Shattered Trust

Ch.18: The Family Meeting

The weight of their decision settled on Claire and Liam as they prepared for the lunch that would bring their parents together. It wasn't just any lunch-it was the moment they would explain the reality of their situation to both of their families. Claire knew how important it was to get this right, and the thought of facing her parents alongside Liam's made her stomach churn with anxiety.

Liam could sense her nerves as they drove to the restaurant. He reached over, gently squeezing her hand. "We'll get through this together," he reassured her, his voice steady and calm. "No matter what happens, we've got each other."

Claire nodded, trying to draw strength from his words. "I know," she said, though her voice was quieter than she intended. "It's just... it's a lot to take in. I'm scared of how our parents will react."

"They care about us," Liam replied, glancing at her with a small smile. "That's why we need to be honest with them. They'll understand eventually."

When they arrived at the restaurant, their parents were already seated at a large table in the back. Claire's heart raced as they approached, but she forced herself to stay composed. Her parents looked up and smiled warmly at her, while Liam's parents greeted them with equal warmth. The atmosphere was light, filled with the usual pleasantries, but Claire knew it wouldn't stay that way for long.

As they all sat down and ordered their meals, there was a brief lull in the conversation. Claire glanced at Liam, who gave her a nod, signaling that it was time. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

"Mom, Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson," Claire began, her voice steady but laced with nervousness, "there's something important we need to talk to you about."

Both sets of parents turned their attention to Claire and Liam, their expressions shifting from casual to concerned. Liam reached out and took Claire's hand, drawing comfort from her presence as he prepared to speak.

"Claire and I... we've been going through a lot lately," Liam started, his tone serious. "We've made some mistakes, but we're trying to handle the consequences the best we can. And we felt it was important to tell you all together, because it affects all of us."

Claire's parents exchanged worried glances, while Liam's parents remained focused on their son. The air grew thick with anticipation, and Claire knew she had to just come out with it.

"I'm pregnant," Claire said softly, her eyes flicking to her parents' faces to gauge their reactions. "We just found out, and we've been trying to figure out what to do. We know this is a lot to take in, and we're really sorry that we didn't come to you sooner, but... we're scared, and we didn't know how to tell you."

For a moment, there was only silence. The weight of Claire's words hung in the air, and she could see the shock and concern on her parents' faces. Her mother was the first to react, reaching out to Claire with a mixture of worry and love in her eyes.

"Oh, sweetheart..." her mother whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Why didn't you tell us sooner? You don't have to go through this alone."

Claire felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I didn't want to disappoint you," she admitted. "I didn't know how to face you after everything."

Her father, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. His voice was calm but firm. "We're shocked, yes. But we're here for you, Claire. We'll figure this out together, as a family. You're not alone."

Liam's parents, who had been listening intently, nodded in agreement. Mr. Thompson spoke next, his tone gentle but concerned. "This is unexpected, but it's not the end of the world. We're here to support you both, however we can. It's going to be tough, but we'll get through it."