Close As Strangers

0.8

Another month went by after that night. Luke hasn't called or texted me, it always said he read them, but he never responded. I didn't mind, he was coming home in three months and that's all that mattered, I was graduating in two. My school work got a little harder, and my pregnancy is just starting to show. People have been asking me, but I've been denying it. I'm glad I don't have to do physical eduaction anymore, that would be hell.

"Arden? Honey, can we talk?" My mom asked, knocking on my door frame.

"Of course, come sit." I said patting my bed and moving my computer off of my stomach.

"Hun, you gotta stop resting your computer on your tummy, you don't wanna hurt the baby." She rubbed my belly. "Speaking of the baby, have you thought of any names for her?"

I shook my head no. "I was kinda thinking Luke could choose."

My mom laughed. "Oh honey, if Luke chooses, your baby might be named after a Ninja Turtle character."

I couldn't help but laugh along. "You're right, I was thinking Melany, or Carmella, I really like Carmella."

"That's cute." My mom smiled. "Carmella Christy (slash) Hemmings. Cute." She paused for a moment. "Anyways, about that talk." She sighed. "I know how much you and Luke love eachother."

"Mom. What are you trying to say?" I asked impatiently.

"I just, even though I know Luke will help out, and you have me here, it just. It kills me thinking of you on your own."

"But I'm not." I protested. "Like you said, Luke is going to be here, yes he has his career, but he will be here. And I have you." I smiled.

"Have you even thought about your future?"

"Of course." I thought for a moment, before I swallowed. "I'm not going to New York anymore, I'm going to USC or something, nothing too far."

"And whose going to look after the baby?"

"Luke?" I guessed.

"And when he's gone?" She snapped back. I looked at her without a word. "I won't be here forever." She laughed.

"Mom. You're literally like 35 stop." I laughed.

"I just wanted you to know, I can't always help, I have a job, and a life." She paused for a moment. "And a boyfriend."

My mouth dropped open. "What?" I screamed. "Since when? Why didn't you tell me!"

I could see a look of relief come off of her face. I pulled her in for a hug, as happy tears escaped from her eyes.

"I just needed to tell you that." She said wiping away the tears.

"I'm so happy for you." I laughed with a big smile.

"He and I are going out again tonight, I've been talking to him since last year, and we started dating 4 months ago."

"When Luke left?" I asked.

"When Luke left." My mom said, nodding her head. "I'm going to go find an outfit for tonight, care to come?"

"I would love to mom." I lied. "But I have college stuff to do, and I'm starting to look for baby stuff, not today. Sorry."

My mom shrugged her shoulders before she hopped off of my bed and left our house. I was so happy for her.

I don't really know what went through my mind, but I decided to call Liz.

"Arden?" A manly voice answered the phone.

"Is this Liz?" I asked, reasuring I dialed the right number.