Revealing Kane

22 - Not Cheerful

John came home from his New York trip a few days ago, and he's not been right since. I mean, he wasn't really right when he left, but now he's much worse. And he won't talk to me about the trip. I think something happened, but he won't tell me about it.

While he was gone, I decorated the house for Christmas. It's always been one of my favorite holidays, and since it's our first together, I wanted to make the house look really nice. Yasmin came over and helped me set up the real tree I picked out. I decorated the tree myself and then set to decorating practically anything standing still. There is garland and lights everywhere. This is how I think a house should look at Christmas. Festive. But John barely seems to have noticed.

John asks if we could go to his parents' house for Christmas, and I, of course, agree. I'd love to see them, but I'm not sure John has told them about my pregnancy. This could be an interesting holiday.

When we arrive, by hired car, mind you, John's mood seems to lift slightly. Maybe being home will do him some good. But there are fans in front of the house. Even at the holidays, the guys don't get a break. John sighs wearily, takes my hand, and exits the car.

I stand dutifully to the side with our luggage while John chats with the fans and signs their items. As I've noticed before, he's very sweet with them, and I'm glad. I wouldn't want him to be rude or standoffish. Those types of famous people are awful in my eyes.

John thanks them and walks away as he waves to them. He reaches me and gives me a small smile. I understand what he's trying to convey. Let's not give the fans any more info about us than we already have just by arriving together. And my pregnant belly. He gathers our suitcases and heads for the house.

John knocks and opens the front door, ushering me in before him. He sets our cases by the door as he'll take them upstairs once we've greeted his parents. He takes my coat and hangs it up, followed by his own. He then takes my hand and leads me toward the main part of the house.

"Hi, Mum," John says as we enter the room.

His mom Jean's face lights up when she sees her only child. She leaps to her feet and rushes to John, pulling him into a tight hug. It makes me smile and miss my Mom just a little. When she pulls back from the embrace, she caresses his cheek as she looks at him in motherly love.

"So glad you're here, John. Always wonderful to see you. And you brought a friend," Jean says as she steps back and takes me in.

Jean's eyes go to my pregnant belly, and her face drops. She looks from me to John and looks both concerned and confused.

"Mum, you remember Allison. I brought her home in September," John says as he places his hand on the small of my back.

"Hello, Mrs. Taylor. So good to see you again," I say as I offer her my hand.

At first, Jean says nothing. She still looks stunned. Then I see her eyes brimming with tears, and I think she's about to scold John. Then she surprises me by throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly.

"So glad you're here, Allison," she whispers as she rubs my back.

It's fairly obvious that John's Mom, while surprised, is pleased with our news. Yet, when she releases me, she turns and swats John's arm. Rather hard. He flinches and nervously giggles, but Jean is not put off.

"Why haven't you told me about Allison?" she scolds, and John shrugs. "I mean, really, Nigel. Keeping this wonderful news from me."

Jean turns to me with a gentle smile. She motions to my belly. She wants to touch it, so I smile and nod my approval. She steps closer, placing both of her hands on my belly. And seeming just to please her, the baby moves and kicks near her hands. She gasps and giggles, but her eyes say it all. She is absolutely thrilled.