I Was Saved... by the Jerkface

Telling the Parents... Oh Goodness

{April Fourteenth, one month before Annabelle's birthday}

I. Was. So. Freaking. Nervous.

The word "nervous" didn't even begin to cover the feeling in my gut right now. It was more like carnivorous butterflies eating away at my stomach. Or dragons or something.

My hands would not stay still in my lap and every nerve in my body felt like it was on fire.

I took a deep, shaky breath (which did nothing for me, by the way) and stood up from my bed on wobbly legs. My parents were in the dining room right now, and had called me to dinner a few minutes ago.

Tonight was it. I was finally going to tell them.

I hated myself for putting it off for so long - they had a right to know that their daughter was moving to Oklahoma. They should have been informed as soon as I made the decision. However, although I felt guilty, I knew that they wouldn't accept my decision. So I had to prove to them, or more specifically my mother, that I was financially able, as well as mature enough, to handle this.

I smoothed down the front of my shirt anxiously and went over my speech in my head again before slowly making my way to the dinner table.

My mom had cooked some spaghetti and meatballs, and I served myself from the giant bowl and spooned it onto a plate. I took a seat and picked up my fork, tasting the dish.

I decided a compliment wouldn't hurt anything in the least. "Mm, mom this is really good."

She smiled up at me. "Thanks honey. Your dad said the same thing."

We ate in silence for the most part. Dad asked about school, and mom listened. Halfway through the meal, there was a lull in the conversation. I decided that I couldn't take putting it off any longer and sighed deeply, putting my fork down.

My mom noticed that I was about to say something. "Annabelle, is everything okay? You look kind of pale."

I smiled meekly at her and tried to convey in my eyes just how much I loved her. Maybe if she saw how nervous I was, and how guilty I felt, she wouldn't go as crazy as I feared.

"Yeah, I-I'm fine. I just really need to... tell you guys something," I said, meeting both their eyes. My dad put down his fork as well, and they both gave me their undivided attention. Somehow, this made it even worse.

I really, really wanted Blake here with me right now. I knew it was impossible, and my mom would just throw him out if I brought him home, but I couldn't help but feel like him being here would ease some of my nerves. He was always so confident, and I was freaking out.

"Go ahead, sweetie," my dad encouraged, his eyes kind. I smiled at him and took a deep breath.

"Alright, but before I do, I want to ask you both to just... keep an open mind. Okay?" I asked nervously, holding my hands out as if to calm a wild animal.

My mom's eyes widened. "Oh my God, you're pregnant aren't you?"

I gasped. "Mom! Ew! No!" I told her, shaking my head.

My dad pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, his eyes drifting closed. "Sarah, honey, that's not keeping a very open mind is it?"

I adored my father in that moment. He was on my side, for the time being at least.

My mom hesitated, then shook her head shamefully. "Sorry. Go on, Belle."

I smiled tentatively at her, and she gave me a smile in return. I was glad we were getting along so well (again, for the time being). We hadn't exactly had the greatest relationship in the past few months.