Work Hard, Play Hard

Eighteen. Relocate

••• one month later •••

"Is that the last box?" I asked Jace, as he placed a huge box into the moving truck.

"Yup!" He said, as he smiled at me.

I was not allowed to help since I was four and a half months pregnant. Although I didn't see the harm in lifting a few light items.

We got in the truck and we were on our way to Cleveland, Ohio. That's where Jace's parents live. I had met them once before, but I was hesitant about moving to Cleveland since I had never been there before. It was a seven hour drive.

I don't know why we couldn't just go back to Connecticut instead. It was a two hour drive, much shorter than seven. I would've felt more comfortable there since my mom lived there and I grew up there.

••• in Cleveland •••

"Jace, my back hurts. I'm so tired!" I complained, as we got out of the truck.

"I know, hang in there." He said as he put his arm around my shoulder.

"I don't think you understand. I'm nearly five months pregnant and I'M TIRED!" I said, adding more emphasis.

"And there's my mom!" He exclaimed, trying to change the subject.

"Jace! Callie! How wonderful to see you both here safely!" She said, as she hugged us with a big grin on her face. "My granddaughter sure is growing in there!" She said, as she placed her hand on my stomach.

"I know, I can't wait, Mrs. Wellman." I exclaimed with joy, smiling at my baby bump.

"You don't have to be so proper, Callie. Just call me Judith." She said, with a smile as I nodded.

"Callie, come inside and rest. We can take the boxes in later." Jace said, as he took my hand and led me inside.

••• inside the house •••

We all took a seat in the living room.

"You're father will be here tomorrow. He's on a business trip." Judith said to Jace.

"Okay, cool. Callie do you want anything? Water?" Jace asked, as he stood up.

"Yes, water please." I said, as I was feeling rather thirsty.

"So, Callie do you have any names picked out yet?" Judith asked as she knitted something,but I couldn't tell what it was.

"Yeah, Aurellie!" I said happily. The name made me so happy.

"Oh that's nice. It sounds French."

"Yeah it is..." I quietly replied.

Jace walked back into the room holding two glasses of water. "Here's your water." Jace said, while handing me my glass.

"Thanks, love." I said, while kissing his cheek softly.

Judith looked up, smiled at us and kept knitting.

"So any plans for the day, mom?" Jace asked, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"No, none. I did everything I had to do yesterday so I'm free today to spend time with you two." Judith replied, as she threw what she was knitting to the side.

"What's wrong?" I asked, getting up to pick up the knitting.

"Oh, I've been trying to knit something for days now. I wanted it to be a surprise and it just isn't turning out well. I wanted to knit it for Aurellie. A little baby cardigan." She said, somberly with her head down.

I handed it back to her. "Aw that's so sweet of you. Thank you and it's okay, you have plenty of time to get it together. Five more months exactly!" I said, trying to cheer her up.

"I suppose." She said, looking up at me with a smile.

"Yeah, mom. Don't worry about it." Jace added.

Judith left to go prepare some lunch.

"Jace there is so much to do. We don't have a nursery or practically anything for the baby. We only have five more months!" I said, worriedly.

Jace turned to me. "Relax, everything is taken care of. I've already ordered everything we need. I wanted it to be a surprise, but it's not anymore since you're so worried." He said.

"Oh gosh. I'm sorry. I truly am. I didn't know, but is the stuff pink?" I asked.

"It's okay and of course it is for our little girl. I got you so don't worry. I'm already on things before you know about it. You're pregnant, just take it easy." He said, placing his hand on my stomach.

"Hey, Aurellie. Your mom is crazy." He added, while laughing .

"Am not! Don't say that!" I said, giggling as well.

"Okay you're not crazy, you just worry too much."

"Okay, that I agree with." I admitted. "It is my child after all. I think I should be worried sometimes. Its only normal."

"That's true, but worrying can drive a person to the brink of insanity!" He said, with a giggle.

I shot him a look. "Well... that won't be me." I said, with attitude.

"Pregnant and still sassy. Oh my..." he said, with a smile as I smiled back.