Piece By Piece || n.h.

6. The First Step

I had just finished telling Stacey everything from Niall's cousin, to leaving Niall on the generator. It was a hard story to tell on my part, especially because it my hormones were everywhere, causing me to cry after every three or so words.

Stacey had her arms wrapped around me as I finished sobbing in her arms, and we had stayed like this since the moment I got home. It was already getting pretty late at night.

I sniffled and wiped my eyes with the umpteenth tissue, taking some time to calm myself. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this without him," I croaked out, finally sitting up.

Stacey let out a sigh. "I know. It sucks how he won't even take responsibility," she said with a scoff. "He's probably going to be one of those dads who come back when their kid is like... nine and he finally realizes that he should have been a part of his or her life." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "But hey, at least he has a pretty amazing mom and a hot ass aunt to keep him entertained."

I let out a breathy giggle, finding a window to feeling better. "That is a very true statement. But how do you even know it's a he?" I asked with a tilt of my head.

She shrugged with a curious huff. "I don't know. It could be a girl too, you know. I read this thing on the internet, and it said that if you're super emotional, it's a girl. If you feel more at peace, it's a boy."

I rolled my eyes jokingly. "How do you know that source is credible?"

She scrunched her nose. "Yeah, you're right. Don't listen to me."

I laughed and finally smiled for real. What I admired about Stacey was her ability to always make me feel better, no matter how terrible the situation.

I gripped her hand with a smile. "Thank you," I told her with a long breath.

She smiled and rubbed my back. "Of course. I'm always here for you." Her smile then faded as she looked away, as if she were thinking deeply about something. "So... now that you've told Niall, are you going to start telling everyone else about this?" she asked.

I raised my eyebrow and realized that I had told only Stacey and Niall about this pregnancy. What is going to happen when I get invited to another party and there's alcohol there? Will I have to explain myself there? Who do I even tell?

"Right," I breathed and clutched the pillow that I was hugging. The very first person that I thought of telling was Louis, who has been there for me since we were children. I figured that he should be the first to know. I shrugged and looked at Stacey. "I guess I'll have to call Louis first and talk to him about this."

She sighed and nodded. "That would be a good start," she told me firmly. "After all, he is our best friend."

I looked down at the tissues that I had used and took a deep breath. "Okay. I think I'm gonna go to bed. I'll call Louis tomorrow so that all three of us can meet up and talk about it." I nodded and began to get up, gathering all the used tissues and balling them up in my hand. "Goodnight, Stace."

She gripped my arm one last time before letting me go. "Goodnight, Lex. I hope you sleep well, even if it was a shitty day." 

Giving her my best fake smile, I turned around and began walking over to my bedroom. I was exhausted; I was prepared to close my swollen  eyes and let sleep rid me of this agony, but a loud knock on the door startled both me and Stacey before I could even get to my bedroom.

I looked towards the door and pulled my eyebrows together, then looked over ar Stacey.

"You go. I got it," she told me and stood up, fixing the couch a little before heading towards the door.