Hooked on love

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

I registered myself with the hospital maternity unit when I went and met my midwife with Jackson, I’m 3 weeks gone, which isn’t much but at least I have a due date for next may. It’s going to be a spring baby. Jackson I still on cloud nice about being a father, his father is even happy about getting a grandson or granddaughter. My parents aren’t so thrilled.

“You’re WHAT?!” My dad shouts, dropping his mug. On reflex my mum quickly cleans up the mess. “I’m 3 weeks pregnant.” I stare at dad, then at mum and they are both stunned into silence. I wish they’d say something. “Is this something that you really want to do?” Mum says, she’s easy to talk too. She can come front this point of view because she had Lucy at my age. “Yes, I’ve really thought about it. I’ve already met with the midwife and my due date is in May, the same month as your birthday dad.” He’s fighting between his instincts for his daughter and his urge to be happy about having his first grand baby. He walks off, slamming the door behind him. “Don’t look so worried dear, you’ve got to understand that this is a huge thing you’ve told us. We wasn’t expecting any of you to have a baby yet. He’s just sulking because he’s losing one of his own babies.” I feel guilty, I want to go and find him but I know he needs to have his space.. “Are you mad at me?” I feel like a child that has broken something. “No, sweetheart. We’re just worried. It’s a hard thing to do at such a young age, I know. Just give it a few more days to think it over, you had Japan planned too, I had to give up my life when I got pregnant with Lucy, but it was the best thing I ever did. It might not be the same for you, so please think about everything and give it a few more days before deciding.” She’s right, I’m glad I’ve spoken to her. She’s experience this herself, giving up her life for all of us. I already have my mind set on having this baby, I want a life with Jackson and I can’t wait to experience it. They haven’t even met Jackson yet, this isn’t something I can make them understand until they’ve seen him
 “Can I invite Jackson over so you can properly meet him?” It’s a long shot.
“Sure, bring him over tonight if you want.” She says. I feel so much better, she’s opened my mind and given me a fresh perspective. I want them to meet the person that I love. I go get my phone and make plans for Jackson to come over.

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

“Man, you’re dad’s going to kill me.” Jackson says, pacing round the front garden. He probably will, but I’m not going to tell him that. “No he won’t, he’ll be angry. You have to expect that.” He isn’t listening to me, I can tell he’s in deep thought because he’s chewing on his nails. It’s strange how I’ve gotten used to his mannerisms. “Are you ready to go in yet?” I’m sitting on the door step, leaning my head on my hands which are leaning on my legs. “It’s easy for you to say, you found it easy to meet my dad.” He says. “How was it easy? I had no choice. Just like you don’t now, so get your butt inside this instant!” I stand up and point to the door. Jackson just stands in place staring at me. “Already getting bossy, I can already imagine you doing that to our son.” I flush, son? He wants a boy. “Shut up and get in, I’m cold!” He puts his hand to his head in solute. “Yes boss!” I like obedient Jackson the best. He takes a breath and finally steps inside, I’m glad he wants a son to take after him. It’s a shame we can never agree on things, I want a girl. But I won’t tell him that.

We walk into the living room to find my mum and dad happily watching TV, they look so peaceful. I don’t think it will last much longer.
“Mum, dad. This is Jackson.” I grip his hand to reassure him that everything will be alright. His body is really stiff, he needs to relax. He holds his hand out to my dad first, “Hi, I’m Jackson, nice to finally meet you.” My dad waits a few seconds, when he notices me glaring at him, he finally holds out his hand and shakes it. “Hey Jackson, like wise. I thought it was about time we finally meet the fella that’s gotten our daughter pregnant.” My mum swats his arm. “Carl! Be nice. Hi Jackson, I’m pam. Ava’s mother, I’m glad you’re here. I hope you’re stating for tea?” He looks at me for help, I nod. “If you don’t mind me staying, I’ll be happy too.” The tension is the room is think, no thanks to my dad. He’s still being childish over this whole baby thing. “Would you mind going helping my mum in the kitchen Jackson?” I smile the smile I know he can’t resist. “S-sure. Let me help Pam.” He’s so cute when he’s nervous. Once they’ve left I turn to my dad.
 “What was that?” I put my hands on my hips. “What was what?” he says. He’s really going to go along with this, isn’t he? “You know what, that was mean!” I say. He opens his mouth then closes it. “It wasn’t mean. He’s a man, he can take it.” I roll my eyes. “I love that man, so you best be nice to him. Are we actually going to have an adult conversation about the baby or are you going to keep ignoring me?” He folds his arms and looks away. What a big baby. “I’m allowed to be upset, you’re still my baby.” He says in a childish tone. I feel that pang of sadness returning. I really should cut him some slack. “I know I am, and I’m sorry for upsetting you, but I’m happy now and Jackson makes me the happiest person alive. He really is a nice guy.” He unfolds his arms and pats his knee like he used to do when we were little, I sit down and wrap my arms around his neck. “If he makes you happy then I’m happy too. I’ll make more of an effort, for you.” Even if it’s for me and not because he wants to actually like Jackson, I’ll take it. He’s my dad after all.
 “Thank you. Are you angry you have to share your month with the baby?” He pouts, “A bit yeah, but it also makes me happy because I get to have something in common with the baby.” If he carries on, I’ll cry. “So are you happy if I go through with it?” I put my hand over my belly for what it feels like the hundredth time. “It’ll take a while for me to get used to it, but I am happy.” He also puts his hand over mine and pats nicely.  “Really dad, thank you. It means a lot.” He kisses my cheek and gives me a great ‘dad’ hug. “You’re welcome. You will always be my baby, he can’t take that away from me. Now let’s go and help those two in the kitchen. I smile, and say. “Okay.” He really is a great dad.