Kate and Jenny

Part 12

Jenny

I immediately knew that I screwed up. It was one of those things you know you should never ever say but... but they somehow manage to slip away anyway. I knew I should apologize or at least say something but I still couldn't believe what I've just said. And apparently I wasn't the only one. Mum blinked a few times, trying to process what just happened. The awkward silence lasted only for a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

"Jennifer Grace Sutton!" mum nearly shouted jumping to her feet.

Uh-oh! I instinctively budged back a bit. I knew she will be angry, but I didn't expect her to be that much!

"How dare you call your mother old?!" mum said in a sharp tone, making clear how furious she was. I felt like a little child again, as if I was shrinking in front of the pissed off adult.

"I-I'm sorry." I responded quietly. "I didn't mean..."

"I am not too old! I'm still in my late thirties..." somehow her voice didn't sound as cold and sharp as before.

Dad coughed before muttering "42" and then cleared his throat again, taking the edge out of the situation.

Mum frowned and gave him 'The evil eye'. "Very late thirties." She sat back into the chair and a weak insecure smile crossed her face. "Crap... I'm too old. Am I not?"

She hid her face in palms of her hands and I finally understood why was mum so angry. She has been doubting herself already, and I... I just fed her insecurities. I quickly stood up and went to her, trying to comfort her as best as I could. I laid my hand on her back. "You're not too old!" I said persuasively. "I was just caught completely off guard and... I'm really, really sorry. I didn't even mean it."

"But you were right. It's gonna be so much extra work and I don't think I still have the energy to deal with it."

"I'll help you! As much as I can! I always wanted to be the big sister."

"Thanks honey." Mum smiled at me although she didn't seem to be completely convinced.

"And I'll help as well. I'll try to be home more often." Dad added.

Mum gave him a doubtful look and smirked. "Yeah right, and tomorrow you'll bring me a unicorn, right?"

I giggled. The atmosphere changed so quickly and drasticaly it was almost unbelievable.

"Hey, I really mean that!" dad stated.

"I don't doubt that." mum said with a knowing smile. Dad was always promising to be more at home, but he was still usually leaving early in the morning and wasn't coming home until late in the night. Maybe it will finally change.

"So, how long do you know you're pregnant?" Kate asked.

"I found out a week ago. I have an appointment with a doctor tomorrow, so I'll know more then."

Out of the sudden my stomach emitted loud growl. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks as all the looks turned to me. Innocent smile spread across my face. "Umm... so what's for dinner?"

We ordered some pizzas. Even though I had pizza quite often during the last month, I didn't mind at all. Pizza was probably my most favourite food and I wouldn't really mind to eat it every day. Truth to be told I was never very picky when it came to food, even though I wasn't a very big fan of salads. And ever since the summer started everything seemed to taste better than it used to. Except for salads. Cursed be thy existence, foul green abomination! I didn't know where this sudden hate for salads came from, but frankly I didn't care.