Page 21 of Infinity

“How’s the new house, Taylor?” Stacy asks in her sickly, sweet voice. Ugh, I can’t stay here. As I get up I ruffle Taylor’s hair, I know how much she hates it.

“ADAM, FOR GOD’S SAKE!” Taylor shouts at me as I leave the room, I enter the kitchen still laughing and get a can of coke from the fridge.

I turn to see Chris leaning against the table, “Come on then, details. Did you take my advice?”

“I did. Until she kissed me on the cheek and then I knew she wanted me, I mean who wouldn’t?”

“Fuck off Adam, I hope you didn’t say that? Now drop the cockiness and talk to me.”

“I really like her... I did kiss her but like I said, it was only after she kissed me first. We had a really good time and I’m seeing her again.”

“See you can do it,” he says as I smile remembering the happiness on her face.

“We talked quite a bit, got to know each other a little bit more... it was good. She’s fucking hot man.”

Chris grabs me in a headlock, his form of affection until we get called back into the living room.

We walk in together and ask what’s wrong. Aidan then stands up and says he has an announcement.

“Oh, here we go…” I say quietly again.

“I thought we’d tell you altogether. Stacy and I are having a baby. She’s fourteen weeks along now.”

My Mum jumps up happily, goes to Aidan and Stacy to congratulate them. I’m happy for them don’t get me wrong. Aidan and I have always had the sibling rivalry and probably always will. I’m going to have to make sure my niece or nephew doesn’t turn into the devil’s spawn.

I watch as everyone take turns to congratulate them and then I do my bit. I shake Aidan’s hand and kiss Stacy on the cheek.

“I can’t wait to babysit. Uncle Adam will teach him or her a thing or two.”

Their faces are a picture as they realise what I said. I take that as a win and sit back down with a smug grin on my face. My work here is done!

DARCY

It’s Monday again. This has to be the worst day of the week. I have a look at the diary and see there’s not

much on for today… again. This place is sinking fast and I haven’t got a clue what to do about it.

When I got home from my date with Adam on Saturday, I was so happy. It didn’t last long though. Dad was grumpier than ever. Mum looked exhausted which then made me feel like shit for going out in the first place. I know it’s hard for Dad but he needs to snap out of this depression.

I don’t think he realises what he’s got in front of him. I know it’s hard on him that he can’t do what he used to do but seriously it’s beginning to take its toll, on all of us now.

Adam text me to say his family was at his so he’d ring me the next day, which I was glad of because once I’d helped Mum with chores I was knackered. I had a shower, jumped into bed and slept the evening away.

I did wake up to a ‘good morning’ text though which put a smile on my face. The rest of the day sucked balls though. Mum was at work all day which left me to look after Dad and cook the dinner. I swear I’ve turned fifty in the matter of two years. I hate this, but then I feel guilty for thinking like that.

Leaning back in my chair I close my eyes as a knock sounds at the door. Not looking to see who’s standing outside the door I shout, ‘come in.’

I hear the door shut and slowly open my eyes to that velvet voice.

“Morning, thought you may like this?” Adam stands in front of me with a mocha latte from Costa in a takeaway cup and a double chocolate chip cookie. I sit up straight and smile.

“Ahh, can you read my mind?”

He smiles, “Maybe I can.”

“It’s early what are you doing here?” I ask confused.

“I have a meeting with the editor of the magazine, I thought I’d surprise you. You don’t look very happy though, what’s up?”

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