AU

"Oh my god"

His words trembled out of his mouth, his thoughts racing. Griffin didn't even bother to pick up the tiny box from the floor or his snacks, as he quickly rushed upstairs, not even worrying about waking up the hotel. With the pregnancy test grasped tightly in his hand, he made his way down the hallway toward his bedroom. In a moment of anticipation, he swung the door open, only to be greeted by the sight of his girlfriend, comfortably lounging on his bed with her phone in hand. Her cascading curls cascaded down her back, her attire consisting of a black sports bra paired with flannel shorts.

Upon catching sight of him, Harper looked up from her phone, her eyes meeting his. "Did you get the food, bubby?"

"Um...No," Griffin said, firmly closing the door behind him. Weary from the events, he walked over to his bed and sank down on the edge. Sensing his distress, Harper positioned herself closer, kneeling with her feet tucked beneath her. Observing the visible strain on the 17-year-old's face, Harper's own expression contorted into a pout. With a compassionate gesture, she leaned in and gently pressed her lips against his ear, evoking an immediate smile from Griffin. However, his expression swiftly transformed into one of deep concern as he met her gaze, his eyes betraying his worries.

"I have to ask you something," he stated. She acknowledged with a nod.

"So, when Lucas kidnapped you..." Griffin began, already sensing Harper's unease as her legs subtly shuffled.

"Griffin," she whimpered.

"Hey, Hey, I know you don't like talking about it, but I need to find something out," he persisted.

"When Lucas took you, Were you ra-"

"Yes," Harper whispered, her voice filled with a mix of urgency and emotion, as her eyes began to well up, threatening to release a floodgate of tears. Sensing her vulnerability, Griffin tenderly grazed his fingertips against hers, In that moment, their fingers intertwined.

Lost in his thoughts, Griffin stared intently at the floor, his expression vacant and distant. Breaking the silence, he finally mustered the courage to share the recent turn of events.

"There was something in the mail, and it was a note from Lucas" he uttered, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Harper's eyes widened in astonishment, her anticipation growing with each passing second.

Griffin's voice trembled slightly as he continued, "The note talked about how upset he is, but what caught my attention was a box that came with it... and a pregnancy test was inside."

With a cautious movement, Griffin gradually unveiled his left hand from its hiding place behind his back. Time stood still as Harper's gaze fixated on the pregnancy test, her mind overwhelmed with a cascade of thoughts and emotions.

"For you and for me, we need to know," Griffin asserted with unwavering determination. Harper fixed her gaze upon him, her eyes becoming teary and her quivering lips revealing her overwhelming emotions.

"No matter what happens, I'm gonna be here for you," Griffin reassured, tightening his grip on their intertwined hands.

"Do you promise?" Harper's voice quivered with uncertainty.

"I swear. Don't cry, Muffin," Griffin uttered with a gentle chuckle, before cradling Harper in his embrace. As he held her close, her thighs gliding against his waist, he reassured her in a soothing tone.

"You're going to take the test, and everything will turn out fine, Harper." With tender affection, Griffin delicately caressed Harper's hair, placing a handful of tender kisses behind her ear.

With a final gentle squeeze, the two of them disengaged. Rising to their feet, they made their way towards the door, stepping out of Griffin's room. Hand in hand, they strolled down the softly illuminated corridor, until Griffin reached his bathroom door, granting passage to him and his girlfriend.

Griffin shut the door and illuminated the room. A slight grin played on his lips, he adored how his bathroom transformed into Harper's personal sanctuary, with her myriad of products scattered about, and the scent of her perfumes and body washes lingering in the air.

"Are you ready?" Griffin inquired, his voice imbued with tenderness. Harper let out a sigh and nodded in response.

Griffin eagerly unsealed the compact box, revealing the pregnancy test nestled inside. Harper cast her gaze upon it before grasping it away from Griffin's hands. Methodically, she removed the protective plastic covering and effortlessly twisted off the cap. Harper made her way to the toilet, pulling down her shorts and underwear before settling down. Balancing herself with one hand on the edge of the toilet seat, Harper positioned the pregnancy test beneath her before releasing her urine.

With Harper's soft streams in the background, Griffin found himself leaning against the bathroom counter, his phone resting in front of him. He never anticipated the need to search for information on how long it takes to receive a pregnancy test result. As Harper concluded her task, Griffin came to a logical realization.

"It says it will take three minutes before we can see the results," Griffin uttered, switching off his phone momentarily to steal a glimpse at Harper, who was busy adjusting her shorts waistline.

With a sense of anticipation, Harper passed the pregnancy test to Griffin, who grabbed it, delicately placing it on the countertop. Turning on his phone again, Griffin promptly set a timer for three minutes and let out a deep sigh.

"How do you feel?" He inquired.

Harper's shoulders lifted in a nonchalant shrug.

"I don't want to have a baby right now, especially it not being yours," she replied with a hint of bitterness.

The seventeen-year-old boy nodded, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of distress.

"I was sick last week, Griffin." Harper confessed, her voice laced with sorrow. "And every morning since then, I've felt nothing but horrible."

"Is that why your rarely at school?" Griffin asked, his tone laced with intrigue.

Harper nodded, her eyes downcast. "I've rarely been at dance either," she admitted.

"Why didn't you tell me all this earlier, lovey?" Griffin's voice trembled with concern.

"I didn't want to worry you," Harper explained, her voice barely above a whisper. But before Griffin could hold her close, his phone beeped, signaling the end of their allotted time. When life was hard, time always seemed to slip away too quickly.

Griffin and Harper, their hearts heavy with despair, turned their gaze towards the minuscule test window. A surge of adrenaline washed over them as their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before them.

Two faint lines, barely visible, etched themselves upon the test. A revelation that would forever alter their lives.

But before they could even fathom their next move, Harper's anguish erupted into a piercing scream that reverberated through the depths of her soul.

"OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD," she cried out, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and shock. Each word uttered carried a weight of despair, growing in intensity with each repetition. Tears streamed down her face, an unstoppable torrent of sorrow.

In that moment of despair, Griffin sprang into action, encircling her trembling form and drawing her close in a tender embrace. Amidst her inconsolable sobs, he gently caressed her back and placed soft kisses behind her ear, offering solace in his loving presence.

As if fate itself conspired against them, the door swung open, revealing three fifteen-year-olds. Zoey's voice filled with concern as she inquired, "What happened-"

"GO!" Harper cried out, her voice choked with tears. Zoey stood bewildered, but before she could react, Griffin forcefully shut the door, shielding them from the outside world.

"It's alright, Harper. Everything will be fine, lovey," Griffin whispered soothingly, his hands securely holding her beneath her thighs as he lifted her legs. With her legs draped weakly over his thighs and her arms clinging tightly to his neck, Harper continued to weep, finding solace in the comforting presence of Griffin.

¸„٭⊹✡•~⍣°"ˆ˜¨the next day  ¨˜ˆ"°⍣~•✡⊹٭„¸

The sun had risen on a new day, but Griffin and Harper were still reeling from the events of the previous night. Sleep had eluded them, and their minds were consumed with dread. The weight of their unexpected pregnancy hung heavy on their shoulders, and the thought of having to tell their families was almost too much to bear. But they knew they had to face the music. The Campbell and Dunn families had gathered in the Tremont's living room, and the tension was palpable. Parents perched nervously on yellow couches, while siblings huddled together on the rims. The air was thick with anticipation, and the fate of two young lives hung in the balance.

Griffin and Harper stood together, their hands intertwined, as they faced the daunting crowd before them. Harper's heart raced with anxiety, her eyes scanning the faces of those gathered. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Seeking solace, she turned to Griffin, her gaze fixated on his fingers, which she nervously toyed with.

"I don't want to do this," Harper whispered, her voice barely audible. Griffin, his voice a gentle murmur, whispered back into her ear, his words filled with understanding. "I know you're scared, lovey, but we need all the help we can."

At that moment, Harper finally met Griffin's gaze, and a small smile crept across his face as their lips met in a tender kiss.

With newfound strength, Harper turned around to face the crowd. Griffin, with a heavy sigh, spoke up, his voice filled with determination. "There is something that Harper and I need to tell all of you," he declared firmly.

Wyatt's voice trembled as he asked, "What is it?"

Griffin's response echoed through the room, piercing the silence like a thunderclap. "Last night, Harper took a pregnancy test." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, suffocating everyone present.

"Oh god," Ben exclaimed as his head sank heavily into his trembling hands, as if burdened by the weight of the world. Jess and Sarah exchanged bewildered glances, their faces etched with astonishment. The 15-year-olds sat there, their young minds grappling with the sudden turn of events, their expressions a canvas of confusion. Harper, her nerves frayed, anxiously nibbled on her quivering lip, her gaze drifting upwards towards the ceiling. A torrent of tears spilled from her eyes, as the overwhelming emotions threatened to consume her fragile heart.

"It was positive," Harper's voice trembled as she gasped for breath, her sobs overpowering her fragile frame. The desperate hiccups for air echoed through the room, a haunting melody of her anguish.

The once lively atmosphere turned into a heavy silence, as astonishment painted the faces of everyone present. Harper's gaze shifted from one person to another, feeling the weight of her actions and drowning in shame. But it was her mother's expression that pierced her heart the deepest.

"Mommy," Through tearful sobs, Harper whispered in a feeble voice. In that moment, Jess's compassionate act compelled Harper to break free from her boyfriend's grip. Rising to her feet, Jess enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace, offering solace and comfort.

With tender reassurance, Jess whispered, "It's alright, baby. Sh, Sh, everything will be alright." As she gently caressed Harper's back, she pressed a tender kiss upon her tear-stained cheek, holding her even tighter in her loving arms.

In an instant, a frustrated Ben's voice pierced the air, "I thought you guys were using protection!"

Jess and Harper abruptly separated, their connection broken, as Griffin's eyes fixated on his father. With a gesture of solidarity, Griffin extended his hand, and Harper grasped it tightly, seeking solace in his presence once again.

Griffin's voice quivered as he spoke, "We were...It's not my baby."

Harper's ears perked up at the sound and she spun around, enveloping him in a tight embrace. Griffin reciprocated by holding onto her waist and back.

Zoey's curiosity peaked as she asked, "Whose is it?"

"It's Lucas's," Griffin replied, causing Jess to exclaim, "What?" in shock.

Griffin's head bobbed up and down, struggling to hold back the flood of tears.

"Babe?" Jess whispered, causing Harper to pivot and expose her face, now marked with fresh tears.

"That asshole got you pregnant?" Jess inquired, her voice shaking with anger. Harper's head bobbed up and down, her cries wracking her body.

Jess froze in place, her face a canvas of disbelief and awe. In a sudden burst of adrenaline, she darted away from the scene, leaving a trail of startled onlookers in her wake as the door slammed shut with a resounding bang.

The air grew heavy with silence, broken only by the haunting echoes of Harper's inconsolable sobs. Sarah's lips curled into a gentle pout, her hand extending towards Harper in a tender gesture.

"Come here, honey," she whispered, her voice carrying a soothing melody amidst the chaos.

Harper approached her with shaky steps, settling down next to her on the plush couch. Sarah tenderly cradled Harper against her bosom, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.

"It's okay, sweetie," Sarah murmured softly. Her gaze fell upon her husband, who appeared extremely agitated. His leg angrily bobbed up and down.

"Ben? What's wrong?" Sarah inquired, her voice filled with worry. Ben lifted his head slowly and locked eyes with Sarah. Sensing someone else's gaze on him, Ben redirected his attention towards Griffin, whose eyes were gleaming. Ben

let out a disdainful sound before getting up and storming towards the exit.

Griffin, fed up with his infuriating father, couldn't resist but voice his opinion.

"Why the hell are you so mad, dad?" Griffin snapped.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that," Ben growled, turning around slowly. "This is the worst possible time for her to get pregnant."

"You're saying that like she had a choice," Griffin fiercely objected.

"Mr. Campbell..." Harper started, her voice quivering. "It's not like I wanted to get-"

"Enough with your nonsense, Harper. Obviously, you're lying. I mean, you know you'll look like you swallowed a watermelon," Ben scoffed. A wave of disbelief washed over Griffin, causing his eyes to widen in astonishment at the remark to his girlfriend.

"Oh, and I can already tell that you're having a girl because your butt keeps expanding every minute," Ben jeered, his words laced with mockery.

An eruption of anger burst from Zoey's lips. "Shut up, dad!" she screamed, her frustration pouring out.

"You don't speak to me like that, young lady," Ben's voice reverberated through the room, brimming with authority. "Or I guarantee you, your room will be taken away for a whole week," The threat hung heavily in the air, filling Zoey with a paralyzing fear.

Ben's eyes scanned the room, his gaze challenging anyone who dared oppose him. "Does anyone else have something to say?" he sneered. All eyes were fixated on him, witnessing the scene unfold, as Harper's uncontrollable sobs echoed, and tears cascaded down Griffin's face.

"Exactly," Ben murmured before departing. Sarah gazed at her spouse in disbelief, yet her expression gradually transformed into sadness as she observed the distressed faces of the teenagers. They appeared fearful and horrified, on the verge of tears. It was at that moment when Sarah rose to her feet, stretching her arms wide open, offering solace to anyone in need. Without hesitation, every teenager sought refuge in her embrace. Sarah held them tightly, planting a tender kiss on the head of each one.

¸„٭⊹✡•~⍣°"ˆ˜¨13 hrs.  ¨˜ˆ"°⍣~•✡⊹٭„¸

Griffin and Harper spent the entire day sharing the news of Harper's pregnancy with their loved ones. The two teenagers were overwhelmed with emotions and found solace in each other's arms, especially Harper. She confided in her cousin Amyah first, anticipating a big reaction from her. As they FaceTimed for an hour, Griffin couldn't help but feel his heart swell with joy as he watched his girlfriend's face light up with small smiles at her cousin's witty comments. He was relieved to see that she still had a glimmer of hope.

Afterwards, Harper conveyed to Griffin that she desired utmost secrecy regarding her pregnancy, especially until Monday when they returned to school. The burden of her teenage pregnancy was already disheartening, but the fact that it was the offspring of her abductor made it all the more distressing. Griffin complied, adhering had solely to his queen's wishes.

In Sulphur Springs, Louisiana, the sun had set, and darkness had enveloped the town. The Dunn family had found accommodation for the night at the Campbell's residence, along with other guests staying at the hotel. Harper, comfortably seated on Griffin's bed, had draped herself in one of his T-shirts, which appeared quite oversized on her petite frame. Beneath her attire, she wore black underwear.

Shirtless, Griffin settled into his bed, the covers caressing his chiseled abs as he pulled them up. However, his movements came to an abrupt halt as his gaze fixated on his girlfriend. The weight of her stress was palpable, suffocating the air around them. He, too, carried his own burdens, but he recognized that her struggles were far more profound.

Griffin's voice was barely a whisper as he reassured Harper, "It's gonna be okay, Lovey. I promise you."

Harper's eyes, shimmering with tears, locked onto his, filled with uncertainty. "But what if it's not? I don't want to give birth right now. I'm only in 11th grade."

Griffin nodded, understanding the weight of her predicament. The path of becoming a teenage mother was never part of their grand plan.

With a heavy heart, Griffin suggested, "If you don't want to have the baby, Muffin, You could always get an abortion." However, even he despised the sound of those words.

Harper's voice trembled as she responded, "I'd hate myself if I did. Yes, It's Lucas's baby but it's also mine, Griffin. I'm not killing them."

Griffin nodded, his eyes filled with empathy.

Harper continued, her voice filled with apprehension,"I just don't want to take care of one now. It's gonna be way to much pressure on me-"

"US, Harper," Griffin interrupted, his tone firm. "Your not doing this alone. I won't let you."

A softness washed over Harper's face as she leaned in, embracing Griffin tightly. The fabric of her shirt brushed against his abdomen, a reminder of the life growing within her. Griffin cradled her head tenderly, providing warmth and solace in the face of uncertainty.

"How about we take a relaxing bath, yeah?"

Griffin proposed. Harper's eyes lit up with eagerness as she nodded in agreement, snuggling closer to his chest. In a swift motion, Griffin clasped his hands under her supple thighs and lifted her out of bed. With a determined stride, he carried her through the dimly lit hallway towards the En-suite bathroom. As he shut the door behind them, Griffin flicked on the lights and strode towards the grand bathtub. Leaning in, he twisted the handle, and the water gushed out, filling the tub with a soothing warmth.

Griffin strode towards the counter and crouched down, Harper's toes barely touching the ground. Harper reached for the cabinet and retrieved a bottle of the Tremont's most luxurious bubble bath concoction. Griffin rose to