Chapter 27

Orlando

There was a knock at the door to the loft and Emily ran to get it. She smiled when she saw Kathleen.

"Long time, no see," Kathleen said, hugging Emily lightly. "Where’s Maria?" Emily sighed as she closed the door.

"A lot has happened. I promised not to say anything, but then I go and open my big mouth and tell Ashley of all people. It’s a messed up situation," she told her, sadly.

"Well, I don’t think Maria would mind you telling me," Kathleen said. "I hate to say it, but I’ve gotten so out of touch with Maria since she hooked up with Jacob. I never see her anymore. I see Geoff more than I see her." Kathleen shook her head.

"Are you still with Kevin?" Emily asked. Kathleen nodded, smiling. "That’s cool. Okay, I guess you’re right. I don’t think Maria would mind my telling you. She’s pregnant." Kathleen’s eyes grew wide.

"You’re kidding," she said. Emily shook her head.

"I wish I was. Maria found out yesterday. She took off and Jacob went after her."

"Where did she go?" Kathleen asked.

"San Francisco. I hope everything is okay," Emily said. Kathleen nodded. If Maria was pregnant, it was a good bet that everything was not okay.

After rehearsal, Erik took the van to Alex’s apartment. Trevor had gone with him, even though he was supposed to stay off of his ankle. Kristi had given him some new pain medication, so Trevor wasn’t feeling as much discomfort as he had been.

They met Miguel at the door to the apartment. "Anything?" Erik asked, knocking loudly on the door. Miguel shook his head. "Alex? Are you in there?" Nothing.

"It’s weird. It’s like she’s disappeared," Miguel said, a frown creasing his forehead.

"Is there any way to get into her apartment? I mean, someone’s got to have an extra key, right?" Trevor said. Miguel nodded.

"I’ll find the landlord," he said as he hurried down the hall. Erik sighed and leaned against the wall.

"Trev, I’m worried about her. It’s not like her to just disappear like this. Something’s wrong," he said.

"I’m sure she’s fine wherever she is. You just have to have faith, man, and relax," Trevor suggested. Erik nodded.

"I’m trying. But the longer she’s missing, the worse it looks. Where the hell is she?" he asked, frustration in his voice.

California

Jacob was sleeping, his head resting against Maria’s shoulder. Maria had closed her eyes, but she couldn’t sleep even though she was tired. This whole thing was still a shock to her. She didn’t feel pregnant, but she was. There was a life growing inside of her. Maria shook her head, trying to clear it of any frightening thoughts. It didn’t work. Just being pregnant was a scary concept.

Maria looked down at Jacob. He looked so young when he was sleeping. Well, he was young, but he seemed so much more innocent and vulnerable while he slept. Maria felt her heartbeat quicken. His mother was going to be upset. Maria had been mentally preparing herself for the worst.

As the limo drove along, Maria recognized the street and realized that they were almost to the Underwood ‘compound.’ She sighed as she gazed out the tinted window. Jacob stirred and woke up. He, too, realized where they were and took Maria’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. Maria looked at him and smiled nervously.

Mechele met them while they were getting out of the limo. She hugged Jacob tightly. "I’m surprised, but thrilled that you’re here," she said, smiling. "Although, I’m quite confused about why you’re traveling without your entourage. Usually there’s at least one Mike with you."

"Yeah, well. This is a different kind of visit," Jacob said. Mechele frowned.

"Why? What’s wrong?" she asked, staring intently into her son’s eyes. Jacob took Maria’s hand.

"We need to talk to you about something. Can we go in?" Jacob asked. Mechele nodded and looked at Maria, who couldn’t look her in the eye. Closing her eyes, Mechele said a silent prayer before following them into the house.

Orlando

Emily brought Kathleen a glass of iced tea and sat down beside her on the couch.

"How are the O-Town guys?" Kathleen asked. "How’s Ashley?" She smirked. Emily blushed slightly. Kathleen noticed. "You like him, don’t you?" Emily wouldn’t look at her. "No need to be embarrassed. I liked him too---before I even met him," she said. "Maria told him that I’d drooled over his picture." She laughed and Emily did too.

"He’s a great guy. I mean, yeah, he’s gorgeous, but he’s nice and sweet, too," Emily said. Kathleen frowned.

"Then why do you look upset?" she asked.

"I don’t want to get involved with a guy in a band. He’ll never be around and his fans will hate me. Magazines will want pictures and stuff. It’ll be too much attention and I hate attention," Emily replied.

"So, he likes you, too?" Kathleen asked. Emily shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess, but…" A knock at the door interrupted her. Emily stood up and went over to answer it. She wasn’t too surprised to see Ashley standing there with Mike C. right behind him. "Hi."

"Hi, yourself," Ashley said, smiling. He walked in and his smile widened when he saw Kathleen. "Hey! What’s up?" he asked, hugging her after she had stood up.

"Not much. I just found out it’s extremely exciting around here," she answered.

"Emily told you about Maria?" Ashley asked. Kathleen nodded.

"Poor Maria. I can’t imagine what she’s going through," she said.

"Jake’s not doing too well, either. Or so I’ve heard," Ashley said.

"I wasn’t supposed to tell you," Emily said, guiltily. "Maria will be mad if…"

"Em, everyone knows," Ashley interrupted. Emily frowned.

"What? How?" she asked.

"Somehow, MTV found out and called Mike this morning asking about it. The Mikes are pretty sure that it will be major news on Monday," Ashley told her.

"Oh, my God, that is so not good," Emily said, sitting down and pulling a pillow over her head. "I don’t even know if their families know yet. It can’t be out before they tell their families. That’s just wrong." The pillow over her face muffled her voice.

"Why don’t you call Maria? Jake’s out of touch. He’s not returning calls and he hasn’t called since he left," Ashley said.

"That’s a good idea…and it will make me feel better about things," Emily said as she stood up and ran to her room. She had to get a hold of Maria. She just had to.

Miguel had managed to get a key to Alex’s apartment and he led Erik and Trevor inside after he had unlocked the door. Nothing looked out of place. They walked around looking for anything that looked remotely strange. Erik went into Alex’s bedroom. The bed hadn’t been slept in.

"She’s not here," he said, joining Miguel and Trevor in the sitting room.

"Her cell phone is here, too," Miguel said, holding it up.

"Where the hell is she?" Erik asked, frustrated. Carlos suddenly walked into the apartment. He looked surprised to see the three of them there.

"What are you doing here?" Carlos asked, glaring menacingly at Erik.

"Where’s Alex?" Erik asked, angrily. "Do you know?"

"Calm down," Miguel said. Trevor put a hand on Erik’s arm. "Bro, do you know where Alex is?" Carlos shifted his gaze from Erik to Miguel.

"She called and told me that she was going away for a while, but she didn’t say where," Carlos lied.

"When did she call you?" Miguel asked.

"Um…last night, I think. I thought I told you. She told me to call her boss and tell him that she’d be gone for a while. I’m really surprised she didn’t say anything," Carlos told them. He was there for a few things that Alex needed. He wouldn’t be able to get them now, though.

"Bullshit! Alex would’ve told me!" Erik yelled. "You’re lying! We had plans to spend time together before the tour started."

"She’s going on the tour, isn’t she? You can spend time with her then," Carlos said, glaring again at Erik. "And nobody calls me a liar!"

"Too bad, it’s true! You’re lying! It doesn’t make sense! Where did she go?" Erik shouted. Trevor increased his hold on Erik’s arm. Miguel pulled Carlos out of the apartment when Carlos started towards Erik.

"He’s right, Carlos. It doesn’t make sense. Are you sure you’re telling the truth?" Miguel asked him. Carlos nodded.

"Yeah, man, I’m telling the truth," he said. He looked into his brother’s eyes. Miguel frowned. He didn’t like what he saw there. He was even a little afraid of what he saw there. Miguel watched as Carlos walked down the hall, away from the apartment. Something wasn’t right. Miguel walked back into the apartment.

"He’s lying, Miguel," Erik said. "Alex would’ve told me if she was going somewhere. She wouldn’t just take off."

"And what was Carlos doing here anyway?" Trevor asked. "He came in and just left? If he knew that Alex was out of town, why was he here?"

Miguel sighed. He didn’t want to, but he had his doubts about Carlos’ story. But, Carlos would never hurt Alex, so where was she? And what did Carlos have to do with her disappearance?

California

"Where are Dani and Bryan?" Jacob asked his mother as he sat down at the table in the kitchen. Maria sat down beside him and Mechele sat at the head of the table, folding her hands in front of her.

"They’re out with their friends. Now, you’re both making me very nervous. Just tell me why you’re here," Mechele said, calmly.

Jacob looked at Maria and then at his mother. "Maria’s going to have a baby," he said. Maria watched Mechele, as all of the blood appeared to drain from her face.

"Of all the things I thought you were going to tell me, that one never crossed my mind," Mechele said. She sat quietly for a minute before she finally said, "I see."

"Mom, I know it’s unexpected, but I love Maria and we’re going to do everything we can to make it work," Jacob told her.

Mechele’s gaze fixed on Maria. "Everything you told me the last time you were here was a lie, wasn’t it? You don’t care for Jacob, you care only about yourself!"

"No, that’s not true. I love Jacob," Maria said.

"Mom…" Jacob warned her.

"You are trying to trap him, that’s what you’re doing! You’re afraid that if he goes away on tour, he’ll be attracted to other young women and forget about you, so what better way to hold onto him than to have his baby! It’s a sin, young lady! What you are doing to my son is unacceptable in God’s eyes and in mine and I will not stand for it!" Mechele stood up, her eyes filled with anger as she glared at Maria.

Jacob and Maria also stood up. "I love Jacob, Mrs. Underwood, and everything I said to you the last time that I was here was true. I never wanted to get pregnant. It was an accident, but accidents happen and we’re going to deal with it together," Maria told her, her voice calm, but firm.

"Mom, Maria would never do what you’re saying. That’s ridiculous," Jacob said.

"What’s ridiculous is that you would be tempted by this…woman. She seduced you, didn’t she? I know you, Jacob, and I know that you have more respect for God than that. She tempted you and you were taken in by her. I don’t blame you, dear. She’s a beautiful woman and you were weak," Mechele went over to Jacob and tried to put her arms around him, but he shook his head and backed away from her.

"I love her. She didn’t seduce me. I wanted to be with her. You’re making it sound like she forced me to sleep with her." Jacob’s voice started to rise in anger. "I know that this is a shock, but attacking Maria isn’t going to make the baby go away. We’re having this baby…together. If you don’t want to be a part of your first grandchild’s life, then fine!" Maria shook her head.

"No, listen, please calm down. Mrs. Underwood, you have to be a part of this child’s life. Please, try and understand. It was an accident. I didn’t want to get pregnant, it just happened." Maria was practically begging Jacob’s mother to understand.

"You are a young woman…too young to be having a baby. And you’re not married, either. Is having an illegitimate child okay with you? Is this the way you wanted to start your family?" Mechele asked her. She turned back to Jacob. "And what about you? I raised you so much better than this. It is breaking my heart to see what this woman is doing to you. You don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve any of this!" Jacob was mad now. Maria could see it. He was very close to losing whatever cool he had left.

"You’re right, Mom. I don’t deserve Maria. She’s too good for me!" he shouted. Mechele frowned. "I’m sorry if you don’t get it, but we are having a baby. It’s up to you if you want to be a part of the baby’s life. I also still have my faith and I believe that God had a reason for making us create this child…a child that was created out of love. You’re too busy thinking that we’re horrible people because we had sex. It was a lot more than just sex, Mom. We made love and we are going to love our child. If you have a problem with that, tough! And no, we’re not going to get married, if that’s what you’re thinking, because it’s not the right time and we’re not ready for marriage yet. It doesn’t mean that we don’t love each other or the baby any less. If you don’t want to be a part of your grandchild’s life, well then that’s fine with me. But don’t come to us after the baby’s born looking to see and love the child that you didn’t want to exist!" Mechele looked like she’d been slapped. Jacob had never raised his voice to her.

"I think you should go," Mechele said to Maria. "You are not welcome in my home." Maria choked back tears.

"Then I’m not either," Jacob said, taking Maria’s hand.

"Jacob…" Mechele put her hand over her mouth. "I love you." Jacob frowned and started to walk away, but Maria stopped him.

"No! I can’t allow this. I will not come between you and your mother, Jacob. I’ll wait outside while you talk," she said and hurried out of the kitchen. Jacob watched her go. He was trying to suppress his anger, but it was there, simmering, wanting to be let out---especially after the way his mother had treated Maria.

"Jacob, please believe that I’m concerned about you. You’re my son," Mechele said, softly.

"Then you should support me. I’m scared, Mom. I don’t know the first thing about babies. I need you---especially now," Jacob told her.

"I can’t help but feel that Maria isn’t being honest. She told me that she would never hurt you and that she would take care of you. This isn’t taking care of you. Being intimate with her is one thing, but your getting her pregnant is another. How can I not feel that she’s trying to trap you?"

"Stop saying that! She’s not trying to trap me. Maria’s just as serious about her career as I am about mine. She didn’t want to get pregnant. It just happened," Jacob said.

"How is that? That’s not like you, Jacob. You are a responsible young man. How could this happen?" Mechele asked, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"I can’t discuss this with you," Jacob told her.

"Why not? Are you embarrassed? You weren’t embarrassed when you slept with her, were you? Tell me, did she or did she not initiate it?" Jacob turned away.

"Why do you want to know the details?" he asked.

"Tell me," Mechele said, sternly. Jacob looked at her, his blue eyes meeting hers.

"The first time we did it, yes, she made the first move. But the night that the baby was conceived, I did. There, are you happy?" he asked.

"Why weren’t you responsible?"

"We were. Maria’s on the pill. It didn’t work, okay?" Jacob turned away again.

"She wouldn’t let you use something else?" Mechele asked. Jacob shook his head.

"We thought it would be enough," he said. "Look, it doesn’t matter. Maria’s gonna have my baby and there’s nothing that we can do to change that. I’m sorry that you’re upset about it, but there’s nothing else to discuss."

"How are you going to take care of the baby and be in the band, too? Jacob, there are a lot of things to consider. You can’t do it alone," Mechele told him.

"I’m not. I have Maria and I have the guys. Maria’s dad and his fiancé were really cool, so we have them to help us, too. So, you see? I don’t even need you," Jacob said, turning to leave.

"Jacob." Jacob turned to look at his mother. She walked over to him and touched his face. "Please pray. God will help you in your time of need. And know that I love you and I’m very worried about you."

"Well, don’t be. I’ll be fine," he said. He looked at his mother once more and left. Mechele sat down heavily on a chair and cried.

Maria was standing outside the front door when her cell phone rang. She fished it out of her purse and answered it. "Hello?"

"Hi, Maria, it’s Emily. How are you?"

"Oh, I’ve been better," Maria told her.

"Well, I’m afraid I’m about to make you feel worse."

"I don’t think that’s possible, but go ahead," Maria said.

"MTV found out about the baby. I don’t know how they found out, but everyone here knows what’s going on," Emily told her. Maria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She let it out slowly before speaking again.

"How did MTV find out?" she asked.

"I don’t know. Ashley’s here and he just said that they called Mike asking about it. I just thought that I’d warn you. Ashley said that the Mikes said that MTV will probably announce it on Monday."

Maria felt like screaming in frustration. As if being pregnant wasn’t bad enough, now she had to face the public, Jacob’s fans, and the press. It was all too much to handle.

"Thanks for the heads up, Emily. We should be back soon. I’m not sure when, but before Monday, hopefully," Maria told her.

"Okay. I’m sorry all of this is happening, Maria. If there’s anything that I can do, please let me know," Emily said.

"Thanks. Bye." Maria hung up and put her phone away. She heard the door open and turned around.

Jacob came out of the house, a stern, angry look on his face. He wordlessly grabbed Maria’s hand and led her to the limo. Once inside, Jacob took out his cell phone and made plane reservations to go to Connecticut. After he hung up, he looked at Maria, who had unshed tears in her eyes. "Are you sure you want to face your mother today?"

Maria nodded. "Might as well get it over with," she said. Jacob tried to pull her to him, but Maria shook her head and looked out the window. Jacob sighed. He really wasn’t looking forward to the confrontation with Maria’s mother.

Orlando

Erik walked into the house, Trevor limping behind him. They went into the kitchen where Erik took out two bottles of water and put them on the counter.

"Carlos is involved. I know he is," Erik muttered as he took a sip of water. Trevor nodded.

"I think so, too. But how can we prove it? It’s not like he’ll talk. And why the hell would he take his own sister and hide her? What purpose could he possibly have to do that?" he asked. Erik shook his head.

"I have no idea. Man, there’s so much shit going on around here," he said.

"Yeah, and that shit’s gonna hit the fan on Monday," Mike M. said as he entered the kitchen. "Where were you two anyway?"

"We had to go someplace," Erik told him.

"Great answer. It helps a lot," Mike said, sarcastically.

"Any news? Have you heard from Jake?" Trevor asked. Mike shook his head.

"No and he’s digging himself in deeper the longer he’s gone," he told them.

Dan entered the kitchen and frowned. "Can’t you go easy on him? Jacob’s gonna be dealing with a lot. He doesn’t need the extra stress of you guys jumping all over him," he said.

"He’s part of this group, Dan. His behavior reflects on all of us," Erik argued. "He’s not practicing and we have a tour coming up next week. Next week. His personal problems will have to wait."

"Man, chill out. What’s your problem?" Dan asked. Erik looked away.

"He’s just upset," Trevor answered for Erik. "You know, with everything that’s going on and all."

"Yeah, well, don’t take it out on Jake. He’s got enough to worry about," Dan told Erik, who turned and glared at him.

"He should be worrying about the band! So what if he got his girlfriend pregnant? If he’s gonna have sex with her, then it could happen. He knows that. He can’t ignore the group because of it!" Erik yelled and stalked out of the kitchen.

"Did I tell you that I’m looking forward to this tour?" Mike M. asked, a furious look on his face. "Are your mics off?" Dan and Trevor looked at each other. They reached behind them to check their microphones.

"Mine’s off," Dan said.

"Mine, too," Trevor added. "And I think Erik’s is off. He turned it off before we went…where we went."

"Turn them on now that we’re no longer discussing ‘the issue,’" Mike said. Dan did so, reluctantly. The camera had been following him around all day. It had been annoying. He wasn’t the one the camera usually focused on. It was kind of strange.

They heard the front door open and Ashley, Emily and Mike C. then entered the kitchen.

"Emily talked to Maria," Mike C. said. Emily nodded.

"She said that they’d hopefully be back before Monday, but she wasn’t sure when exactly," she told them.

"Just as long as he comes back," Mike M. said, leaving the kitchen. Mike C. followed him.

"How’s Maria doing?" Dan asked Emily. He reached behind him to turn off his mic again. Trevor saw this and did the same.

"She sounded kinda stressed," she answered. "But, who can blame her?"

"Do you think she’ll, you know, have the baby?" Trevor asked.