High School Pregnancy {Book 1}

Chapter 3 - Telling Parents Part 1

Hiya guys!!!!
Feels like I haven't been updating this book but let's see if we can get the book updated.
What are possible names for the baby that you guys have in mind? KimChain8 any suggestions gurl?
Please comment down below!
The Matthew parents' reaction should be coming soon!!!!!!!!

Lucas Friar was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with a secret that felt too heavy to share. Back in his hometown for Thanksgiving, he was surrounded by the warmth of family and the familiar sights of his childhood, yet an unsettling distance enveloped him. The laughter of his younger siblings echoed around him, the table laden with the remnants of a feast, but his heart felt like a stone lodged in his chest. Both his and Riley's worlds appeared to be spiraling out of control.

As he sat at the dinner table, surrounded by the enticing aroma of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, Lucas couldn't shake the impending weight of his news. Telling his parents—his old-school, traditional parents, Joseph and Miranda Friar—that he was going to become a father while still in his junior year of high school filled him with dread. They had always envisioned a clear path for him: finish school, go to college, and build a successful future. This revelation was nowhere near that plan; it felt like a thunderstorm breaking on a sunny day.

The thought of their disappointment loomed large in his mind, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere. Lucas had always strived to meet their expectations, and now, he felt like he was on the brink of shattering their dreams for him. The image of their faces when they heard the news was almost unbearable—he could already see the confusion and hurt in their eyes. It wasn't just about him anymore; it was about the life he was about to change forever, and the burden of that responsibility weighed heavily on his young shoulders.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow through the kitchen window, Lucas's heart raced. The familiar hum of family conversation surrounded him, but he felt like an outsider in his own home. His parents, Joseph and Miranda, were busy clearing the remnants of their Thanksgiving feast, laughing and joking as they worked side by side. The warmth of the moment contrasted sharply with the cold reality he was about to unleash.

"Lucas, honey, can you help with the dishes?" Miranda called out, her hands soapy as she rinsed a plate, her voice cheerful yet unaware of the storm brewing inside him.

"Sure, Mom," he replied, forcing a smile as he stood up. He caught his father's eye, and Joseph nodded encouragingly, a gesture that usually filled him with comfort but now felt like a weight pressing down on him.

As they worked together, Lucas felt the words he had rehearsed echoing in his mind, yet they caught in his throat. The clinking of dishes filled the silence, and with each sound, his resolve wavered. He could see his parents moving easily, their banter light and carefree, while he stood at the precipice of a life-altering moment. Finally, he set down the plate he was holding, its surface suddenly feeling slick and foreign in his hands, and took a deep breath.

"Mom, Dad, can we talk for a second?" His voice trembled slightly, and both his parents paused, exchanging concerned glances.

"Of course, son. What's on your mind?" Joseph leaned against the counter, wiping his hands on a dish towel, his brow furrowing with concern.

The weight of their expectations hung heavy in the air, and Lucas glanced at the door, wishing for a moment that he could escape. But he knew he had to face this. "It's about Riley."

Miranda's expression shifted to one of curiosity, her bright demeanor dimming slightly. "Is everything okay with her? You two seemed a bit off lately."

"Yeah, um, it's more than that," Lucas said, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. "Riley and I...we're going to have a baby."

The kitchen fell silent. The sound of running water seemed to echo in the stillness, amplifying the gravity of his words. Joseph's brow furrowed deeper, and Miranda's eyes widened in disbelief, the cheerful atmosphere replaced by palpable tension.

"Lucas, what do you mean?" Joseph finally spoke, his voice steady but tinged with concern, as if he were bracing himself for the impact.

"I mean...Riley is pregnant," Lucas said, the words tumbling out in a rush, almost desperate. "We found out a few weeks ago. I didn't know how to tell you."

Miranda's hands dropped to her sides, and she took a step back, her face paling as if the air had been sucked from the room. "Oh, Lucas...are you sure? How far along is she?"

"About three months," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of anxiety and regret. "I know this isn't what you expected, and I'm sorry. I didn't plan for any of this."

Joseph crossed his arms, his expression hardening, the warmth in his eyes replaced by concern. "You're still in high school, Lucas. This is a huge responsibility. Have you thought about what this means for your future?"

"I have," Lucas said, frustration creeping into his voice, the tension spilling over. "I know things are complicated, but we're going to figure it out together. Riley and I love each other."

"And what about your education? Your dreams?" Miranda interjected, her voice shaking, filled with a mix of fear and disbelief. "This will change everything. What about college? Your plans?"

"I know!" Lucas shouted, his emotions bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask for this to happen. But I can't just walk away from it. I want to be there for Riley and the baby. I need your support."

For a moment, the room was enveloped in silence again, each of them lost in their thoughts, the reality of the situation settling heavily around them. Finally, Joseph sighed deeply, uncrossing his arms, the tension in his posture easing slightly. "Lucas, this is...a lot to take in. We need to talk about this—really talk. But know that we love you."

Miranda stepped closer, her eyes softening as she reached out to touch his arm. "We just want what's best for you, sweetheart. This isn't an easy path, and we're scared for you. Your future is so important to us."

"I get that," Lucas said, his voice breaking, the vulnerability of the moment washing over him. "But I need you to trust me. I'm still your son, and I want to make you proud. I want to do the right thing."

His parents exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them, and slowly, they nodded. It wasn't the conversation he'd envisioned, but it was a start. The road ahead would be long and uncertain, fraught with challenges, but for the first time, Lucas felt a flicker of hope amidst the fear.

As they stood together in the kitchen, the warmth of the Thanksgiving gathering felt distant yet somehow still present. In that moment, Lucas realized that while this was the beginning of a challenging journey, it was also a chance for growth—both for him and for his family. They would face this together, one step at a time, and perhaps, just perhaps, they could find a way to navigate this new path while still holding onto the love that had always defined them.