Still watching

I slam the door shut behind me, but of course, Collins is already inside. He’s in my living room now—he’d stubbornly followed me all the way home like I knew he would. I can feel the tension buzzing in my chest, my lungs tight. I take a deep breath, holding it in as long as I can before I spin around to face him.

“I told you not to follow me,” I snap, my voice sharp, breathless. “You being here won’t make me change my mind over what I choose to do about the pregnancy. If I want to keep it or not, that’s my decision.”

Collins takes a slow step toward me. Then another. His expression is soft but pained, eyes locked on mine like he’s trying to reach some hidden part of me. He wraps his arms around me gently, as if the world will fall apart if he moves too fast.

“Please, Aria,” he whispers. “Please don’t do this. I promise you, I’ll be good to you and the baby. I’ll take care of you both. You don’t have to abort our child if you’re afraid… if you’re afraid be