His hand felt cold and clammy on mine. We sat there - silently - in the car.
He didn't start her up. He didn't buckle in. Nothing.
"Matt?" A few blinks before he faced me. "You okay?" He smiled. That sheepish grin I knew so well.
"We're having a baby."
"Yes, well ..."
"We're HAVING a baby!"
"I know. I was there."
"Holy crap, Em. You're pregnant." His hand tightened around mine.
I fought the urge to flee. I couldn't, of course. Wouldn't. But I wanted to. "Matt, listen," I stopped. Were those tears? What the - TEARS? Was he crying? He used his sleeve to wipe his face. Shit. He was crying.
"I just can't believe it, Em. After everything we've been through - a baby. We're hav-"
"Yes. I know. I know. Actually, I'M the one who is..." I watched his face cloud over and tried doing damage control. "Well, you know. It's in here." I looked down at my stomach. MY stomach. Traitor! I flinched at my own thoughts.
"Em, it's amazing. Aren't you happy? Isn't this amazing? We have so much to do. A baby. Wow. A baby." He continued on. Talking quickly but softly, his words a jumble.
"We should get going." I interrupted.
"Em?"
"I'd like to go home now, if we could. Get moving." I plastered on a smile, but I knew he knew.
"You're not happy?"
"Matt, this is a LOT to think about. I just need ... It's a surprise, ya know? I mean, we didn't plan - I didn't think - we weren't expecting." Sigh. How the hell do I say this anyway? "I just need some time."
"You what?"
"Time. I need some time to think." I reached for his arm as he turned to buckle himself in. He nodded. Stiffened beneath my touch.
"Think," he whispered. Was that a question or an understanding?
"Yeah - I just, if you could drop me off at home I'm just really exhausted and I -"
"That's fine, Em. Fine." His words trailed off as he leaned forward and started the engine. Puffs of smoke drifted up around us and our windows began to fog. I sat still, too frozen in fear and emotion to reach for the heat. "Let's get you home."
p.s. Stay tuned. I have the next part of their story already written in response to a WOE prompt from December. I never posted it as I wasn't sure it was ready. It's kind of empty, but I think it sort of fits for Em and where she is at this point. I'll share it soon ...
I want more.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see the uncertainty in the situation. Not pure excitement, and not direct disgust... just the need to think. Intriguing. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI like the twist... usually it's the guy that needs to think or is unsure of the situation. But this was pretty good & I can't wait to see where you take it.
ReplyDeletePoor Matt. He's so likable and authentic.
ReplyDeleteYou've set up a brilliant conflict here.
Very good, it's intriguing and although there's clearly a lot going and plenty of backstory, it stood alone too. :)
ReplyDeleteThis part is great! I think it only strengthens on what you've written with these characters so far. I've missed them :-)
ReplyDeleteI like this story..are they very young? I don't follow them yet, so I don't know. Yet, I like the reversal of feelings..how he is happy and she is reserved, almost as if they are switching genders. It's a really good and interesting plot line.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible predicament to be in for these two! I empathize with them both. The prospect of becoming parents can generate so many different feelings, and certainly doesn't ease stress in a relationship that's already having issues (as this one seems to have). I'm very interested in the rest of the story!
ReplyDeleteHow very honest and raw. People often forget that we women are not always happy at first to be "knocked up." Well done!
ReplyDeleteI thought this felt very real. My second baby was "unexpected" and I remember feeling similar to how Em was and worried that my husband would freak but he was just like Matt. Thrilled, happy, excited.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I came along that way quickly myself. I hope Em can get her feelings figured out.
I know I would be conflicted in Em's shoes, and in my own if I ever was in my version of that predicament, and I thought you captured the uncertainty very well.
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