I'm one week away from my due date. One week. 7 days. I cannot believe it. Lindsey and I have come so far. We are open and honest with each other. There is no bitterness or animosity. We can forgive and forget and even when we fight, we make up and we can laugh about how silly it was. Our relationship is stronger than ever and we are really in sync again. I know how he is feeling without even looking at him and he's the same for me. We know each other inside and out. These last days have been hard physically, emotionally and mentally. I've had some really killer contractions and on more than one occasion, I swore it was the real thing. Now I know why Lori was miserable with Sam. Aria's pregnancy was fabulous but her little sister is a wild card.
I'm back on speaking terms with my brother. It was hard for me to get to this point because I was very angry about what he said but more than that, I was hurt. I wanted so much for him to be supportive. I love him, and he destroyed me. He had been coming around on and off but I really didn't make it a point to mend things until a few days ago. I know it was wrong but I was in such a sensitive place, I couldn't let myself get the way I was all those months ago.
William was taken in by Kristen's parents and I was thankful he could be with family. I don't know why they took so long to come forward and even though I wanted to petition for him and Lindsey eventually agreed to it, I wouldn't have been able to cope with giving him up once I had decided he was mine. Lindsey had moped the whole day when we got news he was in a permanent place. I know he wanted him too, since our talk.
It's hot as hell outside and I'm roasting. I am sitting on my porch with my beautiful fan and being waited on by Lindsey when he's not tending to our guests. Lindsey is hosting a barbecue. I'm shocked he wanted to have a party. My mother and father have arrived and are all set up in their little house, Lori and Chris are over with their girls and Aria is running around with them in the yard.
"Stay away from the pool!" Lindsey yells and my anxiety goes way up. I get up from the swing and waddle my way toward the center of the party. "How are you, my angel?" Lindsey asks, stroking my bare shoulder. I'm wearing a long red off the shoulder tent of a dress, sandals, and hardly any jewelry besides my new "engagement ring". My long, thick hair that was once styled is now sticking to the back of my neck and I feel awful, but I don't say that.
"I'm fine." I say, smiling weakly as I fan myself.
"You're flushed. Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just a little warm"
"Not a good day for a barbecue?"
"No day is a good day for anything at 39 weeks pregnant" I say, only half joking.
"I should have thought of that. I just wanted to celebrate. Tonight I'm going to show you the completed nursery"
"Ooh! I can't wait!" I say, finally some excitement in my tone.
"How's baby girl?"
"Wild as ever." I say, taking his hand and placing it on my belly.
"Yes, she's definitely wild. The little gypsy!"
"Hey! She did not get this from me"
"I remember many a time when you were kicking and flailing around and no one could control you"
"I was very young then" I say, fluffing my hair, remembering an argument or two where I had to be carried away slung over someone's shoulder to end it.
"And so is she."
"I cannot wait until she is out"
"I know honey. I cannot wait to see her beautiful face. But don't speak too loudly. Remember what happened at your birthday party?"
"Aria happened" I say, laughing.
"Any contractions?" He asks, making sure it wouldn't happen again.
"No more than usual. They're tiring"
"You'd tell me if you were in labor right?"
"I don't think I'd be able to hide it at this point."
"Okay. So where are your parents?"
"I'm not really sure, why?"
"Making conversation" he says, shrugging. I shrug as well and go off to wander the house. I get a glass of iced tea and spot my mother, sipping a glass of water.
"Honey, how are you?" She asks me, getting up to hug me.
"I'm good, mommy. How are you?"
"I'm well, thank you. It was way too hot out there for us to stay out."
"Yes, it's very hot. I think I will have everyone come inside to eat."
"That's a good idea. Are you drinking enough? We can't let you get dehydrated"
"Yes, mom" I say with a groan.
"Alright, I'm sorry. I just worry" she says.
"No, I'm sorry. I'm being rude. I shouldn't take how I feel out on you."
"It's okay, my dear." I smile at her, thanking her for understanding. "How are you feeling?"
"Decent. Tired, hot, hungry" I laugh, smoothing my large belly. My back is hurting and a sense of dread comes over me when I feel a shift in my energy.
"Are you alright? You look pale, TeeDee" she asks, noticing instantly.
"I'm fine. Will you do me a favor? Can you tell Lindsey I'm going up to my room to rest?"
"Sure, sweet girl" She strokes my face before I go and I welcome the comfort.
I go upstairs and with each step I feel heavier and heavier. "I cannot believe this. Lindsey and I were just talking about this very thing." I say to myself. I lay on my bed and I fall right to sleep.
When I wake up, Lindsey is hovering over me. I feel a lot better and I'm happy I can enjoy the rest of the party, that is if anyone is still here.
"How are you feeling?" He asks.
"Why does everyone ask me that?"
"Because you're about to pop" he says with a laugh.
"How very nice of you, Lindsey. Thank you" I say sarcastically.
"Well, its true, isn't it?" He asks.
"I guess. I don't want to argue"
"Neither do I. Do you want to go back down?"
"How long was I up here?"
"An hour or so. Maybe a little longer"
"Oh. I thought I would have missed the party"
"No, there are plenty of people. They're asking for the queen to grace them with her presence"
"Well, who am I to deny them such a humble request?" I say in a fake posh accent and he laughs, taking my hand and leading me downstairs. As soon as I arrive outside, so many people come to greet me and it feels good. Pushing my physical difficulties out of my mind is easy when I want to be a good hostess. I wouldn't be me if I didn't love a good party.
A/N: one more! I can't believe it you guys!!!
