Hungry Eyes

Johnny ~ 6

Six months into a pregnancy can really tire a man out. The cravings, the mood swings, the vomiting every morning for two straight months. It was hell for the both of us. But, we knew that there would be something special about this baby. There had to be.
We had no idea what gender the baby was, but we wanted to be surprised. If it was a boy, it was be named Edward Jonathan, and if it was a girl, it was be named Everly Frances. We both were pretty content with those names.
I chose Everly because it was my mother's name, who has passed away a while back from breast cancer. She was an amazing woman. She always had something to laugh about. I guess that's why my old man turned so bitter. Nobody blamed him.
"Johnny!..." Baby groaned from the couch. I sighed and went over to her.
"What is it, Baby?" She then sat up, but with a struggle because of her stomach.
"Please make me breakfast?..." She begged in a softer tone. I couldn't possibly say no.
I chuckled softly and looked down at her.
"How can I say no? Do you want your usual?" I asked her, and she nodded.
Baby Houseman's breakfast usual was a ham and cheese omelet over easy, a side of bacon, and a side of breakfast potatoes. At least she chose something good.
I couldn't really be mad at Baby for complaining so much because I knew that baby depended on her for everything.
I went to the kitchen and I got the ingredients out of the fridge. I fired up the stove and I buttered the pan. Once it quickly was at my desired temperature, I starting making the potatoes and bacon.
Baby was still on the couch, half awake. It was a bit chilly this morning, so I went over and draped a blanket over her. She just smiled and closed her eyes.
"Don't fall asleep, Baby." I smiled, shaking her softly. Her eyes opened.
"Just wake me up when breakfast's ready..." She says and closes her eyes. I knew I had no choice, so I just patted her side and went back over to the stove.
I shaped the omelet and put it in the pan, replacing the potatoes and bacon. The scent of the food drifted throughout the entire apartment.
After a bit, the omelet was ready and I turned off the stove. I put all of her food nicely on a plate and I poured her a glass of orange juice. I set them on the table and I went over to Baby, shaking her.
"Food's ready." I tell her and she wakes up. She put her arms out and I pulled her up to her feet. We both went to the table and she sat down, instantly eating.
Since I still had everything out, I decided to make the same meal for myself. I was starved anyways.
"Johnny...I haven't told my parents yet..." Baby spoke, her voice quiet. I looked over at her.
"When do you wanna give 'em a call?" I asked her.
"Now. The guilt is eating me alive." Baby says, her hands balling into fists.
"After breakfast, you can call 'em. I want you to eat." I tell her, and she just nods. I could see the fear in her eyes. She was afraid of what her parents will say. No doubt in my mind. She's seventeen years old, who wouldn't be afraid.
Now I felt guilty. I did this to her and it was all my fault. I quickly pushed those feelings aside for now and made my breakfast.
[...]
Baby sat at the phone, her hand shaking as she picked it up. I sat next to her.
"Go ahead, Baby. I know you have to..." I spoke softly, rubbing her back.
She dialed the number and put the phone up to her ear. It started ringing and soon, someone picked up.
"Hello?..."
"Mom...It's Baby."
"Oh my goodness, Frances. Where have you been? I miss you so much."
"I miss you too, Mom...But, there's something I gotta tell you..."
"....Alright, what is it?"
"Can you go get Dad? He needs to hear, too."
There was a pause.
"What is it, Baby?" Both of her parents were on the line now.
"I'm pregnant..." I could tell she was close to tears. "I'm so sorry..." She then started crying.
"Are you-are you keeping the baby?" Her mother asked.
"Mmhm..."
"We'll be there soon, Baby, alright?"
"Okay...Bye." Baby stuttered and hung up. I instantly pulled her in for a hug.
"It's gonna be alright." I whispered to her softly. "You and I are stayin' together, Baby." I whispered and held her close.
Nobody was taking my Baby away.