Blainsville

19) That Thursday...

Jessica

Well it's Thanksgiving I've been up since 4:30am trying to finish a desert it was Fruity Truffle Cake something with chocolate and strawberries... I don't really remember cause I was so exhausted. Lindsey was at John's house probably prepping the dining room for the family. My side of the woods I didn't have a lot of family least none that were really close besides my Nona and sister, Candy. Nona and I were gonna take the drive to Blainsville but the place was still on quarantine and we had to figure out what to do, "Sweetie, why don't you take a nap? There's no guaranteed we'll a find a way out of this damned city. That say the bridge will be closed for a couple of months." Nona says as she finishes her knitting. It had me pondering if they were gonna let anyone leave anywhere even being a major holiday but I was going to take that risk; my daughter was in another state you're guarantee I was going to see her. I decided to call John to discuss the plans for the day, "Hello?" He answers a bit disgruntled probably because his family was already driving him insane. I know that his mom was kind of senile so usually she was talking to inanimate objects but he couldn't find it in him to put her in a nursing home he would have hired a nurse than put her in a home. His dad had died 6 years ago soon after his mom slowly slipped into a depression and delusions making her live with his aunt which was his dad's sister, Margaret. I imagine he was more stressed trying to put up with them then Lindsey, "So how are we going to do this? I mean essentially you have Lindsey for now... But I'm not sure we're gonna be able to have dinner as a family with the Damn quarantine. I mean it was my idea to have Lindsey stay with you because it's easier but I don't know how we're going to do this." I say. Nona continues to sew probably making a sweater or blanket for Lindsey. John sighs going quiet for a few minutes, "Well I do have one way we could solve that problem but its kind of risky... I don't know if you've lost your touch for the dangerous. You know being a full time mom at this point." So he was daring me lets see what this plan is, "I haven't lost my touch, excuse me. So what's the idea?" I try to poach at John he chuckles before revealing his thoughts, "Meet me at the other side of the barricade in one hour. Not the side near the bridge the opposite area. The issue is don't drive the car have Clarice take you and I'll be waiting near the gate." So its going to be a jailbreak I see. What's so funny and ironic was how I missed this perilous side of John and I; the teenagers in us who used to skinny dip in his neighbors pool, the reckless couple we used to be. "One hour." I repeat, "One hour." He replies back.

Jimmy

I was let out of the hospital yesterday afternoon; the twins were perfectly fine in fact they were getting rather big. As for Diana she's easily a little over 8 weeks but she's lucky as fuck half the symptoms I deal with on a daily basis she doesn't encounter such as the annoying cramps in my sciatica and back or the weird cravings for hot sauce on any and everything. We were both setting the table waiting for my parents to show up how lucky was I that they may have been divorced recently they still lived in town awkwardly close to each other, "Don't use that place mat they don't match the plates." Diana is getting antsy and nervous. Her parents probably would show up a little late as usual I mean Brooke and Keith were nice people; respectable people but their idea of on time is way off from ours. "Ana, it doesn't matter what color is what we are eating either way are we not?" That's when we come to a crossroad over fucking placemats, "I want it to look nice. Presentable; you know? I mean your parents may be judgemental and snooty but I'm not doing it for them. Now get the other mats." She stops what shes doing. I'm already annoyed because the mentioning of my parents being in the same room is a total cat fight. "I know we want it to look nice, but is this really necessary? I mean its bad enough you're having me wear a suit in my own fucking house to hide this giant, obvious mistake. I mean what do you thinks going to happen? Knowing my mom being so conceded seeing me in this state its open game for shit talking. So screw the fucking place mats, Ana!" I say throwing them on the ground storming off to our bedroom. I slam the door and stand there for a moment before taking a seat on the bed. If we're gonna argue about fucking napkins or placemats before my side of the psychotic family shows up. I'll admit I wasn't ready for today I was terrified of having to reveal exactly what's going on with us; that's when I hear a familiar voice Oh boy here we go. "Oh my God, its Diana doesn't she look nice... It's too bad you got rid of that mink stole..." Great my mom decides to show first probably with my dad or worse... My younger brother, "Where's my handsome son?" She demands. I take a deep breath and straighten my tie before leaving the bedroom. I walk out quietly and wait for my mom to notice which doesn't take long, "My baby boy! Oh my gosh its been awhile since we've talked! I've tried calling you for over a month but that stupid secretary of yours always made up an excuse to avoid me." I could smell alcohol on her breath as she hugs me oh yay I have to deal with drunk divorced mom, "I'm fine... We're doing good so far. I haven't had time to call back I'm sorry just been busy with work and Diana also got a job a few months ago." My mom takes my hand and drags me with her to the kitchen probably to find more booze before my dad shows up... Speak of the devil. My dad walks in and hugs Diana, "You're so pretty look at you. Where's my son?" He's a nice guy very collected until he catches eyes with my mom. "Well guess who decided to bless us with his presence... I see you didn't bring your young whore of a girlfriend or should I say mistress?" She snaps taking a long drink of vodka we hid under the sink. Diana is looking at me like I'm supposed to know what to do or how to handle it, "Ah there's my boy! Come here, son!" My dad has this enlightened mood suddenly when he hugs me. It hadnt been a year since id seen him or we even talked his new girlfriend, Vida and him were in Europe discovering themselves... Yeah I know what kind of honeymoon phase is this. "Hey dad hows it going?" I mumble I was already annoyed at my mom's undermining and drunk behavior. Thats when my mom notices the weight gain, "You look different a little since we last saw each other. I guess that's what happens when your wife cant cook and you live off takeout." She rolls her eyes. We're all standing around waiting for Diana's little side of the family when the weird conversation begins, "So you guys seem to have a bit less than last year why is that?" Mom asks Diana she shrugs, "Well Jimmy actually lost his position at the Ad agency. At least for the next six months or so." Mom takes another long drink and stares at me, "Is something wrong with you is that why they fired you? Or was it medical? Tell mommy, baby boy." I knew the question would eventually come up and that meant I'd have to say something, "Well actually..." I'm trying to stall my answer but my dad cuts in, "Please don't tell me you're one of the many that are with child. That whole idea is just gross and disturbing. If it were me I'd probably killed myself knowing my manhood was taken from me." He chuckles. "We didn't have enough sex in the total 23 years we were even married so being pregnant wasn't possible." My mom adds. Diana glances at me I can see the concern out of the corner of my eye shes git my hand in hers trying her best to comfort me, "Well actually I am." Diana interjects that causes an automatic stop in any and or everything suddenly everyone is excited and thrilled, "Oh my God! We're gonna be grandparents, I though this day would never come! What made you guys to finally decide to have children?" I shrug, "You know us... Spontaneous as hell." I mumble. "So how far along are you?" My dad asks her. Meanwhile, I'm hiding as far into the conversation as I can because obviously Diana being pregnant is exciting but if it were me... "We also have more news..." Diana cuts in amongst my dad hugging her she looks to me but I'm afraid to say anything. By then her crazy cousin, Shanna comes in holding a dish and her daughter, Rachel follows suit. We don't see Rachel too much with her being 16 and all shes focused on is boys and work then being here right now, "Hey what's going on cousins?! Its so great to see you guys I feel like its been forever since we have talked." She was hyperactive, bubbly person a basic social butterfly yeah it came in handy at a party but with family it was awkward. "Guess who's finally having a baby, Shan?" My mom tells her, "No way! Oh my god; really?! I'm so happy for you guys! Congratulations! This is super exciting! How far along are you?" Shes pretty loud about that time I decide to leave the room. I walk outside into the backyard I don't know why I was suddenly emotional but it did start to cry. I had to leave the room if it wasn't Shanna being utterly annoying and rowdy or my parents exchanging hate glares. I think mainly I was upset and perhaps a bit jealous of Diana's new found attention. Her being pregnant was normal, miraculous; a gain but if we told them I was they'd probably be so freaked out they would leave before the turkey was cooked. I let the tears come they're hard and heavy but I had to try my best to hide it for fear of worrying my wife. As I'm sitting in a lawn chair my hand resting on top of my bulge I hear the door open and slightly close. I didn't want to know who it was, I didn't really care I was already an emotional wreck, "What's wrong, James? I know having a baby seems scary, confusing and complicated but we're all here for her. We'll pitch in while we can help, I promise." My mom concludes and even though she hated my dad I was her oldest and only child; I was her world. "Its not that, mom its nothing alright? I'm ok just go back inside and finish the whiskey in the cabinet beside the fridge." I sniffle attempting to wipe my eyes but she doesn't go inside I stead she pulls up a chair beside me, "I want to guess that you're pregnant too?" She asks taking my hand in hers. I don't answer but I give her hand a slight squeeze she nods setting her drink down at her feet. "I see... Why didn't you tell us, honey? If you'd have said something I'd be much more thrilled. I've heard what's going on I do watch TV you know?" She sighs. I begin to cry again that's when im wrapped in a mother's embrace, "There's nothing to be scared of ok? I know it's tough; hell being a mom its a totally different experience. I kind of gathered you were when I noticed the bump. You can wear black all you want but a mom knows a new mom." I don't answer I don't even bother to look her in the face for fear this was just drunk mom telling me false promises, "Mom, I don't want to talk about it ok? Obviously Diana having a baby is socially acceptable and normal but I'm carrying twins and all of a sudden I'm an outcast. I'd rather everyone celebrate and be happy for Ana then shame me." I mumble that's when I reach out for my moms vodka she instantly slaps me across the face. That's the first time she had ever laid a hand on me if I could be honest. "Don't you dare do that again especially while I'm here! You aren't gonna poison that baby because you're embarrassed... I'm not ashamed of You if that's what you're thinking. I mean yeah its still new and odd but you're my son; my James and the fact that we're gonna have two grandchildren... Its amazing l. God works in mysterious ways he doesn't give you more than you can handle and this... Its a gift a very special gift." Although only my mom knew I was in no rush to tell the rest of the family I correct her, "Actually its three grandkids." I mumble. Her eyes go wide; mouth agape, "You mean she's having twins?! Oh my, you two must have had some night..." Mom says taking in the last of the vodka, "No, I am." I finally add her eyes grow wide as she gives me a once over glancing at my midsection, "Oh so its you? That's amazing... I'll admit its going to take some getting used to you know not encountering pregnant men. But good for you two; so I'm going to have three grandchildren at the same time boy that's going to be heavy." Mom laughs already probably drunk by then Diana comes outside, "I'm sorry, babe it just cane out... I didn't mean to tell them like that but at least now they know." I shrug attempting to get out of a low lawn chair which is a bitch my mom holds out her hands I take them gratefully, "Are You going to tell your father yet or would you rather the the babies tell him instead?" I chuckle, "Just wait." I mumble going back inside. By now dinner is completely ready and I'm fucking starving so much that I'm fixing to run off with the whole container of stuffing. "Everyone Can take a seat wherever you want." Diana says. I take my seat beside her I'm scared of what to say at this point but I have no choice; mom is right either do it now or let them know once the twins are born. I wasn't sure what everyone was saying that's when the front door opens again, "Hey everyone, sorry we're kind of late we ran into horrible traffic stupid lockdown." Diana's parents were finally here I'll admit they made an adorable couple; high school sweethearts but sometimes they were altogether odd. Don't get me wrong Eleanor was a very sweet and kind lady but being an artist she's very eccentric but usually she had stories about the projects she just finished. "Baby girl, hey there! Its been awhile since we've been here when it was last year?! I'm so glad I got this chance to see you again... Oh hello, James." I nod at her dad, Evan. "Now that everyone is here I have something to tell all of you..." I stand up well try to until a wave of dizziness washes over me and Diana has to catch me before I fall, "Whoa easy there, Jimmy. Are you ok?" She asks looking me over, I nod. "Does this have something to do with it?" Rachel asks taking a bite out of her mashed potatoes. Diana looks down at me, "I'm pregnant." I mumble barely coherent enough to understand but I know Eleanor heard me because her face lights up and next thing I know I'm being embraced by her. "Congrats kids! I'm gonna be a grandma! Finally! Did you plan this or was it kind of accidental?" Shes asking me too many questions right now it irritates me considering I'm trying to fight off the dizziness, "It kind of just happened right when the outbreak did. Technically were having three babies at the same time which is going to be a handful. James is having fraternal twins we are yet to decide on any names yet." Diana concludes helping me to sit back at the table; that's when the arguments begin. "Wait so you're telling me that all of them are due at the same time? I didn't take you being so adventurous and risky, son... Would have assumed you'd get an you know..." My dad goes quiet before my mom cuts in. "I'm so happy you decided against an abortion. I know from the outlook I didn't take you to be a parent role. Maybe Diana but not you Jimmy; I'm just glad we're finally gonna have some grandchildren I was beginning to think it would never happen." I shrug before picking at my piece of turkey. I'll admit I was hungry when was I not I was feeding two growing babies at once. It just wasn't what I was craving at the time, "What's wrong baby? Is the turkey too dry?" Diana notices how I'm scattering my food but not really interested in it, "Its nothing I'm fine, honey. Just not 8n the turkey mood... Do we have any chocolate?" That's when she goes into the kitchen and comes back with a bottle of chocolate syrup, "Here You go." She says taking her seat again to continue her food. I pour the syrup all over my potatoes and dig in. I could feel everyone staring at me with disgust but I didn't care especially my dad who probably felt I was the most disgusting freak in the room right now. "Oh my God I used to do the same thing but with celery. I had the weirdest cravings when I was pregnant with Diana." Eleanor giggles probably remembering those fond memories. "So hows the babies gonna be you know... Born? Do they have to be surgically remove them or is there another exit?" My dad questions that though made me uncomfortable to think about or even say to everyone because if I was honest I had no idea either. "We haven't decided yet hell we haven't talked it over yet." I add finishing my food.