Chapter Three

Whitney Point of view.

The day my mom informed me that I was going to be having a step dad. I thought it was a joke. My parents hadn't always been happy with each other, especially my mom.

She always said that if she knew what she knows now. She wouldn't have married my dad.

The divorce still came as shocking news to me but what surprised me the most was that she had already found a replacement for him.

I was stunned, typical of my mom to be faster than her shadow.

I walked into the house as she called me from school to meet up with my step-dad during mid-semester break in school.

“How long have you known this man?” I asked her.

“For three months”, she replied.

“Don't you think you are taking things too fast”, I asked her.

“No honey, when you meet the one you would know and nothing is too fast”, she said, seeming so sure of herself.

“I dated your dad for two years and married him for eighteen years honey, I didn't feel this way I felt around this man with him”, she added.

“Then why did you marry him?”I asked with disbelief evident in my voice.

She paused for a while. “When you get older…you..Will understand Whitney”, she replied.

I moved around helplessly.

“Mom..mom..tell me you're joking right now”, I yelled.

She picked up the glass of champagne and sipped it gently. “I am not joking honey, I love this man and if you want my happiness you should be supportive”

“He is going to be here any minute, I want you to meet him and be of very good behaviour, do you hear me”, she instructed me.

I felt for my dad. How could she? She discarded him like a piece of trash.

She wasn't sure how he was feeling.

“Does dad know about this?”, I asked.

“Ofcourse he knows, we are finalising our divorce paper already”, she replied.

“Divorce!!...divorce”, I screamed.

“You have been seeing this man behind our backs I guess”, I voiced out.

My mom seemed so relaxed. I wondered why she gave birth to me. I was nothing like her.

The looks, aura and attitude. None of it I inherited. I took everything from my dad.

A knock at the door disrupted our conversation.

“He is here”, she whispered like I care.

“Come in”, she voiced out.

A man in his mid-fifties walked in. My gaze fixed on him. I was trying my best to maintain my composure.

She ushered him to the dining table.

“We were just about to have dinner, you can join us”, she said smiling.

Irritation practically seeped through me.

What was in my mom thinking, divorcing my dad and telling me the same day she planned to introduce me to my future step-dad.

I looked at his face. I can't believe he was reminding me of someone I couldn't practically place a face to.

I struggled to but couldn't as my mom snapped me out of my thoughts.

“What's your name?”, he asked with a smile on his face.

I ignored him.

“He is asking you a question?”, she said, her gaze fixed on me.

“Whitney,” I said coldly.

“That's a great name?”, he voiced out as my mom and him were smiling at each other.

“I have a son about your age as well, he goes to Essex college”, he replied.

I nodded totally absent from the conversation. He kept on trying by all means to engage me but it was written all over my face that I wasn't interested in being friendly with him at all.

He kept talking.

Talking about Essex College, about how his son was “very disciplined,” about how excited he was to finally have a daughter. Every word grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.

“I didn’t ask,” I snapped suddenly.

The room went quiet.

He blinked, clearly taken aback. “I was just trying to make conversation..,”

“Well, don’t,” I cut in sharply. “You’re not my father, and you never will be.”

My mom’s smile dropped instantly.

“Whitney!” she warned, her voice low but firm.

“I mean it,” I continued, my anger spilling freely now. “You walk into my house, sit at my dad’s dining table, and expect me to smile like this is normal? You’re a stranger.”

“I understand you’re upset,” he said calmly, trying to salvage the moment. “But disrespect won’t change the situation.”

That did it.

I let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t get to tell me how to feel. You met my mom three months ago and suddenly you’re playing family? That’s pathetic.”

“Enough!” my mom snapped. She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “I warned you to behave.”

“Behave?” I scoffed. “You drop a divorce and a replacement husband on me in the same breath and expect me to clap for you?”

She walked closer to me, her face hard. “You will apologize to him right now.”

I pushed my chair back and stood up, my hands shaking. “I won’t apologize for telling the truth.”

“Whitney—”

“I’m done,” I cut her off. “I’m going back to school.”

“Sit down!” she commanded.

“No,” I yelled. “I won’t sit here and pretend this is okay. You can have a happy family without me.”

I grabbed my bag, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. My mom called after me, warning me to calm down, but I didn’t listen. I stormed out of the dining room, out of the house, slamming the door behind me so hard the walls shook.

Tears blurred my vision as I walked away.

I couldn’t breathe properly. My thoughts were scattered, my dad’s face, my mom’s indifference, that man sitting comfortably where my father once sat. Everything felt wrong.

I stormed out of the house, my bag slung over my shoulder.

Tears blurred my vision, but I didn’t stop. I just needed to get out, to clear my head, to escape the chaos my mom had dumped on me.

I started trekking down the road toward school, my footsteps quick, my thoughts louder than my heartbeats. I didn’t care about cars, traffic, anything.

All I could think about was how unfair it all was—my dad gone, my mom moving on as if eighteen years of marriage and family meant nothing, and that man sitting at our dining table like he belonged there.

I didn’t notice how fast I was walking. I didn’t notice the approaching car until it was too late. The screech of tires made me freeze, my stomach dropping into my throat.

I tried to jump out of the way, but the car hit me. The impact sent me sprawling onto the asphalt. Pain exploded across my side and legs.

I gasped, clawing at the ground, trying to pull myself up. My bag tumbled away. Someone’s voice screamed.

I tried to speak, but the pain made my throat close. My vision blurred, and darkness started creeping in from the edges of my eyes.

Chapter Four

Jason

I couldn't concentrate while driving after speaking to my mom that I mistakenly ran into someone by accident.

I stopped my car, came out to rescue the victim.

I was totally shocked to see that the person lying down on the floor helplessly was Whitney.

What was I thinking driving so fast? I couldn't believe what I had caused.

I know I wouldn't forgive myself if anything happened to Whitney.

I sighed deeply as I carried her in my car to the hospital, my heart beating rapidly.

I arrived at the hospital, and couldn't help as tears flowed down from my eyes as Whitney was taken to the emergency ward for treatment.

I picked up my phone to call my mom to inform her I wouldn't be able to make it home today as I had to ensure she was okay before leaving.

The doctors began treatment immediately. I lowered my head inside the hospital praying silently that she should be treated well and get back in good health.

The doctor stepped out. “We will need to talk with any of her family members”, they informed me.

I froze.

“I..I’m not family,” I said slowly, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. “But I brought her in. I was the one driving.”

The doctor studied my face, perhaps weighing my guilt against the urgency of the moment. “She’s stable for now,” he said at last. “But she suffered a head injury and internal bruising. We’ll need consent for further procedures. Can you reach her next of kin?”

My hands trembled as I nodded. I stepped aside, fingers clumsy as I searched her name in her phone which I picked up after the incident.

I was still praying, pleading, bargaining with God that this wouldn’t end badly. When the call connected, I introduced myself with a cracked voice, explaining everything in a rush, leaving nothing out.

When I finally ended the call, my legs gave way and I sank into the waiting chair, burying my face in my palms.

This was my fault. Every tear, every beep of the machines behind those doors echoed the same truth.

I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, or if Whitney would ever look at me the same again, but one thing was certain.I wasn’t going anywhere.

Not until she opened her eyes.

I wasn't going to run or deny that I caused this. I was ready to take full responsibility for my actions.

It didn't take long for her mom to come rushing in. She looked around confused.

I could see the resemblance between both of them.

I walked up to her and greeted her. She responded but was still totally clueless about everything.

“She is receiving treatment, ma”, I informed her.

“I need to see my daughter”, she said with tender care.

I showed her her room. I watched while she entered inside.

I couldn't help but feel so bad. I caused this.

Her mom won't have met her in such a drastic condition if only my mind was settled while driving.

Whitney's mom couldn't hold back the tears as she saw her hospitalised.

“How are you doing?”, she asked. Whitney paid no attention to her at first.

"I am sorry honey for putting you through all this pain”, she said tears shimmered down her eyes.

“I..I am feeling pains all over my body, mom”, she replied seeing how sober her mom has become because of the accident.

The doctor stepped in and brought with him the consent form.

“We need your permission to begin operation as soon as possible”, he informed her.

She collected it and filled out the necessary details before handing the documents back to him.

“Okay, we will begin the surgery as soon as possible”, The doctor informed her.

She held her hand softly. “I am right here honey, " she said and stepped out after spending several hours with her.

Her mom met me outside the ward, totally dismayed.

“How did it happen?”, she asked.

“I had an emergency at home and wasn't in my right state of mind when driving, I swear I didn't see her coming”, I said my voice shaking.

“Does it matter, she is in so much pain thanks to you”, she voiced out. “I don't know why kids this days choose to be irresponsible”,

“I am sorry”, I voiced out feeling remorseful for the pain I caused.

“Sorry doesn't fix everything you know”, she replied.

I couldn't blame her for being mad at me. I caused it. I was to be blamed.

I scratched my head in confusion. “I know….I pray she is alright”,

She looked at me sternly. “You better pray nothing happens to my daughter or else I will make sure you riot in jail”, she said firmly like a protective mother would.

All the while she was talking I didn't say a word. I allowed her to pour out her anger on me.

I deserved it for putting her in such a condition.

Hours passed like years.

The corridor was silent except for the ticking wall clock and the occasional echo of hurried footsteps.

Whitney’s mom sat rigidly on the chair, her hands clasped together, her head bowed as though holding onto faith by a thread. I remained a few steps away, afraid that my presence alone might ignite her anger again, yet unable to leave.

The operating room doors finally opened.

Both of us stood up at the same time.

The doctor stepped out, pulling down his mask. His expression was unreadable, and for a terrifying second, my heart stopped.

“How is my daughter?” her mom asked immediately, her voice trembling.

The doctor exhaled softly. “The surgery was successful.”

Whitney’s mom staggered forward, relief flooding her face. Her knees almost gave way as she pressed a hand to her chest, tears spilling freely now. “Thank God… thank God,” she whispered repeatedly.

I felt my own breath release shakily. My vision blurred as tears burned my eyes. She was alive. She made it.

“But,” the doctor continued, and my heart sank again, “she’s still in a critical stage. The next twenty-four hours are very important. She’ll be kept under close observation.”

Her mom nodded rapidly. “Can I see her?”

“In a while,” the doctor replied. “She’s been moved to recovery.”

As the doctor walked away, Whitney’s mom sank back into his chair, overwhelmed. She covered her face, her shoulders shaking as silent sobs escaped.

I stepped forward hesitantly. “I … I’m really sorry,” I said again, my voice breaking. “I swear I’d give anything to take this back.”

She looked up at me, her eyes red and swollen. For a moment, the anger returned, but it was weaker now, drowned by exhaustion and fear.

“Do you know what it feels like,” she said quietly, “to almost lose your child?”

I swallowed hard. “No, ma,” I replied. How could I when I have not been married before talk less of giving birth to a child.

“I hope you never do,” she replied.

Those words hurt more than her threats.

“I’ll cooperate with the police,” I added. “I won’t run. Whatever happens… I’ll face it.”, I said, trying to lighten up the situation.

She studied me for a long moment, then looked away. “Just pray she wakes up.”, she voiced out averting her gaze away from me

And I did. I prayed harder than I ever had in my life for Whitney to survive the surgery.

I couldn't bear to live with the regret that I caused it.

I overheard her speaking with someone over the phone, she sounded so devastated informing them of the situation at hand.

It didn't take much time as a man arrived at the hospital.

He sat down beside her trying his best to calm her spirit.

“Let's be hopeful and be patient since the doctor's report isn't so unfavourable”, he consoled her.

He turned his attention to me. “Young man, you ought to do better next time, but I am glad you didn't run away you brought her to the hospital to ensure she receive the necessary treatment”,

I breathe deeply. “I am sorry sir, it was never my intention and I can't wait for Whitney to be back again”, I responded.

He nodded his head, overwhelmed by the whole situation.

Whitney's mom couldn't control the tears and her emotions. She burst out. “It is all my fault, if I hadn't had that fight with her she wouldn't have ran away and gotten hit”,

“What do you mean?”, her dad asked.

“Well ... .I informed Whitney of the divorce when she came back home for mid-term break and also introduced her to Randolph, she didn't take the whole situation to strain”, she said, sobbing gently.

“We were having dinner and had a little bit of a misunderstanding, I…I tried to stop her but she won't listen, she…she walked out of the house”,she said shaking.

“I was stunned when I got a call informing me that Whitney has been admitted”, she burst out in tears again.

“If only I had stopped to think about how my actions would have affected her and inform her in a better manner she wouldn't be in that condition”,

With a shaking voice she admitted that “I know I am trying to blame the innocent man but I am also responsible, she wasn't so focused and probably didn't see that car coming”,

Her dad sighed deeply. “There is no need crying over spilled milk”, he said and embraced her.

“Whatever has happened you didn't plan for such a thing to happen and this situation has showed you how your actions really affect her”,

“I know you have always been looking for an escape route from our marriage, I know you think it was a mistake because you gave birth to Whitney when you were only a baby yourself”, he said calmly.

“But I really love you, Leighton. I have always loved you and want the best for us”,

She let the tears fall. “It's too late, we have tried to make it work and it wasn't working”,

“I know!...and I remember that we promise to separate as soon as Whitney is of age but can you have a rethink about your decision”,

She nodded her head. “I am sorry, I love Randolph he makes me happy”,

Whitney's dad was short of words. He knew begging his wife wouldn't do him any good.

“It's alright”, he said and planted a soft kiss on her forehead accepting the fact that she had fallen out of love with him.

My mind drifted to the name she had called. Randolph. That was my dad's name not like he was the only one that goes by that name.

I was still contemplating the coincidence when the doctor came out and called us in.

“We are glad that the operation was successful, you can go in to see her”, he informed us before leaving.

We all hurried and entered the ward to see her.

A shiver ran down my spine hearing she was hale and hearty from the doctor. This was like the best news I have heard in ages.

I didn't miss the joy in her eyes as she saw her mom and dad come in together. It glimmers with hope that they could all be a complete family one day.

I stood at one corner watching them before Whitney gestured to me with a familiar smile planted on her cheeks .

I smiled back and left the hospital ward headed to the cashier to make the necessary payment covering all expenses that involved her treatment before leaving.

I got into my car and drove home to meet my mom. My heart was racing on how to handle the storm at home.

Chapter Five

Whitney point of view

I'm so grateful to finally be feeling better after a few months of recovery.

Thanks to the support of my parents and Jason, I've regained my health and am now fully ready to resume my school activities.

I was soaked with self-pity wondering why everything was looking so gloomy for me when my mom called.

I hesitated but decided to pick it up seeing she wasn't going to relent if I don't. I knew how persistent she can be.

I picked it up reluctantly. "Hello mom", I replied.

"Hello my baby", she voiced out. She seemed to be really happy today. I couldn't help it.

I hated to see her happy when she was busy hurting other people like me and my dad.

"Aren't you excited to be meeting with Mr. Randolph", she informed me over the phone.

"Mom.....mom, get a grip of yourself you aren't a teenager", I informed her.

"Don't talk to me like I am some old woman, I am very much young and charming", she announced.

There was no doubt about that. My mom had me when she was sixteen years old. She was still in high-school. She and my dad had to get married after having me.

My mom had said it was to give me a family to grow up in. But now that I am an adult she said she no longer wants to be tied to such a life.

Luckily for her she had found love again.

"Hope you will be coming?", she asked, disrupting my thought process.

"Sure mom, I will", I couldn't afford to not be there plus I wanted to see Mr. Randolph son.

"Very good child", she said over the phone.

I sighed deeply wondering the day I would be able to break free from her and live my own life.

She seemed so relaxed and unbothered about a lot of things, especially my feelings.

I found my way home and knocked at the door. I opened in and walked in.

They were already seated in the dining area. I fixed my gaze at the table to be sure or counted correctly.

It was just the two of them.

"Sorry, I am late" I said and found my way to the table.

"At least you came, that's what matters" she voiced out as she put some rice on my plate.

"Thanks mom", I appreciated her.

"You welcome sweetie",

Mr. Randolph spoke next. "I am so sorry, my son couldn't be in attendance", he announced

"It's no longer a problem Randolph, we can always have another time isn't it?", she replied.

"Sure, I really wanted both of them to meet and get to know each other", he said.

"Absolutely",

"Whitney, how are you doing?", he asked with concern evident in his voice.

"I am better now", I said as I ate my food quietly. I wondered why his son wasn't here. Perhaps they weren't so excited about his decision as well.

What could be the reason for him leaving his family and hooking up with my mom.

After dinner Mr. Randolph planted a kiss on my mom and waved me goodbye before leaving.

I reciprocated.

My mom turned her gaze at me. "So what do you think about you being my chief bridesmaid",

I rolled my eyes. I wasn't cut out for all these.

"I don't know mom", I replied.

"I need you to say yes!", she said excitedly.

"Fine, I will", I replied.

As soon as we were done clearing the dinning the table. We both sat on the couch together.

My mom wrapped me in a blanket.

"I called dad?", I said calmly.

"okay, What's up with him?",

"He seemed good?", I replied.

"He said he loves me no matter what, and I should blame myself for the divorce", I said.

She nodded. "Infact, you should be really proud of yourself, your dad and I won't have lasted this long without you",

I averted my gaze to her. "Why did you bring me to this world if you knew you weren't going to be together, why did you fucking have sex",

For once I could see regret in her eyes flown from like tears. "Because it's complicated, we were young, I wasn't ready yet but I had to because we were practically living of your dad's parent, I had no money, I didn't know what to do",

"He had to accept their conditions, but along the line I realised he never really loved me Whitney, if I had never gotten pregnant with you I wouldn't have been in his life, I needed someone to love me for who I am, am I asking for too much",

"I am sorry that it looks like I wasn't thinking about you, but I have lived for you for so long given I have forgotten what it feels like to be happy", she said much to my amazement.

"When Randolph came I felt something different, something Luke couldn't give me for years", she said amidst tears.

I leaned closer and held my mom tightly. "I am so sorry for judging you mom", I voiced out.

"I...I didn't know you had this bottle up inside of you", I stammered.

"You deserve to be happy and if Randolph makes you happy then you have my full support", I said calmly.

"I will be your chief-bridesmaid", I informed her.

I wiped the tears from her face and didn't miss the smile that displayed as I said those last words.

I couldn't watch seeing my mom in such a state of despair. We might have not agreed on a lot of things together but I couldn't handle seeing her cry.

"Very well...we have a wedding to plan nevertheless", she wiped her face properly.

"I really don't like going through those memory lines at all", my mom said with a charming smile.

Would Leighton be truly happy if she gets married to Mr. Randolph?