INSTA-Daddy

33

My Mother was trailing Tom as he walked in. I noted that Liz, Wes, and my brother Gustin had their eyes gawked at him too. Me, on the other hand, only took one quick glimpse at him before bobbing my head down to end up staring at the sheet that was covering my lap.

There was that awkward silence again. I can even hear a very light cricket sound chirping, although I'm quite sure it was all inside my head.

Wes broke the awkward sensation swirling around the room with a cough. He got up and said, "I think I'll go out for a while."

Liz stood up as well and stated she'd like to do the same. She marched towards the door and halted behind Gustin.

I wanted to beg them to not go. I could really need their presence right now.

To be honest, what happened last night remained stuck in my head. I didn't appreciate it at all. If something happened to my baby because of that, I don't know what I'll do.

Tom cleared his throat and bowed his head at my mother. "I'm taking her home now."

He abruptly said. I bit the insides of my cheek and suddenly felt my chest heat up. He showed up, say that, and doesn't even show any sign of remorse for what he did last night? I was expecting for a sorry but instead there was none.

"Hold on for a second young man," Mom scowled as she stood up. "You almost put my daughter in a bad state," she paused and looked back at me.

"Tell me what happened," she ordered. "I never got to ask."

My eyes widened. Should I tell her exactly what happened? I don't think I should. I shouldn't. It wasn't really his fault entirely.. he was being taunted. He was being provoked and he took a bite at it.

I was about to say something when Tom beat me to it. "It was my fault. I'm..."

He stopped as if taking up some time to think of what to say next. I eyed him, getting that slight hint of the possibility that he might say the two words I wanted to hear him say since he entered.

But no. It wasn't that. What he said was: "Won't happen again."

I sighed, facing to the direction away from him.

My mother placed her palms on the sides of her hips- truely not satisfied with the answer she got. Her eyebrows were frowning and you could see lines curling on her forehead.

"That's not a valid answer."

I observed how Tom bit his lower lip. He usually does that if he's annoyed or frustrated. His stoic eyes remained dead.

"I already told you it was my fault! What more do you want from me woman!?!" Mom and I were both shocked at his sudden outburst grunting.

I gasped upon seeing mom's frown curl up some more. If there's one thing she hates, it's disrespectful acts.

"H-hey. There's no need for that Mom. What's done is done. The important thing is I'm fine. My baby's fine," I said with an awkward snicker.

Tom sighed. My mom sighed as well.

Fortunately, the doctor peeped in through the opening door behind Tom. Once he took in our appearance he got himself inside. He was holding a record. folder with papers on it.

"Alright.." he muttered, gluing his eyes on the papers he was flipping on the folder. "Cortez..  You're ready to go."

He looked at me and smiled. "Nothing to worry about okay? Just stress that is all. But just a reminder. As much as possible, try to avoid getting into stressful matters. It's bad for the baby."