The Dysfunction Of Evan: Books 1-3 Collection

69. Holidays, Part Two.

I hadn't seen much of Melanie since she'd arrived. Apart from her talk with Tom when she first got here, she hadn't said much to anyone. She came for meals, and helped with the dishes, but she did everything she could to keep the attention off of her. Tom wouldn't tell me what was going on, that she'd tell me in her own time. I figured something bad was going on, but I didn't want to press her. Like me, she didn't like being pressed. Tom knew, some if not all, and I was satisfied with that. 

I had plenty to distract me from Melanie, with my family arriving soon. Cheryl and Tom had gone full force in making sure everything was ready, with Melanie's help. I stayed hunkered down in my bedroom or cuddled up on the living room couch, whichever felt more comfortable. The twins either spent time with Holly and Zendaya, or, if they could stay calm, with me. By the time Tom left to get my family, the house was spotless and fully decked out for the holidays. 

I was in the living room watching telly, Holly had the twins. Cheryl was out with Seb, Melanie was up in her room. It was the first time in weeks that the house was quiet, and I reveled in it. I was trying to plan out the big reveal of my pregnancy. Everyone was coming at once, and we'd recruited Jake to help transport them. He didn't know about my pregnancy yet, either. He'd been on our staff full time since late October, when his girlfriend decided her work would be more productive in London. As soon as that decision had been made, I'd been Jake's first phone call, and of course I gave him the job as my personal security guard. I just hadn't needed his services since we hired him; He was taking time to get settled in his new home.

I didn't want to just throw off my blanket and say 'Surprise', but I didn't have many options. I was only allowed a total of two hours a day on my feet and moving around, and each moment spent standing and walking was too precious to waste. Cheryl had suggested just staying on the couch and acting like it was not big deal when I got up to pee or something. It was an idea I had filed away, I knew if I did that, there would be a big fuss that would prevent me from getting to the loo on time. I could let the twins make the announcement. 

That would be cute, letting them come in and announce that they were going to have a little sibling. We'd gotten them each a book about having a little sister. Lucy's was called 'The Annoying Mini Me', and Boyd's was titled 'The Big Brother's guild to having a Little Sister'. I started thinking that it would be a clever way to annnounce to the family I was pregnant. It would be nice if I could hold off until then to tell everyone, but I knew Lucy and Boyd couldn't keep the secret that long, and I really didn't want to have to hide in my own home. I sighed, wondering what to do. 

I was still debating on what I'd do when I heard the alarm ding, telling me that the front gate was opening. Minutes later, the front door opened, and my family filtered in. First through the door was Aunt Irene, followed by Mary and Karen. 

"Hi!" I said excitedly, twisting slightly so I could look behind me. I watched as they took off their shoes and coats. "You can just toss your coats on the stairs, and put your shoes underneath." 

As they did, Uncle Alan walked in, followed by Mordicai. Tom and Jake brought up the rear. All four were laden with luggage. They set everything in the hallway, and came into the living room. 

"Sorry, it's a bit crowded, with just one couch." Tom said. "We usually entertain in the parlor." 

"I wanted to be where the telly was." I said with a smile. Karen and Aunt Irene sat on the couch with me. "Sorry I didn't meet you guys at the airport."

"It's fine. With all of us and the luggage, there wasn't much room." Uncle Alan said. 

Karen leaned over and gave me a hug. 

"Where are the kids?" Mary asked. 

"Over at Holly's, across the back garden." I answered. 

"I've just sent Jake to go get them." Tom said coming up behind me. He started rubbing my shoulders. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. I tilted mine back to catch his lips. "Do you want to say something now?"