Approval

Ronnie's first person:

As I drove back to the hotel, my mind was racing with thoughts about Derek.

I couldn't believe what had happened between us.

I had always imagined us being together forever, but now it seemed like that dream was slipping away.

When I arrived at the hotel, I headed straight to my suite.

I knew my mother would be waiting for me.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw her sitting on the couch, her hand resting on her pregnant belly.

"Hey, Mom," I said, as I walked passed her, my head bent in shame.

"Hey, Ronnie," she replied, her face fixed. "How was your day?"

"It was okay," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just got a lot of stuff on my mind."

We made some small talk for a few minutes before I finally asked about my stepdad.

"How's stepdad doing?" I asked.

"He's okay," my mom said, her expression clouding over. "He went out for a drink to clear his head."

I knew immediately that he was upset about Derek.

I could feel my heart sinking even further.

"Is he up