Be My Shelter (Book II)

Chapter 10

I awoke with a jolt and looked at the clock, it was midnight. “Nolan, are you awake?” I asked, shaking him lightly.

“Mmrph.”

“Are you awake?” I repeated.

“No.”

“I’m serious, wake up.”

“What’s wrong, Reg?”

“What if our baby is born with some kind of birth defect? What if I have a miscarriage?” I asked in a panic.

“Reagan, can this wait until morning? It’s too early.” He groaned, turning over on his stomach and covered his head with a pillow.  I rolled my eyes and got up.

“Where are you going?” He asked me groggily.

“I can’t sleep.” I replied, walking out of our room and into the kitchen.  I put my face in my hands and sighed, I have no idea why I’m so freaked out about this baby, I mean…I practically raised Izzy.  Someone rubbed my back soothingly and I turned my head to se Nolan looking at me with concern.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Not really.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know…I’m just really stressed.” I sighed, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes and a lump forming in my throat.

“Don’t cry, please don’t cry!” Nolan said frantically. 

“I can’t help it!” I wailed.

“It’s alright, you’re okay.” He murmured soothingly, wrapping me in a hug.

“I’m sorry.” I sniffled, wiping my eyes.  I really hated these stupid emotions.  “Why are you up? I thought you were sleeping.” I said, reclining back in my chair.

He shrugged. “I couldn’t go back to sleep; I still can’t believe we’re going to be parents.” He grinned, putting a hand on my stomach.

“Me either.”

“Are you tired yet? He asked and I shook my head.

“I’m just gonna watch some TV.  You can go up, I’m fine down here.” I said, nodding once in the upstairs direction.

“You sure?”

“Yep.  I’m fine by myself.” I said, rolling my eyes.  “Go.” I said and he sighed, giving me a kiss and walking up the stairs, muttering an unintelligible ‘night, love you.’  I walked over to the couch and plopped down, turning on the TV and drifting to sleep.

***

I woke up still on the couch and wrapped in a blanket; Nolan was sitting next to my feet, watching TV.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He grinned.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Yeah right, my hair probably looks like a birds’ nest.”

“That’s true, but it’s an incredibly attractive look on you.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.  “Oh! Before I forget, my family’s coming over.”

“When?”

“Uh…like ten minutes.”

Ten minutes?! Thanks for waking me.”

“You looked so comfy.” He shrugged.  “I didn’t wanna wake you.”

“I look terrible.”

“How do you know if you can’t see yourself?”

“I can feel it.”

Nolan rolled his eyes. “Go get ready, you’re just wasting time.”  I ran upstairs as quickly as I could without tripping and falling, and took a shower. When I was finished with my shower, I quickly blow dried my bangs and brushed my hair, I then looked through my closet; I was still in need of maternity clothes, so I just threw on some yoga pants and an oversized tee shirt. I pulled up my shirt and turned sideways so that I was looking at myself in the mirror; suddenly, the door opened and Nolan walked in.

“Hey.” I said distractedly.

“Whatcha lookin’ at?”

“Do I look fat?” I asked.  “I feel fat.”

“You look beautiful.” He said, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“That’s not what I asked, but thanks.”

“You’ve never looked fat, Reg.”

“But-”

“Come downstairs, everyone’s here.” He said, pulling my shirt down and taking my hand.  We walked downstairs and I tugged on my shirt, suddenly feeling self conscious. “Relax, they’re your family.” 

“Regan!” Gavin shouted, grinning when I came into the kitchen.

“Hey, Gav.” I grinned back. 

“So what’s up?” He asked, and I sat down next to him and Izzy.

“Not much…birds.” I replied.  “But not penguins.” I said and Izzy giggled.  I gave her a hug and smiled at her.

“You are so weird.” He chuckled.

I grinned. “Thanks!”

“How have you been feeling?” Dad asked, walking over to me.

“Pretty good, actually.” I said.

“Are you hungry?” Kim asked.

“When is she NOT hungry?” Nolan piped in and I glared at him playfully.

I rolled my eyes and punched him playfully in the arm. “Oh, shut up.”

“Ouch! That hurt.”

”It did not, I barely touched you.”

“It hurt my heart.”

“Hey, Regan?” Izzy asked nervously.

I looked at her with concern. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

“I was wondering…um…do you think it’s alright if I move in with mom and dad?” She asked, playing with her fingers.

“You don’t want to live with us anymore?” I asked in confusion.

“I do.” She said quickly. “It’s just…can I move in with them? I heard you guys talking…aren’t we moving in with them anyways?” She asked and I sighed.

“Not for a while, though.” I told her and she nodded.

“Can I?”

I sighed. “I-yeah, it’s alright with me.  Why don’t you ask Nolan?” I said, trying not to cry.

“Nolan?” She asked and he nodded. “Thank you!” She smiled and hugged me.

“Are you alright?” Gavin whispered to me and I nodded.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta go…check on the…cat.” I said, getting up from the table.

“We don’t have a cat.” Nolan said in confusion.

“Then let’s go check on the neighbor’s cat.” I said, sniffling quietly and walking out of the room, and Nolan following me.

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Hey guys.  Long time no Reglan, huh?  I re-read the last chapter, and thought “how on earth could I write something so terrible?” It was the same thought I had when I reread a few chapters of my other stories, “My Brothers and I” Hopefully this one is better, and I’m really sorry that it took me so long to update this.  Please don’t kill me in my sleep, I quite enjoy living. =) Thanks

Oh! The awesome cover was made by BeatingHeartsBaby.  She’s amazing =)