Chapter 4 Oh, you've got to be kidding me

Naomi sat on the edge of her narrow bed, her hands trembling as they clutched the small white stick.

The second pink line glared back at her like an accusation. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she couldn't move or think. She couldn't even cry.

She was pregnant.

It had been three weeks since that night, the night she couldn't fully remember, and now this. Her suspicion was right, her body had been acting funny, and now she had the proof of something she wished had never happened.

A soft knock at her door made her jump. Before she could answer, Meredith barged in, her eyes already narrowed, suspicion thick in her voice.

"What's going on in here? Why are you locked away like some sulking brat?" Meredith's gaze fell on the test in Naomi's lap. Her lips curled in triumph. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."

Naomi tried to hide it, but Meredith was already striding over, snatching it from her hands.

"No... please..." Naomi whispered, panic flooding her veins but it was too late.

Meredith's laugh was sharp and cold. "Well, well, well. I knew it. I knew you were nothing but a little slut."

"Mum, please. It's not what you think." Naomi's voice broke as tears welled in her eyes.

Meredith's face darkened. She hurled the test stick across the room, grabbed Naomi by the arm, and dragged her toward the door. "Oh, shut up! God knows I can't give birth to a slut, I know exactly what to think. Jacob!" she bellowed down the hall. "Get in here!"

"No! Don't...please..." Naomi pleaded, but Meredith was already pulling her into the hallway.

Jacob appeared at the top of the stairs, his face creased with confusion. "What's going on?"

Meredith shoved Naomi forward. "Ask your precious daughter what's going on or better yet, let me tell you...she's pregnant. She's been sneaking out, spreading her legs for God knows who!"

Naomi shook her head, trembling. "Dad, no. I swear...I don't know how...."

Jacob's face drained of colour, his gaze flicked between Meredith's fury and Naomi's tear-streaked face. "Is this true, Naomi?" His voice was hollow and hurt.

"I didn't...I don't know...I don't remember..."

Meredith didn't let her finish. She advanced, her voice rising in venom.

"Bitch, you're a whore. I blame your mother for not raising you well before she died!" Meredith screamed, her hand flying out, slapping Naomi so hard her head snapped to the side.

Naomi gasped, her palm flying to her stinging cheek. All of a sudden...a flash.

She saw herself, tangled in silk sheets, lips pressed to a stranger's skin, tearing at his shirt, hands desperate and wild. His voice was deep, and they were making out wildly.

"What the hell...?" Naomi swayed, breathless, the room spinning.

"I... I remember..." she whispered, to herself.

"Remember what? The countless men you let touch you?" Meredith spat, advancing again. "You've brought shame to this family, your father's name, my name!"

Jacob's shoulders slumped, his eyes filled with disappointment. "How could you do this, Naomi? How could you?"

"I don't know how it happened or why, this is not me!" Naomi cried, but her voice cracked under the weight of their disgust.

Isabella appeared at the doorway, arms folded, eyes sparkling with malice. "Told you she was trouble, Mom, should've thrown her out ages ago."

Meredith nodded, breathing hard. "You're right and now we will. Jacob, you have to do something. We can't have this scandal ruin us. People will talk."

Naomi reached out toward her father, desperation raw in her voice. "Please, Daddy, please believe me."

Jacob looked at her as if he didn't even recognise her. "I can't, Naomi. You getting pregnant out of wedlock is a lot."

Meredith seized the moment. "We'll marry her off, yes, quietly. Before this disgrace becomes public. I'll find someone." She thought for a while, pacing the room, and stopped. "What about Benjamin Lee, he has his eyes on you. I'm sure he'll love to make you his wife."

Naomi froze, her blood turning cold. Benjamin Lee. A man twice her age, he was ruthless and cruel. She'd seen how he looked at women, like they were objects to own.

"No... no, please..." she whispered, but no one heard her or maybe they just didn't care.

Meredith grabbed her arm again, steering her toward her room. "You'll stay in here until we have a plan. And if you even think about leaving this house, Naomi, I swear you'll regret it."

Naomi stumbled inside, the door slamming shut behind her and the lock clicked.

She sank to the floor, heart racing, tears spilling unchecked.