Page 95 of Living for Truth
Jake is talking to a group of kids his age, leaning in pretty close to a brunette girl wearing a yellow dress. I wonder if that’s the girl he wanted to get flowers for.
“I’m going to see if Jake will come talk to us downstairs really fast,” Hannah says and makes her wayto her brother.
He turns to her and wraps her in a hug. She whispers to him, and he nods his head quickly, then we all head down the stairs and close the basement door.
“Hannah, I’m sorry for what Mom did. I told her she was wrong for doing it, but she didn’t want to listen. She’s been so mean lately, and she’s been talking badly about you behind your back,” Jake rushes out as soon as we’re alone.
“It’s okay, Jake. It’s not your fault, and I don’t blame you at all, okay? Mom and I have our issues, and that’s between us. I wanted to tell you some things before you leave, and I’m sorry I’m doing it literally the day before you go, but I didn’t want Mom to have more time to bully you into telling her.” Hannah takes a deep breath, waiting for Jake to nod before she speaks again.
“I’ve left the church. I don’t want a lecture on it, but I think it’s fair that you know. Morgan and I are unofficially engaged, and I’m pregnant. With twins. Girls.”
Jake’s eyes turn into saucers at the news, and he looks down at her belly, then back to her, then up to me. “How far along are you?” he whispers.
Hannah gives him a watery smile. “Almost seventeen weeks.”
Jake’s own eyes fill with tears, and he makes a choked sound in the back of his throat. “I know you probably didn’t think I noticed things, but I remember how excited you were when you got pregnant the first time. I remember how devastated you were at the losses. I was so happy you divorced that douchebag. I wanted to help you so badly when you were locked in your room for a week after you moved in. I know we aren’t super close, but I want you to know I’m so happy for you,Hannah. I don’t care if you’ve left the church. I just care that you’re safe and happy. I’m so excited to meet my nieces.”
Jake looks over at Aly and kneels down to be at her eye level. “I don’t think we properly met, but I’m Jake. I guess I’m going to be your uncle. What’s your name?”
“Alyssa. But… all of my aunts and uncles call me Aly. You can call me Aly, too,” Aly whispers with a shy smile.
Jake grins. “Nice to meet you, Aly. I can’t wait to get to know you better.” He frowns and stands. “Now I really wish I weren’t going,” he says more to himself than to anyone else.
“There will be plenty of time to get to know her and the twins when you get back. I promise to write letters and send pictures. You have more freedom with phone calls, so call when you can,” Hannah says, wrapping her little brother in a hug.
“I won’t tell Mom, promise,” he whispers before they break apart.
“I think we’re going to head out, I don’t want to see Mom right now, and I just wanted to talk to you.” Hannah sniffs. “Be safe out there, please. Don’t get yourself in dangerous situations.”
“I won’t. Love you, Hannah.”
“Love you, too, Jake.”
Jake rushes back up the stairs to greet the rest of the party while Hannah takes a second to compose herself.
“Alright, I’m starving. Let’s get lunch,” she says after a minute, but before we can get up the stairs, Shelly bursts through the basement door.
“Were you even going to introduce me?” Shelly snaps in lieu of “hello.”
“Hello, Mother. We were just leaving.”
“You can’t stay to celebrate your brother? That’s selfish of you, Hannah.” Shelly shakes her head.
“Jake is aware we aren’t planning on staying. I already spoke with him and wished him luck.” Hannah inches closer to me, and Aly moves to stand behind my back. She’s never seen someone speak to their child this way, and Shelly gives off intimidating vibes.
My mom is always gently scolding us or joking with us when we’re at her house. If she needs to have a serious conversation, she always makes sure it’s in private, and even then, she’s kind and gentle.
“You won’t even introduce me to my own future grandchild? I heard you areengaged.Don’t you think that’s something I should know?” If looks could kill, Hannah would not be standing right now. The look Shelly gives her is so full of indignation and hatred.
“I made the choice not to introduce Alyssa to you, Mrs. Layton,” I interject, and Shelly turns her acidic look on me instead. “I refuse to stand here and let you spit vitriol towards my future wife, and I would never subject Alyssa to your hateful words and ugly attitude.”
Shelly rears back as if I’ve slapped her. “Howdareyou come to my house and insult me?”
“I didn’t want to tell you about the engagement. After the way you treated me I wasn’t going to allow you to be part of my life. If you want any part in my life or your grandchildren’s lives, you need to seriously rethink how you treat me and my family.” Hannah’s eyes widen when she realizes the slip up. I hope Shelly doesn’t catch it.
She does.
“You’re pregnant?” Shelly gasps andliterallyclutches her pearls while shaking her head. “I knew you wereliving in sin with him, but this? It’ll take a lot to save you, Hannah. What makes you think this baby will survive when the others didn’t?”
