Page 141 of Between Hate and Desire

“Sophie and Maddie told us about their parents,” Liam says.

“Are they as evil as they sound?” Mason asks.

“They were nice, which was a surprise. However, their expectations and old-fashioned values were crystal clear. Lennon’s worries were merited once I heard the way they talked about doing things in order. Even though, deep down, I think Lennon always planned to get married and then have kids because she knew they’d never accept anything else. Especially not living with Brandon and getting pregnant before marriage. This little white lie keeps them in her life and the baby’s.”

“For how long?” Liam asks.

Shrugging, I look down at my food that’s getting cold. “That’s the million-dollar question.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

LENNON

The first weekback to work is all meetings, getting my classroom set up, and reorganizing. Students arrive next Monday, and I’m still not sure where my head is at being back here. I know it’s only been a few months, but it brings back so many memories of how things were before the summer break. Luckily, I’ll have these next five days to transition back to what was once my happy place.

“Lennon?” I turn around at the sound of my name and see Brenna, the art teacher. “So glad to see you!” She walks in and gives me a hug. When she pulls back, I smile.

“Great to see you too. How was your summer?” I ask politely.

“Wonderful. Too short as usual,” she says with a chuckle. “How about you?” Her expression softens. “I mean, I hope you were able to have some much-needed time to deal with everything.”

And there it is.

“I did, thanks. Doesn’t make it any easier, of course, but due to some great friends, I made it through.” I purposely rest a hand on my stomach, knowing the word will eventually get out anyway. The blouse is flowy, so unless I bring attention to it, you can’t see it.

Her eyes follow, and it takes her a second to realize I have a bump. “Are you…pregnant?” She whispers the last word as if it’s a curse word.

“I am,” I say with a smile. “Found out only a few months ago.”

“Oh my gosh, Lennon,” she squeals, then pulls me in for another hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say appreciatively. “It was hard at first to come to terms with it all, but I’m happy to be carrying his baby.”

“We have to throw you a shower when it gets closer!” Her eyes widen in excitement, her hands on my shoulders as she waits for my approval.

“Oh, um…”

“Lennon, please. You know we like any excuse to eat cake and sweets, so let us do this for you.”

I can’t argue with that.

Nodding, I give her a smile. “Okay. I’m due in December, though, so…”

“We’ll figure out a day, so don’t even worry.”

By noon, the entire staff knows, including the principal. She poked her head in just before I left for the day to congratulate me. She asked how I was doing and inquired about my maternity plans. I hadn’t thought too much about it, considering I’d been living mostly day to day, but now that I have a baby on the way, I have to think ahead and plan accordingly. I told her my due date and that I’d hopefully be able to make it until Christmas break. That means I can take a full twelve weeks off for maternity leave and not return until sometime in March.

Hunter texted me to see how I was holding up, and I was so happy to see his message, knowing how hard today was going to be for me. I texted him aFriendsGIF of Ross in the episode where he says “I’m fine” in a high-pitched voice. He came back with anotherFriendsone, which started the GIF battle of the past six hours.

We’ve certainly come a long way.

The next day of conferences is boring, but knowing I have an ultrasound appointment later keeps me motivated throughout the day. I get to see my baby again, some new pictures, and will finally find out the gender. I’m beyond excited.

Sophie and Maddie are meeting me there. I mentioned it to Hunter and told him he wasn’t obligated to go with me since my sisters were coming.

He insisted he’d be there anyway.

I don’t argue it, of course. I appreciate that he wants to be here for me, but after the doctor assumed he was the father the first time, I wasn’t sure he’d want to join me again.

---