The Aftertaste

Chapter Nine

Lizzie is chatting as if we haven't been strangers for a year. She laughs and shared flashbacks of our lives when we were younger. Pieces Of pain slip through at certain moments because I always feel so alone now.
"Honestly, the reason I'm here is to share news." She blurts, sipping her ice water. I sip my wine, waiting for the news. She stares as if she needs confirmation to go on, so I nod.
"I'm pregnant! I know we were supposed to do it together but it just sorted of happened!"
I'm surprised and happy. I give her a hug, words unable to find me. All this time I've been checking my phone to see how far mom is and not really being happy for her being here.
"How is Luke taking it?" I ask, all smiles.
Outside.
I heard moms car in the driveway before she even sent the message. I can see Grayson running to me already, I've missed him all day.
"He's excited. We don't know the gender yet but I want a beautiful girl. I'm so excited."
"That's great, you'll be a great mom. I know it."
I embrace her again as the door opens and four little feet slam against the floor, followed by my mother.
"Mommy!"
Grayson beams, chocolate staining the side of his mouth. Mom kept her promise about ice cream, he's going to be crazy all day. I pick him up and squeeze him. His giggles bursting out.
"M-mommy?" Lizzie stutters. I blush.
"No, my mommy." Grayson snaps, giving her an evil stare. My mom laughs, scooping up Calvin to wash his face.
"Lizzie you're glowing, how far along?"  She says, still smiling. My mom has always had a baby sense, it's one of her most respected traits.
"I'm 3 months! Thank you, I've missed you Mrs. Joan. How are you?"
Grayson his holding on to me, tighter than usual. I'm sure it's because he thinks Lizzie is trying to steal me. I brush his hair out of his face, revealing his little eyes and nose. Lizzie states.
"I'm great, letting these boys drag me around. Come on Grayson, let mommy finish talking." Mom says, pulling him into her other arm. Calvin gives me a fist pound, busting into giggles. I kiss his little forehead, warmth rushing through me. I want them to stay as a distraction but I also need this time with my best friend.
Once they are up the stairs, I search for words.
"I-I'm sor-"
"Mommy?"
"That's what he calls me."
I laugh, nervous.
"You're a mommy and you didn't tell me."
There's tears building up and I feel crushed. How could I?
"I'm sorry. I didn't know how to tell you, with the stress of everything-I just froze."
"I'm your best friend."
I've always hated when she used that card in arguments. She's right.
"I'm sorry."
"He looks like..."
She shakes her head and pulls me into a hug. Moments past before I feel the shake of our bodies from crying.
"He's beautiful, Danielle. He's so beautiful."
I can only cry but I'm grateful for her. I've missed this relationship. I still can't believe I ran and left everything and everyone behind.

We finally tuck our emotions away and laugh at how crazy we must look. I dry my eyes and pass her a tissue.
"Please don't tell anyone? I'm not ready to share him with the world yet. Okay?"
"You're my best friend. I won't tell anyone."
We lock pinkies and I find safety in this small, childlike, promise.