Eating For Two

Chapter 7.

She watched as the doctor smeared cold gel on Lucy's stomach, then moved the ultrasound wand around slowly. The image on the screen was grainy, but Angela could make out the tiny shape of the baby.

The doctor spoke softly. "You're around 8 weeks pregnant lucy." The doctor's words sent a chill down Angela's spine. Eight weeks - it seemed like such a short amount of time, and yet Lucy's life had been irrevocably changed. She felt a lump form in her throat as she glanced at Lucy, who was staring transfixed at the screen.

The reality of the situation hit her hard - her niece was going to have a baby. And they needed to be there for her, no matter what choices she made. She squeezed Lucy's hand, offering silent support as the doctor continued to speak. "Everything looks healthy so far," she said kindly. "We'll set you up with regular appointments to make sure both you and the baby are doing well." Lucy nodded mutely, her eyes never leaving the screen.

Angela couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind - fear, excitement, uncertainty? All she knew was that she loved Lucy, and would do anything to help her through this.

The moment the doctor handed Lucy the small ultrasound printout, Angela saw a flicker of something new in her niece's eyes - maybe it was acceptance, or perhaps even a hint of maternal love. Regardless, it broke her heart knowing Lucy had such difficult decisions ahead.

She watched as the doctor handed Lucy informational leaflets about abortion, adoption, and keeping the baby. Angela knew she had to give Lucy space to process everything, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of responsibility. She had always been the one to protect Lucy, to guide her through life's challenges, Zoe loved her daughter but she was always working, leaving Angela to watch lucy.

And now, faced with this monumental choice, she felt woefully unprepared. *What would I do in her shoes?* she thought, glancing down at the tiny image in Lucy's hand. But this wasn't about her - it was about Lucy, and what was best for her. So she took a deep breath and prepared herself for whatever came next, ready to support Lucy no matter which path she chose.

When they arrived home, Lucy bolted straight for her bedroom, the weight of the day's events clearly too much for her to bear. Angela shared a worried glance with Zoe before following Lucy inside, gently knocking on the door. "Sweetie, can I come in?" she called out softly.

There was no response, but after a moment, she heard the quiet sound of sniffling coming from the other side. Angela sighed heavily and retreated to the living room, where Zoe sat waiting on the couch. They both knew they needed to talk - to figure out how to best support Lucy during this difficult time. Zoe looked up as Angela sat down beside her, her expression a mix of guilt and sadness.

"I'm sorry for earlier," she said quietly. "I just...I don't know what to do." Angela nodded in understanding, reaching over to take Zoe's hand. "We'll get through this together," she promised. "We need to be strong for Lucy right now." They sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Then Zoe spoke up again, her voice trembling.

"What if she...what if she keeps it?" Angela squeezed her sister's hand reassuringly. "Whatever she decides, we'll be there for her," she said firmly. "She's not alone in this." Zoe nodded, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. They sat like that for a while longer, united in their love for Lucy and their determination to support her through this storm.

Alone in her room, Lucy stared down at the ultrasound picture clutched tightly in her hand. Her reflection in the mirror showed a tiny bump where her flat stomach used to be - a constant reminder of the life growing inside her. She couldn't help but wonder if she was cut out for motherhood. *Would I be a good mom? Am I too young?* The questions swirled around in her mind like a tempest, making it impossible to think clearly.

She felt scared and overwhelmed, unsure of what the future held. But as she looked at the tiny image on the printout, something shifted inside her. Maybe she could do this - maybe she could give this baby the love and support it deserved. She took a deep breath and placed a tentative hand on her belly, feeling a surge of protectiveness wash over her.

Whatever decision she made, she knew it wouldn't be easy - but she had her auntie and her mum by her side. And that was all that mattered right now.

As Lucy rushed out of her room and into Zoe's arms, Angela could almost see the weight lifting off her niece's shoulders. She gave them a moment, allowing Zoe to comfort Lucy before joining them on the couch.

Wiping away her own tears, Angela placed a comforting hand on Lucy's back, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her sobs. "It's going to be okay," she whispered. After several long minutes, Lucy finally pulled away from Zoe, looking up at her mother with red-rimmed eyes. "Mommy I want to keep it," she said vulnerably , her voice barely above a whisper. Zoe's face crumpled, but

Angela saw the love there too - raw and unfiltered. This was going to be a journey none of them had anticipated, but they were in it together. "We're here for you angel," Angela said firmly, wrapping an arm around Lucy's shoulders. "No matter what happens, we're going to get through this as a family." Lucy nodded, sniffling as she clutched the ultrasound picture tightly.

Days turned into weeks, and the tension between Zoe and Lucy grew thicker with each passing moment. The house felt like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any second. Zoe's frustration was palpable, her voice rising every time she asked Lucy about the baby's father.

But Lucy remained tight-lipped, her stubborn streak showing through in every clenched jaw and defiant glare. Angela tried to mediate, reminding Zoe that Lucy needed their support now more than ever. *Maybe I should talk to her alone*, Angela thought, sensing that Lucy might open up to her instead.

One evening, she found Lucy sitting on the porch swing, staring out into the distance. Sitting down beside her, Angela gently broached the subject. "Lucy, sweetie...you know your mom just wants to help," she said softly. Lucy sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know," she replied, her voice barely audible. "But I can't tell her." Angela didn't press further, understanding that Lucy needed time to process everything.

Instead, she wrapped an arm around her niece, pulling her close. They sat like that for a while, the creak of the swing the only sound breaking the silence. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Angela couldn't help but worry about what the future held for Lucy.

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