Chapter 4: Don’t Call Me Your Rescue

But before I could say a word, those invisible comments crashed in again:

The feed in my head was back, louder than ever. Pat the backup guy, don’t be soft, don’t admit it.

Or you’ll never clear your name.

She just wants you to take the blame—not just to help her and the broke kid raise their baby, but to get you out of the way.

Ahhh, the classic scene is here.

As soon as the backup guy admits it, the main dude swoops in, pretending to be the backup, and reveals he’s the secret rich heir who’s been missing.

He’ll inherit billions and live the dream.

A secret rich heir? Yeah, right. But one thing I do know: I’m not taking the fall for this.

I could almost hear my grandma’s voice, sharp as ever: "Don’t let them use you, Alex. Stand up for yourself."

So I pulled my arm away and said, “Lila, whoever got you pregnant, go talk to them. Not long ago, you told me not to bother you. So please, don’t bother me. I’ve got two practice tests tonight. No time.”

My words were clipped, final. I spun on my heel and walked away, hands shoved deep in my pockets.

As I glanced back, I saw a shadow at the corner—probably Carter, lurking like always. How messed up is that? Get a girl pregnant, then expect me to take the blame? To raise their kid? To face Mrs. Sanchez’s anger and all the school gossip? And still want me out of the picture?

The night air felt colder than ever as I walked home, the weight of everything pressing down on me. I kept my hands jammed in my pockets, telling myself—again and again—that this time, I wouldn’t be the backup. Not for anyone.