Chapter 17

The look on Dad’s face was funny. And when I laughed I got odd looks from both Bree and Steven.

While trying to hold back further laughing I said, “Can you stop the act now Mom? Not all of us in the room know when you’re goofing around.

“I’ve been away for a long time, I needed to have fun. Thanks for that setup, Kyla. What did you really want to tell us?” Mom asked.

“I already told you. I’m pregnant. And I’m keeping my baby,” I said wondering why my Mom hadn’t believed me the first time.

My Mom quickly sat down, “Oh. I guess I missed a lot in my child’s life while I was gone. That news dwarfs mine by a lot. Wow.”

“So what was your news, Mrs. Hamill?” Steven asked.

Mom just sat there looking surprised and not able to say much more than I, uh, and um.

“Why don’t the three of you give me some time to talk to Kim alone?” Dad told us.

So we all went out for a walk. It was about five minutes before anyone said anything.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when Steven said, “You’re pregnant? How long have you known?”

Why was I feeling shy and embarrassed when he asked that. I looked at Steven then at Bree. She wasn’t showing any emotion. I was nearly crying when I said, “When I went shopping with Erin. I felt ill and I guess she recognized the symptoms so she had me take a pregnancy test.”

“You’ve known since then? I’m guessing you were wanting to wait until your Mom got home to give the big news for the first time,” Steven asked.

“Yes. I just felt that was the right thing to do. I hope you’re not mad,” I said.

Steven was about to say something when he stopped and yelled, “Bree, watch where you’re going.”

When she didn’t respond he quickly went from my left side to my right and grabbed onto Bree.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Bree said, still seeming half distracted.

“You just about walked into that tree. You weren’t even listening when I tried to warn you. What’s going on sis?” Steven asked.

Bree ran her right thumb across her left side, from her jaw down to her chin and said, “Just thinking is all. I don’t want to talk about it. Not now anyway.” She looked at me and asked, “Can you wrap your arm around me as we walk?”

I smiled and said, “I’d love to.”

“So you wouldn’t be afraid of showing the kind of affection that would let some people think you liked me?” Bree asked.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all. Besides, I more than just like you. Both of you,” I added that last part after a couple seconds.

Bree half-smiled at my words. As we walked I felt her hand travel down my back slowly. I loved feeling her hand just above my hip. I was slightly disappointed that she didn’t try to grab my butt. After that Steven stopped talking except for the occasional comment. We found ourselves at a very familiar house.

“Who is that?” Steven asked.

“That’s my best friend Sue. You’ve seen her on my computer before,” I then called out, “Sue. How are you doing?”

Sue brushed away some tears and said, “It’s about time you come by and visit. But I guess I can see why you’ve been so busy.

Bree and Steven stayed on the sidewalk as I walked up to my friend, “You look so sad. What’s wrong?”

“You noticed that? My parents took Jeff to the vet. I’m scared,” Sue told me.

“What happened?” I wondered. Jeff was a very healthy and strong dog. I worried something terrible happened.

Sue cried a bit then said, “He’s been sick. Not much energy lately. Other than that I don’t know.”

“Maybe he’s been getting too much of your pussy,” Oh, my God did I just say that? I wished I could take that back.

Until Sue laughed, “Maybe. I hope that’s all it is. You’ve really got to get yourself a dog. They are the best.”

“No thanks. I’m good. I need to tell you something. It’s really important. I’m...” I was saying before a car horn honked.