Judged

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

“Harper what’s taking so long?” My mother calls to me from the dining room. I’m still rooted in my spot by the front door in utter shock of what Declan just said to me. He was right about me pushing him away. Even if we did ever become friends, he’d eventually drop me. That’s just the way it is.

“Uh…” Is all I can muster.

“Come on Harp, we’re starving here!” My brother shouts. I groan and slowly walk to the dining room. I enter with my head down, trying not to make eye contact with Declan. I’m sure there’s still evidence of a blush on my cheeks. I glance at everybody sitting around our rectangle shaped dining table, which we usually only use for holidays, and notice the only seat left is the one next to Declan. Wonderful!

 

Both of my parents are each seated at opposite heads of the table, and Hudson and Danielle are sitting across from Declan and I. As I pull out my chair and sit down, I realize the twins aren’t joining us.

“Where are the twins?” I question.

“Playing in their room,” my dad answers simply.

“Okay,” I mumble, staring at the chicken and mashed potatoes on my plate. Out of the corner of my eye I catch Declan glancing over at me a couple of times while everybody is starting to eat. I, on the other hand, have made it my mission to avoid locking eyes with him at all costs. After what he said to me in the hallway, I’m even more nervous. It’s like he already knows me so well, yet he barely knows me.

“So, Declan,” my dad starts. “What do your parents do for a living?” Declan clears his throat before answering my dad.

“My dad is a cop.”

“Wow, that’s way cooler than my job,” my dad chuckles.

“And your mother?” My mom asks.

“She, uh,” he pauses. “She isn’t around.” I take this as my opportunity to look at him. He has his head down, and is moving the food on his plate around with his fork. I could hear the strain in his voice when he talked about his mom.

“I’m sorry dear,” my mom says.

“It’s okay Mrs. Jackson,” he replies, looking up at her. He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. There’s an eerie silence that fills the room for about five minutes before Hudson startles us all by standing up from the table. He’s been acting strange all night, and it’s got me a tad bit worried.

“Hudson, what’s the matter?” My mom sounds concerned. I feel Declan stiffen slightly beside me.

“I have some news I want to share with you all,” Hudson begins. He looks down at Danielle, and she nods slightly at him, as if giving him permission for what he’s about to say.

“Me and Danielle, uh,” he stops for a beat to wipe some sweat off of his forehead. Gross, Hudson. “We’re… We’re having a baby.” He hesitates, taking in all of our reactions. We all sit frozen in our seats, stunned. I surprise myself when I’m the first to speak.