A Shade Darker (on hold)

Chapter 12

"Why are you being so quiet?" My mom turned down the car radio, glancing over at me.

I just let the words filter through my brain. There were more important things to think about. The fact that Chad still hasn't called me hurt my whole body. I knew I kissed Colton but that didn't mean I didn't love Chad. The whole moment with Colton was just that; a moment.

"What are you thinking about, Aubrey?" My mom intruded my thoughts again.

"Nothing," Mumbled off my lips almost automatically.

Tapping her hand against the armrest, she sighed. I'm sure I was annoying her. "Aubrey, don't be like this. We're going over to dinner for your baby's father. Just cheer up a bit."

As I already did, I let the words in one ear and out the other. I honestly didn't care what she had to say. Laying my head back against the seat, I hoped to get a few minutes of shut eye before we arrived at the West's.

 After what seemed like seconds my mom woke me from my daze ,"C'mon sweety. We're here."

My hands tiredly rubbed away at my eyes. I wasn't in the mood to do this today. The hospital has tired me out. I've never even met Colton's parents before and I'm positive being pregnant with their son's baby wasn't going to give them a great impression.

"Mom, they're not going to like me," I complained to her as I undid my seat buckle.

Walking up to the front door, my mom wrapped an arm around me. "They're going to love you. Aubrey they actually have no choice."

Sighing, I reached my hand to ring the doorbell. Regardless to whatever my mom said, it was only going to go downhill from here.

It seemed to be hours before I could hear the clicking of heels against hard wood flooring. His mom was going to answer to the door. Shit.

"Hello!" Colton's mom opened the door with a huge grin on her face. She had crystal blue eyes just like Colton. They were filled with warmth and happiness.

"Come in, come in," She ushered us inside before my mom or I could get a word in.

I looked around the foyer. Every time I've been here it had been dark and secretive. It was nice to finally see his house in the light.

The room was gorgeous. A large carpeted staircase twisted to the right. There was a gorgeous sheer black table with flowers overflowing the surface. The room was just lovely.

"You have a beautiful home," I tested my voice.

Crossing her hands over her heart, she smiled. "Thank you, dear. Now, my name is Courtney. You can call me that or Mrs. West! I don't mind."

"Nice to meet you. You know I'm obviously Aubrey," Reaching out a friendly hand, I smiled.

Accepting my hand, Courtney smiled back, "Well nice to finally meet you too."

"I'm Lori, by the way." My mother added herself into our conversation.

Releasing my hand, Courtney smiled again. She was one happy woman considering the circumstances. "How rude of me. It's  a pleasure to meet you, Lori. I'm so happy you and Aubrey are here tonight."

"We're happy to be here." My mom smiled back. Well it seemed to be going good so far.

Courtney clasped her hands together, "Well why don't we head out back? My husband, Chris, has the grill all started up!"

Following Courtney to the back of the house, my mom chuckled," You sure have a lot of C's in your family. Chris, Courtney, Colton and Carter."

"We always loved the name Carter. When we found out we were having twin boys we knew one would have to be a Carter. The name Colton came from my mom actually. She thought if three of us had C name then four of us should too," Courtney giggled, opening the door to the back porch.

When the door opened, Colton's voice spoke, "Aubrey!"

The three of us walked out onto the deck. As soon as I took in the view, strong arms wrapped around my body.

"Hi, Colton." I smiled, hugging him tightly.

Rocking our bodies back and forth, Colton whispered just loud enough for me to hear, "My dad is going to be real hard on us. Just ignore it. My mom doesn't give a shit. She thinks it is a blessing either way."

"Thank you," I mumbled back. It really as good to know. He was always looking out for me with every situation.

Colton rubbed my back, "Any time, babe."

Unwillingly, I let go of Colton. I needed to go introduce myself to Colton's dad and go say hello to Carter. Most importantly, I needed to apologize to everyone.

My mom sat at the patio table discussing something not related to the baby with Courtney. Both of their faces showed smiles, showing their care-free side. Colton's dad, Chris, was busy on the grill while Carter was no where to be found.

"Where's Carter?" I aimlessly reached out for Colton's hand.

Accepting my hand he smiled, "He's at Dalia's. My parents figured it'd be best if he weren't here."

If Carter was going over  to Dalia's then she would know. If Dalia knew then Taylor would and if Taylor knew Cara would. After it got around to Cara the whole city might as well know.

"He doesn't know, right?" I looked up at Colton with hopeful eyes.

Letting go of my hand, Colton crossed his arms over his chest. Finally speaking up uncomfortably, he let me down, "Aubrey, he's my brother. I told him. Don't worry Aubrey. My parents told him if he tells anyone he's in huge trouble."

"They're not going to know if he tells anyone! Colton, I don't want people to know. I just found out myself." Tears started to come. I had to stay strong though.

Cupping my chin, Colton tilted my head up. His eyes warmed with comfort. "Look, I wouldn't have told him if I didn't trust him. Let's just have a nice dinner, okay babe?"

Trying to relax a little, I nodded and smiled. As I was about to go introduce myself to Colton's dad, he spoke up ,"Steaks are done!"

"Come eat, kids!" Courney smiled, getting comfortable in her seat.

Colton and I walked over to the table and found our spots. I sat with Colton on my right and my mother on the end of the table. Courtney smiled across from me while Colton's dad, Chris, sat at the opposite end.

The table sat silent as we passed around side dishes and filled our plates. No one really bothered to start up a conversation. I felt uncomfortable and felt the need to speak up.

Saving me from speaking up, Chris spoke up, "So, Aubrey. You have a boyfriend?"

I gulped. He spoke with no emotion. I wasn't entirely sure if he was testing me or just asking the question. As I opened my mouth to speak, Colton cut me off.

"Dad, no."

Raising an eyebrow, Chris gave Colton 'the look.' Without bringing it up again, the table went silent. The only noises were the sounds of our forks and knives scratching at the plates.

Clearing her throat, Courtney tried to lighten to mood. "Aubrey, I think it's lovely you are continuing the pregnancy. I know we are going to help you as much as we can. Please don't look at the baby as a bad thing, it's a blessing."

Colton's hand reached under the table and rubbed my thigh. I looked over and smiled at him. "Thank you. It really means a lot that I know you will be here for me."

 "If your mother is okay with it, I'd like to plan the wedding, too." Courtney grinned with desire.

I'm sorry, wedding? No one said anything about  a damn wedding.