Behind Closed doors

Chapter 37

The Castellanos

After the emotional conversation with Kathryn, Lauren sat on the couch, watching as her ex rifled through a drawer. "I want to show you something," Kathryn said, pulling out a small box.

Lauren raised an eyebrow as Kathryn placed it on the coffee table and opened it. Inside were tiny baby clothes, soft pastel blankets, and a few stuffed animals. There was even a set of baby shoes so small Lauren felt her chest tighten just looking at them.

Kathryn pulled out a small stack of sonogram photos and handed them to Lauren. "These are from my last appointment."

Lauren hesitated but took them. The black-and-white images stared back at her—blurry but undeniably showing the little life growing inside Kathryn. Her child.

Lauren swallowed hard. "You haven't picked a name yet?"

Kathryn shook her head. "I've been thinking about it, but nothing feels right yet." She hesitated. "I was wondering if...maybe you'd want to help name her?"

Lauren stared at her. That was a big ask. A huge ask. She was still trying to process the fact that she was about to become a mother. Picking a name felt like too much.

"I'll think about it," Lauren finally said, her voice quiet.

Kathryn gave her a small smile. "That's all I ask."

It was too much for one night. Too much to take in, too much to process.

Lauren stood up. "I should go."

Kathryn nodded, standing too. "Lauren—"

Lauren looked at her.

"Thank you for not walking away," Kathryn said softly.

Lauren didn't respond, just gave a small nod before heading for the door.

By the time she got home, the smell of Christmas dinner filled the house. The table was set, candles lit, and her mother was already serving plates. Lisa and Lyla were talking quietly, but when they saw Lauren, they all fell silent.

"Dinner's ready," Lisa said hesitantly.

"I'm not hungry," Lauren replied shortly, heading toward the stairs.

Maria quickly walked over to her, stopping her before she could disappear. "Hija," she said softly, cupping Lauren's face with warm hands. "I know you're angry. I know you feel betrayed. But it's Christmas Eve. Can we just be together as a family?"

Lauren exhaled. She wanted to stay mad. She should stay mad. But her mother's touch was gentle, and the exhaustion of the day was pressing down on her.

"Fine," she muttered.

Maria smiled. "Good. Now, sit."

Lauren did, though she barely touched her food. She mostly listened while her sisters talked about Christmas traditions, their childhood, anything but what had happened earlier.

After dinner, they exchanged gifts. Lauren wasn't expecting much, but Lisa surprised her by giving her a small box.

"What's this?" Lauren asked, taking it.

Lisa smirked. "Just open it."

Inside was a keychain with the words Badass Big Sister engraved on it. Lauren rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the small smile. "Wow. Thoughtful."

Lisa grinned and pulled her into a hug. "I know we were wrong, but we're really sorry, Lauren. And we're here for you. Whatever you decide."

Lauren hesitated before hugging her back. "Thanks."