Page 38 of Meant to Be

I’ve tried to drag this out for as long as I can, but I know I can’t anymore. I got Jax to meet me after school and come home with me, that way he’s already here and he can’t chicken out.

I lie at his side enjoying his comfort and the quiet until I hear the front door shut. I spring up from the Jax’s chest and straighten myself up.

“It’s okay babe. I’m here.”

She walks into the living room, her focus landing straight on Jax.

“What is he doing here? I told you, Shelby, you weren't to see him anymore.”

“Mum, I have to talk to you, we both do.”

Narrowing her gaze, she looks between us. “What’s going on?”

“I need you to sit down, please?”

“Fine, give me a minute.” She sighs, letting me hear her displeasure at actually having to do something for me.

My hands fidget in my lap while I wait for her to come back in. Jaxon’s hand covers mine to calm me, but it doesn't work, my knee starts to bounce instead.

"Please calm down Shelb."

"I can't - you don't know what she's like."

"I have a fair idea by now… all this stress isn’t good for you or the baby."

“I’m trying not to, but it’s so hard.”

"Look at me?"

Turning my head, I look him in his dark, intense eyes, the ones that captured me from the first time I saw him.

"I know it was a shock, but I'm here to support you. However, I can, I promise you, Shelby."

Nodding, I rest my forehead against his.

"I promise. I love you Shelb."

Before I can answer, Mum enters the room. This is it. Closing my eyes, I wait for the fireworks.

"Come on then, out with it. What's happened?" She doesn’t look any more relaxed from when she walked in, which doesn’t bode well for us.

"Mum we have to tell you something. Now please don't get too upset but..."

Taking a shaky breath in, I try to ignore the sick feeling in my tummy for now and swallow the non-existent saliva in my dry mouth to prepare to tell her the news.

"Mum,” I take in a deep breath, “I'm pregnant." The silence in the room is deafening as she looks between us again.

"Say that again..."

I don't want to repeat it; it was hard enough the first time.

"Did you say you're pregnant?" She doesn’t give a chance to repeat it.

"Yes, she is, Mrs Andrews," Jax answers confidently. Her glare reaches Jax, but it's not a happy one, which I knew it wouldn't be.

"I was talking to my daughter.” She snaps, “But let’s leave that for a minute. How do you intend on supporting a child Jaxon? You don't work."

"I'm looking for a job. It's hard, there's nothing around."

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