Fearless

19

"You're back!!!" Kat yelled happily from the hot tub as everyone turned to face us with a smile. I held my snacks with one hand and waved with the other, "I decided that it's too early to go to bed, we are celebrating," I said quietly as Colby helped me get situated on the chair again, "let me know when you want to go upstairs." He said quietly and kissed my forehead. I smiled as he walked over to the hot tub and got in.

I watched the way our friends interacted with eachother. Devyn and Kat were talking about Kat possibly going on another tour soon, Tara and Jake were laughing about which spongebob episode was the best, Corey, Sam, and Colby were talking about possibly throwing one last party before the baby is born. I knew they would have parties after the baby was born because this house was perfect for parties but I wouldn't be a part of them anymore.

"What are you thinking about?" Tara said as she plopped down into the seat next to me, I sighed, "how different life will be after this baby is born." I said and rubbed my belly as Tara grabbed the jar of pickles and popped one in her mouth. "It's gonna be different but you guys are ready for it I think." She said and smiled at me. I shook my head, "I don't know Tara..it's coming so soon and I just..I don't know." I admitted and sighed, rubbing my belly. "Cora you're more than ready. Plus you two have us! The most dysfunctional family ever." She said and I giggled, "yeah, I guess I'm just upset that our days of being carefree young adults are over. Like they are talking about the last party before she is born. After that there will be no more parties..no more fun. Just parenting." I said and felt the tears start to form. "Don't do that!" She scolded and smacked my arm, "you'll still get to be carefree young adults at times but it's just gonna be a little different. We can take turns watching her. I'm telling you, we've got your back Cor." She said and slung her arm around me.

"Come on, why don't you just dip your feet in the water, come hang out." She said and got up, then held her arms out to me. I laughed and took her hands so she could pull me up.

I waddled over to the hot tub and sat in between Colby and Tara, and stuck my feet in, rolling my sweatpants up to my knees. Colby was still talking to the guys but he looked up and smiled at me before turning back to the conversation.

"Cora I'm dying to know what your naming the baby." Kat pouted and looked up at me. I laughed and laced my fingers through Colby's hair, combing through it as I talked, "nope, it's a secret." I said and winked, "remember when I said we had your back? That no longer applies." Tara said and crossed her arms, "you guys only have to wait like a month before you find out." I said and rolled my eyes playfully, "a month and a half!!" Devyn whined as she tied her hair up in a bun. "You'll survive I think." I said with a wink.

"I think I'm gonna get some water, anyone need anything?" I asked and pulled my legs out of the water. "Another claw?" Jake asked and Sam agreed, "flavors?" I asked as I hoisted myself up, "mango." Jake said and Sam put his hand on his chin, "watermelon." He said and I nodded, "nobody else?" I asked, "god, you're such a mom already." Tara said causing Colby to laugh. "I think we are all okay for now, baby." He said and smiled up at me. I scrunched my nose at him, then turned to walk inside.

I walked to the kitchen and sat down, I wanted water but I also just wanted a minute to myself. The silence of the house was oddly comforting since it has been nothing but wild since we moved in. If we weren't working on the nursery and building furniture for it then someone was filming a crazy video.

Silence wasn't something this house saw very often, and I just wanted to take it in.

My mind went off in so many different directions as I twisted my engagement ring. Most of my thoughts made their way back to Colby. We have been through so much it was unbelievable. The night we met when he was so concerned about making sure I was alright that he talked to me about my job. Ugh my job, I miss it so much. I had to quit once I got too pregnant, out of fear that something would happen. I would eventually get back to it, but for right now we just wanted me to be healthy.

My mind went into a darker place as I thought about Jason and Jen. I hadn't thought of them or mentioned them in so long. Were they in prison? Or were they just out there, waiting to mess my life up again. I thought of that night, and cringed as I rubbed my stomach nervously. I hadn't thought of that night in so long.

"Cora?" Colby called and walked into the kitchen, "hey, are you okay?" He asked and walked up to where I was sitting, "yeah...I'm okay.." I said and turned to stand up but he blocked me, "what's going on? Talk to me." He said and brought both his hands to the sides of my face. "It's..I..do you think Jason's still in prison." I blurted out and bit my lip, I watched as his jaw clenched, anger radiating off his face, "hey...calm down. it's okay, I'm okay." I whispered and brought my hand to his cheek, "why are you asking that? Did something happen??" He asked anger still dripping from his tone, "no! I was just thinking and I thought about the night we met and then I don't know I thought about that night and I just...I don't know." I shook my head as his face softened, "he won't touch you. He doesn't know where we live anymore, if we haven't heard from him yet I don't think we ever will." He said and bushed my hair down, "yeah, you're right. I don't know. I haven't thought about them in forever I don't know why they popped into my head." I said and stood up, walking to the fridge.

"You're sure nothing happened." Colby said and I nodded, turning to him, "I'm absolutely sure." I said and gave him a quick kiss before turning and grabbing the two white claws and a water bottle.

"Is it because we want to throw a party here?? Because I promise he won't be there. I don't care how much money I have to pay for security, there won't be a chance in hell he steps foot in my house." He said and clenched his jaw again, "I don't doubt that for a second Colby, I'm not worried about it. I'm sorry for bringing it up." I said and brushed his hair with my fingers. "No, it's okay, I just..I hate that guy. I hate what he did to you. The thought of him makes me want to go crazy and punch a wall or something." I nodded, "I know, I won't bring him up again, I promise." I whispered and kissed his cheek, before leading him back outside with me.