Revealing Kane

44 - Photo Ops

My second pregnancy is going great! I am so glad we're having another baby. And John is completely thrilled.

After getting past all my worries about Jack and my job, I have embraced my new pregnancy. And now, at twenty weeks, I'm halfway there. I'm due at the end of March, shortly after my twenty-first birthday. There will be two Aries in this house. I hope John can stand it!

Thanksgiving is in a few weeks, so we are flying to the States to celebrate with my family. We so rarely get to see my family since we live in England, so this will be a nice treat. Hopefully. I don't want more bollocks from my Dad about John's age or anything like that. Or pressure for us to move closer.

My Mom often brings up us moving to the States so my parents can see their grandchild. I wouldn't mind, but I'm not sure John is keen to live there again. He sold his NYC condo earlier this year, along with his Paris house, and he seems hesitant to make any big financial moves. I understand. Before selling the houses, he was drowning in debt. Things are better, but we will probably sell the Knightsbridge house as well. Find something more reasonable to raise our kids in.

Kids. I sometimes can't believe it. I'm going to be a Mom to two kids. And in the future, even more. Why not? John and I love each other. Kids seem a natural step.

It's a lovely afternoon, crisp yet comfortable, so Jack and I take a walk in Hyde Park. He loves to see and feed the ducks there. I just love to be outside and enjoy a day off.

John, on the other hand, is busy working. They have loads of new songs, he says, and he thinks the album will be successful. He also says he's staying sober, saying he wants to do it for me and the baby. He tried to do the same when I was pregnant with Jack, but it didn't last. This time, I think he's doing better, but I know he's not entirely okay about it. I'm almost certain he has moments when his addictions win.

As I push Jack along in his stroller, he gleefully tells me about things he sees.

"Mama! Skirl!" he shouts as he points to the squirrel running over to a tree.

"I see it, baby. Watch it run up the tree," I say, and Jack laughs as the squirrel does just that.

I love my baby boy. He is such a happy child. Seeing the world through his innocent eyes is a delight. I know he'll be a great big brother. As for the new baby, I hope it's a girl. One of each would be lovely, but only time will tell. Once again, we're not finding out the baby's sex. At least, not yet.

I push Jack's stroller up to the pond and lock the back wheels so it can't roll away. Jack is laughing and clapping, excited at all the ducks on the water. I smile, my hand on my pregnant belly as I enjoy my child's happiness.

Then I hear a noise. What was that? It faintly sounded like the click and whir of a camera shutter, but why would cameras be in the park? I hear it again and look around. About thirty feet away is a man with a camera. He seems to be taking pictures of the pond. I give him a tight smile and resume watching Jack.

Within moments, I am surrounded by many photographers, all taking pictures of me and my son. What is going on? Why are they bothering me? I unlock the back wheels on Jack's stroller and try to calmly walk away, but the photographers won't let me pass.

"Excuse me," I say, trying to maneuver away from the pushy lenses.

"When are you due, Allison?" is the first question, and I realize these are paparazzi.

I try again to push past them but do not succeed. They have me trapped. My heart leaps into my throat as fear fills me. I have to protect Jack. I yank a blanket out of the diaper bag and attempt to cover his head with it, but Jack thinks I'm playing, so he pulls it off. Damn it! I need to get us out of here!