blue (book one) - h.s. ✔️ watty's 2019

chapter 110 - showers

"Well, I think it's sweet that they're throwing us a shower. It's the thought that counts, Harry," I justify as we walk down the slightly crowded grocery store aisle. An elderly woman with a cane is obliviously standing in front of our basket as she scans the boxes of oatmeal.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe that we've already established the difference between a need and want," he begins stopping to apologize to a couple he didn't see coming.

"We don't need a baby shower. I'm more than capable of taking care of my own family. We're not a charity case for your friends to take on."

"I never said we were a charity case, Harry. Every expecting couple experiences a baby shower. It's a part of becoming a parent,"

"Hand me the Hungry Jacks pancake mix, will you?"

"Uh. News flash, Parker. Nolan's not exactly a newborn anymore," he sasses at me, throwing several powder-filled boxes in our basket.

"Eggs, check. Olive oil, check," I mutter to myself tuning him out. About an hour ago I received a text message from one of the girls in my "mother's club" with the exciting news that they were throwing Harry and I a late baby shower for Nolan. To be frank, this is a blessing in disguise. Nolan just can't seem to stop growing. Not even for a day. It feels like every second I'm out buying him onesies to accommodate his growing body. Thanks to his pediatrician and a couple of baby books I am more than aware of a series of developmental happenings that will occur in his first year called mental leaps. Recognizing smooth transitions, cause and effect, differentiating patterns and objects. I was expecting all of this. But who knew that along with these leaps he'd also double in size!

This shower arrangement is just the solution we needed. Traditionally, a shower is held before the baby is actually born. Of course, Nolan is not really mine and I wasn't really a part of the "know" in regards to his delivery, so it's not like I could've feasibly played a part in how the beginning of his life started. Nevertheless, he's still a growing baby and I still want to treat him as if he does share my DNA. In the end, it all works in my favor anyways. With a baby shower for a baby that's already out the womb I'll be able to request what's actually needed rather what people might think we're in need of. This is why I've had the girls send out an innocent list of necessities to everyone that's attending tonight.

"This is a shot to my ego, Parker. I can't believe that you feel I'm unable to care for my own family. We haven't been doing that bad."

"We haven't been doing bad at all, Harry. A baby shower is not supposed to be a charity party. It's simply a party where people who care about you bring you gifts and support to make life a little easier."

"People who care about you? They're mostly a group of online spectators you've never met! And they're at our apartment right now doing God knows what."

"I trust them," I begin, picking up salt and black pepper.

"Well, I trust Deena and Leah. They've been over before you know."

"That doesn't give them the right to take over my apartment!"

Swiftly, I stop the basket and turn around to face Harry mindful of the baby strapped against his chest.

"Would you stop complaining? They are my friends, and they are doing something nice for us. If I had any fears that they'd take from us in any way, I would've turned on the security system."

"Oh-ho-ho, you can bet your ass I turned on the security system. There's no way in hell I'm letting a group of strangers, two of whom I've only ever met once, come into my place and do whatever they please," he finishes while scoffing loudly. Before I can respond, he fishes out his phone from his front pocket and switches to a screen showcasing the layout of our apartment.