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Unexpected Consequences

Page 22

by Jaye Cox


  "We’re never having sex here again," I say to Rayne on the way out the door.

  "Why not? Sounded like he liked what he heard," he says.

  "There is so much wrong with what you just said. Ty is your brother, it’s weird." He laughs, gets into the car and takes off towards his parents’ house. I look over at him and see he put the necklace on; it looks good on him - the green looks amazing against his olive skin.

  The drive to his parents takes about forty minutes and by the time we walk through the doors and the smell of the food hits my nose, I realise I’m starved. The sound of my stomach rumbling makes Rayne laugh, and when he pulls me into the dining room there is an actual buffet breakfast set up.

  "Rayne you're here" Abigail says when we walk into the kitchen, almost barging me out the way to hug her brother. She still isn't my biggest fan but she’s a lot less rude now, at least to my face anyway. There are lots of happy birthdays and presents set out on the table, I hope we get to eat before they make him open them all, I lean into Rayne and whisper;

  "Can I please eat before you open those?"

  "Mum I am getting Tiny Dancer something to eat before I open my gifts if that’s okay? We didn’t eat anything before we came and the baby is hungry."

  "You don't eat that shit for breakfast, bro. I will take her to get some food and you go play nice with the rents," Boston says grabbing me by the hand and pulling me into the dining room.

  "So Isabella, you and Rayne are back on again, huh?" he says

  "How can you tell?" I ask

  "My brother is actually happy to be here, so you’ve obviously done something to make him happy and he told me about waiting until you were together again to - well... you know. Plus I can tell he had a good servicing this morning," he says as he loads my plate with food. Not a conversation I want to be having with Rayne’s little brother, even though he really isn't much younger than I am.

  "Yep, something like that," I say.

  "Come on then. Let’s feed you after the big morning you guys have had and watch Rayne open a bunch of shit he doesn't need."

  "Boston - are you annoying Isabella?" Audrey says, walking into the room.

  "Never Mother, we were just heading back in." he replies. I follow Boston back out to the kitchen and take a seat. He places a plate of food in front of me big enough to feed everyone in the room and steals some bacon off the plate before sitting opposite me. Rayne is next to me and starts opening his presents. He gets a really nice notebook from Abigail and some weird looking part for his bike off Boston. They spend a few minutes talking about motorbikes, which I tune out while I eat the pancakes on my plate. They are the best I have ever eaten, I must have closed my eyes and when I realize - I open them and everyone is quiet and looking at me.

  "Holy shit bro, you scored well if that’s...-" Boston gets cut of when Rayne kicks him under the table and Abigail starts laughing and says she has to go make a call.

  Rayne leans in and says: "Tiny Dancer if you make noises like that again, I will take you right here on the table in front of everyone." I think I turn every shade of pink to red, in a matter of seconds.

  "Rayne, open ours," James says changing the subject. He winks at me and not in a creepy way, but in an ‘I just dug you out of having to talk about the orgasm noises you make when eating pancakes’ way. Rayne opens it and finds two plane tickets to anywhere he wants to go. His mum says we should take a baby-moon before the baby gets here, which reminds me to start drinking some water for my ultrasound.

  "A baby-moon?" Rayne asks.

  "Yes a holiday before the baby gets here - one last chance to be together without a baby," she says, obviously thinking his not knowing this is the most ridiculous thing she’s heard all day. Rayne goes and talks with Boston some more as James leaves for work. He tells me the plan is all set for tonight and he’ll have everyone there on time. Audrey shows me some recent pictures of all the nursery furniture being shipped over. It’s beautiful; everything is hand carved and I can’t wait to see it in person. When everyone starts to leave for their day, we say our goodbyes and make our way over to the ultrasound place. It’s a long drive since we’re coming from Rayne’s parents.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Seeing our baby again was surreal and I cannot believe how much they change and grow so quickly - our little blob now looks like a little person. It's starting to sink in that I’m going to have a baby. Seeing the little fingers moving and the legs kicking is magical, definitely a day I will never forget. So far, today has been the perfect day. Everyone is meeting back at Rayne’s parents’ house for lunch and the boys will all be going to the golf club to celebrate Rayne’s’ birthday. It gives Sam and I time to make sure everything is set up for tonight. We ask the sonographer to record a voice message on my phone so we can all find out as a family what the sex of the baby is. She was more than happy to do it for us and even takes my phone in another room so we can't hear, it’s killing us not knowing. Rayne has spent the whole drive back to his parents trying to convince me to play it before we get there and just pretend we didn't listen, but I stick to our decision. Ty has been messaging me nonstop, he is so excited. When we get to his parents, everyone comes running; it’s like a stampede of people pushing and shoving their way outside. It’s kind of amusing when even my father is joining in, pushing Tommy and Ty out of the way. I can hear him say, “She is my daughter - move it or lose it." It’s amazing how he has turned into a big ball of mush over a baby. Sam’s the first to get to the car, she opens the door and steals my phone out of my hand and makes a run for the house yelling.

  "Come and find me, suckers!" I know she won't listen to it without us and I’m glad she saved me from everyone, because now most of them have taken off after her. Watching Rayne’s mum run in heels is hilarious. When we find Sam in the kitchen standing on the kitchen bench with everyone standing around her, Rayne grabs my hand.

  "Let’s do this," he says. Sam hands him my phone and he finds the recording.

  "Rayne and Isabella gave me the pleasure of revealing the babies gender and I’m pleased to tell you all they’re having a healthy baby boy, congratulations to you both."

  Everyone starts talking - some saying I knew it, and others saying oh my God it’s a boy. I turn to look at Rayne, waiting for the I told you so, but it doesn't come; instead he looks at me through glassy eyes and says; "Thank you."

  "For what?" I ask a little confused but when his tears start falling, so do mine. We must look ridiculous standing in the middle of a kitchen crying.

  "For giving me a second chance, for giving me a son. We are having a son. Tiny Dancer. I love you so much,” he says.

  "I love you too Rayne, I will always love you. I told you I would always find my way back to you and I did." I look up and notice everyone in the room has stopped talking, they’re all staring at us. Rayne’s mum is crying, and I think even Abigail might be happy.

  "Have you picked a boy’s name?" Romeo wants to know.

  "Actually, we have," Rayne confirms as he looks at me and I nod in agreement.

  "It’s a name with a lot of meaning to us and we hope you all like it as much as we do."

  "You're killing us here, bro. Get on with it," Boston urges him on.

  "His name is Jagger James Hollywood, Tiny Dancer told me Richard wanted to call her Mick if she’d been a boy; after Mick Jagger. Neither of us liked Mick and we both looked at each other, and just knew if we were having a boy, Jagger was the name. It’s weird, when mum said to me that we would just know when the name was right, I didn’t believe her. James is after James - obviously you all know that my real father is a joke and that I think of James as my father. Without him I would be a drug dealer just like my brother - or in jail. I owe everything to James for believing in me and making me into the man I am today," Rayne says. That was enough to set Audrey off crying again. James comes over, hugs Rayne and says to him;

  "You're my son and I love you. You have become a man I’m proud of and so mu
ch more than you give yourself credit for." Then Audrey comes over and plasters kisses all over Rayne’s face. "Mum, I'm too old to be mauled with kisses."

  "Oh shush and let me enjoy this moment," she says.

  My father comes over and gives me a hug. "I love you, Isabella and I love the name," he says, and I laugh. The one thing he loves more than his old movies, is Mick Jagger. I could sing any song he has ever made word by word. I wanted to have a name that had meaning for both of us, and I’m happy my father likes the name too.

  "Congrats, Bells. I'm really happy for you both," Tommy says, giving me a hug.

  "Thanks Tommy. So I see Natalie is here, does that mean things are okay with you guys?"

  "We’re going to try and see what happens. Enough about us though, we can talk about it tomorrow. Just enjoy all this - you deserve to be happy," he says.

  "So do you. Stop putting me first all the time and stop using our friendship as an excuse to not commit."

  "I’m going to be the best uncle, you tattooed nerd," Boston says running past us.

  "Take that back, golden boy," Ty counters, chasing him out of the kitchen.

  "Okay men, let’s go get our golf on," Romeo says, coming back into the kitchen. Rayne comes and stands beside me, putting his arm around me and I lean into him.

  "Are you okay, Tiny Dancer? I can cancel and we can go home so you can have a nap," he says.

  "I'm fine. You go have fun - plus Sam is here and I’m sure she is capable of babysitting me."

  "I can do what?" Sam says.

  "You are capable to look after me," I say rolling my eyes.

  "Hey, I can kick your ass Rayne and don’t forget it," she teases.

  "Yeah, yeah and it was only once," he says.

  Morris and Dex come over and make Rayne leave. I was worried for a minute that he was going to cancel and stay with me. "Let’s go, we need to let the caterers in, now that Ty decided to go with the guys," Sam says.

  "I made him go; he was worried about James not wanting him around yet." We get home in time to let the caterers in to set up what they need to. Sam helps me set up some decorations, nothing too fancy, I know Rayne won't care about what colour napkins he has. Dex made a happy birthday banner for me and must have stopped by after we left and hung it up. It looks awesome. I run over the plan with Sam again; I'm going to meet Rayne at his house, take him to the movies and before we go to dinner, I will fake being sick so Rayne will take me home where everyone will be waiting. Everyone is under strict instructions not to let him get too drunk playing golf. I have spent so much time making sure his day will be perfect. Once we finish setting up and I get ready, a few hours have passed. Ty texts me to let me know they’re running on time. Sam and I make our way to Rayne’s apartment where Sam will catch a lift back with Morris. I drive, since Sam has started drinking already. She says it’s because she doesn't get much time off so she is allowed to and tells me to stop being all judgey. I think she is a bit tipsy already.

  "How are things with you and Morris?" I ask. I get the feeling something is up.

  "I thought they were going well, but now I’m not sure," she says.

  "You want to talk about it?"

  "Not today, I’m having a good time and I won’t ruin it for you. Our relationship issues will still be there tomorrow and I might need a shoulder to cry on, along with a shit load of ice cream and chocolate," she jokes.

  "You know how much I love ice cream and chocolate," I confess, and she laughs.

  "You like to eat anything, Bells. You're an eating machine - you eat a shit load and you're pregnant and you're still so bloody thin."

  "Have you seen my massive ass happening?"

  "That’s not a bad thing. Ask Rayne, I’m sure he’s loving the benefits of all the extra junk in the trunk," she says.

  Once we get to Rayne’s apartment, Rayne and Morris are already waiting for us. I still miss the place they all shared together and really wished they all still lived there.

  "About time you girls got here; we have been waiting forever," Morris complains.

  "Shut it, Morris. Let’s leave the love birds to it and go home," Sam says. Something is going on with those two - one minute they’re fine and the next they’re fighting again. I really hope they work it out soon.

  "Have fun - we will see you later," says Morris.

  "We will, don't you worry," Rayne says, and we all know what he means, I sucker punch him in the ribs.

  "Just because it’s your birthday doesn't mean you’ll get away with that," I tell him. Sam and Morris laugh as they get in Morris' car.

  "You look beautiful," Rayne compliments me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

  "Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself."

  "I look awesome all the time, Tiny Dancer," he says.

  "You're starting to sound like Tommy - Let’s go."

  We decide to watch Grownups Two. I manage to convince Rayne that I need a large caramel popcorn for myself and he would need to buy his own, but we could share some Maltesers and M&Ms. Rayne is like a child; he makes us line up straight away because he wants seats right at the back. He almost breaks out in a run to beat some teenagers to the front of the line. They take one look at him and he gave them the ‘don't mess with me’ look and they let him walk past. I just mouth sorry as we walk past, and one of them just shrugs and smiles at me. I give Rayne the ‘what the hell are you doing’ look, and he says we need the back seat in case I need to use the bathroom. I just think he is a big kid at heart and wants to sit in the back. Towards the end of the movie, I’m starting to get worried everyone will forget what they have to do and the surprise will be ruined. My nerves are actually helping with my plan.

  "Are you okay, Tiny Dancer? You don't look good." Rayne looks at me.

  "I don't feel well. Would you mind if we just went home?"

  "This has been the best birthday ever. The only thing that can make it better is falling asleep with you in my arms." He knows exactly what to say lately and I love this Rayne. This is the care-free Rayne I love.

  "I just need to make a toilet stop before we leave." I don’t really need to, but I have to text Sam and let her know we’re on our way. I send the text to Ty and Tommy as well just to make sure. They all text back telling me everything is fine and to get my ass home; actually it’s only Sam who says to get my ass home.

  "I'm good to go now," I say, meeting up with him outside.

  "Let’s get you home to bed."

  On the drive home Rayne doesn't talk much and I wonder what’s on his mind. I think he is a bit disappointed he didn't get a party, but he is trying to be nice and not say anything. Every year he gets a party that’s supposed to be a surprise - but his mum ruins it every year. Driving up the street I see the lights in the house are off.

  "Did Ty go out for the night?" he asks.

  "Yep. He wanted to give us privacy."

  "He is becoming my favourite brother,” he says. I just smile; he has no idea what we have all planned for him. Rayne gets out of the car and comes around to open my door. I take his hand and we walk up to the door, Rayne unlocks it and pushes it open.

  "SURPRISE!" everyone yells as the lights turn on.

  "You finally got me," he admits genuinely surprised.

  "This is what happens when your mother doesn't know there is a surprise party," Audrey says, coming over to give Rayne a hug.

  "Sorry Audrey, I wanted to tell you but when everyone warned me that each year you try to plan one and every year Rayne tricks you into telling him, I knew I had to outsmart him," I try to apologize.

  "Hey, it’s not my fault I'm so clever," he says, before making his way around the room, thanking his work friends for coming and joking with Ty and Dex. I spot Tommy in the kitchen and go to talk to him.

  "Hey Bells, awesome party. Who knew you can put all this together?’

  "Hey Mister, I’ve thrown some awesome parties for you over the years."

  "I'm only teasing you, Bells."


  "I know you are. Where is Natalie?"

  "She should be here later," he says, popping the lid off his beer.

  "I’m going to find the birthday boy," I say.

  "I’m off to challenge Romeo to another arm wrestle. He might be big, but I’m taking him down."

  "Good luck with that. I’m going to do cake first; can you tell everyone and I will get the caterers to bring it out."

  "Okay," he says. I get the caterers to carry out the cake. Most people have eaten. I’ve done more finger foods than anything else - it’s easier to mingle with finger foods. The cake comes out with big sparklers going off, and everyone starts singing happy birthday. Boston insists on singing some childish rendition of happy birthday - the one about smelling like a monkey. Rayne cuts the cake, a beautiful red velvet cake, since I know Rayne isn't a huge fan of chocolate. But when Boston starts a cake war, I retreat inside before I get hit with any crumbs.

  When I hear the doorbell I go to answer it.

  "Hello," I say to a girl, maybe a few years older than me. She is a little intimidating to look at with a pair of jeans and black corset on. Tattoos cover nearly all the skin she is showing, and her hair is black with a blue fringe.

  "Is Ty here?" she wants to know.

  "Somewhere. I can go find him for you." She comes off a bit stand-offish, like she’s really annoyed she has to stand here and talk to me.

  "Can you make it quick?" she says.

  "Ruby - don't be a bitch," Ty says walking up behind me.

  "I'm not being a bitch; I just wanted to stop in and see where my little brother lives now," she says.

  "Brother?" I’m confused.

  "Who are you anyway?" she asks me.

  "Ruby - this is my housemate, Bells - Bells, this is my sister, who isn’t normally such a bitch."

  "Hi Bells. Nice to finally meet you sorry for the attitude. I’m so used to women judging me, I naturally come across that way. My counsellor says it’s a coping mechanism; I say he is full of shit. I just like being a bitch. It’s nice to put a face to the name, though, Ty has told me so much about you."

 

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