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Abigail
Today was fun, watching Vic and Wayde’s face as I crossed the Legos like they were nothing was priceless. They seem to forget I’m used to going without. Shoes were one of the things I never had in the summer until Fred started buying me things. They need to learn that in things like this, they could never beat me. We’ve been sitting in these hard chairs for what feels like hours listening to person after person talk. I’ve been elbowed for falling asleep. What? If these people would get the show on the road, I wouldn’t be falling asleep. It’s been a long day, and I’m pregnant.
I had to sing to myself to stay awake. Me singing had others from choir following along. It also lets us get through the process better. Vic and Clayton’s names were called for their scholarships. Once we finally get called to get our diploma, it’s one by one.
This whole thing was more for the boys than for me. I didn’t care if I ever walked into this building ever again. We have to meet up with the parents as well as Wayde and Adam. By the time we find them, I’m half expecting to see my dad. He isn’t here, though.
Fred pulls me into him. “I’m sure he’d be here if he could.” I nod my head into his chest. He’s always saying things like that. Vic is taking pictures with his parents as Fred pulls Clayton into a hug with me. “I’ll just have to adopt the both of you.” He says, hugging us tightly.
“Thanks, Fred. I could use a decent not to mention sober male role model.” Clayton takes my hand. “You doin’ okay, honey?”
“I’m okay. I’ve got my boys and Fred. The only thing we’re missing is Chaos.”
“He’s having a good old time with Fletch, I’m sure, chewing on all them bones we brought them home.”
“I’m sure. Do we have to go to Mac’s tonight with everyone? I’m so tired.”
Clayton looks across the room toward Vic. “You know what, no. I’d much rather spend the last few days I have left here, with you. Let me go get Vic, and we can go. Okay?” He kisses me and gives my belly a little rub.
I nod as he takes off, Mollie comes up beside Fred. “Fred needs to tell you something, Abi.”
I look at her, confused for a second, then to Fred. “We’re moving to California too. My brother could use some help, and let’s face it without you here, I’m going to worry. At least if I’m there, if those boys mess up, I can take care of them.”
I hug them both hard before pulling back. “That was the part I was worried the most about. I hated the idea of leaving you. You may not be my father, but you’re my dad. You raised me. Made sure I was fed and clothed when they didn’t.” Arms wrap around me, and I smell Clayton. I just melt into him. I can’t help it. It’s just something his scent and touch do to me. “Fred’s moving to California.”
I feel him sigh and relax. Something he hasn’t done in days. “Just so long as he isn’t moving in with us. I’ve grown accustomed to having you all to Vic and me.” He nuzzles into me.
“No, I think we’d much rather have a place of our own. We know you’re leaving in two weeks or something. Once she gets everything settled, and you all have a place, we’ll fly with her. I don’t want her being on a plane alone in her shape.”
“Oh, you mean round?” Vic snickers joining us. “Because let’s face it that will be her shape by then.” He smirks. “Told ya not to swallow them watermelon seeds.”
I smack him. “Don’t be mean, or you can sleep outside tonight.” I lay my head against Clayton. “Can we go? My body is tired, and I’m hungry again.”
“Sure, honey. Where do you wanna stop for food, tonight?” Clayton asks, picking me up. “Vic wanna grab doors?”
“I don’t care. I just want to go to bed.” I yawn, laying my head on his shoulder.
***
JUNE FIRST, TWELVE weeks pregnant, and the last week of my first trimester. In the previous two weeks, my belly has gone from looking like I’ve eaten too much to me looking pregnant. The boys went with me to my appointment a couple of days ago. Doc thought we’d be able to find out what we’re having, but someone is shy. We heard the heartbeat and have been told to start choosing names for both boys and girls because we may not be able to find out. I know I’m having a boy, but the guys all think it’s a girl.
I’m sitting on the couch when they come back into the house. “You about got everything in the Mazda?” I ask. We’re all upset about them leaving and me staying, but today is not going to get any easier.
Clayton pats Chaos on the head, making him do a full-body wag. “Yeah, clothes, computers, tablets, and chargers. Not much else for us to take. Nigel has set up a temporary dorm for us while we look for a place. I’m gonna be able to put a good-sized down payment on anything we find, so I’m confident it won’t take too long till you’re with us.”
Vic goes past Clayton. “Wish we could stay, but I’ll have the tablet set up in the car. Call, however much you want.” He wraps his arms around me, sniffing shortly.
I match him with my sniffles. “We’re going to be okay. Wayde and Adam will be here today. They’re going to stay with me until they head out. Fred is helping me with all the town stuff.” I’m rambling because I don’t want them to go.
“Honey,” Clayton says, and I feel his arms wrap around us both. “I’m not worried about you. I’m more worried about being stuck in a confined space with this knucklehead for like three days.” He chuckles. “I’m liable to stuff him in the trunk before we hit Missouri, for all his snoring.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to make it two months without you all. So much is going to change by the time I get to see you again. I’ll have to go to all these appointments alone. I’m scared.” I’m a blubbering mess.
Just as they pull me in tighter, I hear the door, followed by Adam’s voice. “Abi? We’re here, I’ve brought donuts and Pretty in Pink!”
“I’m not ready. It’s too soon.” I cry harder. I want to laugh at Adam, but I can’t.
“Abi?” Adam asks. “Did you break her?”
“Completely, but in the best way,” Clayton says, lifting up my chin. He kisses me, blubbering snot and all. “I love you, beautiful. We love you, and we’ll be together before you know it.”
“Yeah.” Vic chokes. “Now wipe that pretty little face, and come see us off, so I can cry in private.” He wipes the tears from his face.
I walk them out before grabbing Vic’s face kissing him hard. I need it. I need to feel him one last time. He pulls me in and holds me until I back off. I can’t help but do the same with Clayton. They’re going to have each other, but I’m going to have nothing. The bed isn’t going to be the same without them in it.
“I love you. I love you so damn much.” They let me go and get into the Mazda. I watch helplessly as they start the car and pull away. I burst into tears, long hard sobs, falling. Only I don’t hit the ground. Instead, I’m held up, pulled into Adam and Wayde.
“It’s okay, Abi, girl.” Adam whispers. “You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone. We promise.” I hold them tighter and watch as the Mazda finally disappears.
Keep going for a short sampling of Boardwalk Baby.
