Plan B ✓

Negotiations

"And you're not happy?" Carly asked for like the 50th time since we told the family we were having a girl.

"Yes... But I don't know. I mean, I grew up with Elvis. Boys are all I know. I'm terrified that she's going to go through the same drama that I went through." I say as we peruse the baby clothes at the Gap Kids store in the mall. 

"Let's be perfectly honest. I'm not sure I'll know what to do with a baby. I know I want kids but I look at you and Chris and I just know I'm not ready for that yet."

"We weren't, and aren't, exactly ready for it now. But this is the cards we were dealt so, you know, gotta put on our big kid underwear and live with it." I say as I grab a little Red Sox onesie. "How cute is this?" I ask her. She scrunches up her nose.

"Now I know how you and my brother lasted so long. You're both sports crazy. So have you decided on a name yet?"

I sigh. "I have and he hates it..."

"What did you suggest?"

"Christine Rebecca Evans." I say and she starts laughing. "I don't know why wanting to name our daughter after him is either amusing or the grossest thing someone has ever heard." I say, looking away quickly so she couldn't see my tears. Fucking pregnancy hormones.

"He seriously said that to you?"

"You know your brother. Tact isn't something he has a lot of at the moment."

"Yeah, but to you? His pregnant wife?" I just nodded, sniffling and wiping furiously at my face, hoping that she wouldn't see how upset this was making me. "And what was his 'better' suggestion?"

"You're going to hate it..."

"Well now I need to know."

"Indiana, or Indie for short." She tries very hard to conceal her laughter, I'll give Carly that much credit. "It's growing on me though, and if he really loves it, then we'll make do. Maybe I'll insist on Christine as a middle name."

"Indiana Christine Evans? I like it." She says, testing it out.

"Thanks." I say, going through more of the outfits. "Now I just need to sell your brother on it. And live through the family dinner when we tell everyone." I add as we gather up the clothes and go to check out. The girl at the counter gave me a dirty look while ringing them up and if I hadn't already been emotional, I know it wouldn't have upset me. But here I am, 5 months pregnant at 18 and my hormones were driving me crazy.

We quickly paid for everything and left. "I wish you would have let me talk to her." Carly says, grumbling as we take everything to the car.

"It wouldn't have done any good. People are going to talk no matter what so there's not point in getting pissy."

"You don't deserve this. Everyone makes mistakes."

"Yeah, mine just allow me to become what everyone talks about."

"This will blow over eventually."

"No it won't. I'll always be labeled as a teen mom and Chris will be lauded for stepping up and marrying me." I say, whipping the tears from my face.

Later that night, Chris and I are laying in our bed in our little apartment. "How was your day?" He asks.

"It was ok."

"Well now I know you're lying. So what happened?"

"Carly and I were at the mall and I got way too many looks from everyone, employees and other customers alike."

"I'm sorry baby." He kisses my shoulder and I sigh.

"In other news, I want to talk about the baby's name."

He groans. "Do we want to have this fight again?"

I roll my eyes. "No, I wanted to let you know that I came around to your name suggestion. But I wanted to compromise on something."

"I'm all ears."

"Christine as her middle name?"

"Indiana Christine Evans? I like it." He smiles at me.

"Thank you." I whisper as he kisses me.