“I just happened to run into Ari. ”
“I asked him if he wanted to join Matt and me for lunch. ” I looked back to where Rebecca was standing at another table. The look she was giving me made me sick to my stomach.
I swear to God the moment she has the baby I am going to beat the shit out of her.
“Looks like Rebecca’s waiting for you, Jeff,” I said with a faint smile.
Jeff just looked at me. Without another word, he turned around to walk toward Rebecca.
Fuck! Out of all the places they had to go to lunch, why did they come here?
***
By the time I got back to my parents’ house, the last thing I wanted to do was talk to my mom, but she was waiting outside, so I couldn’t avoid her. I helped Matt out of the car, and walked up to the house.
“Did you have fun with your sister today, honey?”
“Yep! And we had lunch with Brad. He is Ari’s friend, but Jeff didn’t like him. ”
My mother looked up at me, and I gave her a don’t ask look.
“Run along inside, Matt. Your daddy is waiting in the living room for you. Ari, I have to talk to you for a few minutes. ”
I gave Matt a kiss and hug good-bye. Watching him run into the house, I couldn’t help but smile. The fact that he picked up on Jeff not liking Brad made me laugh.
I sat down on the porch step and waited for my mom to join me.
“So, I take it you ran into Jeff? And who is Brad?” she asked.
“Brad Smith. We ran into him on graduation night, remember? I dated him for a bit in high school. ”
“Yes, I do remember him now. And Jeff?”
I let out a gruff laugh. “Oh, yeah. Well, I guess Jeff and his baby mama had a hankering for a burger. I didn’t know they were going to be there. Jeff came up to the table, and I guess he wasn’t too pleased to see Brad sitting with Matt and me. ”
“Wait. What was Jeff doing with Rebecca?”
“Oh, well, he was playing the good Daddy, Mom. You know, he’s painting the baby room, putting up the crib. Playin’ house, and all. ”
My mother shook her head and looked at me. “Now, Ari, don’t be bitter. It’s not becoming for a young lady. ”
I just looked at her. “I’m not bitter, Mom. I’m pissed! I’d bet you my inheritance that she is further along than she says. I’m going to find out, too, you just watch and see. ”
“Oh dear Lord, I don’t even want to know what you have up your sleeve, Arianna. Just please don’t break any laws and embarrass your father. ”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Mom. I won’t break any laws…at least not on purpose!” I said with a wink.
We both laughed, and then my mother took my hand in hers. Here we go.
“Ari, don’t be scared tomorrow, sweetheart. Let me know the moment you leave if they can tell how far along you are. Get your prescription for your prenatal vitamins filled as soon as you leave. Take them every day. It’s all going to be okay, Ari. Even if you are a carrier, there’s a chance that you won’t pass it along. Chin up, my dear. Now, tell me why you’re not telling Jeff that you’re pregnant. ”
I put my head down on my knees, I tried to take a few deep breaths. As I felt my Mom’s hands moving up and down my back, I instantly felt calm.
“Mom, I can’t tell him… at least not for a few more weeks anyway. He’s going with Rebecca to an appointment next week. If she truly lets him go, then I have no doubt in my mind that she’s telling the truth about the baby being his. What if he doesn’t want the responsibility of having two kid’s mom? He’s going to be so overwhelmed. What if…what if her baby is healthy. . . and mine. ”
“Arianna Peterson! You did not just start to say that. Look at your brother. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to this family. He is a blessing. You see how much Jeff loves him and how good Jeff is with him. Even if this child does end up with Fragile X, you know it’s not the end of the world, Ari. I’m shocked at your thinking. ”
I looked at my mother with tears filling my eyes. “Mom, I’m not you. I’m not strong like you. What if I can’t do this? What if Jeff ends up falling in love with Rebecca’s baby? He won’t want to live two hours away from him. Did I tell you that she’s having a boy mom?” Then, I completely lost it and just started crying.