Hearts Attached by Scarlet Wolfe Page A

sister’s lap, and let’s get this over with,” mommy says.
    I make a mean face, and my sister’s eyes get tears in them. “Please, Luke, it will help.”
    I hate when she cries. It’s wike when Kenzie cries. I hate it, so just for her, I way my head on her wap and cose my eyes tight. She pats my hair when the mean doctor sticks that sharp thing in my weg.
    ***
    “L uke, are you going to be OK?” Liv asks.
    I don’t know how long we’ve been in my room. I’m still in shock. “Yeah. I have to be strong for Kenzie.” I sit up and look at my sister.
    “I don’t have to tell you that Mom and Dad are going to totally freak, but I’ll be right there to support you.”
    “Thanks, sis. Kenzie did nothing wrong, so please don’t be mad at her. We were careful but obviously not enough.”
    “I’m not mad at her. I feel terrible for the both of you. I should go check on her.”
    “She was pretty upset, so that would be good. Please don’t tell her what a mess I am, and watch for Dad. He thinks she’s contagious and won’t let you go if he sees you.”
    “I hope it’s not contagious,” she says with a smile.
    I actually chuckle, and there is nothing funny about this, but I have to do something to keep my sanity.
    “Thanks, Liv, you know, for this.”
    “You would do the same for me. I’m sorry I’ve been difficult about you and Kenzie.”
    My sister leaves, and I attempt to do homework. I don’t know how I’ll ever concentrate on school.
    After about an hour of studying, I hear Liv shut her door, so I text Kenzie.
    Me: How are you feeling?
    Kenz: Physically, I’m good. I see there’s a definitive reason why it’s called morning sickness. I’m going to the treehouse to think. I love you.
    Me: Love you, too.
    I walk over to the window and wait for Kenzie. I can’t see her, but I see the flashlight aimed toward the treehouse.
    After telling my Dad goodnight, I grab a blanket from my closet and put on warm clothing. Quietly, I open a window and throw the blanket to the ground before climbing onto the tree that’s right by my room.
    McKenzie
    Taking a blanket and pillow, I walk out to the treehouse. It’s the place I always go when I feel life is kicking my ass. When I was young, it was a place to pretend I was someone else, but since becoming a teenager, it’s a hideaway to figure out who I truly am.
    I’m lying on my side, curled up under the blanket, when I hear footsteps. I smile, knowing it’s Luke.
    “Hi, do you want to be alone?” he asks.
    “Not when I can be with you.”
    Once he sits down, I can see his face and shimmering eyes, from where the moon is casting light through the small window. After slipping off his shoes, he gets under the blanket with me before pulling another one over top of us.
    I snuggle up to him, my refuge encircling me with his arms before he kisses my forehead. The cool, fall air mingling with his warm breath hits my face.
    “How was your talk with Liv?” he asks.
    “Good. She was supportive. I’m not going to lie; I was surprised.”
    “I’m glad she’s getting back to her old self,” he says.
    “When I told my dad goodnight, he said my mom is coming home in a couple of days.”
    “That’s good. I’m sure you miss her.”
    “My grandparents are doing better, so she’s going to come home and then visit them on the weekends. I think we should tell my parents once she’s here.”
    “Oh, Luke, it’s going to be awful.”
    “We’ll get through it.”
    “I know you’re trying to be strong for me.”
    “Why is that a bad thing? You’re the one having to feel sick every day.”
    “I’m leaning toward adoption, Luke. You know it’s what has to happen for you to follow in your dad’s footsteps.” I lay my cheek to his chest. “But then I think about how difficult it will be to give up our baby, and I have doubts.”
    “I was thinking the same thing. I feel like we should give him or her to a couple that have good jobs already and who are unable