Dying Wish

Chapter 18

Aubrey called Steven to inform him that she would tell their daughter about him at dinner tonight, and then started making Pizza Quesadillas, Laura's favorite meal. Aubrey hoped that might ease the jolt of this new news.

At five-thirty, Andrew arrived with a bag of potato chips and Diet Pepsi, another favorite of Laura's. "Hey, hey!" He greeted as Laura ran to him with glee. She always considered herself a daddy's girl.

"Hey!" Said Laura excitedly when she walked in the kitchen. It had been a while since they had a family meal, and with her favorite food. "Can Tobias come over too?"

Aubrey exchanged looks with Andrew as if she were asking if that would be a good idea or not. Would Tobias be comforting during the news, or is it too private for him to be here for this? Well, Laura would probably tell him anyway. Although, they could have him stay for dinner and spill the beans after he left. As Aubrey's mind spun, examining all possible scenarios, she looked at Andrew hoping her questions would be answered from him. His face shrugged.

Laura obviously felt the uncomfortable silence. "Uh...guys?"

Aubrey's eyes widened, more attentive. "Um, not today, honey. Maybe tomorrow night?"

"Sure," said Laura, still silently noting the strangeness in the air. She hoped there wouldn't be anything bad going on. Shoot, she already had the most murderous disease. What's worse than that?

"How was school?" Asked Andrew.

Laura sighed, "Pretty good, I guess. I mean it's online, so it only gets so interesting. I did go to Tobias's today though. That was pretty fun."

"You're very fortunate to have him," Aubrey told her. "He's a good friend."

Laura nodded. "I agree. So why then wasn't he allowed to join?"

Aubrey and Andrew exchanged looks, silently questioning whether to tell her now or later.

"Guys?" She said. "You're acting really weird. What's going on? Did something bad happen? Was this meal all to make me feel better about it?"

Ah, smart Laura.

Aubrey gave in. She figured her meal would be spoiled, anyway, after all of the tension. "Laura, you know how I've always told you your birth story?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there's more to it, and I wasn't sure when to tell you the full story. Andrew and I have been talking, and we decided that now is a good time."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"Well," began Aubrey, "I became pregnant out of wedlock, as you know. Shortly after you were born, I married Andrew."

"Right. So what's the twist?" Asked Laura.

"Tell me something. Do you ever watch Steven Nova? Do you like him?" Asked Aubrey, searching for new angles.

"Yeah, he's hilarious! Definitely my favorite actor! Why? Did he like, deliver me or something? That would be pretty cool," Laura suddenly looked excited.

How should I go about this? Thought Aubrey. Just go, ''he's your dad."? No, I doubt that would be a received well. "You see, I used to date him, back in high school. He used to live here. We didn't practice abstinence."

"Oh?" Said Laura, still not getting the point.

"While we were together, I became pregnant," Said Aubrey, cautiously. "With you."

"Wait, so you cheated on Steven Nova with Dad and that's why you broke up?" Said Laura, confused.

"No, I met Andrew not long after you were born and we decided to get married and raise you together." Aubrey explained.

"What about Steven? What?" Laura was slowly getting the point, but in shock.

"He left me. He left us. While I was pregnant with you," Aubrey painfully admitted. "Steven got me pregnant with you."

Laura was silent for a while and just stared at the floor. She couldn't believe it. Andrew wasn't her dad? Steven Nova is? Why hadn't they explained this sooner? Why now?

Finally, Laura spoke up. "Why did he leave, and have you had any contact with him?"

"He wasn't ready to be a daddy. Fortunately, Andrew has been your father by choice. And I think he's done a great job," said Aubrey. "And no, I haven't spoken to Steven except I contacted him recently because I thought it might be a good idea for you two to actually meet each other. If you want to."

Laura shrugged. "May I be excused?"