The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 35 - Time to Tell

That evening when the Abernathys said their dinnertime prayers, they all felt they had much more than usual to be grateful for. The water test that day was completely successful in diverting the water coming off the hills above them away from the house. Susan was still reserving judgment about the ability of her garden pools to be used as goldfish ponds, but in the hours following the test, they were still mostly full.

"We'll see what they look like tomorrow," Susan told the children when they brought it up again over dinner.

"I think they can be Mom," Zackary insisted. "And I'll bet Matt will agree with me when he gets here too. When's he getting here anyway?"

"On Friday," Susan answered. "I know your birthday is today ... and happy birthday by the way."

"Happy birthday from me too, Zackary," Greg said.

"Is it really your birthday?" Jessie asked.

"Yeah. I'm thirteen today," Zack said with a hint of pride in his voice.

"That's right ... you're a teenager now," Susan acknowledged. "But remember, we're delaying your party for a week so Matt can be here."

"Yours too," Zackary said. "And I think we should have our parties at the cottage instead of here."

"Why do you think that?" Greg asked.

"We had yours there and that was cool," Zackary reminded him.

"We did, but we rented furniture for that event. I'm not sure the furnishings we have now could support it," Greg said.

"Why? How many people are we having?" Zackary asked.

"Nearly the whole family, like we did at Thanksgiving," Susan told him. "We can have pizza with your friends and Matt on Friday at the pizza place. Then we'll have the family here on Saturday to celebrate both our birthdays."

Zackary nodded.

"Is that okay? I'm sorry if we have to share," Susan said.

"That's okay Mom. At least we can do pizza on Friday. I've invited everyone. They're supposed to call sometime this week to let us know if they can come," Zackary said.

"Speaking of calls, I should probably call my mother sometime this week," Susan said with a pensive look.

"Any particular reason?" Greg asked as he took in her expression.

"I should probably tell her about the baby ... before she and Dad come for the party next Saturday," Susan said.

"You haven't told your parents yet?" Greg asked in surprise. "Why? All of my family knows."

"Except Ruth," Susan reminded him.

"Except Ruth," Greg agreed. "But I'd hardly put your parents in the same category, Susan."

"I know, and I should tell them," Susan agreed, "especially since I'm starting to show."

"What does that mean?" Jessie asked.

"It means Mom's looking fat," Zackary said.

"Thank you so much, Zack," Susan said. "I know that's what it looks like because of the clothes I've been wearing, but so far it's just been my stomach that looks a bit fat."

Zackary looked at his mother doubtfully.

"Show them what you mean," Greg advised.

"How do you mean?" Susan asked.

"Stand up and pull your shirt in around your middle," Greg said.

Susan did as he said. Sure enough, her stomach was beginning to puff outwards, just a little.