Fleeing Egypt

By Jaycee Pierce

When Jennifer (Jen) Hoyt leaves for college, the word ecstatic feels like an understatement for how she feels. She can finally move away from the dysfunctional family who neglected and abused her to make a better life on her own. After being an overachieving outcast in school, Jen is confident of academic success, but what she wants most is to be a part of a loving family, like her best friend, Beth, has.During her first year of college, Kyle, a friend of a friend, captures her heart, but her attempts to "make him love her back" have dire consequences. When Jen finds out she is pregnant, she knows one thing: she wants to keep her baby. Will Kyle decide to form the family she so desperately wants? If he doesn't, how will Jen keep her baby safe from those who hurt her? Jen doesn't know the Lord yet, but He's already making a way for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885404242

Book preview

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Fleeing Egypt

Jaycee Pierce

ISBN 979-8-88540-423-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-424-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Jaycee Pierce

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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About the Author

1

A silence filled the room as Jen tried to process all the information the doctor had just given her. She could hardly believe the diagnosis was true. Pregnant? But I'm on the pill. I can't be pregnant. She collapsed back into her chair.

Do you have any questions for me? Jen jumped with surprise but could only shake her head before the doctor continued, You need to make some decisions fairly quickly. My nurse will give you additional information. After you look everything over, let's schedule a follow-up next week. Would that be okay? The doctor stood and opened the office door.

Sure, I guess. Jen nodded as she stood up, then followed her out into the maze of a hallway. Most of the doors stood open, showing empty exam rooms. A short blonde, wearing a uniform with zoo animals, looked up from her paperwork as they approached.

The doctor gave the nurse several instructions, then turned to Jen. I can tell this is a shock for you, but we will do what we can to help. Call if you need anything. Giving Jen's shoulder a pat, the doctor went down the hall and into one of the closed doors.

How 'bout Thursday, January 8th, at ten thirty? the nurse asked as she handed Jen a packet of information.

I think that time works. If not, I will call and reschedule. The brochures were bright and colorful, but Jen couldn't quite make herself read them yet. She waited another moment for the appointment reminder.

Oh no, I wrote the wrong year, the nurse said as she scribbled through 1986 and wrote 1987 off to the side.

It's okay. I do that, too, especially on checks, Jen smiled.

For at least two weeks, right?

Yep, if not longer, Jen nodded as she took the piece of card stock.

You look a little pale. We had a blood drive for the employees here yesterday, and you could help us get rid of some leftovers. Want some juice or cookies?

No, I'll be okay. See you next week. Jen forced a smile and stuffed all the information into her purse for later study.

Upon exiting the building, Jen looked at her watch and started to run toward the bus stop. The local to South Austin finally pulled up to the curb almost ten minutes late at five twenty-three. The driver looked frazzled as Jen put in her coins. She only managed to get halfway into her seat before he took off again. A whispered expletive escaped her lips as she was thrown the rest of the way into her chair.

Somehow, everything seemed darker tonight than usual. After passing a man taking his Christmas lights off the bushes in front of his house, the reason why clicked. Then the bus turned onto Guadalupe Street, more commonly known as the Drag, and things got considerably brighter from the businesses lining the busy thoroughfare. Jen stared at the clearance sale signs, textbook buyback notices, and Longhorn T-shirts that graced the windows.

In the meantime, the driver hurried everyone as they got on and off, trying to make up for time. The voices seemed far away and surreal as Jen tried to think about telling her family and friends about the baby.

Jen could guess some of the reactions. Jen knew that Beth, her best friend since junior high, and Beth's family would do as much as they could to help her. She also knew her own family would not. Her mother's angriest expression, the one which came before each abusive episode, filled her mind and made her stomach churn. How likely that anger would come to being unleashed depended on Kyle. Unfortunately, his reaction, the most important one, could not be predicted. Would he marry her? If not, would he at least be a good dad to their child? Would he walk away completely?

Please choose to love us, Jen whispered as she wiped the tear out of the corner of her eye.

As the student union came into view, Jen wished her dorm was not closed for semester break. She longed for the comfort of her friends there. The laughter and companionship she found on the third floor of Andrews would make all the difference tonight if she could have had it. Instead, she was greeted by the dark closed campus.

The tower, which Jen could see from her dorm window, was also dark, except for one office near the top floor. She would have loved to see the building glowing orange from a bowl game or national championship, but not this year. The miserable season had caused Fred Akers, the head coach, to be fired. What would happen to the program now?

At 21st Street, the bus turned left, passing first Dobie dormitory, then Littlefield Fountain, which was uncharacteristically devoid of water, and lastly, the Jester Complex and guys dorms. After stopping near the football stadium to let a few people out and pick up two or three more, they left campus toward the residential areas south of the river.

Once the distraction of campus was over, the doctor's news forced its way back into the center of Jen's attention. As a junior, she was on track to get her degree on time, then she wanted to go for a master's in business administration. How will I finish now? Another tear trickled down her cheek.

Several stops later, the bus finally let Jen out about a block from Beth's apartment. The two girls had made a deal before the break. In exchange for a free place to stay, Jen was taking care of Beth's cat. As a bonus, Jen had even cleaned up the clutter which had accumulated during the frenzy of finals week in the normally spotless apartment.

Jen briskly walked through the parking lot and up the stairs, vigilantly watching for anything out of place. Years of living with a single mom had trained her to always look for danger. After getting inside, Jen closed and locked the door.

Though small, Beth had made the place her own. A hand-me-down brown sleeper sofa draped with a tiger-striped blanket to hide some stains was the main piece of furniture. Immediately above it, a large painting of a lion, which Beth had painted in high school, filled up most of the wall. The kitchen was separated from the far end of the living room by a three-foot-high bar. Three barstools covered with camouflage fabric bought at a sporting goods store's clearance sale to pull together the room's safari theme lined up perfectly under it. The doors to the only bedroom and the bathroom were to the right.

Snowflake began meowing pitifully for his dinner. While trying not to trip over him as he circled her legs, Jen walked to the kitchen, opened a can of cat food, and changed out his water. Before she could even get it all in the dish, Snowflake greedily began to lap up the smelly concoction.

I wish your mommy was going to be here tonight. I could really use her level head to help me sort stuff out, Jen said as she scratched behind his ears. He hissed at her and went back to eating when she stopped.

Then Jen looked in the refrigerator for something to eat herself. Taking inventory, she found a mostly empty gallon of milk, a moldy peach, a box of baking soda, and some American cheese slices. In the freezer, an ice tray and a bag of frozen peas offered themselves. Next, she considered the cupboard's contents: a can of cream of mushroom soup, some stale open Saltines, and a few cans of vegetables. Not very appetizing, she decided. Jen wished she had remembered sooner how little there was to eat here, but truthfully, she hadn't been at the apartment much.

Instead, she had worked as many extra shifts at the restaurant as she could manage over the break. Her boss had been thrilled when she volunteered for more hours. Many of her coworkers, also students, went home over the holidays. In addition to working long hours and extra shifts, Jen had slightly larger than normal stations due to the lack of staff. The busy nights of Christmas shoppers had been exhausting but lucrative. This was the first night she had taken off since Christmas Day when the restaurant was closed.

Now faced with a scarcity of food, Jen dreaded the idea of two more bus rides, one to the store and another back with groceries to carry. She began to make a shopping list of the bare basics she would need to get through the next few days until Beth got back.

Then she thought about having a pizza delivered tonight so that she could go to the store in the daylight instead. Pizza wasn't what she wanted, but she could relax with a good book and Snowflake without having to go back out into the world.

Reading a frivolous work of fiction just for the fun of it sounded wonderful. She couldn't remember the last time she had the time to peruse something other than a textbook. Beth had several books she wanted to read on a shelf in her bedroom, and reading would be a great way to avoid her current reality. Maybe she could even go to bed early and sleep late.

Yes, a night just to pamper myself sounds great, she told Snowflake.

He glanced up from his food, looking annoyed again, making her laugh.

She looked for the menu from her favorite pizza place, Pantera's. Beth had it stashed in a drawer in the kitchen; now she just had to remember which one.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Jen let the machine get it. Most of the calls were for Beth anyway. The few people who knew she was staying here knew to keep talking.

Hey, it's me, a familiar masculine voice said. Are you there? I'm going to keep talking so you can get to the phone. I came back early and was—

Hi, how are ya, handsome? Jen swallowed to try to combat the sudden dryness in her mouth.

I thought maybe if you weren't working, I could swing by and see you, Kyle half asked and half stated.

Could you take me to dinner? There isn't much food here.

I guess. What do you want? She could almost hear the How much is this going to cost me? in the question.

I was thinking just something light. Maybe we could get a baked potato or salad at my favorite place downtown. I would appreciate it if you could take me to the store too. Could he hear how nervous she was in her voice?

Okay. I just ate, so why don't I just run you to the store first? Then maybe we could hit a drive-through on the way back afterward so you don't have to fix anything.

Whatever, she said with a small sigh. How long until you get here? He had eaten and then called her at dinner time? Really? She kicked herself again for putting up with how inconsiderate he was to her lately. He hadn't always been this way.

The things he used to do had made her feel cherished; for instance, buying her roses. He never spent a lot of money, usually getting only one each week, but she had loved the gesture. The roses had stopped when he bought her what he called a forever rose for Valentine's Day, a scented silk flower.

About thirty to forty-five minutes, I think. I'm at a truck stop, using the long-distance card I got from my parents. You sound upset. You okay?

I'm just tired, she lied. I have been working long hours lately.

I could grab a burger for you on the way over and take you to the store tomorrow if you want. That way, we could just relax tonight. Kyle's voice changed to a husky whisper as he added, I've missed you.

She pretended to miss the reference to him staying overnight. They could decide later depending on how he reacted to her news. I've missed you, too, but I'd rather go tonight and get it over with. See ya when you get here.

Okay, see ya. He sounded disappointed as he hung up.

Jen raced to the bathroom to start to get ready. Her hands started shaking as she tried to open the door. What would she say? I wish I had more time to figure that out, she said to Snowflake who just gave her a puzzled look.

2

Kyle, I'm pregnant. Jen shook her head. No, that's too abrupt. Kyle, we are going to have a baby. Maybe? I dunno. Jen sighed, hung her head, and made her way to the bathroom.

Jen checked her appearance in the mirror as she nervously continued to practice. Her shoulder-length brown hair and makeup were both a mess, small dark circles under her blue-green eyes. As much as she wanted to look her best, she decided he would just have to settle for clean. She took a quick shower. Then she went to the closet to pick something comfortable.

Once dressed, Jen still had about ten minutes to wait if his estimate was right. She got the information from the doctor out of her purse. Still unable to focus on the brochures, she put them in the dresser for now. She turned on MTV music videos and sat down on the couch to wait.

Almost as soon as she sat down, she stood back up. Pacing back and forth, Jen anguished about how to tell Kyle her news. What is he going to do, Snowflake? What am I going to do? Jen grabbed his cat toy from the corner. Then she dangled the catnip mouse in front of the kitten's face.

Snowflake half-heartedly swiped at the toy for a few moments. Then he trapped the toy under his front foot. Rolling onto his back, he gripped the mouse and beat it with his back feet. While Jen wiggled it, the kitten growled and tried to tug the toy away from her.

Not much later, a gentle rap on the door startled Jen. She hadn't heard anyone come up the stairs. She peered out the peephole to find Kyle standing there. He looked rested and happy. Jen's heart ached with how much she had missed him during the weeks they had been apart. She opened the door, motioning him inside.

Kyle stood about four inches taller than she did and bent slightly to give her a kiss and a long hug. She had been busy, but she had longed for this moment often. Relishing his embrace, she drank in the smell of his aftershave.

Pulling away slightly, Jen turned her face to look at him now. Still not the best-looking guy she had ever seen, she thought he appeared handsome tonight. His smoky-gray eyes stared into hers. A gentle smile crossed his lips as he bent in for another kiss.

She got lost again in how much she loved him and how his kisses made her feel. She wanted nothing more than to spend her life with him, but as much as she wanted to be his wife, she didn't want him to be trapped into staying with her. The thought made her stomach churn as she considered the new life inside her.

Kyle, I'm hungry, she reminded him in almost a whisper. We need to stop.

The embrace ended so abruptly it left Jen a little disoriented for a moment. She turned to get her coat from the closet, then glanced into the living room to check for Snowflake. Finding him glaring back at her from the couch, she was finally ready to leave.

As Jen pushed the door's lock, she discovered Kyle was already downstairs and partway to his car. She closed the door and rushed to follow him. He was already in the driver's seat with the engine started when she got to the car. Exasperated, she sat down and buckled her seatbelt.

Where to? he looked over at her with a strange expression on his face.

The closest grocery store, she replied, almost wishing she hadn't answered the phone after all.

Okay. He backed up the car and guided the car out onto the street from the parking lot. Luckily, he seemed to know the back roads of Austin better than she did because she wasn't even sure of the most direct route to a store, just the circuitous ones the bus took.

She looked over at him as he drove, taking in each feature. She longed to run her fingers through his hair and kiss him some more. If she could just keep her nervous stomach from getting out of control.

Hey, stop looking at me while I'm driving. You know it bugs me, he said with a halfway joking tone of voice.

As requested, Jen swiveled to face the street. Did you have a nice Christmas? she asked.

It was quiet. My sister didn't make it. She got engaged last month, so she went to see her fiancé's family instead.

Really? That's exciting. Does your family like him? How long have they been dating?

They've been dating a little over a year. My mom doesn't like him, but the rest of us do. Mom doesn't think anyone is good enough for us. You know how she is.

She didn't like me, that's for sure. Jen's head dropped as she remembered how horrible the weekend at their house had been.

Kyle ignored her comment. Everything else about Christmas was pretty standard stuff. Mom made lots of good food, as usual. My older brother came over on Christmas Day. Other than that, we just hung out around the house. A few of my friends from high school came over one night. It was fun to see everyone. How was yours?

For the most part, I worked. I was alone Christmas day, except for a few phone calls.

I'm sorry I didn't call, but my mom didn't want me to run up their phone bill. Money is kind of tight with me in college. Kyle hadn't called Jen once while he was gone, even though he had promised he would. She hadn't dared call him; she was scared of how his mother would react. Jen even suspected Kyle might have told his mom that they had already broken up. She never pushed the issue because she didn't want to make a breakup reality.

3

They barely talked as they made their way through the store. The ride back to the apartment was equally awkward. She bit her lip. She hadn't even told him her news, and he was already strangely aloof.

They lugged the bags upstairs, put their coats away, and unloaded the groceries. When Jen got the pot out and started cooking the chili, Kyle settled onto the couch. Snowflake hissed at him before leaving for the bedroom.

He sure told you, Jen laughed.

Kyle looked miffed. Animals usually like me. What's his problem?

I don't know, maybe you startled him. Jen got the Fritos out and spread them out on the plate. Stirring the chili, she watched as he turned the television back on. Is there anything good on?

I'll check. After flipping through the pages of the TV guide, he said, What do you think? Would you prefer a football game or an old movie? There doesn't seem to be much else.

I guess we could just turn on some music and talk. The chili is almost done. Do you want any?

No, I'm still full. Mom made a huge meal before I left and then packed me a snack for the road. When I stopped to call you, I couldn't resist the goodies she made me.

I feel funny eating in front of you, but I haven't eaten since lunch. Jen poured the chili over the chips and then spread the cheese on top. When she was done, she grabbed the plate and sat on the opposite end of the couch. She tucked her feet up under her and began eating. Crunch noises filled the room. After a few bites, Jen finally asked, What's up, Kyle? You're so quiet tonight.

Well, don't take this the wrong way, but I was thinking you should think about going on a diet. I noticed you are gaining a little weight when you came down the stairs and again in the store.

No longer hungry, Jen took the plate to the kitchen. She needed to tell him the truth. This wasn't how she planned it, but she didn't feel like she could avoid it now. That won't help.

Of course it would, especially if you exercise too.

No, it won't. I'm pregnant, Jen blurted.

You're what? He sat straight up, staring at her intently.

"Expecting a baby. I just found out today," she replied. She understood the shock. She had felt it at the doctor's office too.

How far along are you?

About two and a half months. The doctor says my due date is in June. It must've happened not long after we started the school year. She wanted to rush over and hug him but couldn't get her legs to cooperate.

You just found out today? Didn't you know you were late? Kyle's voice rose sharply, and he wouldn't even look at her as he talked.

"You know I've never been regular. I did not have many symptoms. I went to the doctor because I felt exhausted all the time and had a strange pain in my hips. You could have knocked me over with a feather when she told me the news."

"What are you going to do about it?" His head jerked up with his jaw clenched and eyes boring right through her.

What do you mean by that? She had never seen that look on his face before.

He stood up and walked toward her. Are you going to have an abortion? Each word was said slowly and distinctly.

Probably not. I can't picture myself killing my own child. Heck, you know me, I catch and release spiders. Jen nervously laughed at her attempt at a joke.

Whose baby is it? he spat out, inches from her face.

Excuse me? I don't think I heard you correctly. Jen covered her stomach protectively and took a step back.

It's an honest question, Kyle yelled.

Jen cringed and sobbed out, It's a ridiculously stupid question! You are the only person I have ever been with, and you know it. I can't believe you would even say that to me!

I thought you were on the pill.

I am. I was, Jen stuttered. "It's not 100 percent perfect you know."

Especially if you miss some of them. Did you stop taking them on purpose? His eyes glared as he squared off his shoulders.

Of course not! Why would you think that?

Mom warned me that you would probably get pregnant just to get me to marry you. She told me to break up with you right after she met you last year. I should've listened to her.

The series of accusations were worse than anything Jen had imagined as she was thinking about how to tell him on the bus ride home. Each one drove little daggers into her heart. As he was talking, she backed away a little more, only to be trapped in the corner of the kitchen.

I can't believe you did this to me. Kyle clenched his teeth and fists.

Noting his fists, Jen suddenly straightened her shoulders and bravely raised her head to confront him. She would never let another person hit her. She had endured that enough as a child. Get out.

What? I don't have anywhere to stay tonight.

"That's your problem. You can't possibly think that after accusing me of cheating and then accusing me of trying to trap you I'd just say, ‘It's okay, honey, why don't we go to bed and sleep on it?' Get out!"

I would at least think I could sleep on the hideaway so we could talk about this more. His voice softened.

No, we're done. I don't have anything more I want to say to you.

Kyle tilted his head and furrowed his brow, pausing for several seconds as if confused. Then in his most endearing tone, he said, Look, honey, I didn't mean it. You just surprised me. He held out his arms as if to hug her.

Leave. I mean it. I won't ask again. I will call the police if you don't. The more she talked, the firmer and lower her voice got. Jen picked up the phone. You have to the count of three to get your coat and get out of here. One. She counted slowly to give him a chance to comply, blinking back the tears that were trying to form.

Kyle froze. His expressions changed multiple times as if he was trying to figure out what to say.

Two, she snapped.

He hesitated for a few more seconds. Then he made his way to the closet and grabbed his coat. "Fine, I'll leave. I don't want to be a father yet. For that matter, I'm not even ready to be a husband yet. My preference would be for you just to get rid of it, he said while pointing at her stomach. If you decide to do that, I'll figure out how to pay for my half."

Three. Jen started to dial, even though she didn't know the number of the police.

He rushed out the door in a hurry, thankfully making completing the call unnecessary. She hung up the phone. As soon as the closed door behind him, she rushed over and locked it.

Staring out the peephole at him, Jen watched as he raised his arm to knock on the door and then lower it several times. The whole time, she held her breath, hoping he would leave without any more drama. Her heart raced, and she felt as if she was going to throw up.

As Kyle got to the top of the stairs, she slowly exhaled. She could no longer see him, so she strained to hear his car. After the car door shut, a long moment of silence left her begging. Leave. Please, just leave. Finally, the car engine turned over, and the tires squealed as he pulled out of his parking spot.

Jen turned and sank with her back against the door. As the adrenaline rush began to ebb, a slow trickle of tears ran down her face. Poor baby. Your daddy doesn't want you. The tears started coming faster, and her breathing became more labored. Well, I guess you aren't the first one. My parents didn't love me either. Mom said men don't want single moms, so I probably won't have anyone to love me, but I promise, baby, I will absolutely love you forever. Sobs wracked her body. She couldn't remember the last time she had cried this hard. She curled up holding her knees and put her head on them. She tried to stop but couldn't.

Snowflake came out to check on Jen, meowing pitifully and petting himself against her. Even his attempts at comforting couldn't stop the tears. After several minutes of being ignored, he snuggled in next to her and just looked up at her with concern in his eyes.

4

Jen sat straight up when she heard the steps on the stairwell. It hasn't even been three hours yet. Could Beth really be here already? At the jingling of keys outside the door, Jen released the breath she didn't even know she was holding and raced to the door.

Beth jumped as the door opened in front of her. Then she gave Jen a long hug.

I am so glad you're here. Thank you for coming.

Of course, silly. Beth rubbed Jen's back and released the hug.

Sorry I woke you up so early. I—

Beth put her finger on Jen's lip. Jen, please, you are my best friend. This is important enough to wake me up.

The girls headed in the door, pushing back Snowflake who was trying to escape in the process. Beth stopped to hang her coat. Jen turned off the television. Then the pair made their way to the couch.

You must have flown, Jen said as the two sat down, facing each other.

Beth ran her fingers through her bangs. "Not really,