Page 138 of Through You
On the way home, I start to grow nervous. I’m impressed with how calm I was during the doctor’s appointment, which is a big contrast to how I’m feeling as we make our way to face what I think is the most difficult and uncomfortable challenge in our current predicament.
Our families.
Artemis and I agreed to break the news to them right after we confirmed everything was okay with the baby. Also, we wanted to take advantage of Ares visiting and the fact that Mrs. Hidalgo hasn’t moved out yet. Today is the last day all the members of the Hidalgo family will be together at the house. Still, I can’t help but be nervous about how they’ll all react to the news.
As we get out of Artemis’s car in front of the house, the sky is covered with clouds, and thunder rolls in the distance, signaling the coming rain. I lean back against the car, cross my arms, and stare at the Hidalgo house. I’ve spent a large part of my life in this place. I can almost see all of us as children, running out the front door and playing with water guns, fighting each other.
“Claudia.” Artemis’s voice brings me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”
He stands in front of me, and there’s concern in his coffee-colored eyes.
“I’m fine.”
“It’s normal for you to be nervous, but you’re not alone. We’re doing this together, okay?” He offers me his hand, and I take it.
It doesn’t take us long to gather the whole family in the study.
“Artemis?” His father arches a brow expectantly.
Their gazes are fixed on us. Sofia gives me a quick head-to-toe glance, disapproval evident in her expression. Going by what Artemis shared with me, I suspect she’s playing the role of repentant mother. She may fool her sons and husband, but she doesn’t fool me. I know exactly the kind of person she is. Sure, we all deserve second chances, but I don’t think that’s exactly what she wants. Her promises to change her ways are not and will never be sincere. This is an act so that just in case Mr. Juan one day decides to cut her off financially she can fall back on her children to provide her with the kind of support she’s accustomed to. I don’t fault her boys for wanting to believe in her; she’s their mother and they love her. Who knows, maybe she truly feels regret.
“Claudia and I have something important to tell you.”
Artemis takes my hand and Sofia grimaces while my mom smiles.
Artemis looks at me and I nod so that he may continue, because there is no way I’ll be able to finish what we need to say.
“Claudia and I have been dating for a couple of months,”
Artemis explains.
“With all due respect, Artemis,” Grandpa says, “we already knew that. You both may think you’re very good at keeping your relationship under wraps, but you’re not.”
“This is true, my daughter,” my mom agrees.
“There’s more.” Artemis clears his throat. Ares looks confused while Apolo bites his lips and tries hard to hold back a smile.
Does he already know? I’m going to kill Artemis.
Everyone waits, and Artemis squeezes my hand. I turn to look at him. He’s turned pale and is having a hard time swallowing. Drops of sweat trickle down his forehead, even with the air-conditioning on full blast. If he stays like this, I’m afraid Artemis will have an attack of some sort before he has a chance to share our news. As before, his nervousness gives me the strength to pull through and remain calm under pressure.
“I’m pregnant.”
Simple. Clear. Straightforward.
There’s complete silence. No one speaks; no one moves. There are a few looks of surprise. My bravery appears to give Artemis a push.
“Even though it’s not something we planned, we are very happy.” He smiles as he waits for their response, watching everyone. Sofia excuses herself and leaves the room.
Grandpa claps and breaks the silence.
“Congratulations!” he tells us with a smile. “I’m going to be a great-grandfather!” He puts his fists up in the air. “I never thought I would be around to meet a great-grandson or great-granddaughter.”
“Congratulations, son.” Mr. Hidalgo’s expression is a mix of amazement and pride. “And I never expected I would be a young grandfather.”
I notice a movement out of the corner of my eye but I barely have time to turn around when suddenly I’m enveloped in Ares’s arms. He hugs and lifts me off the ground.
“I’m going to be an uncle!” he says over and over in my ear, and his joy makes me giggle. As soon as he lowers me, he cradles my face with both hands and plants a kiss on my forehead.
