A Baby Changes Everything

Christmas

Greer was sitting around the Christmas tree with Hudson, Clara, Grace and Ethan.  Christmas had always been her favorite holiday.  Not so much now.  Now she just felt like an outsider looking in on someone else's life.  She sat on the floor with her knees pulled up to chest.  She was now four months pregnant.  She was supposed to find out what she was having in a month.  She wasn't sure if she even wanted to know.  Now she couldn't stop thinking about her baby and what would be best for them.  She really didn't know what that was anymore.

Hudson came over and sat next to her.  He handed her a present and said, "Merry Christmas."

She told him, "I didn't get you anything."

"You didn't need to.  I just wanted to get something to show you how much you mean to me.  I know it isn't much, but I thought it could possibly show you a little bit of how I feel."

Greer opened the present to see a photo album full of their childhood memories.  There were memories written.  Funny stories of times they had had.  On the last page was the sonogram of their baby.

Greer told him, "It is perfect!  I love it.  It's our life in book form."

"I just wish there were some years in between that I could have filled in there."

"Stuff happens.  Thank you.  I love it."

"You are welcome."

Clara came over and handed Greer a present.  She said, "This doesn't even begin to cover all of the things I have put you through, but I wanted to offer a little olive branch and hope that some day maybe you can see me in some way other than the devil that I have been to you."

Greer opened the gift to find a new outfit.  The two of them used to always love to go shopping and borrow clothes from each other.  Greer told her, "Thank you.  I'm starting to outgrow my  clothes.  It seems this baby is not going to stay small for much longer.  They want to be seen."

Grace told her, "Honey, that is normal.  You look great."

Clara said, "Maybe me, you and mom could go shopping next month.  It's completely up to you."

Greer smiled for the first time in a long time and said, "I think that would be nice."

"Cool."

The small group spent the rest of the night with each other.  Hudson was hoping that this was the start of something new.

Hudson was walking with Greer as they went up to go to bed.  Hudson rubbed the back of his neck and asked, "Can we talk?"

"Sure."

They went into Greer's room.  They sat on her bed.  She asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

"How are you doing?  Is there anything that I can do to help?"

"I'm doing okay.  I'm just trying to get through this.  I don't need anything right now."

"Are you sure?  I just want to be here for you."

"I know.  Thank you.  I appreciate it."

"What are you thinking?"

"I don't know.  I really don't know if I would ever be able to give my baby away.  They have been a part of me for four months and I'm already getting attached.  Don't let that freak you out though.  Once I have the baby I'll find a way to move out and be out of your way.  I know you don't want a baby."

"G..."

"No really.  It's okay.  I get it.  Parenthood isn't for everyone, especially not at eighteen years old.  We just fell into a bad turn of events, but don't feel like you have to do anything.  You don't have to be connected to me or the baby."

"Greer, it's going to be okay no matter what happens.  We still have five months to make any big decisions."

"That's true.  We do have time."

"Let me know if you ever need anything."

"I will.  Thank you for being here for me.  I almost feel like I have people on my side."

"You most definitely do.  I'm sorry I ever made you feel like you didn't have someone in your corner.  I hope to change that for you.  I'm always going to be here for you."

"I've missed this."

"I have missed this, too.  Now get some sleep.  You need all the rest you can get."

Greer yawned as she curled into bed.  Hudson closed the door behind him.  He was so glad to have made some kind of change for the better with Greer.  It was nice to be talking to her again.  It had been too long since he had had his best friend in his life when he needed someone most.