The bus driver notices a CRYING girl every day, looks under the SEAT after getting off and FAILS at what he sees…

Then mom met Greg and she got pregnant pretty quickly. Rory paused, rubbing her arms as if cold despite the blanket. Mom’s been gone for two weeks now.

She’s staying at my grandmother’s house because it’s our family tradition. She wanted to give birth there and stay for a month to take care of the baby. The social worker made notes as Rory spoke, occasionally nodding encouragingly.

When did Greg start hurting you? the police officer asked gently. Rory’s gaze dropped to her hands. A month ago, she whispered.

He started coming into my room at night when I was sleeping. I was so scared, but he told me if I told anyone, especially my mom, he would kill us and the baby too. Her voice broke, so I just kept quiet all the time.

And the pills? Walter prompted softly, gesturing to the birth control package. I started feeling sick in the mornings, Rory continued. One of the girls at school noticed and told me I should get pregnancy prevention pills.

I didn’t really understand, but she said they would help me not get pregnant, so I bought them with money I had saved. The paramedic exchanged glances with the social worker, both looking concerned. Rory, the paramedic said carefully, if you were already feeling sick, like morning sickness, then prevention pills wouldn’t help.

They’re meant to prevent pregnancy before it happens, not end one that’s already begun. Rory looked up, confusion and fear in her eyes. I didn’t know that.

I thought they would stop the sickness. Someone found them in my backpack at school, she continued, so I started hiding them under the seat on the bus where I always sit. The police officer placed a gentle hand on Rory’s shoulder.

Rory, we’re going to need to contact your mother and your school, and we’ll need to have a doctor examine you to determine if you’re pregnant. No, please, Rory begged, fresh panic in her voice. I don’t want this.

I can’t be pregnant. My mom will hate me. Your mother won’t hate you, the social worker assured her.

None of this is your fault, Rory. Your stepfather is the one who did something terrible, not you. We need to talk to your mother, the officer said firmly but kindly.

This isn’t something we can keep from her. Rory’s shoulders slumped in defeat as she nodded, tears streaming silently down her face. Walter watched the interaction with a heavy heart.

He had seen troubled kids before in his years as a bus driver, but nothing like this. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the officials. If it’s all right, he said, I’d like to accompany Rory to the hospital.

I want to make sure she’s not alone while waiting for her mother. The social worker considered this for a moment, then nodded. That would be fine, Mr. Harmon.

We’ll need to take your statement at the hospital as well. One of the police officers approached their group. The principal has been contacted, he informed them.

He says he’ll meet us at the hospital. Walter nodded, remembering the message he had sent earlier that had gone unanswered. Her homeroom teacher, Ms. Margaret, also knows about the situation.

I called her earlier when I became concerned. We’ll contact her as well, the officer confirmed. Now, let’s get Rory to the hospital for proper care.

The emergency room of Willow Glen Memorial Hospital buzzed with its usual controlled chaos as Walter sat in an uncomfortable plastic chair, waiting for news. After their arrival, Rory had been whisked away for examination, leaving Walter to give his statement to the police in a small conference room down the hall. He checked his watch…