Weight of The Untold

Chapter 55

Week 19: The baby is the size of a mango, almost 300 grams and 15.2 centimetres in size.

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I drove home on a quiet Saturday evening a few weeks later, the sky already dipping into that deep blue that always made everything feel heavier than it needed to be. The past few weeks had been brutal. Ever since that afternoon with Xavier, my name had found its way into headlines again—bold fonts, distorted truths, strangers dissecting my life like it was entertainment.

Again.

So I hid.
My apartment became my sanctuary and my cage. I only stepped out when I had to, convincing myself that silence was safer than explanations.

But today was different.

I had invited my three friends over for dinner—Megan, Hazel, Clyde—and Ari too. Zach would be coming as well. I asked Brie to handle everything because I didn’t trust my hands not to shake. I wanted everyone I loved under one roof, just once, before my birthday on the twentieth of November. One perfect evening. Or at least… as perfect as it could be.

When we pulled into the driveway, the cold wind hit us hard, sharp enough to steal our breath. We rushed inside, laughter breaking through the chill as the heavy doors closed behind us. Warmth wrapped around us instantly—the familiar scent of polished wood, vanilla candles, and something slow-cooked drifting from the kitchen.

Home.

“Wow,” Clyde breathed, spinning slightly as he took it all in. “This manor is beautiful. It’s actually outstanding compared to Uncle Paul’s house. Ky, you grew up here?”

I giggled softly. “Yeah. I did.”

“I felt the same way the first time I came here,” Hazel added, smiling.

“You guys should come to the living room,” I said. “It’s warmer there.”

We walked in—and there they were. Caleb and Ari curled up together on the couch, her head tucked under his chin like it had always belonged there.

“Oh,” I said lightly. “Nice to know you guys are back together.”

Ari’s head snapped up. “Kyla!” She jumped up and ran to me, pulling me into a hug so tight I almost forgot to breathe. I hugged her back carefully, instinctively shifting so her arms wouldn’t press against my stomach. The bump was there now—undeniable—but hidden beneath my coat, still my secret.

“I missed you so much,” she whispered.

“I missed you too,” I said honestly.

She pulled back, cupping my face. “You look so beautiful.”

I giggled. “And you’ve gained weight. Girl—what have you been eating?”

“Stop it,” she laughed, swatting my arm. “Hey, brother.”

I walked over to Caleb and hugged him. He kissed my forehead the way he always did.

“Hey, Kid,” he said softly. “You okay?”

I smiled and nodded. “A little nervous about tonight, but I’m good.”

He nodded, trusting me the way he always had.

“Lovebirds,” I said lightly, forcing cheer into my voice, “meet Clyde. You know Megan and Hazel, but this is my roommate.”

“You have a male roommate?” Ari asked, eyes wide.

“Yes,” I said quickly. “Clyde, this is my brother Caleb and his girlfriend Ari.”

He hugged them both.