Against the clock

33.

The revelation prompted shocked expressions around the table. 'What?!' Amelia gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. The news sent a ripple of emotions through the room. Carolyn's eyes widened in surprise, while Kathleen's expression shifted from skepticism to a mix of astonishment and concern. Lizzie, always quick with her words, blurted out, 'Does Addison know about this?' Derek nodded, his gaze fixed on the table. 'She knows.' The room continued to buzz with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. Amelia, her eyes still wide, leaned in, unable to contain her shock. 'How did this happen?' she asked, her voice a blend of amazement and confusion. Carolyn, Derek's mother, tried to process the information, her hand instinctively covering her mouth. 'Well, uh,' Derek began, his voice carrying a weight of vulnerability, 'we were forced to... When we were there.' The room fell into a heavy silence as Derek's words lingered, each one echoing the struggles they had faced during their captivity. I could feel the weight of the unspoken details hanging in the air.

Amelia, still processing the revelation, furrowed her brows in confusion. 'Forced? What do you mean?' she asked, her innocence highlighting the complexity of the situation. Derek glanced at me briefly, as if seeking reassurance, before explaining, 'That means you haven't seen the video, which is good,' Derek continued, his gaze fixed on the table. Derek continued, his voice carrying the weight of the shared burden. 'We had to do some messed up stuff together, and...' He paused, glancing at me before continuing, 'having sex was one of them.' The room absorbed the revelation, the discomfort palpable as the family grappled with the harsh realities of the ordeal Derek and I had endured together.

Kathleen, ever the pragmatist, cut through the stunned silence. 'So, are you two... together?' Her eyes darted between Derek and me, searching for confirmation or contradiction. Derek, sensing the need to clarify, shook his head, 'Meredith and I are friends, I am still with Addison.' I nodded in agreement, trying to convey a sense of sincerity. Carolyn added, her voice filled with a mix of warmth and concern, 'Sweetheart, we're all happy for you. We're just... we're a little bit in shock.'

The room became a mix of hushed whispers and exchanged glances. I felt a complex mixture of emotions—vulnerability, anxiety, but also a strange sense of relief that the truth was finally out. Derek's mother, Carolyn, reached out and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. 'You're happy about it, right?' she asked, her voice filled with a mix of reassurance and concern. 'I am really happy,' he said, his eyes tenderly meeting mine with a reassuring smile. Carolyn glanced at me for a second before hugging Derek tightly, 'Congratulations, Derek,' she said and released him. She put her hands on his cheeks, 'You're going to be an amazing dad.'

Amidst the shifting atmosphere, Carolyn turned her attention toward me. Her eyes softened with a newfound understanding, and with a warm smile, she approached. The room's eyes followed her every move. She reached me, and before I could fully grasp what was happening, she enveloped me in a warm, motherly hug. It was an embrace that carried the weight of acknowledgment, acceptance, and a touch of reassurance.

As Carolyn held me, I could feel the subtle vibration of her words whispered into my ear, 'Thank you for being here for him.' The sincerity in her voice resonated, and a knot inside me started to unravel. Her hug conveyed a silent message of support, as if welcoming me into the folds of the family, unexpected circumstances and all. I felt tears forming into my eyes as she said, 'congratulations momma.' As she pulled away, her hands cupped my face briefly, and her eyes reflected a shared acknowledgment of the challenges and joys that lay ahead. 'Thank you,' I managed to murmur, my voice carrying the raw honesty of the moment.

Carolyn's smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with understanding. She patted my cheek affectionately before turning to address the room. 'We have a lot to celebrate tonight—' Her words carried a resilient optimism, a testament to her ability to embrace life in all its complexities. The whole family shared hugs and congratulations, while slices were distributed, Derek handed me a piece with a gentle smile, his touch conveying a sense of shared celebration and reassurance. I accepted it with a grateful nod, appreciating the subtle gestures that spoke volumes in the midst of the family's acceptance.