped me across the face, "Do you hear me now!"

I grabbed my face, and as I did he threw me to the ground.

"Please Ben stop this", I cried.

"Why Callie?" He asked as he kicked, "Why should I stop showing you how worthless you are?"

With the last bit of energy I yelled out one word that I knew who help me, "MOM!"

"Cal?" I heard my mom call out.

I do not know what exactly happened next because my head started to get foggy. I heard mom yelling for me, and then I felt Ben stop. The next thing I knew mama was by my side.

"Callie, baby, can you hear me?" She asked me as she gripped my hand.

I nodded my head and I tried looking around for mom. Where was she? Was she hurt? I felt her presence, but I could not see her.

"Mom", I called out.

"Mom is okay", Lena said.

I nodded my head again and then I finally caught sight of her. She was on the ground on top of something. Was that Ben?

"Cal there is an ambulance coming. You are going to be alright. I love you", Lena said, kissing my forehead, "I love you so much."

"I love you too", I said just before I closed my eyes, not able to fight the tired feeling.

When I started to register my whereabouts I could hear my moms talking.

"I should have tried to do more", Lena cried, "Look at her. My baby girl is hurt."

"No, you did all you could. I am the one that let her leave the day we found out he was hurting her. I could have stopped it before it reached this point."

Why were they blaming themselves for this? It was my fault. They should know that it is my fault. I licked my lips and then coughed to clear my throat. They were both by my side in an instant. Lena offered me a glass of water.

I drank greedily before finally getting the words I wanted to say out, "It was my fault. Neither of you could have stopped me even if you tried, so stop blaming yourself."

"Callie…", Stef started.

"No… stop… It was my fault. You cannot fight me on that", I said and shut my eyes, cutting off any other communication.

I felt two kisses pressed to my forehead.

"I love you both", I whispered.

"We love you too Cal", They both whispered back.

When I next woke up a nurse was in the room, but Stef and Lena were both absent,

I looked at the doctor, "Where are my moms?"

"They stepped out for a minute", She kindly told me.

I looked around and then whispered to her, "I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?" She asked curiously.

"Before they come back I need you to check my baby", I said with tears filling my eyes.

"You are pregnant?"

"Yes, but please you cannot tell them."

Just then I saw them coming back into the room, "Please do not tell them!"

"Hey Cal. How are you feeling baby?" I nodded my head to answer that question, so that I didn't have to lie.

My thoughts were on one thing: my baby. I needed to know if the baby was okay? I looked at the nurse with pleading eyes.

"I need to examine Callie, will you please step out into the waiting room", the nurse told Stef and Lena.

They both looked confused, but when they turned to look at me I looked away quickly. Both of them nodded even though I could sense Stef wanting to fight.

I looked at the nurse, "Thank you."

She nodded and then went to grab the doctor and an ultrasound machine. When she returned she had an OBGYN with her. They did an ultrasound, but the grim looks on their faces told me everything I needed to know.

"No", I cried out holding my stomach and curling into a fetal position.

"Do you want us to get your moms?" The nurse asked.

I shook my head and curled further into a ball. I let him kill my baby.

November 14, 2021

I am so sorry I did not protect you. I did not mean for it to happen. It is all my fault. Please know that I love you.