Chapter 3: Chapter 3

8 HOURS AGO...

"I want you on the next flight back here immediately, Cole. Do not think I'm joking!! If I do not see you here in the next twenty-four hours, you have me to contend with. We're either going to do this the easy way, or the hard way. And you know that I'm capable of making all this very messy for you," these were the threats Cole's dad yelled to him over the phone before ending the call.

He remembered throwing the phone across the bed, fuming so much in anger that he kicked the bedside drawer so hard, it broke. But that became the least of his worries.

Just when he had the chance to leave the godforsaken city, he'd been forced back into the city of abyss. He hated Louisiana so much because of the bad memories he had there. First, his mum died in that city four years ago. He'd been tagged infamous for his different actions. No one understood him in that city apart from his best friend, Liam. Not even his dad understood him.

He was the irresponsible kid, who was known for commiting a lot of reckless actions without caring what other would. However, he knew better than to mess with his dad, or disobey him.

He couldn't call bluff on his father's threats. He knew that his father was capable of pulling every string he could, even if it meant sending some wolves to find and bundle him back to Louisiana. He had no choice but to return, because he knew that it was going to happen sooner or later.

Now his scandalous actions were drawing him back to the place he hated the most.

If only he had protected sex with Shantel...

He tried getting out of his head by shutting his eyes and taking deep breaths, but the temporary peace was short-lived as a notification came up, telling them that the plane had safely landed in Louisiana.

He took a quick glance at the window, and the sight of the clear road and green bushes twisted his intestines so hard, he wanted to throw up.

They finally got out, and the Louisiana wind stung his skin, and he hated it.

He got away from the plane, walking towards Liam who was waiting to pick him up from the airport.

With the wide grin and welcoming hands, Cole could tell that his friend was happy with the fact that he was back to Louisiana.

"Turns out the Moon Goddess had other plans for you after all," he said as he hugged Cole tight and took his luggage.

"That is really not funny, Liam. I don't need you to laugh at my predicament," Cole muttered with a frown.

"Look at the upside, Cole. At least you still get to be with me," Liam argued as he led the way to the car.

"There is no upside to this situation, Liam. I was finally away from this godforsaken place, only to be dragged back by my dad for a stupid scandal,"

"Argue what you want. All I know is that I'm about to be a godfather," he teased as he started the car.

"I wish they brought the chauffeur to pick me up," Cole mumbled, and Liam sneered.

****

"So, you knew that you got Shantel pregnant, and you left the city?! What was the plan? To leave her to fend for herself?!" Mr. Darell questioned in rage, his voice booming and echoing all over the large, spacious living room.

This was the part Cole was dreading - facing his father.

"I didn't know about it until I landed in New York city. She told me only when I arrived-"

"And what we're you planning to do about it? Deny it, right? What difference did it make, whether you knew about when you were in Louisiana or in New York? You wanted to chicken out!!"

"Dad, I'm still young. Too young to be held down by a pregnancy allegation. I have a lot ahead of me. I still want to have fun and every my bachelor years. This came to soon-"

"Then maybe you should've thought about that before you fucked her raw, goddammit! Why do I have such an empty brain for a son? I let you live your life... I give you a free hand, and what did you do? You impregnated your girlfriend! And now you're telling me you're to young to be held down?! You're too young to be held down, but you're not to young to have sex - or worse - have sex without protection?!!"

By this time, Mr. Darell's face was as red a boiled tomato. Liam who was quietly seated hoped he wouldn't get a cardiac arrest, the way Mr. Darell yelled at his son.

"What if it wasn't pregnancy? What if she had an STD? What would've happened if you contacted it? Who would take over my million dollar business, as it is that you're my only son?" He questioned Cole, trying to keep his emotions in check so he wouldn't do anything he would regret.

"Dad, I know that I fucked up, but I can still get redemption. I swear I've learnt my lesson. If only we could find pay Shantel's family a large sum of money, so they would a way to-"

"If you're thinking of getting them to abort the pregnancy, perish that stupid thought, because that's not going to happen. Her parents will have none of it," he almost groaned. "I've let live in so much foolishness. I've let you get away with a lot of things, but not this. You're going to face this squarely. Congratulations, Cole. You're about to be a dad," Mr. Darrel said as his hands fell in frustration. He left Cole and Liam, cursing as he stormed up the stairs.

"I need to take my mind off things, Liam. This is too much for me,"

"Well, there's a mating party coming up tonight. There are going to be lots of drinks-"

"Come pick me up by 10pm," Cole interrupted his best friend. This was the best way to get his mind off things.