Page 6 of Wistful Whispers

We all help to get lunch on the table and once we’ve sat down the atmosphere shifts. It feels like things are not being said and I don’t think it’s just because I know Hannah’s secret. I try to catch her eye but she’s stubbornly avoiding my gaze.

“I have some news,” Rosemarie breaks the tense silence. All eyes are on her and there is worry on both Ols and Hannah’s faces. “Don’t look so scared: it’s a good thing. I’ve been seeing a therapist since—well since Oliver and Keeley’s accident, and he’s encouraged me to tell you.” She smiles. Ols and Hannah exchange a surprised look before they simultaneously assure their mum how happy they are about her news.

It has been killing me to see Hannah and her mum having a difficult time with each other. My mum died a year after Sean. I’m still convinced it was a broken heart that killed her in the end. I’ve been without a family ever since and I don’t want that for Hannah.

“Okay, okay, that’s enough. I didn’t win the lottery,” Rosemarie laughs and gets Ols and Hannah to settle down. She tells them about the progress she’s made so far and neither Oliver nor Hannah can hide on how relieved they are.

“Right, dessert?” Rosemarie finally asks. I give Hannah a gentle squeeze on the thigh. She needs to tell them. Now is the right time.

“Actually I have some news as well,” Hannah mumbles and lowers her gaze. She looks like a young girl who got caught cheating on an exam. I put my arm on the back of her chair and gently stroke her back to give her some strength.

Everyone’s staring at Hannah, but I can see Ols eyeing me as well.

“I’m… I’m pregnant,” Hannah finally whispers. Silence. Everyone appears frozen and I'm mentally willing them to do the right thing.

“Pregnant?” Oliver asks. I can’t read the tone in his voice.

“Yes,” Hannah sniffles.

“How?” Ols exclaims.

“What sort of question is that? I’m pretty sure you know about birds and bees,” Rosemarie giggles.

“Yes, but…. but—” He stares at me, “Are you the father?”Huh, where did that come from?

“Ols!” Keeley exclaims.

“It was a one-night-stand!” Hannah shouts. “Now you can judge me. I know it was stupid, but it is what it is.”

“Darling.” Rosemarie gets off her chair and kneels next to Hannah. “Things like this happen. Nobody has the right to judge you for anything. We’re here for you. Aren’t we?” She gives Ols a pointed look.

“Of course we are. I’m sorry, Han. I’ll be the best uncle you can imagine,” he gives her a big grin although there’s still shock in his eyes. Keeley squeezes his hand.

“I want to keep it,” Hannah mumbles and places her hand over her tummy.

“What about the father?” her mum asks carefully.

“I have no way of contacting him,” she sniffles and her cheeks turn red from embarrassment.

“Don’t worry. Between me and Jake, this kid will have two awesome father figures,” Ols laughs and holds out a fist for me to bump.

“I told her she’s not alone. She has all of us,” I say.

“Yes, she does.” Rosemarie gives me a knowing look but turns to Hannah and pulls her into a big hug.

“You’re not disappointed in me, Mum?” This right here is why Hannah found it so difficult to deal with her depressed mother. She’s always been one of those people who needs things to be good between her and the people she loves, and when her mum is in one of those low moods it just breaks her. It's like she can't handle anything negative without it hitting her deep. She wantsto help of course, but every time her mum pulls away or snaps at her it’s like a punch to the gut. Hannah’s got this need for everything to be alright, and when it’s not she takes it personally, like it’s her fault.

“No darling. I’m over the moon that you’re making me a grandmother. Another reason for me to get better.” She gives her a warm smile.

“Oh, Mum.” Hannah hugs Rosemarie, tears streaming over her cheeks, before Ols pull both of them into his arms. Keeley and I exchange a smile. This baby will be loved by so many people, he or she won’t be missing their father. She, I really hope it’s a little girl. A little Hannah is just what this world needs.

Chapter 3

Hannah

In the dim lightfalling through the window I can just about make out the boxes of baby stuff piled up in the corner of my bedroom. It’s all things that my family and Jake gave me for Christmas. There is a baby crib from Ols and Keeley, all sorts of toys, a baby bath from Jake and the cutest little outfits from my mum.

I had already stored it all in the baby’s room, formally known as my guest bedroom. However, yesterday I suddenly decided that I didn’t like the yellow walls after all and went in full on make-over mode. Luckily Jake had customers to take out on the boat so I could just get on with it without him hovering over me. I love how he looks out for me and my baby girl but I’m pregnant, not immobile.

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