The Devastating Truth

Chapter 8- Reunions

“This the right road, Ellie?”

                My eyes opened wide. I hadn’t quite heard him. I didn’t realize that I had fallen asleep… again. It was only a two hour drive. I could’ve managed. “Hmm?” I mumbled.

                My husband just laughed as the car slowed and he was able to look into my sleepy eyes. “Are we on the right road?”

                “Oh… yeah. Sure are. Sorry for going to sleep. You should’ve woken me up.”

                He shook his head. “Nah… I’m going to let my princess get her beauty sleep.”

                I playfully hit him. “There it is.” I said, pointing to the two story brick house. We pulled into the driveway, and before the car could be turned off, I saw a flicker from the living room window, as if someone had been standing there. I must’ve been right because as soon as my shoes hit the concrete driveway, my mom was out the front door. I met her halfway. My mom missed me… I knew she did, but she never let it show when I talked to her on the phone. Her arms wrapped around me into a bear hug, and she sniffled. “Don’t cry mom. It’s just me…”

                “I’m not crying.” She managed to choke out. That must be where I get it from. I tended to be very in denial. 

                I heard a laugh behind me, and I somehow got out of my mother’s arms to see Zayn laughing. “What’s funny?” I asked, a little curious.

                “You two look just alike.” My mom had me when she was young so she wasn’t but forty-five. She still looked young.

                “Zayn!” my mom cried out and tackled him into one of her hugs.

                He laughed again and hugged her politely back. “Hello, Leslie. Good to see you.”

                “This is a surprise,” mom said, now talking to both of us. “Come in, come in.” she added, already walking towards the front door. I grabbed Zayn’s hand and followed behind.

                “We’re not staying long, mom. Please don’t make a big deal out of this visit. Maybe I should have just called first.” My mom was so thrilled to see Zayn and me, but she needed to calm down. I was getting stressed.

                “When are you leaving?” she asked as we sat down at the kitchen table. It was just the two of us… Zayn was in the kitchen talking to my dad. They always got along, having conversations about anything and everything.

                I hesitated to answer her. “Um we get on a plane tomorrow morning…. We’re going to Paris for a week since I won’t be able to fly for awhile.”

                “Tomorrow? That’s so soon.”

                “I know! I was actually in shock when Zayn said he hadn’t made time to come here. We’re still supposed to be in New York…”

                “Oh well. I guess I’ll have to come see you guys when that little baby is born. How has this pregnancy been?” she asked, her motherly instincts taking over.

                “It’s been different. I guess I should have listened when everyone said girls would be different.”

                “Well they’re completely different to raise. But your pregnancy has been different? Mine weren’t…”

    I nodded. Was I doing something wrong? I thought the daughters normally took after their moms with pregnancies. “Well for starters, I had morning sickness this time. Not the usual just getting nauseous when I would smell something. I’ve been so tired. I mean everything I do just wears me out. I sleep anytime I get the chance and you better not put pizza in front of me and expect it to still be there in five minutes. Oh and the mood swings! I’m crying and then screaming at Zayn, and then nothing’s wrong. It’s ridiculous and I’m only five months along.”

                She was laughing now. “I’m sorry, Ellie. But every pregnancy is different. And on top of that, this baby has a different dad then Ryder. That could play a role in it too…”

                “True…” I mumbled, letting the silence fill the room. Then my mind got to thinking. How many times had I sat at this table with Chase? How many times had he chased me through the kitchen, up the stairs and to my room, where we’d talk for hours? This was the table that I was sitting at when I told my parents and brother that I was pregnant. How many times did my belly bump the table when I’d sit down for a snack? Too many memories in this house, and in this room alone. I didn’t realize I was crying until my mom spoke up.

                “Ellie, you okay? What’s wrong? What did I say?” She really sounded worried… like she was really concerned that I was crying over something so stupid.

                I couldn’t help but laugh. “See what I mean? Mood swings. I’m fine… I just hate having time to think these days.”

                “What do you mean?”

                But before I could answer her, I heard the front door slam and a familiar voice say, “Mom! Dad! I’m home! Whose car is in the driveway? Is it mine? Did you get me a new car?”

                “Think again, Ethan.” I said, standing up and walking around the corner. He grinned when he saw me.

                Before I knew it, he was hugging me. There was no way this fifteen year old boy missed his older sister… but I guess I was wrong. “Ellie! It’s so good to see you!”

                “Easy…” I mumbled into his shoulder, as he continued hugging me tighter.

                “Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry. I forgot you were pregnant. Is it a boy or a girl?”

                I laughed as he finally pulled away. “It’s a girl…” He just grinned.

                “Awesome! I have a nephew and niece and I’m only fifteen! Are Ryder and Zayn here?”

                “Zayn’s in the living room with dad, and Ryder’s staying with Taylor this week and next. But look at this picture…” I pulled my phone out and showed Ethan a picture of his nephew from the other day. “He lost his first tooth.”

                “I’m coming to visit you over Christmas break. I miss you so much. Forget what mom and dad say.”

                I spied my mom walking around the corner. “Oh yeah?”

                Ethan laughed kind of awkwardly and then shrugged, walking into the living room. I heard him greet Zayn.

************

                The next morning wasn’t so high-spirited. My mom let Ethan go into school late so they could all say goodbye to me and Zayn at the airport. Ethan, my mom, and my dad were all sad to see me leave. Sadder then they had been when I left for London a few years back, which utterly confused me.

 They all were coming to see us soon. They all couldn’t wait to see Ryder. They all were so happy that I was having a girl. I had heard all that at least twenty times. When we got to the airport, I hugged them all, and through sniffles and tears, I grabbed Zayn’s hand and boarded the plane that would be taking me to Paris. Who knows when I’d see my family again?