Chasing The Impractical (Brian Quinn Story)

Boy Or Girl - Q

"I think what you're doing for Apple is so good hun. I'm really proud" my mum smiled as she prepared food for the party in the kitchen of our new home.

"What else would I do. I love her, and it still could me my kid" I shrugged.

"I pray for that" she smiled.

By 1pm the house was filled with family and friends. My entire family had come over and Apps had invited some of the her friends from Brooklyn nine nine and SNL. Of course Murr, Sal and Joe, with his wife Bessie,  had come over as well.

I was sat by in the garden, working the BBQ with Sal and another guy from my firehouse when I saw Miguel walk past.

"That the guy? Sal asked awkwardly.

"Yeah" I grumbled as I watched him walk over to Apple and hug her.

They started chatting for a while, laughing and joking as though old friends and I hated every moment of it. After a while, Miguel turned to look around the garden and stopped when he reached me. Confidently he walked over in my direction.

"Brian. I just wanted to thank you for inviting me. I know this is hard and somewhat awkward, but I really appreciate it".

"It's Apps that invited you" I grunted.

"Either way, I'm glad. I've finished working for a while now and will be around a bit more, you know, in the run up to the arrival".

"Whatever man" I shrugged.

Finally Miguel got the idea and walked away.

"That's rough dude" Sal sighed.

After more food and beer, Zoe finally revealed the cake.

"So everyone, are we all ready to find out the sex?" She called out across the garden.

I wasn't sure if i was suppose to go with Apple to cut the cake, but when I sa2 Miguel stand next to her, I quickly went and stood at the other side.

"Ready?" She asked me with a nervous smile before turning to Miguel.

Suddenly, everyone began to count down and at 1, Apple finally cut into the cake and pulled back as slice of boy cake sponge.

"Holy crap" she smiled and quickly leaped into my arms.

"We're having a boy" she cried into my neck as I tightly wrapped my arms around her.

I couldn't help but think, maybe. She had said we, but she forgot, there was another member in your current triangle of mess.

"How do you feel?" Miguel asked as she finally let go of me and gave him a quick hug.

"I really thought it was going to be a girl, but I'm super stoked" she smiled.

As the evening carried on, we all dived into the cake. Miguel continued to practically follow Apple around the house. I could tell it was making her feel awkward, but she was kind to him and tried introducing him to other people.

By 9pm everyone had left and Bella was upstairs in bed. After a quick clean up we both flopped down onto the sofa in exhaustion.

"So, gonna have to start thinking about baby names" I smiled.

I just nodded and continued to flick through the channels on TV.

"Don't shut me out Q" she sighed and leant up in the sofa.

I instantly felt bad, seeing the pain in her eyes was killing me. "I'm sorry, I just. I really want this baby to mine Apps. I can't tell you how much I want this".

2 Months Later
"Ah, you must be are new member. Welcome?" A calm and softly spoken woman smiled as we walked into the studio.

"Hi, I'm Apple. This is Brian and Miguel".

Awkwardly we followed Apple to sit down in the circle of other heavily pregnant woman, coupled with their partners in the Lamaze class.

"We have many surrogate couples come here" the woman smiled at Miguel and I.

I quickly looked down at Apple. "She thinks you guys are a couple" she giggled with a whisper.

"Yes, we are both so grateful for Apple. We can't wait to have a baby of our own. Aren't we darling" Miguel smiled at me and stroked his hand across my cheek.

I wanted to fucking punch the guy, but the sound of Apps quiet giggles calmed me down.

Miguel and I took turns with sitting with Apple and helping her through the breathing exercises. Her bump was pretty big now and every now and again she could feel the baby kick.

"Shit" she suddenly gasped as the baby began to kick at her ribs.

Miguel was currently sat behind her, and she quickly grabbed onto her hand as she tried to catch her breath. "Just breath darling" he spoke calmly as he placed a hand on her stomach.

Annoyed, I quickly moved closer to her and also placed my  hand on her stomach. "It's okay, just like last night remember. He'll calm down in a second" I smiled and kissed her cheek.

"I actually read-" Miguel began to speak.

"No one gives a shit what you read. This happens all the time. It's fine... We're fine" I hissed at him.

"I'm just trying to offer advise".

"Well don't. We don't need you"

"Q, just quit it okay. Both you of you in fact, just give it a break" I groaned.

Despite Apple's demands for us to stop, Miguel and I were soon in a full blown argument. Suddenly, Apple moves to her feet as everyone in the group looks on at us in shock. Apple doesn't speak to word though as she grabs her bag and storms out of the room.

Miguel and I both run after her, pushing each other out ofnthe way to get to her first. Luckily, we both reached her just as she was about to step into a yellow cab outside on the busy New York street.

"Waits I'll come with you" I called out.

"No. I need some time alone. You both need to figure your shit out. I can't be dealing with this so close to the arrival. I have enough going on baby inside".

With that I watched as Apple stepped into the taxi and drove off down the street.

"You wanna grab a beer?" Miguel asked after a few moments in silence.

"Yeah"