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Since we were dated,it was tricky to prove stalking,but I showed proof of our breakup.Nathan got 10 days in detention and a$500 fine.
I thought that was the end.I didn't want evryone to know that I was pregnant,just a quiet procedure without alerting my parents.
But I underestimated what the Brooks family would do when they’re desperate.At the hospital,after an ultrasound and booking the procedure,I was waiting for the doctor when someone grabbed my wrist.
"Emma,that's our family's blood!You can't be so cruel!"It was Nathan's mom.No wonder I felt followed lately—she must have been staking out my place for at least a few days.
"What are you doing?I'm done with your son.My choices are none of your business!"I yanked my arm free,trying to leave.
"Emma,please!Don't abort my grandson.You want houses,money?I'll give it all.Pity an old woman please!"Nathan's mom clung to my sleeve,throwing a tantrum on the floor.
The hospital was crowded,and people gathered to gawk."This young girl,all alone for an abortion?Her life must be a mess!""The guy's mom is just looking out for her,yet she's ungrateful!""Poor old lady,begging for a grandchild at her age!"
The crowd,clueless,made up their own stories in their minds."Enough!Stop the drama.This is a hospital,not a stage. shoo!"My best friend swooped in,pried Nathan's mom off,and ushered me to the operating room.
The procedure was quick,painless.After the anesthesia wore off,I felt rough,but knowing I was free of Nathan?That was just pure relief.I took a week off work to recover at home.
The next morning,still groggy,my friend called."Emma,check online now—you're trending,and it's a disaster!"she said,panicking.
I opened my phone and nearly exploded.A minute-long video showed my tussle with Nathan's mom,my face clear as day,no blur.Her face?Conveniently, it was hidden.Headlines screamed:"Woman Ignores Elderly Mother-in-Law,Insisting on Abortion!""Heartbreaking:Grandma Begs to Save Grandchild,Knocked Down!""Moral Decay:Today's Youth Have No Ethics!"
Some recognized me:"I've seen her before—her office is in our building!"
A few defended me,but they were cursed by thousands immediately.Even my friend who helped me got dragged online.The comments were all bots—a planned cyberattack.
Then it hit me:Nathan once mentioned his cousin ran a new media gig,managing bots and steering comments.Nathan was in detention,his parents were old,and Sarah wouldn't help.It had to be the cousin.
