Because I Knew You

3 months

As the weeks went by all three of them settled in. Kristin was great with Walker and Walker loved her because she would always play with him. Even when Idina needed a break from playing, Kristin kept on.

One day, after taking a shower, Kristin went over to Idina who was standing in front of the mirror, applying her makeup and hugged her from behind.
She looked over Idina's shoulder into the mirror and whispered: "You're so beautiful."

Idina laughed half heartedly. "Thanks baby. But I don't really feel beautiful today."
Kristin instantly hugged her a little tighter. "No don't say that! What makes you feel that way?" Idina sighed "I don't know. I just feel gross today."

Kristin stepped between Idina and the mirror and kissed her on the lips. "You're beautiful. I'll tell you this until you believe me. Even if we have to stand here until tonight. I'll do whatever it takes to make you believe it."

Idina kissed her back and looked her in the eyes. "This is why I love you!"

Kristin placed one hand on Idina's now 3 months pregnant belly and smiled, "This little one's growing so fast."

Idina sighed again, "I know, I should probably talk to Aaron soon. And Walker. He hasn't noticed anything yet."

"I'm sure he'll be very excited to be a big brother!", Kristin tried to reassure her. "Let's not stand in front of this damn mirror, ok?" Kristin suggested, intentionally leaving Aaron out of the conversation.

She led Idina to the living room.

"Do you think Aaron's going to be mad?" Idina asked insecurely.
"I would very much like to say 'No' but honestly, I have no idea. He might be hurt."

None of them noticed Walker standing at the door. His little face looked worried. "Mommy? Are you crying? Please don't be sad!"

Idina looked up, the expression on her face full of guilt. "No Walker. Mommy's fine! Kristin and I were just talking about some adult things. And that's not always easy." Idina went over to hug the little guy.
"Don't worry about me! Do you wanna go to my room to watch a little tv? We just have to finish this conversation."
Walker pouted his lips which reminded Kristin so much of his mom.
He said: "But I wanna know what's going on!"

Kristin could read Idina like a book and so she knew that she was very close to losing her shit. Walker had just disturbed a nerve wrecking conversation and Idina had already been on the verge of tears before he walked in.

"I'll tell you about it later ok?"
"Promise?"
"Yes, promise!"
"Ok." He tapped away,  to Idina's and Kristin's room.
When Idina was sure that Walker couldn't hear them anymore, she hit a pillow lying next to her.

"Fuck! I've scared him!"
"Idina calm down. He'll be ok!"
Idina started crying hysterically but hid her face behind her hands. Kristin pulled her closer and just held her.

After a while she asked: "Do you want me to go up to him?"
Idina nodded, "Please!"

Kristin slowly opened the door to their room and slipped inside.
"Hey Walker, do you have a minute?"
Walker looked up from the cartoon, he was watching on Idina's iPad.
"Yes," he said and paused the video.
Kristin sat next to him and began to explain the difficult situation. "Before I start I want you to know that you can ask whatever you want, you don't have to be afraid, ok? I'll take my time to answer all of your questions or at least I'll try."
"Ok."

"So you've noticed that your mom has been a little sad lately but she wants you to know that it's not because of you! Being an adult is difficult sometimes and your mommy had to go through a lot."

"Why is mommy sad?"
Kristin took a deep breath, she was about to reveal the secret that they've kept for so long now.
"You know that your mom and Aaron broke up. But your mom is expecting a baby and Aaron is the father." Kristin paused for a moment to watch Walker's reaction.

"I'm going to be a big brother?" Kristin smiled yet she was careful as she didn't know whether Walker liked the idea or not, "yes."

He looked down. "Are we going back to Aaron?"
"Sweetie, I wish I knew that. But that's what's stressing your momma out. Aaron doesn't know about the baby yet."

"I'm so confused," Walker replied.
Kristin hugged him and he held onto her, something he has never done before. It warmed Kristin's heart, yet she felt so sorry for the little guy.

"Kristin?"
"Yes sweetie?"
"Are you and mommy together? Like mommy and daddy were? Or mommy and Aaron? Because I saw you two kiss and I was afraid to ask."

Kristin inhaled sharply. They had always been so careful.
"Yes Walker. I think we are. We still need figure out some things because of the baby but I think we're together."

Walker looked at the floor and mumbled, "Poor momma, she must be so confused."

Kristin chuckled. "I think she is, that's why we all have to stick together!"

"Yes we will," Walker stated proudly. " Where's mommy now?"

"She's on the couch, resting."
"But can I go to her and tell her how much I love her?"

"Of course Walker! You don't have to ask!"
"Good," he replied, smiling again. He hugged her tightly and grabbed her hand. Together they went to Idina.