The Surprise of a Lifetime

Chapter 5-Jane

"What time is your appointment?" Lane asks as she gets ready for her class. Her first class was canceled today so she's spent this extra time hounding me about pregnancy updates. She wants every detail I can possibly give her.

"It's at three like last time." I say as I put on my boots. I'm already 14 weeks pregnant. It's the end of October and tomorrow is Halloween, one of my favorite holidays. "Are you coming with?" I saved buttoning up my jeans for last, I'm not showing yet, which means it's easy to hide my belly, but my clothes are starting to fit a bit more snug and I'm struggling just a little to button up these jeans.

"Of course, I still think Xander should be involved in this, though." She slides in her comment and I can't help but feel a little annoyed with her.

"We've talked about this." I say, trying to keep to annoyance out of my voice.

"I know, I know." She says, putting her hands up in mock surrender.

"Let's go." I say grabbing my bag as we head out the door.

***

Lane and I part ways in the courtyard and head to our individual classes. As I continue to walk, I see a familiar face sitting on a bench, two to-go cups in hand.

"Your peppermint tea, m'lady." Axl jokes, handing me one of the cups. I take a sip, it's still warm.

"Why, thank you, kind sir." I joke back. He begins walking next to me.

This is how it's been with us, falling into a routine. He buys us our drinks, he waits for me in the courtyard, and he walks me to class. Axl and I have gotten pretty close and I'm really enjoying having a friend other than Lane.

I've also been spending time with Xander as well. We spend time together usually after our first class on Tuesday's and Thursday's. We've gotten to know each other pretty well. I've found myself wanting to tell him about my--about our little peanut, a couple of times. But none of those times had ever felt like the right moment.

"Earth to Jane." I hear Axl say.

"Sorry!" I say back, coming out of my own little world.

"It's okay, I was just asking what you were doing tonight." Axl smiles and I can't help but return the smile with one of my own.

"I have a doctor's appointment but then after that I'm pretty much free."

"Doctor's appointment? Is everything okay?" He asks, concern filling his eyes.

"Yeah, just a routine checkup, is all." I hate lying to one of my only friends here but what am I supposed to do, tell him I'm pregnant? And with Xander's kid? No. He wouldn't like that.

"Well, I can come with if you need a ride or something." He gives me a hopeful glance.

"No, that's okay." I say all too quickly. I see the hope in his eyes being replaced with embarrassment.

"That's okay, forget I asked." He laughs once before continuing our walk in silence.

"I just meant that, my roommate, Lane, is coming with me." I eventually say, trying to smooth things over. "But I'm free afterwards. Did you want to do something?"

"Oh, Yeah!" He says, remembering what he was going to ask me. "I have two tickets to this cool museum for tonight, at seven. I was wondering if you wanted to come? it's called Wonderspaces. Have you heard of it?"

"No, but it sounds fun." We arrive in front of the building that holds my first class inside.

"Great, I'll pick you up at six thirty." Axl plants a kiss on my cheek before heading off to his class.