A Baby Changes Everything

November

Greer was three months pregnant.  She had been living with the James' for almost two months.  She hardly came out of the guest room.  She went to school and that was about it.  She wouldn't eat with them at the table.  Mrs. James always made sure that she took an extra large plate to her and it was always found empty, washed and put away the next morning when she got up for the day.

Grace was sitting with Clara and Hudson at breakfast.  She said, "Have either of you talked to Greer?  I'm worried about her.  I hardly ever see her and when I do she looks so drained.  I know the morning sickness is taking it's toll on her, but she won't say anything."

Hudson told her, "She isn't talking to me.  I've tried, but I'm not getting anywhere.  I don't know what to do.  I've done some stupid things and I don't think she is ever going to forgive me."

"What did you do to that sweet girl?"

Hudson has been keeping his parentage to himself.  He knew it was time to come clean to his mother, but he couldn't do it.  Maybe she could help him to break Greer's silence.  He told her, "I've been a terrible friend.  I should be helping her more than I am.  It's been such a long time since we have been friends.  She doesn't trust me anymore."

"It is going to take some time to win back her trust.  Now she is locking herself away and secluding herself from everyone.  It is going to take some time to see that she has people on her side."

Hudson sniffled and said, "I love Greer.  I always have.  Then things went wrong.  Now she won't talk to me.  I don't even know what she is planning to do. I want to be there for her, but she is never going to talk to me like that."

Grace just sat there and cried.  She said, "The three of you were always so close.  This just breaks my heart."

"I was caught by surprise.  I never thought Greer would end up having a baby.  I heard she was talking about giving the baby up.  I can't see her doing that in good conscience.  Her heart is too big and I just want to be there for her."

"You have some begging to do to get back in her good graces."

"I know.  I don't know what to do."  Hudson hated that he didn't tell her about the baby being his, but he was not ready for that.  He still had to get Greer to talk to him first.

Grace asked, "And what have you done to her?"

Clara said, "I've been terrible to her at school.  She won't look at me or talk to me, so I can't apologize.  I don't blame her there.  I'm doing everything I can at school to make sure that people leave her alone, but it's not easy."

"I can't believe the two of you.  The three of you used to be so close.  I just don't understand."

"Greer had a crush on Hudson and I knew he liked her, too.  I was afraid that I was going to lose Hudson, so I pushed Greer away.  It went way too far.  Now I don't really have either of them.  I really messed up and I just want to make things better."

"It looks like both of you have some groveling to do.  That girl up there is practically family.  She was the best friend that either of you had.  I can't believe all of this is happening."

Hudson said, "I'm going to take some breakfast up to her.  I want to make sure that she takes care of herself."

"That would be a good place to start getting your friendship back.."

Hudson took something upstairs.  He knocked on the door.  Greer opened the door and flew past him to the bathroom.  Hudson sat the breakfast down and went into the bathroom behind her.  He crouched down and pulled her hair back with the ponytail holder that was on the sink.  He rubbed her back and said, "It will be over soon."

Greer wiped her mouth and sat up, "Why?"

Hudson was confused, "Why what?"

"Why are you in here?"

"You looked like you needed some help.  I just wanted to help you out."

"Thanks.  My hair thanks you."

Hudson chuckled.  "No problem.  I brought you some breakfast up, but I don't know if you will want it now."

"Ugh.  No."

"Can I go make you some toast?"

"That doesn't sound so bad.  Why are you being so nice to me when all I am doing is ruining your life?"

"One, you are not ruining my life.  Two, it's time that I start apologizing for how awful I have been to you.  Let me help out where I can."

"Thanks, but I am okay.  I don't want you to feel like I am using you."

"You aren't.  I offered.  I'll go make you some toast and bring you a sprite.  I'll be back in a bit.  Lay back down for a little bit."

"Thanks."

When Hudson came back upstairs Greer was asleep.  He laid the food next to her bed and crept out of the room.  He was just happy to see that she was relaxed.  He only hoped that November was going to be the start of them finding their way back to friendship.  He just knew he was going to work hard for it.