The Beckett House

Chapter 12: Speak Child, Speak

Rome's Point of View:

After a long day of work there was nothing more that I wanted more than to be able to walk into a still and peaceful house. Of course, that would never happen in the Beckett house. I opened the screen door and kicked off my boots, Decker and his girl, Ruth were sitting on the couch. Normally they'd be down each other's throats exchanging saliva, but I just assumed they had an argument or something. I didn't pry too much; they were always having some sort of issue. Indy and Kaz were at the kitchen island doing homework, well Indy was Kaz had taken some papers and thrown them in front of him to make it look like he had already started before I walked in, but this was one of those pick your battles moments and I decided to let it slide.

(Decker) - "Hey Rome, is there a way we can uh step outside for a bit?"  Decker had gotten off the couch and sort of whispered as to not catch the attention of our younger siblings. I followed him and Ruth to the front porch. 

"What's up?"

(Decker) - "Look there's no easy way to say this, but..." It was like he was stuck, he wanted to say something, but it just wouldn't come out. 

(Ruth) - "You're such a wimp Decker. I'm just going to rip off the band-aid, Rome I'm pregnant and before you go on the whole protected sex rant, I think it's a little too late for that. You're the only one we could think of to come too and we're not really sure what to do. We know we fucked up but please don't be mad." At first her voice was so matter a fact like and harsh but as she kept talking you could tell she was scared. 

"I ain't mad at you Ruth, I did think though that I had taught my brother enough manners and respect for women that he would know better than to go knocking them up. Don't you worry Ruth, Decker here is going to grow up and he's not going anywhere. If he wants to make dumb choices he's gonna deal with the dumb prizes they earn. As for you and the baby I can help you schedule any doctor's appointments you may need and you are always welcomed here."

It was almost comical seeing the difference in their reactions, Decker looked scared probably realizing that this shit is real and Ruth instantly relaxed. With kids like her and her living situation sometimes all they need to hear during the big scary life changes is that they have a place where they are welcomed and loved. 

"Listen here Decker Louis, minus Axel y'all will be the first to know this and I swear if anyone else finds out about it I'm coming to skin you. I've been saving up for a while now and it's to the point where I'm about to finish the paperwork for a house. It's got five bedrooms, three and a half baths, it's not for the rich but it sure is better than this dump so don't worry about the living situation."

(Decker) - "I really, we really appreciate everything Rome we really do. You've got everything figured out it's almost like you've been planning for another person to join the family." He chuckled a bit but when he saw that I didn't he immediately figured it out.

(Decker) - "Holy shit! No fucking way! Charlie's pregnant?" Ruth's mouth fell open. Although Axel already knew we had planned on telling the kids tonight but I guess that plan was ruined.

"Six months last week, and of course it's another boy. That's why Charlie hasn't been coming around much. Hey, but same thing about the house applies here, if Indy or Kaz find out I'm hunting you down and skinning you, I've been around long enough to know you don't know how to keep your mouth shut."

(Decker) - "Yeah, yeah I get it. You know six months is kind of far along when are you gonna tell the rest of them?"

"Charlie was supposed to come over tonight for dinner and tell everyone but you just had to go and ruin it, huh?"

(Decker) - "Sorry Rome I didn't mean to." 

"Hey, it's alright buddy. But back to the hard stuff, Ruth have you seen a doctor or do you have a ballpark of how far along you are?"  They exchanged glances looking at each other for an answer.

(Ruth) - "My word, I have to do everything around here! Speak child, speak!" Decker just stood there silent and dropped his head.

"Remember that whole growing up thing well this is part of it Decker. Time to man up, I know you can run that mouth of yours."

(Decker) - "I was told that she doesn't know and that maybe if I didn't fuck her so much maybe she would." He said it so mumbled I could barely here him he never even picked up his head.

"Fucking shit, Decker I know I fucking raised you better than that. Ruth I am so sorry for this excuse of a brother I have."

(Ruth) - "It's not entirely his fault I mean I didn't exactly tell him no." 

"Doesn't excuse it. Come on let's get out of this heat and schedule you an appointment." As I turned to walk inside I caught the swift movement of the curtain in the window. Somebody was about to get their ass handed to them for listening in on business that wasn't theirs to listen too.