Barefoot & Pregnant: A New Adult Romance

by S Cinders

  What he found was both endearing and troubling. There sprawled across the back of the couch was Colt sawing logs. That wasn’t that surprising. It was that Katie was snuggled up tightly against him. Liam blew out a breath. He needed to talk to Colt, to see what this was and where it was going.

  Liam loved Colt like a brother, but his priority was Katie. If Colt was just dicking her around, he would rip his balls off—best friend or not.

  Liam went over to the television and switched it off. Deciding that he didn’t want to get into whatever this was until the morning, he grabbed a blanket and laid it over them.

  Colt’s eyes popped open, confused and disoriented he tried to move. It was then that he realized just how carefully he was holding Katie.

  Liam raised a brow while whispering, “Comfy?”

  “It’s not what it looks like!” Colt’s sleep laden voice amused Liam to no end. But he wasn’t about to tell Colt that.

  “What the hell is going on?” Liam kept his voice hard.

  “We just fell asleep watching a movie. I swear man, I didn’t touch her!”

  “It looks like you are touching quite a bit of her right now,” Liam’s quiet tone was menacing.

  “Shit, I don’t know how we ended up this way. I swear to you Liam, I wasn’t doing anything!” Colt’s eyes were wild, and it seemed that the more he tried to wriggle away, the harder Katie held on.

  “But you wanted to,” Liam’s statement hung between them.

  “Damn,” Liam whispered, “I didn’t…”

  “He’s yanking your chain,” Katie rolled over, releasing an obviously upset, Colt. “Liam, stop being such a shit-head. I didn’t do anything with Colt, and you know it.”

  A smile broke across Liam’s face, “You should have seen your face, man. You were scared shitless!”

  Colt frowned, as Katie sat up and looked over her shoulder at him, “I wouldn’t do that to you, Liam.”

  Katie quirked a brow, “Wouldn’t do that to him, or wouldn’t do that to me? Never mind, I don’t want to know. I am going to bed.”

  Standing up, Katie raised her arms above her head to stretch while yawning. Liam’s tank had fallen off one of her shoulders, leaving her lacy pink bra on display. The movement also spread the fabric over her slightly rounding stomach. Colt was mesmerized.

  Coming to his senses, Colt quickly looked at Liam, who was smirking back at him.

  Katie started walking to the door, but on second thought turned to add, “But even if I let him do whatever you were accusing him of, it would be none of your damn business, Liam. It’s not like I can get more pregnant.”

  Colt choked, coughing and turning red, “I did nothing to get her pregnant! I swear it!”

  Liam shook his head. They apparently needed to talk. “Goodnight, Kat, love you.”

  Katie waved to them disinterestedly and headed to bed.

  Liam turned to his best friend, “We need to talk.”

  Colt nodded uneasily.

  “I know that you have feelings for Katie.”

  Colt didn’t speak for a moment.

  “Don’t lie to me, man,” Liam warned.

  “I wasn’t going to,” Colt’s serious tone surprised Liam. “I just wasn’t sure what to say. Yeah, I have feelings for Katie. I tried not to, but there is something there. But you are my best friend. I would never have acted upon it without talking to you.”

  Liam sat beside him, “Colt, I’ve known you nearly our entire lives. I could tell that something was going on between you two. And, no, before you ask, Katie hasn’t said anything to me. But I can see the way you watch her. But, Colt, she’s going to have a baby. You are nineteen years old. Are you ready to take that on? Are you planning on going to college here, to have a family? This isn’t just any girl. This is my sister. I would do anything for her, even beat the shit out of you. Please don’t make me do that.”

  Colt hung his head, “I don’t want to lie to you man. I don’t know the answer to any of those things. But I would never hurt her.”

  Liam looked at his friend, “I know that you would never intentionally hurt her. But she’s been through a lot. Just promise me that you won’t start anything until you know some of those answers.”

  Colt stared back, man to man, “I swear to you, that I will not start anything unless I plan on seeing it through.”

  “That’s all I can ask for,” Liam sunk back into the couch closing his eyes. His euphoric feeling from Heidi’s company was no replaced by the familiar worry about his sister. Life had a way of chopping him down to size.

  CHAPTER 10

  “Katie, this is a safe place where you can express anything that you like. I want you to feel comfortable here.”

  Katie eyed Dr. Franklin warily. Everyone, who was anyone, knew that physiologists were quacks. And Katie wasn’t crazy. Yes, she may have made some crummy choices in the past year. And yes, the death of her parents had been extremely hard on her. But it was the death of her parents. Who wouldn’t have a difficult time in that situation? The last place on earth she wanted to be was in Dr. Frankenstein’s office talking about her feelings. He might as well tell her to ‘lie down’ and ‘how does that make you feel?’ Katie wouldn’t even be there if child protective services hadn’t have done an investigation after she had gotten pregnant.

  Katie had argued with Liam when therapy had first been presented as an option. She felt that trying to become emancipated would be a better option. The deciding factor had been Mrs. A, who unfortunately for Katie, sided with Liam.

  Katie blew out a breath, watching the few strands of blonde hair fall back against her face. Every other week she walked a few buildings down from the school to sit on this ass-wipe’s couch and stare at his outdated decorating. She never said much of anything, to Katie this was without a doubt, a complete waste of time.

  Hoping the hour was nearly over, Katie glanced at the clock.

  How could it only be seventeen after? Katie internally groaned, Kill me now!

  “How are things going at school?” Dr. Franklin peered over his wire glasses.

  The reminded Katie of the ones that Napoleon Dynamite had worn.

  Classy guy, Mr. Franklin, he must get all the ladies—lunch ladies, that is.

  Katie snorted at her own thoughts.

  Mr. Franklin lit up, “I see you are smiling. Would you say that things are going better?”

  Katie threw him a bone, “Sure.”

  Mr. Franklin beamed, “What have you done differently this week?”

  This was the problem with answering his questions, Katie thought. He was a greedy little Frankenstein, that always wanted to know more.

  “Not a damn thing,” Katie replied, wanting to shut down this line of questioning.

  Dr. Franklin frowned, “Do you know what George Washington said about profanity?”

  Katie yawned, “No, but I am certain you are about to enlighten me.”

  Dr. Franklin pursed his lips, “He said that that ‘the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.”

  Katie raised a brown, “Interesting tidbit, no doubt, Dr. Frankenstein, but I find it odd that George would be so against it when in court you are asked by a judge to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. “

  Dr. Franklin flushed, “Katie, my name is Dr. Franklin, not Dr. Frankenstein, as I have repeatedly told you.”

  Katie grinned, “Oh my goodness, that was not the least bit intentional—I swear! Ooops! Damn it, I did it again—sorry George!”

  Dr. Franklin sighed, “Katie, I just don’t feel like you are getting anywhere in your therapy. You do realize that this is for you. As much as I like your witty banter, it isn’t helping to resolve anything.”

  Katie forced herself to not roll her eyes. “I am sorry Dr. Franklin, I will try harder.”

  “It’s not about trying harder, Katie. What is
it about me that you are having a hard time opening up?”

  Katie looked at him. Dr. Franklin was a middle aged balding man that looked like a cross between a ferret and a terrier. His brown clothing, matched his brown tattered carpet and chair. The room smelled like mildew and dirty feet, and yet the man always had incense burning.

  Was there dirty feet scented incense? Was that medicinal? These are the things that weighed on Katie’s mind during therapy. Not spilling all her dirtiest and darkest feelings to the man who wanted to be her next BFF.

  Katie glanced at the clock, thirty minutes remaining, she would never survive. Dr. Franklin continued to stare at her, apparently wanting answer.

  They were in a bit of a stand off because Katie didn’t want to give one.

  The minutes dragged on, as neither of them spoke. Katie began to feel warm, it was as if time had completely stopped. His beady eyes stayed glued on her face.

  “It’s none of your damn business, Dr. Frankenstein!”

  Katie covered her mouth, where had that come from?

  Dr. Franklin nodded slowly, but didn’t speak.

  Several minutes went by on the clock, Katie could swear she aged a year for every one of them. Finally, she couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

  “I don’t see the point of this!”

  Dr. Franklin raised a brow.

  “Are you now going to speak at all? Because that would be amazing. But stop looking at me! I am sick of people looking at me, judging me. Acting like I am the worst person in the world. I am not the first teenager that has ever had sex. Nor am I the first teen pregnancy in this hell-hole of a town. And just for your input, I couldn’t give a flying rats-ass about what George Washington had to say,” Katie was breathing heavily.

  “Who is judging you?” Dr. Franklin asked.

  “Everyone! That’s a stupid ass question, I am a seventeen-year-old, having a baby!” Katie ranted.

  “And there is something wrong with that?” Dr. Franklin added.

  “Yes! Did you not hear me? I am seventeen! I am supposed to be going out on the weekends to parties. Sneaking out of my parent’s home to meet boys that they don’t approve of. Deciding where I want to go to college. But that’s all gone, everything is wrong now. None of my friends will speak to me. My brother is terrified that I was raped. He even warned his best friend to stay away from me so I wouldn’t ruin his life. I am a bad bargain. What future is left for me and my baby? My life is ruined and it is my own fucking fault.”

  Tears raced down Katie’s cheeks, “My parents would be so disappointed in me. It’s probably best they aren’t around to see what I have become.”

  Dr. Franklin picked up a box of tissues and gently handed it to Katie. “Tell me about your parents, what were they like?”

  Katie wiped at her eyes, “Dad was tall like Liam but super goofy. He loved singing, but might have been the worst singer on the planet. But that didn’t stop him. He would walk up the stairs singing this horrible wake-up song every morning. And I would lay in my bed and pray that he would skip my room. But he never did. He would come in and flip the light on, singing at the top of his lungs.”

  She choked on a sob, “What I wouldn’t give to have him sing one of those stupid-ass songs.”

  “He sounds like an amazing dad,” Dr. Franklin replied, “Tell me about your mom, was she like him?”

  “Mom?” Katie snorted, “Mom was nothing like dad. She was always so classy and put together. Mom was the highest paid realtor five years running. She could talk anyone into anything. I remember her telling me all about Space Camp, how amazing it would be and how I couldn’t miss this opportunity. When I got there and realized that it was just more school, I was so mad.”

  Katie smiled, “She was always doing things like that.”

  Dr. Franklin smiled back, “I wish that I could have known them, they sound amazing.”

  “Yeah,” Katie blew her nose. “Everyone liked them.”

  “I can see why they would,” he added.

  Katie glanced at him, “Why do you say that?”

  “Because I have met their amazing daughter. I imagine it would take some great parents to produce someone like you.”

  Katie’s lips trembled, “I am nothing.”

  Dr. Franklin shook his head, “On that Katie, I am sorry to say you are just dead wrong.”

  CHAPTER 11

  Katie had been quiet all day. Liam didn’t know what to think. When he picked her up after therapy she had come out with red swollen eyes. Liam had to take a deep breath, because a strong part of him wanted to go in and punch the shit out of that Dr. He didn’t bring Katie here to make her unhappier. However, Liam knew that he was out of his depths with his younger sister. He hadn’t been able to reach her, to help ease her pain.

  Liam and Katie sat in silence as they headed back toward home. They lived in a nice neighborhood, with immaculate lawns. Each family making well above the median average, several homes featured pools and a few had guest houses. Colt had texted that he was planning on swimming at his home if they wanted to come over when Katie was finished with her appointment.

  Katie’s phone pinged, Liam watched as she took it out. A small smile spread across her face. Liam felt his heart clench, it was damn nice to see her smile.

  “Who is it?” Liam asked making a left turn and pulling the SUV into the garage.

  “Oh,” Katie looked up, “Just Colt, he said that the water is amazing. Do you want to go swim?”

  Liam felt dread in his gut. A feeling he was not unused to having, it would be a miracle if he made it to his twentieth birthday without ulcers. However, he had already spoken with Colt about his concerns regarding Katie. It came down to whether he trusted his friend or not. And Liam trusted Colt with his life.

  Forcing a smile, he replied, “I have a crap load of homework, you go on ahead. As soon as I finish up I will head over.”

  Katie nodded absentmindedly as she got out of the car, “Okay, that sounds good. And Liam?”

  They were almost to the door, Katie standing on the second step, making her more her brother’s height.

  “What is it, Bug?” Liam quirked his brow.

  Katie threw her arms around her brother. Liam was shocked, Katie wasn’t one for any type of physical expression.

  Laughing, Liam awkwardly hugged her back, “Is everything okay?”

  Katie smiled up at him, it was one of the first real smiles that he had seen in months. “Yeah, I just don’t think that I tell you enough how much I appreciate you. You are the best brother, Liam.”

  Liam blushed, “I am your only brother, you have nothing to compare me with. But I will take it. You are not so bad yourself, Kat.”

  Katie rolled her eyes, “Talk about being ‘damned by faint praise’.”

  Liam gave her a playful shove into the house, “There is no reason to bring Shakespeare into this, Bug. You know that I love you. How else would I have put up with your sorry ass?”

  Katie laughed, “George Washington would have been highly offended by your potty-mouth. He has scathing things to say about those that curse”

  Liam was confused, “What in the hell are you talking about?”

  Katie giggled walking to the stairs, “Nothing, it was something random that Dr. Frankenstein said today. But I have a feeling old George let loose a time or two himself. Nobody is perfect, right?”

  Liam smiled, “Not a one of us.”

  ***

  Katie hummed to herself as she changed into her white and peach stripped bikini. It was a bit smaller than the last time she wore it. Her breasts seemed to overfill the small triangles, and her stomach definitely poked out. But it was the only swimming suit that Katie owned, and she desperately wanted to relax by the pool.

  Throwing on her white swimsuit cover up and grabbing a fluffy beach towel Katie went to the backyard. She walked over to the gate in the fence that led into Anderson’s yard. This gate had seen a lot of action over the years with the three of them
racing back and forth between houses. Katie remembered a time that they had been sleeping in a tent. Liam had convinced Katie that one of the scary stories about a man with a hook was Colt’s dad. And that he was looking for a hand to replace his hook.

  They didn’t see Mr. Anderson very often, and Katie couldn’t really remember how many hands Colt’s dad had. She couldn’t ask Mrs. A. And he was Mr. Anderson, not Mr. A. He travelled for work all over the world. Mrs. A stayed with Colt so that he could have a normal childhood in one location. But she often flew out to meet her husband. When Katie’s parents were alive they would watch Colt until she returned. He didn’t like going to see his dad. Mr. Anderson hardly ever came home, he always wanted Colt and Mrs. A to meet him wherever he was working. Katie had remembered Mr. Anderson as so cold and distant. It was hard to understand how he and Colt were even related.

  This night happened to be one of the rare occasions that Mr. Anderson was in town. The moment he opened the squeaky gate and called out to them Katie started freaking out. She was begging him not to steal her hand. Colt and Liam about wet themselves laughing. Mr. Anderson had not been amused.

  “What are you doing, Katie-cat?” Colt called out to her, shaking Katie from her revelry.

  Katie smiled at his handsome face poking out above the edge of the deep end of the pool. The water made rivulets of his bleached-out hair from his constant time in the sun.

  “Just remembering that time you idiots convinced me your dad was the claw man.” Katie crossed over to the lounger she preferred and kicked off her flip flops. Taking the hem of her coverup she pulled it over her head, “That was such a dick move, I cannot understand how I believed that.”

  She turned back to him grinning, but the look on his face stopped Katie in her tracks.

  Colt’s eyes were wide as he took in the goddess in front of him. Katie’s lean frame had filled out in all the right places. Colt couldn’t breathe. He had decided to keep things strictly platonic with her. No matter how much he wanted to grab Katie and kiss her face off. He knew that she had enough going on without him trying to force a relationship on her. But all those noble intentions flew out the window the moment she turned around.