I'm Yours (Sequel to "You're mine")

Chapter 58: Dinner guests

Leah's POV

As the weeks went by, I got more and more used to T being pregnant again. I didn't necessarily participate in the pregnancy but I wouldn't avoid it anymore. It was just... There.

T was over the moon. She was so happy. It seemed this time it would work. She kept on saying how she knew this would be the one. After all, she did everything possible to make it work. She worked only part-time, she took things slow, she rest a lot, she made sure to have all the nutrients she needed... She did everything she could do to make it work.

Unfortunately, I was still very busy. I had exams coming up and I had to study hard. And, this time around, it seemed T didn't seem to understand that. She constantly wanted us to cuddle or to spend time together... You'd think a teacher would understand how important exams in college are...

It was Friday evening. Usually, on Fridays we'd spent the evening hanging out by the tv with a bag of chips. That was our typical Friday evening. I loved it. But today, I felt like I had to prepare a bit more.

"Hey," T said as she sat down next to me at the dining table. "What are you doing?"

I glanced at her and noticed how overly excited she once again seemed to be. "Studying." I simply replied.

She scooted closer and took a look at my book. She came so close that she squeezed me a bit.

"T," I pushed her back a bit. "I need to focus, please."

She frowned a bit before closing my book.

"Hey!"

"I have to tell you something before you continue."

I groaned but gave her my attention anyway.

She smiled at me. "So tonight we have guests coming over for dinner."

I raised my eyebrows. "Why?" I could've asked who the guests would be but my main concern was the amount of time I'd lose for studying.

She chuckled a bit, it seemed she found my answer funny... "We both have worked hard lately."

"You work part-time," I huffed. "I don't think we can compare our schedules, baby."

"Anyway," She frowned a bit, she was getting serious. "I invited guests so we could take a break from our busy schedule."

I sighed deeply. I wasn't in the mood for any of that. Don't get me wrong, I like talking to people but it's so exhausting too. I worry a lot about what to say. I worry that I may say something stupid and people will think I'm weird... I guess my bad childhood is to blame for that insecurity...

"I'm happy too, baby," She kissed my cheek before getting up. "They'll be here in an hour." She then went to the kitchen, probably for preparing dinner.

I sighed but opened my book again, I figured I'd need to use all the time I have left now...

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"Baby," T came to me. "They're here," She then nudged me as I wasn't moving a bit. I was simply staying put at the dining table. "Baby, come on."

I groaned. "I'm not done yet."

"You are for today," She then took my book away from me. "Get up and greet our guests."

I groaned again and got up. I stomped towards the front door. I was so frustrated and really unhappy with this situation. And when I'm angry, I'm told I show that well.

I reached the front door and sighed deeply. I opened the door and let out a breath. "Hello," I said to T's friends. "Get in."

"Hello Leah." They said. They entered the house and got rid of their jackets.

"How are you?" Charlotte asked. I loved her, she was so great. She was an amazing friend, unfortunately I didn't see her often.

I smiled a bit. "I'm fine."

She frowned a bit, it seemed she could tell I wasn't fine.

"Where's Talia?" Heather asked as they all started looking around.

"She's in the kitchen," I then motioned them to follow me to the dining table. T, of course, had decorated it nicely. She was into details and setting the atmosphere. This was really her thing. "Have a seat."

They all sat down at the table. T reserved the spot at the head of the table for herself, I would sit on her left. On T's right, and thus in front of me, was Heather. Charlotte sat next to me. Mary sat next to Heather.

"Hello everyone," T said as she came to us. She was so excited, it made me feel exhausted somehow. "How are you all?"

They started chatting about their day, their lives, work... I've gotten to know all of them in a much different way over the years. I see them as T's friends, and some as my own friends. But somehow I can't always shake off the feeling that they're above me. Like, they hold some kind of authority over me.

They tried their best to involve me into the conversations. They would ask me about college and what I'm working on. They showed interest in my life too. I've always appreciated that about them.

Yet, while they were talking, I was just sitting there. Sometimes, I'd laugh along with them or nod. But I wouldn't really participate...

At some point, I got up and started clearing the table. "Baby," T said, stopping the conversation they were having. "What are you doing? We can do that later."

I smiled a bit. "I don't mind doing it now, that way we can relax later."

T smiled too. "You're the best."

I smiled a bit before taking the dishes to the kitchen. Once there, I dropped them in the sink and stood there. I didn't really do anything, I just took this time for myself. I sometimes did that: I'd retreat and be with myself. I guess I needed that.

"Leah," A hand was on my shoulder. I jumped from the sudden contact and the fact I didn't hear any footsteps. As I turned around, I saw Charlotte and instantly relaxed. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah," I let out a deep breath. "I didn't hear you enter the kitchen, that's all."

She looked at me. She seemed to catch on I was indeed struggling with something. "We've all been very happy for Talia and you," She smiled a bit. "We're hoping this time it will work."

"Yeah," I turned back around, facing away from her. "It has to work," I looked down a bit. "I wouldn't know what would happen otherwise..." I mumbled.

"I know Talia wants this more than anything," She paused a bit, she suddenly seemed unsure. "Leah," She said softer. "What do you think about this pregnancy?"

I gulped. "I'm happy because T is happy."

"That's not what I asked, Leah."

I gulped again and looked away. What was I supposed to say? What would make her go away?

She stepped closer and, once again, put her hand on my shoulder. "Leah," She pulled a bit at me so I'd face her. "What do you think about the pregnancy?" She asked determined, yet her voice was soft. It seemed she knew I had a hard time with this topic.

I looked away from her but she instantly made me look back at her. She knew I wanted to avoid this question but she wouldn't allow it. She wanted me to admit. And some part in me wanted that too.

I looked at her, tears forming in my eyes. "I hate it." 

Charlotte looked at me, her facial expression softened. She slowly nodded.

With those three words, I finally had spoken honestly about the whole situation. And saying those words, liberated me. I felt lighter. I felt relieved. But I also felt bad for feeling this way. Suddenly, I was overcome with emotions. I started crying.

Charlotte immediately pulled me into her and let me cry. And, at that moment, she showed me yet again why she was such a great friend.