Pulling her hand away, she picked up her fork, spearing a piece of pancake. Any other kind of food made her feel sick. She craved pancakes and syrup.

“You think I’m beautiful. This is all I can fit into. All those clothes you bought me, they don’t fit. I’m too fat for them.”

Bishop laughed. “I didn’t realize how much you complain. Is this normal for you, or are you just moaning more lately?”

“I’m bringing a baby into this world. A brand-new life. I can’t go to the library or school. I’m forced to wait for you guys to be available. My dad, he struggles to be around me and tries to carry me everywhere. Who knew being pregnant could have such a huge impact on a girl’s life?”

“I’m free today. We’ll head to the mall. Get you some new clothes,” Preacher said. “We can’t have you walking around naked while we wash your clothes.”

“I can take her,” Bishop said.

“You’ve got school, and I need you to get whatever stuff she needs.”

“I have three assignments for you to hand in.”

“Of course you do.”

“You should have them as well if you did the homework.”

Bishop rolled his eyes. “I did the homework. I just don’t do extra work.”

“Extra work means extra credit for college.” She stopped with the fork pressed against her lip. “Oh, I don’t even know if I’m going to college anymore.”

“Of course you are.”

“But what if I don’t make it? What if I’m not good enough? I’ve got the baby. I haven’t thought about college. I haven’t even handled applications.”

“You’ll do a gap year until you figure out what it is you want,” Preacher said.

“Can I handle a gap year?”

“You mistake what you can do, sweetheart.”

“This is all nice and family-like, but I’ve got to head out,” Bishop said.

He got to his feet, finished his coffee and leaned down. “Love you and I’ll see you tonight.” He kissed her cheek. “Find something nice and hopefully not in elephant grey.”

“Ha, ha, very funny.”

“Bye, Dad,” Bishop said, leaving her alone with Preacher.

“He’s doing much better now, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he is. He seems to be more together than before, you know?” She tucked some hair behind her ear. “We don’t have to go shopping.”

“We’re going shopping. Let me pack a quick snack in case you need some more food.”

“I don’t eat too much.”

“I didn’t say you did. I’m thinking if we get stranded or shit. Stop worrying. Get ready to go and wear a jacket. It’s cold.”

She got to her feet after finishing her pancakes. She took her plate to the kitchen before stopping to grab a jacket.

It didn’t zip up, and she growled.