collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•eleven• before

~~~~~Haerin

The last few weeks have been a blur. Naeun Unnie watched my mother kick my abdomen after throwing me down the stairs. I don't remember it, but the pain when I woke up in the hospital was unreal. She couldn't stand by like that, so she had called the police. I'm now in her studio apartment after being discharged from the hospital. My parents fired her immediately when she helped me. My baby and I would probably be dead if she hadn't done what she did. I'll never be able to repay her.

Today I'm going to go see the Jeons and I am frightened. Will they turn me away? I just want to know where Jeongguk is. He has the right to know he's going to be a father. The sun is shining, but the cool air of the coming fall is welcome. I put on a pair of sweat pants Unnie got for me, and head out. I left the only home I've ever known with nothing. I don't even have identification because I had to leave it all behind. That's a problem for another day I guess.

I walk slowly to not tire myself too much. It takes about an hour, but I finally make it to the door of my boyfriend's parents. He's still my boyfriend, right? My palms are sweaty, and I feel nauseous from the nerves. To not chicken out, I ring the bell without waiting. The next 30 seconds seem to be the longest of my life.

When the door opens, Mrs. Jeon greets me sweetly. I feel relieved for the first time since I found out about the pregnancy. After I'm invited in, we sit at the table and she brings me some water to drink with a plate of cookies. We talk about nothing for a few minutes and I finally get some courage.

"Aunty... I haven't been able to reach Jeongguk. Is he alright?"

"Yes dear. He's perfectly fine. I'll let him know you asked about him when he calls next."

"Do you know why he hasn't contacted me? I've missed him so much... Jimin too."

"I don't know Haerin. I'm sure he's just really busy. I'll scold him for being a bad friend the next time we hear from him."

I feel like the air in the room has changed, and the idea that I'm just being tolerated settles in. I almost decide against telling her about the baby, but push forward. They should know... They're going to be grandparents after all...

"Aunty... I have some news."

"Oh? Is it that you're going to school for production like you wanted?"

"Not right now... I had to put that on hold... I can't go right now because..."

"Because what dear?"

"I'm pregnant!"

I blurt it out, and squeeze my eyes shut, waiting to be slapped. When nothing happens, I crack an eye open and see a pale looking Mrs. Jeon staring at me.

"I'm sorry that you're going through that Haerin. How are your parents taking it?"

"Not good... They threw me out."

"Hmmmm... What do want from me then?"

Her question makes me frown, but I take a deep breath before I speak again.

"I don't want anything but to speak to Jeongguk. Can you give me his new phone number?"

"No. I can't do that."

I'm shocked to say the least. Her face has changed, and I don't feel any warmth from her anymore. I fiddle my fingers while I try to think of what else to say. I never thought she would respond that way.

"I think it's time for you to go Haerin."

"But Aunty"

"Don't call me that anymore either. My son made his choice, and it was to leave you behind. We won't be seeing you anymore, so it's best to go back to being formal."