Arm Distance Apart | ✔️

23

Chapter Twenty-Three| Here lie the flowers
"The sun will rise and we will try again."
-Twenty One Pilots

I pressed my face up against the cool glass trying to get an estimate of how cold it was. Today is my last day in this house. We are having a little get together with the neighbors my parents have grown close with as a little "goodbye" party. I've lived here all my life and it's disappointing to move as I'm sure it is for the neighbors.

To say the least, it feels chilly out. I go over to my closet and pick out leggings, a grey ribbed shirt and a flannel. I threw my hair up into my usual ponytail. Briefly looking around my room, I shove anything left outside the boxes, into the boxes.

I bring the boxes downstairs where my parents laid out a few cups, plates, silverware, and food. "Sweetheart, could you take out the trash?" My mom asked me from the kitchen. I dropped the boxes on top of the other then rubbed my hands together.

"Sure." I replied then went into the kitchen to grab the trash bag. I tied a knot at the top then carried it out. I opened the door to see Bellamy, his parents, and the Oxfords standing there, Bellamy looked like he was about to knock.
I've talked to the Oxfords once or twice, they were a nice old couple with kids all the way in Europe for collage. "Oh! Come in." I moved out the way and they did, all smiling at me as they did. Bellamy stood at the doorway while I tossed the trash out.

When I came back he bent down and planted a kiss on my lips. We walked in and went straight to the living room where Oliver, Tai, and Malik sat comfortably wrapped in blankets. "Can we watch The Good Place?" I asked excitedly and jumped onto the couch. Bellamy took a seat beside me.

"No way. We're watching The Mist." I furrowed my eyebrows.

"The what-?"

"The Mist!" Tai enunciated. I pursued my lips and say back into the couch. I leaned onto Bellamy and pulled my knees up to my chest  Bellamy's arm draped around my small frame.

I watch comfortably. Softly after the episode ended my mom called us in for food. We all ran out at the mention of a meal. To say we were hungry was an understatement.

There on the island there was meat, vegetables, and other sides. It looked really good. We each grabbed a plate and took turns serving ourselves. Once my plate was full, I shoved a forkful in my mouth. "Hadley, calm down..." Tai said from beside me. I narrowed my eyes at him and took another bite. His lips straightened into a fine line like he wasn't amused. I didn't care though.

"So..." My mom started and glanced over at David. "We thought now would be the perfect time to announce this... I'm pregnant." I choked on my juice. Mrs. Collier squealed in excitement. Tai didn't look surprised but stopped eating. Malik looked slightly horrified but Oliver looked very happy.

"That's amazing!" Mr. Collier encouraged. Ms. Collier nodded in agreement. My mom smiled thankfully at them, knowing what a surprise this was to us, she needed the congratulations.

Malik silently ate his food and Tai just looked up to my mom then down to the table repeatedly. "This is amazing." I lied to make my mom feel better. She even looked surprised by my statement. Heck, I was too. But my mom deserved to be happy.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Maryanne, the old woman asked.

"Too soon to tell. A girl I hope." David spoke up. My mom laughed a little. Maryanne nodded with a smile and ate her broccoli. "I'm sure Oliver would like another sister." I furrowed my eyebrows. Who was his other sister?

...He better not be talking about me! Yikes!

My mom must've read my mind because she changed the topic. "We are moving tonight. It's very exciting." She chirped.