One Day [PRN]

Four

The holiday season approached with its usual blend of excitement and nostalgia. Christmas was a time for family gatherings, festive decorations, and the warmth of togetherness. This year, however, it carried a new weight for me—one I wasn't yet ready to share openly. I had kept the news of my pregnancy close to my chest, revealing it only to Prince and a few trusted confidantes.

As the days grew shorter and the weather colder, I found myself packing up for the annual Christmas visit to my family. My suitcase was filled with carefully chosen gifts, festive attire, and a mix of excitement and trepidation. Despite the joy of the season, a part of me felt anxious about seeing my family, knowing that my growing belly would eventually be noticed.

I arrived at my family's home, the familiar scent of pine and cinnamon greeting me as I stepped through the door. The living room was a picture of holiday cheer—twinkling lights, a crackling fire, and a beautifully decorated tree. My mom was bustling around, adjusting ornaments and preparing for the evening's festivities.

"Hey there!" she called out as she saw me, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "You're just in time. We've got so much to catch up on."

I hugged her tightly, feeling a wave of comfort from her embrace. "It's good to be here. Everything looks amazing."

My mom led me into the living room, where my siblings and a few extended family members were already gathered. The room was filled with laughter and the aroma of a feast in preparation. I greeted everyone with smiles and cheerful hugs, trying to stay focused on the present moment and not on the secret I was keeping.

As I settled into a cozy spot on the couch, I noticed my mom casting glances in my direction. There was a curious mix of warmth and concern in her eyes, but I hoped she was merely reacting to the long time we'd been apart.

"Come on, let's get some of the appetizers," my mom said, her voice laced with a hint of urgency as she guided me towards the dining table. I could feel her eyes on me, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual.

We chatted about the year's events, and I tried to keep the conversation light and festive. But I could sense a shift in my mom's demeanor—her attention seemed more focused on me than on the holiday preparations.

Finally, as we sat down for dinner, my mom couldn't hold it in any longer. She looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Sweetie, come here for a moment."

I glanced around the room, feeling a rush of apprehension. Everyone was engaged in their own conversations, so it was a private moment when I walked over to where my mom stood in the kitchen.

"What's up, Mom?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on mine with an intensity I hadn't seen before. "I've noticed something," she said softly, her voice laced with a mixture of concern and tenderness. "You've been... different. There's something you want to tell me, isn't there?"

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. There was no hiding it any longer. My mom's perceptiveness and the love in her eyes made it clear that she knew, even before I said a word.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "Yes, Mom. I'm pregnant."

Her expression softened, and she reached out to take my hands in hers. "Oh, sweetheart," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I had a feeling. You've been so careful about not sharing anything, but I could see tell. I just knew it."

I felt a tear escape down my cheek, and my mom pulled me into a comforting hug. "I didn't know how to tell you," I admitted, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "I've been so afraid of how you'd react."