Different Worlds (wlw) Editing

F O R T Y- F I V E

The weekend had rolled around rather quickly and during then I was preparing myself mentally for the talk with my parents.

Throughout the time Cassie would question me on whether or not I was actually ready and truth be told, I wasn't, that made it more reasons for me to do it.

When we'd made it over at their place, much to my surprise I found out that it was just going to be myself, Cassie and our parents. Bran couldn't make it this week and yet again Craig was avoiding us. He would occasionally grace us with his presence, but personally, I hadn't seen him in a good while.
I didn't really need to let either of my brothers know because they wouldn't care, it was my parents that I needed to share the information with.

The moment I had walked through the door with Cas, my mom seemed to have noticed a change in the way I conducted myself. She kept giving me side glances and often when she was close she would reach out and softly rub my shoulder and it made me nervous.

My father, however, seemed oblivious as always, sitting by himself reading.

I was sat on a stool observing my sister and my mother prepare dinner while occasionally lending a hand.
My mind kept drifting off on multiple things and every once in awhile I'd catch Cassie staring at me pitifully until she'd finally gotten enough of that and decided to pull me aside.

She rushed us both into the bathroom and locked the doors behind us, turning towards me with a questioning glare.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good, just a little nervous."

"You don't have to do this Brie. Mom and dad don't have to know yet if you're not ready," she stated quietly and I could see she was doing her best to help protect me but it was futile, I was going to tell them.

"I know and it's fine, don't worry I want to tell them, Cassie. I've been holding out for months, so many months. I should've done this sooner but I waited and waited for the right time and it never came."

"I understand," she replied seeming somewhat calmed at my words and she gave me a fraction of a smile.

"You're going to tell them everything?"

"I'll try to. I just want them to know just in case."

"Okay. I think we should head back outside now, mom might start to wonder where we've gone."

"Good idea."

We slipped back out and among both parents, it was like we didn't even disappear. Mom was still busy, but dad had now moved to assist her which was nice. Together we all did something to help until we were all at the table.

Everyone was making light conversation, we each asked about the other's day and work all the usual.
Then when my turn finally came, Cassie looked at me a little tense and I gave her a tiny reassuring smile.

My dad was the one to ask about what was happening with me and I stayed silent for a bit as I gathered my thoughts on what I needed to say.

"About that actually. I have some things to share with you guys," I whispered and my mother literally stopped eating and stared at me.

"You're not sick are you?" She asked and I felt a warmness inside of my chest. That was her first thought and it made me smile. She cared about my well-being more than anything else and it was nice.

"No, I'm not sick," I replied.

"Pregnant?" My dad chimed and everyone around the table erupted in laughter.

"Brian, I don't know if you're aware but the type of people she's into means it's unlikely for that to happen."

"I'm aware, but there are other alternative measures. I'm just thinking outside the box here."