HURT FOR ME

Chapter Thirty-Seven - Love Story

"I love you, and that's all I really know."

- Taylor Swift

Olivia Bennett

"Olivia Grace!" My mother exclaimed, my first and middle name didn't sound nearly as good when she said it compared to Aaron.

Upon awakening in the hospital, one might expect a warm welcome from their mother, but in my case, it was quite the opposite. I inwardly sighed, feeling exasperated, as she scolded me as though I were still a child.

"Are you telling me you're pregnant?!" Her gaze shifted back and forth between Aaron and me. "You've squandered the opportunity of having a perfectly decent child with...him!" She motioned dismissively towards him. With a deep breath, I closed my eyes, attempting to regain composure before addressing my mother.

"It isn't your decision," I defended Aaron. "And I don't need you to tell me about my love life."

Shaking her head, she remarked, "Of course it is, Olivia!" Disgust contorted her features as she maintained her glare towards Aaron. "This despicable person won't stick around for you, dear. He'll simply abandon you."

In response to an audible expression of anger from Aaron, I swiftly concluded that it was best for my mother to depart. "You may leave," I stated firmly, my expression conveying utmost seriousness.

She ran a stressed hand across her forehead, attempting to gather her thoughts. "Olivia..."

"No," I firmly denied her attempt to prolong the conversation. "You need to leave."

In an unexpected turn, my father appeared at the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing an uneasy smile. I couldn't help but despise my mother's behavior. I yearned for our child to have loving and involved grandparents, rather than distant ones. Given my mother's attitude towards Aaron and me, it was evident that she wouldn't be around frequently which meant the same for my father.

"Hi," he cautiously approached me, as if anticipating a sudden outburst or attack. With a genuine smile, I warmly welcomed him into the room, assuring him that I held no ill intentions.

"Hi, dad."

He carefully placed the beautiful bouquet on the small table next to my bed, its vibrant colors adding a touch of cheer to the room. Leaning down, he planted a tender kiss on my forehead, a gesture filled with affection and care. Then, he took a step back, creating a subtle but noticeable distance between us.

"Hello, Aaron," my father greeted him, catching me off guard, as I had anticipated that he would share similar sentiments as my mother did towards him.

Aaron extended his hand across the bed, reaching out to my father. "Hi, sir," he greeted respectfully. I couldn't help but smile at his courteous gesture. My father reciprocated the handshake, acknowledging the greeting.

"Is it true... about the baby?" My father inquired, his voice filled with curiosity and anticipation. In response, I gently lifted the thick blanket, revealing the growing bump on my abdomen. "Oh!" My father's eyes widened with amazement as he stared at my stomach in awe, realizing the reality of the situation.

"We have to go," my mother snapped, her arms tightly crossed over her chest, displaying her impatience and determination to leave.