Expect the Unexpected

Flashback to The Party

Sophie had taken it upon herself to do Tatum's hair and makeup.  She wanted her to be confident and get herself out there.  Sophie had done such a good job that Tatum looked like a different person.  Rather than her normal ponytail and t-shirt, she was wearing a sundress and her hair was done in ringlet curls.  She had never thought she would look anything like this, and she liked it.

Tatum had never felt more out of place than she did at that moment.  There were so many people at the party and all she could get herself to do was stand off to the back of the party.

Someone came up to her and said, "Hey pretty girl.  I haven't seen you around before."

Tatum looked up to be met face to face with Dempsey Larson, the football captain and her brother's best friend.  She laughed and said, "Hi Dempsey.  You've seen me before.  You've been to my house more times than I can count.  It's Tatum."

Dempsey said, "Whoa!  Sorry Tate.  I didn't recognize you.  What are you doing here?  You never come to these things."

It was time for a change.  Scott and Soph are graduating this year.  They are worried about me.  I need to get out of their shadows and make some friends of my own.  Their friends are only friends with me because they feel sorry for me."

"That's not true.  You are a cool girl.  You don't give yourself enough credit.  You put so much pressure on yourself and that isn't fair."

"Thanks, Dempsey.  That makes me feel a little bit better."

"Let me get you a drink." Dempsey got her a drink.  The two of them hung out.

Tatum had a couple of drinks.  She couldn't hold her alcohol.  She slurred, "D, you're hot."

Dempsey laughed.  "Thanks, Tate.  You're cute."

"I've always liked you."  Dempsey didn't truly take it to heart.  He knew she was drunk.  Then the unexpected happened.  Tatum leaned over and kissed him.

Before they knew what was happening, they were in a bedroom and Tatum was losing herself to her big brother's best friend and the guy that she had had a crush on for the biggest part of her life.

Tatum sighed as she came back to the present.  She said, "And when my baby asks how they came about I get to tell them I was drunk.  That I don't remember much.  That their dad didn't like me."

Sophie asked, "You are keeping the baby?"

"I don't know.  I just don't know if I am strong enough to give the baby up.  To know that a part of me is out in the world.  To not know if they are stuck in the system or if they have a family that is taking care of them."

"No matter what you decide, you will always have me.  I have your back."

"Thanks.  Do you have Dempsey's number?  I need to tell him while I still have the guts.  You were right.  He has a right to know about the baby.  Then I'll tell mom, dad and Scott when I get back."

Sophie put Dempsey's number in Tatum's phone.  Tatum text him, "Hi Dempsey.  It's Tatum.  Can you meet me at the park?"

He text back quickly, "30 okay?"

"Yes."

"See you then."

Tatum gave Sophie a hug and told her, "Thank you for being the best sister.  I'm so glad I have you on my side.  Wish me luck.  I'm off to have one of the hardest conversations I have ever had."

Sophie squeezed her sister a little tighter and said, "Good luck.  You are going to be fine.  No matter what.  I love you and I love my little niece or nephew."

Tatum left to head to the park.  She wasn't sure what was about to happen, but she was glad that she took her sister's advice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story.  This is the first "real" attempt I have made at writing for others to read on Wattpad.  Please leave your thoughts.  I'd love to hear them.  Happy reading!