Never the Right Time

Chapter 16 Mark POV

The next morning, Rebecca showed up at my house around 10. I was dressed and not even close to being ready to face my parents. I was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. I was already sweating even though it was cold in the house. I was so nervous I could barely think straight.

We got in the car and headed over to my parents. I called them yesterday and let them know we were going to come over for lunch today. We sat in the car for a second when we pulled into the drive way.

"Mark, its going to be ok." Rebecca said patting my arm.

I couldn't fathom how she could be so calm. I guess it wasn't her parents that were going to be upset yet. I just shook my head trying to shake off the nerves.

"Alright. Fuck. Let's do this." I tried to psych myself up as I got out of the car.

She rubbed my arm reassuringly. It barely registered with my brain.

We walked into the house.

"Mom? Dad?" I yelled as we walked into the kitchen

"Mark!" Mom said excitedly as she walked over to give me a big hug "Good to see you Becca!"

" Where's dad?" I asked

" oh he should be down in a minute, he just went to the bathroom."

" I'm right here!" Dad's voice boomed behind me

I laughed softly "Hey dad" I said giving him a hug and Rebecca did the same.

"Hey Mr. Byrd" she said softly.

"It's so good to see you both. What brought you over to lunch with us? I know its not because you missed our faces." He joked as mom laughed behind him.

"Umm... we both wanted to talk to you guys about something" I said in a hoarse voice.

My parents looked at each other with knowing faces. Mom put down the food she was preparing,

"Ok why don't we sit down and you guys can fill us in."

I felt shaky as we sat down. Rebecca grabbed my hand. It felt a little foreign, but was welcome. We shared a look for a second.

"Uh- fuck" I said to myself. I put my head in my hands. " Rebecca is pregnant." I said into my hands.

I heard a gasp from my mom and a small choking sound from my dad. I finally got the courage to look up at them. They both had tears in their eyes.

Mom looked over at Rebecca, "how are you feeling dear?"

"I'm ok most days. It just depends. We are so sorry that this happened."

"Oh sweetheart. We know this is a shock, but we know that you guys will do right by this baby. I mean you've been together for a long time now. It'll be ok."

I finally piped up, "that's the thing, we broke up a few weeks ago. This was a shock to us."

"Oh goodness" dad groaned.

" we aren't going to lie, it's disappointing, but we will support you guys with whatever you might need. Rebecca, have you guys told your parents yet?" He asked

"No we haven't. We are headed there after talking to you guys. We didn't want dad to kill Mark first."  She said jokingly.

"Probably for the best. Well son it was nice knowing you." Dad laughed.

I couldn't help but laugh along with them. "Right back at cha pops" I said pointing fingers guns at him.

We all burst out laughing.

"So Becca, how far along are you? Have you seen a doctor yet."

" yea, we went last week. It was a little insane to hear the baby's heartbeat. It's make it all the more real and that much more terrifying." She responded.

"Yes definitely terrifying" I added

The rest of lunch went smoothly. I felt so much better having told my parents.

Rebecca's were a whole different story. They didn't like me for one thing and are so conservative that I can only expect the proverbial shit to hit the fan.

I was dreading dinner with them to say the least.

As we left my parents, my dad pulled me to the side,

"Mark, call us later tonight. I know this is a rough time for both of you, but we are here to support you with whatever you need." He pulled me into a big hug.

"Thanks Dad. I appreciate it. I'll call you tonight after Rebecca leaves."