I stared at the paper, motionless and speechless. The doctor and Caleb also stayed silent as well. I knew Caleb wanted to know just as bad as I did, but he didn’t look over my shoulder or anything. He was patient.
Finally, I spoke. “I’m pregnant.” The words came out surprisingly calm. A stark contrast to the screaming anxiety in my brain.
“Congrats,” the doctor smiled. “Would you like the blood test, just i-“
“No,” I said quietly. “It’s not necessary. But, thank you.” I stared at the paper some more, scared to see Caleb’s reaction. He was still and silent. I didn’t know if that was a good thing or bad thing. We already knew he was the father. Morgyn literally couldn’t be.
Oh God…Morgyn. What would he say? Would he be happy or not? What did this mean for our relationship? Would it change things with Jewel? I had gone from just being in a happy polyamorous relationship with no children to being a mother of three practically overnight. What were we going to do? How did I let this happen? Why weren’t we more careful?
I finally managed to look at Caleb, who seemed more concerned about me than the results.
“I’ll give you two some time,” the doctor smiled as she left the room. “When you’re ready, just give me a shout. My apologies for not introducing myself. I’m Doctor Shelby.”
Caleb smiled and bowed his head. “Thank you, Doctor Shelby. I’ll come get you momentarily.”
“Take your time,” she replied and shut the door.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“I’m sorry,” Caleb said quietly, crouching down to look at me again. “You don’t seem pleased with the-“
I grabbed him and kissed him, wrapping one arm tightly around him, with my other hand on his cheek. I started to cry again. But I wasn’t sad, or angry. I was scared as hell, but happy. So, so happy.
As we pulled away, he laughed softly. “Maybe I was wrong, then?”
“Very,” I said, my voice trembling as I spoke. “I have no idea what we are going to do, but I’m so excited and happy.”
He brushed my tears from my cheeks as tears filled his eyes as well. “Well,” he said quietly. “This obviously isn’t my first time. I’ll help you in any way you need.”
I smiled, gleaming with excitement. “Thank you.”
His tears fell, and I brushed them away like he did with mine. “Of course, my love.”
We kissed again.
“I’ll be right back,” he said. “If you’re ready for Doctor Shelby again.”
“I am,” I nodded, wiping my eyes.
He flashed me another smile and left the room.
I looked at the paper again. “Oh my God,” I said aloud. “I’m pregnant. I’m actually pregnant.” I felt like I could scream it from the rooftops. But at the same time, I had a nagging, unsettling feeling. Morgyn. What would he say or do? I pulled out my phone to text him, but thought better of it. No, this talk should happen in person. I put my phone back in my pocket, as well as the results.
I placed my hand on my belly. “Well,” I smiled. “I already have two daughters. Let’s hope you’re a little boy, hmm? Of course, I’ll love you either way. I already do. I love you. I love you so much, little one.”
Caleb came back in with Doctor Shelby.
“Jade,” she smiled. “I want to congratulate you again.” She handed me two medication scripts. “Here are two meds I’d like you to take. One is an as-needed anti-nausea medication, as it seems you are having severe morning sickness.” She grinned. “Which, I don’t think I need to tell you that it doesn’t just happen in the morning.”
I laughed. “No, it seems to happen more in the evening for me.”
Out of the cornee of my eye, I saw Caleb’s body stiffen. Ruby’s morning sickness was also in the evenings most of the time.
“Well, this medication works any time of day,” she chuckled. “The other medication is for prenatal vitamins. These will help both you and the baby as they develop.”
I nodded, taking it all in.
“I’m going to order an ultrasound so we can make sure everything is going smoothly, and so you two can meet your baby for the first time,” Doctor Shelby continued.
I saw Caleb smile. This was new, even for him. When Ruby was pregnant, they didn’t have the luxury of technology like that.
“The hospital isn’t too busy, and they should get you into a room quickly for the ultrasound,” she explained. “Just give them this paper at the desk and they’ll get you to the right place.” She handed me a paper with a few codes on it. “And,” she pulled out her notebook again. “I’ll write my recommendations for midwives in the area. If you have any questions or concerns, you just contact the midwife. She will also be the one to help you deliver the baby.”
I got nervous hearing that. I remembered the vision Ruby showed me of the birth of Ambrosia. I felt every pain, and I felt a few times that she might die or pass out from the pain.
“I know childbirth can be intimidating,” she placed her hand on my shoulder. “But rest assured, you’re in good hands. Everything will be just fine, and you’ll never be alone when you need people the most. I promise you that.”
Caleb clenched his fist and walked over toward the door, facing away from Doctor Shelby and I. I knew why. He had left Ruby when she was in labor. Of course, he had a good reason, but I could imagine hearing the doctor’s words really bothered him.
I smiled and nodded as she handed me the paper. “Thank you.”
“Of course!” She smiled back. “And if you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to call.”
I stood up. “Thank you. I will.”
“Good luck,” she smiled. “And congrats again. To both of you.”
I bowed my head. “Thank you.”
“Yeah,” Caleb mumbled. “Thanks.”
We left and headed for the train station to get to the hospital.
I took Caleb’s hand. “She didn’t mean anything against you.”
He sighed and shook his head. “When you need people the most,” he quoted.
I stopped him. “I understand why you did what you did.” I was allowing myself to speak as Ruby to him so he fully understood.
“I…” he paused as tears filled his eyes. “I will never leave you again.”
“Caleb,” I shook my head. “I know you won’t. Please don’t do this to yourself.”
He gazed into my eyes. I tilted my head with a smile. “This is a happy day for us. Don’t dwell on that.”
He nodded and looked away. “I’m sorry.”
“Shhh,” I tilted his head up and took his hand. I placed it on my belly and gazed into his eyes. A smile formed on his lips. He nodded slightly, and so did I.
“I love you,” he said.
I smiled happily. “I love you too.”
We continued on to the hospital. Once there, we stopped at the front desk to get directions to where we needed to go. Just like the doctor said, they got us in quickly.
“Alright, Ms. Hunter!” The technician greeted me. She looked at Caleb. “And…?”
“Caleb,” he held out his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she beamed, taking his hand and shaking it. “And I’m assuming you’re the dad-to-be?”
He laughed nervously. “Yes.”
“Great!” She glanced between us. “So, Jade, we just need you in that chair right there, and Caleb, you can sit by her, or stand, whatever you want to do.”
I sat in the chair she told me to, and Caleb sat beside me.
“My name is Abby,” the technician held out her hand.
I smiled. “Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand gently.
She smiled as well. “Are you nervous?”
I nodded. “This is all a bit sudden. I just found out we were expecting today.”
“Oh, really?” She asked in a bubbly tone. “How exciting! Were you trying to get pregnant?”
I blushed. “Not exactly.”
“Oh!” She laughed. “So it was a happy accident?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
Caleb shifted his weight to his other side, away from us. I glanced over at him. “Are you okay?”
He nodded with a smile. “Yeah, of course I am.”
I held out my hand, and he took it. I looked back at Abby, who was getting the device ready.
“So, I have to put this gel on it,” she said, rubbing the gel over the surface of what looked to be a small wand. “It’ll be cold at first.”
I nodded and pulled my shirt up a little. Abby placed the wand on my belly, and I looked at the screen nervously. I saw nothing but black and white lines, sort of like static on a TV.
“Wha-” I stopped. “Not to be rude, but what am I looking at?”
She laughed. “We’re looking at your uterus! I’m just moving this around to find your little peanut.”
I giggled. “Peanut.”
She smiled. “Right now, your baby is about the size of a peanut anyway. It won’t look like much on the screen.”
I nodded. Abby continued moving the wand slowly across my belly. Finally, she stopped.
“There you are, peanut,” she smiled. Keeping the wand steady, she reached up and pointed to a little spot on the black and white screen. The dot was white, and it stood out against the mostly black backdrop.
I felt a sudden sense of joy. Sure, it wasn’t much. Just a blurry white dot. But that blurry white dot was a new life growing inside of me. All of my worries disappeared in an instant. There was no fear. Only love. I felt Caleb squeeze my hand, and I looked at him. He had his head pointed toward the floor, and his eyes were closed. I didn’t want to draw attention to him, so I looked back at the screen.
Abby took a few photos of things that made no sense to me, as well as a few pictures of our little ‘peanut’. When it was over, she gave me some paper towels to wipe my belly with and handed us a few printed ultrasound pictures.
“As he or she grows, they will look more and more like a baby,” Abby assured us. “At about five months, as long as the baby cooperates, we will be able to tell the gender of the baby as well, if that’s something you’d like to know.”
I nodded. “Yes.”
She smiled happily. “Congrats again.”
“Thank you,” we said together.
Abby left the room, and I turned to face Caleb.
“Caleb,” I said quietly, resting my hands on his shoulders. I gazed up at him, unsure. “Are you not happy about this?”
“No, no,” he looked at me, his eyes pleading. “I’m overjoyed. I’m so, so happy.”
“You started to act strangely during the ultrasound,” I said.
Once again, he looked away. He didn’t say anything.
“Caleb, please,” I shook his shoulders gently.
He turned around, facing away from me. I let my arms fall to my sides, confused as to what was going on in his mind. He was never just silent with me like this.
But then I heard it. He was crying. He was crying incredibly hard, and trying to hide it. I stepped toward him, so I was standing in front of him and pulled him into a tight hug. He gripped my back tightly, as if he was afraid to let go of me. Like something would rip me away from him if he didn’t hold me tightly. I suppose that made sense though. This was overwhelming for me, but it had to have been even more so for him. He was happy that we were expecting, but he was deeply saddened because it reminded him of Ruby, her death, her being taken from him, and his own guilt. This entire journey we had taken to find a daughter he didn’t even know existed had reopened all of those wounds. Then, without even allowing them to close again, he was reliving them, but only with me now. At least that’s what he thought.
I closed my eyes and held him. It was the best I could do in the moment. Just be there for him.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Shhh.” I rubbed his back. “Don’t be sorry.”
It took him a few moments to regain his composure. I stepped away to grab a few paper towels for him to dry his tears. He dried them, then hugged me again, but from the side, placing his hand on my belly.
I giggled softly. “Our peanut.”
He smiled, faintly at first, then his face gradually brightened up. “Our peanut.”
We headed back home, stopping at the pharmacy on our way back. As we stepped into the elevator to make it to our apartment, my nerves got the best of me. I still had to face Morgyn about this. I wasn’t sure how he would take it.
I cautiously walked up to Morgyn as he cleaned the coffee table in the living room. Caleb followed close behind.
“Morgyn,” I said softly.
“Hmm?” He straightened and turned to face us. “Did you find out what’s been making you sick?”
I nodded.
“Let’s sit,” Caleb said.
“Uh oh,” Morgyn looked worried. “You’re not like, really sick are you?”
I couldn’t help but crack a smile. “No, Morgyn, I’m not dying.”
He also smiled. “Whew, good.”
We all sat, and Morgyn eagerly sat forward to listen.
I took a deep breath. “Not only do we have Ambrosia as part of our family, and hopefully Jewel soon, but,” I paused. Closing my eyes, I continued, “we’re expecting a baby, too.”
“A…baby.” Morgyn said. I knew it was a question, but he formed it as a statement. “As in…” he stopped and his eyes brightened. “Oh my God! You’re pregnant?”
Seeing his reaction made me feel a hundred times better. “Yes.”
“Oh my God!” He repeated, jumping up. He pulled Caleb and I up as well, gathering us into a big hug. “That’s great news!”
Relief set in and I smiled, hugging him back.
“I’m assuming this little one was an oopsie,” he said with a cheeky grin, resting his hand on my belly.
I nodded. “Yes, haha. If Caleb and I were trying, we would have talked with you about it first.”
We all sat down, and Morgyn kissed my forehead. “I’m so happy for you two.”
“Thank you,” I blushed.
“I’ve always wanted children, but obviously,” he gestured toward his body. He paused. “Well, actually, I still could.” He thought for a moment. “I had my eggs frozen when I had my gender reassignment surgery. You know, just in case I ever wanted children with a male partner.” He seemed to blush as he spoke.
“Oh wow,” I said, looking at Caleb. He smiled.
“Well, that would be something to think about later,” he nodded, clearly excited, but holding it back.
“And I would be the surrogate,” I said. “I mean, it just makes sense.”
Morgyn nodded with a smile.
I felt excited too. It really seemed like everything was falling into place. Caleb and Ruby had Ambrosia, Morgyn and I would have Jewel, Caleb and I were expecting, and then later on down the line, Caleb and Morgyn had the option to have a biological child as well.
I rested my head on Morgyn’s shoulder. The day’s events had made me quite lethargic. At least I wasn’t nauseous though, thanks to the medication. I closed my eyes.
“Congratulations,” Ruby smiled.
Oh, I fell asleep.
“Thank you,” I blushed.
She looked me up and down. “So I guess this is what they mean by the glow, hmm?”
I was confused. “What?”
“They say pregnant women glow,” she explained. “And you, my dear, are glowing.”
I giggled. “I think that’s just a myth.”
“Nonsense!” She laughed. “You are absolutely glowing, and I’m happy for both of you.”
“Thank you again,” I blushed.
“So you want a boy, eh?” She grinned.
I shrugged. “I’ll love this child no matter what, but as everything falls into place, it appears I have two daughters, even if not biologically. It would just make sense to have a son now.”
Ruby nodded. “How do you think things will go with Jewel and her parents?”
I furrowed my brow and looked down. “I’m not sure, to be honest with you.” I looked back up at Ruby with a look of determination. “But she deserves far more than what her parents, if you can even call them that, were giving her.”
“I agree,” Ruby nodded again. “And Morgyn seems quite excited about it.”
“She sees him as a father,” I smiled.
“Something he’s well-deserving of,” Ruby agreed. “He’s a good man.”
I smiled happily. “Yes, he is. I was so scared he might be angry about this baby.” I placed my hand on my belly. “But, he was actually really happy.”
Ruby shook her head and waved her hand. “Jade. You should know by now that he won’t be angry about just about anything you think he might be.”
“I know,” I admitted. “I just never want to hurt him.”
She placed her hands on my shoulders. “Don’t worry about that.” He tilted her head and her expression turned serious. “In fact, try not to worry about anything. You don’t want to stress and potentially stress the baby.”
I felt worried. “My life is so fast paced at times though, and being a sage, I have to be ready for anything at any time. That causes me to be alert and have at least a small degree of worry.”
Ruby smiled warmly. “Perhaps you should take a break from your sage duties?”
“No!” I looked at her, shocked. “I can’t.”
She shrugged. “Alright. Just a suggestion.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I just can’t forfeit my duties as sage.”
“I understand,” she smiled. “But if things get too overwhelming, think of your child first.”
I nodded. “I will, Ruby.” I looked down at my body, as if speaking to my child. “I will.”
I woke up on the couch, leaning against Morgyn, but we were alone on the couch. He had also dozed a little, but started to stir when I moved.
I sat up, smiling at him. “Hey.”
“Hey,” He smiled back. “How’d you sleep?”
“Good, though I didn’t mean to,” I giggled.
He laughed with me and teased a strand of my hair. “Caleb mentioned earlier that you two are expecting company this evening?”
I thought for a moment. Ambrosia. She and her fiance had planned to come over. “Right, yeah.” I nodded.
Right on cue, Caleb came over to let me know they were on their way. I smiled and sat up, teasing my hair a bit to fix any potential kinks from my nap.
“Should we tell her?” Caleb asked.
I nodded. “She’s going to ask how I’m feeling anyway.”
“Ah, yeah,” he also nodded. “She’s going to be really excited.”
I smiled warmly. “Yes, she is.”
Morgyn sat up as well. “Do you want time alone with her?”
“No,” Caleb and I said in unison. I continued, “she wants to meet everyone as well.”
He smiled. “I can’t wait.”
There was a knock on the door, and I felt my heart skip a beat. I was nervous about this, but why? It didn’t seem to make sense to me.
Caleb and I answered the door together, and Ambrosia immediately rushed toward me, giving me a big hug.
“Mom,” she said happily, hugging me tightly.
Caleb had a look of terror on his face. “Uh, Ambrosia,” he gently pulled at her arm. “Please be careful.”
I laughed softly. “I’m fine, Caleb.”
Ambrosia pulled away. “Jeez Dad, are you afraid I’m going to break her?”
He put his arm around my back, as if he was protecting me. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ambrosia continued, “you act like she’s fragile!”
I turned my attention to Ambrosia’s fiancé, who was awkwardly standing as we spoke, waiting for an introduction.
“Hi, I’m Jade.” I held out my hand.
He smiled, his blue eyes lighting up. Taking my hand, he shook it. “Wolfgang,” he said. “But Ambrosia calls me Wolf, so feel free.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I smiled warmly.
“Likewise.” He looked me up and down and looked at Caleb. “I won’t hug her, sir, I promise.”
I stifled a giggle as Caleb sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m not usually this protective.”
Ambrosia waved her hand. “I get it. A bunch of strong vampires against a mage.”
“That’s not-” Caleb stopped. “Yeah.”
“How are you feeling , by the way?” Ambrosia asked.
“Better,” I smiled, resting my hand on my belly. “Thank you. I’m on medication to help the nausea.”
“What’s causing it?” She asked.
Caleb cleared his throat. I glanced at him, then back at Ambrosia. “Um,” I tried to hide the excited grin coming across my lips.
Caleb started, “she’s-“
“Oh my god,” Ambrosia’s eyes brightened. “Are you…” she stopped, staring at me anxiously.
“I’m pregnant,” I smiled happily.
“Aaaaaaah!” Ambrosia squealed, hugging me tightly again. “Congrats!”
“Ambrosia!” Caleb placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Caleb,” I shook my head as Ambrosia let me go. “I’m alright. Peanut is too. Just enjoy the moment.”
“Peanut?” Ambrosia asked in a high pitched voice. “That’s so cute!”
Once again, Caleb put his arm around my waist protectively.
“Really,” I said quietly. “I’m okay.”
Ambrosia’s face fell. “Dad, I understand why you’re worried. But, pregnancy doesn’t make a woman fragile. And what happened to Mom isn’t going to happen to…Well, Mom,” she smiled happily.
I nodded. “She’s right. I’ll be fine.”
Morgyn approached us, with Jewel.
I smiled at both of them. “Ambrosia, Wolf, meet Morgyn and Jewel.”
They all greeted each other as well. Ambrosia pulled Jewel into a big hug as well. “You’re just the cutest, oh my god!”
Wolf turned to Caleb. “She’s a very handsy person.” He seemed apologetic.
“I see this,” Caleb grinned.
“She told me about you two, and Ruby,” he said. “I know it’s been a long time, but I am sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” Caleb bowed his head. “It’s a strange situation, but obviously, she’s not lost.” He tightened his grip on me and smiled.
Wolf also smiled.
“I’m sorry I didn’t properly introduce myself,” Caleb held out his hand.
Wolf shook it. “It’s alright. I understand.”
We went into the living room and sat down.
“So Morgyn,” Ambrosia leaned forward. “You and Mom want to adopt Jewel?”
Morgyn nodded happily. “Yes. I have been trying to get in touch with her parents about it.”
“Good luck with that,” Jewel mumbled.
Morgyn sighed sadly and put his arm around her. “We will, don’t worry.” He looked at me. “Somehow.”
I nodded with a determined smile. “Yes. We will.”
Jewel rested her head on Morgyn, and he rested his head on hers, tightening his grip around her. I smiled happily. She really did love him as if he were her biological father. Adopting her really would be good for both of them.
“I might be able to help,” Ambrosia said quietly, not wanting to ruin the moment with a loud, bubbly voice. “I’ve met a few people along my career journey that could possibly help track down the people you’re looking for to contact them.”
“Private investigators?” Morgyn asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, sort of,” Ambrosia nodded. “But I know attorneys as well.”
I nodded slowly, thinking about it. “That could be helpful. Thank you, Ambrosia.”
“Anytime!” She smiled. “And anything for my future little sister.”
Jewel perked up with a shy smile. “Thanks.”
Ambrosia stood up and walked over to her. She crouched down in front of her. “I mean it. This family may have grown overnight, but we are a family, blood or not. I’ll do anything to help you. You’re my sister.”
Jewel covered her face and started to cry quite hard. “T-thank you. It really means a lot.”
Ambrosia hugged her tightly.
I felt overjoyed for Jewel. This was what she deserved. Her happiness was most important to me. To see Ambrosia already accepting everyone and going out of her way to help her potential sister made me really happy. I felt tears come to my eyes as well. I quickly wiped them away, not wanting to attract attention to myself. This moment was about Jewel.
After a few moments, Ambrosia stood up. She motioned for Morgyn and I to step outside with her. As I stood up, I immediately saw Caleb follow me with his eyes. He looked worried.
“I’ll be right back,” I assured him.
He nodded, but continued to watch me. Before stepping out of view, I glanced back, and he was still looking at me. I felt like I was getting annoyed. Sighing, I headed onto the terrace.
Morgyn took note of my expression. “You alright?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
Ambrosia put her hands together. “When we leave, I’m going to call my friend Asya,” she said. “She worked for the sheriff a few years ago until she became a makeup artist. She still has regular contact with detectives there, some who have started work as private investigators.” She tilted her head and smiled. “And being in the public eye, I’ve met my fair share of lawyers. If you two ever have any questions, call me any time.” She took Morgan’s hands. “Jewel is a sweetheart. She’s lucky to have met you two.”
Morgyn smiled. “We’re lucky to have met her.”
I looped my arms around Morgan’s arm and rested my head on his shoulder. “Yes, we are.”
Ambrosia clapped her hands quickly and let out a shriek. “Oh this is so exciting!”
I giggled. Morgyn kissed my forehead. “Seems there’s much excitement as of late.”
I nodded, closing my eyes.
“Sleepy?” Ambrosia also giggled.
I nodded again. “I can only hope it gets easier.”
“It does,” she said.
“Speaking from experience?” I smiled.
“Sort of,” she laughed. “I’ve had friends who had kids. I don’t have any of my own.”
I nodded. “So you’ve seen.”
“Mhm,” she smiled warmly. “The first trimester is the worst.”
I took it all in. I was sure it would be worth it.
“Let’s head back in,” Morgyn said. “I want to make sure Jewel is alright.”
We followed him back in, and I sat back beside Caleb, who put his arm around me again, holding me close, not willing to let go. I ignored it, despite my growing frustration.
“Are you okay?” He asked me.
“Fine,” I responded, probably a bit more cold than I had intended.
Morgyn and Ambrosia took their seats as well, immediately jumping back into conversations with Wolf, Caleb and Jewel. Jewel had calmed herself and was talking about her best friends in school.
“I’m really lucky to have them,” she beamed. “They’ve helped me through so much and put up with my mood swings when my parents were, well, whatever they were.”
I sighed quietly. Whenever her parents were mentioned, I felt a pit in my stomach. I felt Caleb tighten his arm around my waist, as if he was worried that I sighed. Ugh. What was he doing? I took his hand and squeezed it. “I’m fine,” I whispered.
His grip loosened.
“Honestly, they’re like sisters to me,” Jewel continued happily. “I love them as if they are.”
“Those are the best types of friends,” Ambrosia said with a smile.
Jewel nodded. “Yes, and they are the best friends anyone could ask for.”
Ambrosia pulled out her phone. “If you’d like another friend, we could exchange numbers?”
Jewel’s eyes brightened again as she eagerly took her phone out of her pocket as well. “I’d love that!”
They exchanged numbers. Ambrosia tucked her phone into her pocket again. “You can call or text me any time,” she said. “I very rarely sleep. You know, being a vampire and all.”
Jewel giggled. “What do you do all the time if you don’t sleep?”
“I uh,” Ambrosia stopped. “I like to…explore.” She seemed to blush. I giggled a little. Her social media was filled with photos of her. She was a model, so that was expected. But sometimes those photos were a bit…revealing. She also had plenty of photos with Wolf that were just as revealing. I thought nothing of it. She was clearly keeping herself versatile for her portfolio. However, whatever activities she took part in to get those photos were clearly embarrassing to explain to a young teenager. Especially one who may have not even had the proper “talk” with her parents.
“So you travel?” Jewel asked, eyes gleaming in excitement.
“Well, that too!” Ambrosia’s expression shifted. “I do love traveling.” Her eyes widened. “I should treat you all to a vacation!”
Caleb shook his head. “I…”
I glared at him. “I think that sounds nice. But you don’t have to pay for all of us.”
“I insist!” Ambrosia waved her hand. “It’s a ‘new family’ celebration.”
I smiled warmly. “We can work out the details. I love the idea.”
“Could it maybe wait?” Caleb asked. He tilted his head toward me, a horrible attempt at a subtle gesture.
“No,” I shook my head. “Please.”
Ambrosia gave him an empathetic look. “Nonsense.”
Jewel looked between Caleb and I, clearly sensing the tension. It was then that I realized that she didn’t know. I smiled a little. I would tell her later, one on one. As Ambrosia struck up another conversation with everyone, I stood up.
“Excuse us for a moment,” I said. I gestured to Caleb for him to follow me. I led him into the kitchen.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, his voice almost panicked. “Are you alright? Feeling okay? Do you need any-“
“Caleb,” I placed my finger on his lips. “Please stop.” I smiled slightly. “I am fine, I promise. And the moment I’m not fine, I will tell you.” I put my hand down. “I can still continue to live life the way I have been.”
He looked away, closing his eyes. “This is…” he trailed off.
“Hard for you,” I finished, taking his hand. “I know.”
“There are a lot of mistakes of my past that I feel I need to make up for now.” He looked at me again. It seemed his eyes were a bit dimmer than they were usually. I hugged him tightly. He tried to pull away.
“Be careful!” He exclaimed.
I tilted my head and smiled. “Caleb, please. I’m not fragile, alright? Just treat me the same way you normally would. Let me hug you.”
He relaxed, hugging me back. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to be better.” He rested his head on mine. “I love you.”
I smiled and closed my eyes. “I love you too.”
We went back out in the midst of a laughing fit amongst everyone else. Wolf was telling jokes.
“You should really get into comedy,” Morgyn said, still giggling.
Wolf smiled happily. “You think so?”
“I know so,” Morgyn nodded. “Your witty sense of humor is something a lot of people enjoy.”
Wolf kept the smile on his face. “Thank you, Morgyn. You just brightened my night.”
Morgyn matched Wolf’s smile. “Any time. It’s all true.”
Ambrosia looked at Caleb and I as we sat back down. “Everything alright?”
I nodded. “Yeah, we’re good.” I looked at Caleb, who simply nodded as well. Like he didn’t believe what I said, but forced himself to agree.
Ambrosia looked at the time. “Well, we should probably get going.” She and Wolf stood up. “But Mom, I’ll be in touch with you and Dad about the vacation, and Jewel, please don’t hesitate to chat with me if you want or need it.”
Jewel stood up and hugged her. “Thank you.”
Ambrosia held her tightly and swayed. “Anything for my little sister.” They pulled away, and Ambrosia turned to Caleb and I. “I’m so happy this has all worked out,” she smiled. “And congrats again. I’m so happy for you.” She turned her attention to Caleb. “Dad, don’t treat her like she’s going to break. She’s totally fine unless the doctor says otherwise.”
I stood proudly. “Yes, listen to her.”
Caleb smiled slightly. “Alright, alright.”
Ambrosia laughed and hugged us. “I’ll be in touch.”
As we let go, I hugged Wolf. “It was nice to meet you.”
He smiled. “Nice to meet you too.”
“Welcome to the family,” I grinned. “The family that grew overnight.”
We all giggled a bit, and Ambrosia and Wolf said their goodbyes and left. As I watched the door close, I felt eyes on me. I looked back toward everyone else, and saw Jewel gazing at me. She looked like she wanted to ask me a question, but was intimidated.
I smiled and sat beside her. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” she smiled brightly. “Ambrosia and Wolf are really cool.” She looked at me. “But, Ambrosia congratulated you. What happened?”
I laughed softly. “Well, as I said to her, our family grew overnight, didn’t it?” I placed my hand on my belly. “I found out today.”
Jewel sat straight up, her expression shifting to excitement. “You…you’re…oh my god!” She hugged me tightly. “You’re having a baby too?”
I nodded and hugged her back. “Yeah!”
“Is it a boy or a girl?” She asked, still holding me in a hug.
“Well, we don’t know that, and we won’t for awhile,” I replied. “This is a learning experience for me too. I’m excited to share my journey with everyone.”
We let go, and Jewel did a little dance in her seat. “This is so exciting!”
I giggled. “It really is. I’m really happy. Everything is finally falling into place.” I sat back in my seat, resting on my elbow on the arm of the couch. I closed my eyes.
“Tired?” Jewel asked. I realized that during our exchange, Morgyn and Caleb had walked away. We were alone.
“Yeah. But I guess that’s normal.” I realized I was mumbling. I giggled a little. I sounded drunk.
“Can I show you something?” She asked quietly.
“Hmm?” I asked, opening my eyes. “Sure.”
She pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket. Unfolding it, she held it between us. I sat up to look at it. It was a new floorplan of our penthouse.
“Wow, Jewel, this is amazing!” I exclaimed, looking it over. She hadn’t changed much of what it would look like, but she had put lines pointing to each wall with small notes added, describing paint colors and small doodles of designs.
“I like this place and didn’t want to change it,” she said with a slight smile. “I haven’t finished the second floor yet. Now that I know,” she stopped. “I will, uh, have to change a few things.”
I giggled. “Jewel, you don’t have to do this alone.”
“I know,” she nodded. “That’s why I show you. And maybe after school we can work on the second floor together.”
“I’d love that,” I rubbed her back. “Thank you.”
“It’s so fun!” She exclaimed. “Don’t thank me.”
I smiled warmly. I didn’t know what to say.
“I’m going to go into my room,” she said, holding her hand out. I handed her the paper. “Maybe you should sleep.”
I looked at the time. It was only nine o’clock. “Ah, thank you. It’s a bit too early though.”
Jewel grinned playfully as she stood up. “It’s not too early for the baby.”
I giggled, placing my hand on my belly. “Alright, that’s true.”
“Good night,” Jewel smiled.
“Good night, Jewel,” I smiled back.
As she walked away, I rested my head back down and closed my eyes.
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