“Okay, so we had a reason for bringing you together this evening. First, we want you guys to know we have thought about this. We’ve gone over everything thoroughly.” He pauses, taking a swig of water that had already been placed on our table, before looking at my dad. “Sir, I didn’t take advantage of your daughter or force her into anything. I promise. This is a decision we made together. I need you to know that.”
That was not in our plan of action. I glare at CJ, pinching his leg under the table.
“What’s going on? You didn’t get married, did you? Because you’re young, Allie,” Dad says, looking between us with a mixture of confusion and worry. He scrubs his jaw, looking to Melanie for answers. She looks ahead, and I feel bad for putting this on her. But I couldn’t well ask her to stay home because there might be a family drama. She’s part of our family now.
“CJ, honey, what is going on?” Milly asks, frowning.
“It wasn’t planned,” he says, and just like that, my dad turns a deathly shade of grey.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out, sitting back and preparing myself for the outburst.
No one says anything. It’s so silent, you could hear crickets. My body is tense, watching my dad’s face morph from shock to worry.
“Allie, you’re twenty years old. You aren’t ready to have a baby. You haven’t even finished school.”
“Dad, women younger than me have kids all the time. We haven’t taken this decision lightly. We know what’s at stake.”
He bangs his fist on the table. “No, Allie, I don’t think you do. You aren’t prepared at all. It’s endless nights of feeding and changing nappies.”
“Dad,” I say quietly, stopping him.
“He’s right. Have you two really thought this through? It’s not just feeding and changing nappies. This is a big responsibility. I couldn’t even leave the house to get a loaf of bread without having to pack everything but the kitchen sink. And they aren’t babies forever. They grow. You have to think about finding a place to live, safeguarding your home, then stairgates, a nursery, school, funding uniforms. You two haven’t seen the world yet. CJ, you’ve always wanted to experience South Africa. You can’t do that with a baby.”
My eyes water, and CJ, sensing my distress, pulls me against his chest before facing our parents. “Your listing off reasons why it’s hard to have children, but you forget, we’re your children. Yet, here we are. You did it. I know we’re young, but we can do this. We don’t see not being able to do things like go out, go on holidays, or pop to the shop whenever, as our life being over. We understand changes are going to be made, but we’re ready for them. More than ready.” He takes in a deep breath. “We didn’t come here today to ask for your permission. We came here to ask for your support.”
CJ runs a hand through my hair. His words mean everything to me, and the fact he stood up for us like that, in front of our parents, a mum who he loves and respects, is humbling.
His mum is first to clear her throat, her eyes filled with tears as she reaches out to squeeze CJ’s free hand on top of the table. “I’ll always support you. I just wanted to make sure you’d thought this through. Do I wish you’d waited until you were older? Yes. But if now is when it is meant to be, then so be it. I’ll be here for whatever you need.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
I glance at my dad, noticing his eyes are watery too. I’ve never seen him cry, not once, and seeing him now hurts my chest.
“Dad?”
He shakes his head, his gaze focusing on me. “I’ll support your decision, if this is really what you want. But it’s going to take some time to get used to, sweetie. You had so much to experience before settling down like this.”
“I’m happy, Dad. Really happy. I’m scared of what our future will hold now, but I know I will love our baby with my whole heart. I already love them and I’ve never even met them. I want this, Dad. I’m ready—well, as ready as a newbie mum can be. I just don’t want you to hate me,” I tell him, feeling my throat close on the last bit.
He looks like he’s been slapped. He jumps from his chair and walks around to my side, kneeling on the floor and taking my hands in his.
“I could never hate you,” he chokes out, a lone tear falling down his cheek. “I’ll stand by you, Allie, I will. You’re going to have a child now, my darlin’ girl, so you’ll soon understand my fears. You just want what is best for your children.” He takes a deep breath. “I’ve not been the best father when it comes to you. I’ll always regret and hate myself for that. But I promise, I will be a better granddad.”
“Not grandpa?” CJ asks, leaning around me. Dad glares over my shoulder. “Too soon?”
I inwardly groan.
“You got my daughter pregnant. It will always be soon,” Dad growls, before looking at me, his face softening.
“My bad,” CJ whispers.
Dad gets up, leaning down to kiss my forehead before moving to take a seat.
“Does Willow know?” Melanie asks, taking my dad’s hand when he sits back down.
I shake my head. “No. We wanted to tell you before anyone else. It’s still early, so we’re only going to tell our close friends. They’ll know something is up before long, so it’s easier if they know now.”
“We’re actually going to tell them after we leave here.”
“She’ll be thrilled for you. I just hope she doesn’t get any ideas,” she tells us, chuckling.
I laugh. “She won’t. She’s already got her life mapped out. Babies aren’t happening until she’s twenty-six.”
Melanie relaxes. “Well thank goodness. I’ll start saving now.”
We all laugh at her expression, the table going from tense to relaxed. I’m grateful and mouth ‘thank you’ to her.
“Well, after that, I need a beer,” CJ says, looking around for the waitress.
“You need a beer? I need a whiskey,” Dad states, waving down the waitress in question.
After all that worrying, all that anxiety, it was mostly for nothing. The smile on my face has my cheeks hurting.
I don’t think there has been a time in my life when I’ve been so blissfully happy, and that’s saying something as CJ makes me extremely happy.
CJ glances down at me, winking. “I love you.”
I relax into him. “Love you too.”
*** *** ***
My steps feel lighter after our visit with the parents. I’d been worked up for days over nothing. My dad still had his concerns over his daughter being pregnant, but in time, I think he will be overcome with joy and delight at the idea of becoming a granddad.
Milly seemed to have forgotten her earlier reservations and was already talking about what the baby will need. Melanie soon joined in, leaving me, Dad, and CJ pale and lost. We knew we’d have to get a lot of stuff—our baby will need a lot—but they were listing off things I’d never even heard of.
We left them talking over drinks not long after. We’re grateful they gave us the chance to speak to our friends first. I know Melanie is dying to see her daughter, but she promised she was okay and would pop round in the morning.
It’s toasty warm when we step inside our flat. I’m grateful for the girls thinking ahead because it’s freezing outside, and when we don’t have the heating on, our flat is just as bad, if not worse.
I’m surprised to find everyone here and waiting for us. We still have half an hour to go before we told them to be here.
“Hey, guys, you’re early,” I greet, smiling at everyone.
CJ, a little more than tipsy, flops down into the armchair.
Cole turns to his friend, an eyebrow arched. “You okay, mate?”
CJ looks up, a dopey smile on his face. “All is good in the world. I’m not dead, am I?”
Not understanding, Cole shakes his head, his forehead scrunched up. I duck my head to hide my smile. “Should you be?”
CJ nods dramatically. “Yes, yes I should. Damn dreams.”
“Well, okay then,” Cole m
utters at him before looking at me. “Is there a reason we’re all here? Does it have something to do with meeting your parents?”
“Yeah, were they trying to talk you into going home? I know it’s bad here, but we have school,” Willow adds.
I raise my hand in the air, stopping them. “No, we brought you here because we have something to tell you.”
“Have you figured out who the killer is?” Jordan adds.
My smile falls, and I shake my head. “No. It’s nothing about that.”
CJ taps the back of my leg and I sit down on the arm of the sofa. “We called to share something good with you,” he tells them.
“This can’t be good,” Cole mutters, loud enough for us all to hear. Everyone laughs, turning from Cole to us.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
Just like with our parents, the room falls silent. Alex is the first to speak, standing from his place in the corner next to Becca. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you both.”
I give him a soft smile, glad he acted surprised for us. “Thank you.”
When I glance at Willow, she has tears in her eyes, her hands covering her mouth. She steps forward, but stops, shaking her head.
“Really?” Cole asks, looking sceptical.
I laugh. “Yes, I’m pregnant. A doctor confirmed it and everything.”
Coming unstuck, Willow steps forward again so she’s stood in front of me. “I’m going to be an auntie?”
I stand up and nod. “Yes, and I’m going to be a mum.”
She rushes into me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I’m so happy. I’m happy for the both of you,” she tells me, then pulls back, keeping my hands in hers. “How are you feeling? How far along are you? Are you scared?”
I giggle at her rambling. “I’m feeling great—better than ever. We’re not sure how far along I am yet, but I must be around four weeks. And I’m petrified, but I know we can do this.”
She beams at me. “Hell yes, you can. Not sure about him, though,” she says, her eyes turning down to CJ. I laugh when I find him eating their leftover Chinese.
Next, Jordan steps forward, hugging me. “Congratulations. And you can put me down for babysitting duty.”
“Thank you,” I reply, smiling at her.
Rosie and Becca step forward next. “Us too. We used to babysit the kids where we lived, so we’re good with them,” Rosie tells us.
“Well, I’m glad you two live here now. We’ve still got a lot to learn, so any advice will be appreciated.”
“If anyone can do it, you can, Allie,” Becca says gently. “A baby… I can’t believe we’ll have a baby in the fold in less than a year’s time.”
I smile at that. “I know. It still doesn’t feel real. But I am happy.”
“We should celebrate,” Cole says.
I look over the girls’ shoulders to find him standing next to CJ, who has now gotten up and is moving back from his friend’s embrace.
Aw, they were hugging it out.
Willow’s head pops up from her phone. “Allie can’t drink. She also can’t have caffeine, so no giving her fizzy pop anymore, either.”
I freeze in place, glancing at my best friend in horror. “No! That can’t be right. Check it again,” I demand.
She chuckles, waving her phone in the air. “It says it all on here. There’s a lot of stuff you can’t touch, so it’s just water for you.”
CJ turns pale, his head snapping to me. “Wait! Didn’t you have fizzy pop at the restaurant?”
I roll my eyes. “No. I actually had an orange juice.”
He relaxes, leaning against Cole. “Thank fuck. I’m over the limit to drive you to the hospital.”
Cole shoves his shoulder. “There are more than one of us in the room that have a driving licence, ya know.”
“We’ll go get some drinks for everyone,” Rosie says, trying to hide her giggle.
“Yeah, but she’s my responsibility,” CJ argues, facing his friend.
“I’ll help,” Alex says somewhere close, sounding uncomfortable.
Cole clips him around the ear. “And we’re family now, and family helps family. She’s carrying my baby niece or nephew in there.”
A lopsided smirk tugs at CJ’s lips. “Oh yeah. Does that mean you’ll share nappy duties with me?”
Cole rears back in disgust, and I laugh at his expression. “Um, no. I had enough of my sisters’, thank you.”
Someone hands me a water as I watch the two argue back and forth. I’m about to say thank you, but Willow steps up beside me so we’re both watching the two in amusement.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be a mum,” Willow whispers, resting her head on my shoulder.
I rest my head against hers, and smile. “Me neither. I’m so excited though.”
She takes my hand, squeezing it in support. “You aren’t alone. He may come across as a goof, but underneath all of that is someone who would walk through fire for the ones he loves. And the way he looks at you… it’s like you hung the moon and invented life. He’d do anything for you, and for your baby. That little boy or girl doesn’t realise how lucky they are to have parents like you two.”
I lift my head, turning to face my friend with a watery smile. “You’re an amazing friend, Low. I’m so glad I have you in my life. And even though you’ll be an auntie to our child, I want you to be their godmother, too.”
“Really?” she asks, glancing at me in awe and shock.
I giggle, wiping under my eyes. “Yes. I couldn’t ask for anyone else to look after my baby.”
She envelops me in a hug, shaking me from side to side. “You’ve made me the happiest girl alive.”
I groan, stepping back. “And I’ve still got an upset stomach,” I tell her, then take a large gulp of my water.
She winces. “Sorry.”
“Hey, I thought I made you the happiest girl alive?” Cole says. I jump, not realising he and CJ had stopped arguing and were watching us.
She bats her eyelids at him. “You do. You do.”
He shakes his head, grinning at her before pulling her into his arms. CJ does the same with me before facing the room.
“How about we order from that new dessert place that opened last week—they deliver—and watch a movie or something.”
“Not zombies,” Cole adds, giving everyone in the room a warning look.
I lick my lips. “Sounds like a plan. Do you have a menu?”
He rolls his eyes at me. “Do I have a menu,” he scoffs, before pulling out his phone. “I downloaded the app the day it opened.”
I giggle, shaking my head at him. But I wouldn’t have him any other way. Like Willow said, he might act like a goofball the majority of the time, but underneath all that is one of the most organised and put together men I know. His attitude towards enjoying life is what makes me love him. His characteristics is what made him stand out from the rest of the boys and made me take notice.
And now I get to spend the rest of my life with him.
Things couldn’t be more perfect.
CHAPTER TWENTY
I’m startled awake by a sharp pain in my stomach and close my eyes in a grimace. I clutch my belly, sweat pouring down my face, skin clammy. The instant a new wave of pain flows through my stomach, I know something is wrong and begin to cry out.
My body is being tortured from the inside with no end or limit. It’s excruciating.
I shake CJ, who is snoring loudly, choking on air as I try to breathe through it. “CJ, wake up. Something’s wrong,” I beg, my voice pleading and laced with pain.
He shoots up from bed, drowsily looking around the room for some kind of intrusion. “What? What’s wrong?”
I cry out, curling into a ball on my side as pain shoots through my lower back and stomach. It’s getting worse; I can barely breathe through it.
“Fuck,” he says, and I feel his body shaking as he quickly jumps from the bed and flicks the lamp on. “We need to get you to the hospit
al, Cupcake.”
I nod, but double over again when I try to turn in his direction. I fall helplessly to the side when the pain gets too much to bear. “CJ, it hurts so badly,” I cry.
“Okay, it’s okay. I’ve got this,” he tells me and pulls back the blanket. He hisses through his teeth. I glance up at him, panting, and notice him standing there, frozen in place, his eyes no longer carrying their usual warmth. His face has turned a greyish colour, looking clammy. I glance down to find what has him looking so broken, and when my eyes land on the bed, I begin to sob.
No!
I didn’t even feel it.
I’m lying in a dark patch of my own blood. I stare at it, crying helplessly as CJ runs around the room, throwing some clothes on.
“Hi, I need an ambulance,” he says, before rattling off our address. “My girlfriend—she’s bleeding really bad. She’s around four weeks pregnant. Yes. Okay, yes. Please hurry. She’s in so much pain.”
I glance up at CJ when he steps towards me. He pulls off the stained top I pinched off him last night and puts a new one on.
“Do you want me to change your knickers before the paramedics arrive?” he asks softly. Tears cloud his eyes, his body trembling as he looks down at me with so much vulnerability.
“Everything will be fine. Everything’s fine. Women bleed during pregnancy. It’s common,” I tell him, hoping the words hold truth.
I can’t lose my baby.
He nods, but deep down I know he’s only doing it for my benefit. “I’m going to get Cole and Willow, so they can meet us at the hospital.”
I clutch his hand, crying out as more pain erupts through my stomach. “Don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me.”
He grabs my hand, running his other through my hair. “Never,” he declares, and I feel a tear fall to my cheek. He kisses my forehead before pulling back. “I’m just going to the bedroom door. I’ll shout and wake the girls up.” I nod and pant through the pain, letting his hand go. “Rosie, Becca, I need you,” he yells, and I can hear his voice breaking.
Seconds later the door down the hall opens and I hear Becca’s voice.
“What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
I don’t hear CJ’s response but seconds later, he’s stepping back into the room, sitting by my side and taking my hand.
Game Over (Whithall University Book 2) Page 22
