Don't Rock the Boat
Chapter 3
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It was just about 8 'clock and Brooke had been standing outside Lucas' house for several minutes. She wore a white sweater and a baby pink skirt with ruffles that hit just above her knee. Her "bump" was slightly noticeable, but you couldn't really tell unless you were looking for it.
Finally, she rang the bell and Karen answered happily, "Brooke! I'm so glad that you could come."
"It's my pleasure, Karen. Thanks for having me."
"No problem. Now, come on in", Karen gestured inside the house.
Brooke is a bit hesitant but walks in anyway.
"Lucas is still in his room getting ready. If you didn't know it, you'd think this was your first date!", Karen laughs and Brooke smiles shyly.
Lucas then walks out of his bedroom to greet Brooke, "Hey Brooke".
"Hey Lucas."
There is an awkward silence and Karen jumps in, "Now, let's sit in the living room for a bit before dinner."
Lucas and Brooke lock eyes and then follow Karen to the living room.
"How are you doing, Brooke?"
"Just a bit stressed, I guess. But not bad overall", Brooke admits.
"You can relax tonight. No stress in this house", Karen smiles.
"Sure…um, can I use your bathroom?" Brooke slowly rises from her chair.
"Of course. Go ahead."
Brooke leaves and Karen and Lucas sit in silence until they hear gagging coming from the bathroom.
Karen adjusts in her seat, "I'll go check on her."
Lucas quickly stands up, "No! Let me…"
In the bathroom, Lucas finds Brooke sitting Indian style on the floor, with her head in her hands. She hears someone walk towards her and her head rises.
"Lucas…", Brooke whines, clearly uncomfortable.
"Is…throwing up normal?"
Brooke nods, "Yeah. But whoever named it morning sickness was clearly a man". Brooke extends her arms for Lucas to pull her up.
"Are you okay?", Lucas asks.
"Yeah. I guess this is a sign that we should tell your mother now", Brooke whispers.
Lucas silently nods and the pair walk into the kitchen area to find Karen setting the table and putting the food out.
Karen looks up when she sees the teenagers walk in holding hands.
"You feeling alright, Brooke?"
"Uh-huh", Brooke gets out before starting to cry a little.
Karen walks over to comfort her, "Brooke, honey, is something wrong?"
"Depends on how you look at it", Brooke mutters.
Karen looks at both Lucas and Brooke and then locks eyes with Brooke, "What do you mean?"
Lucas speaks up, "Mom, you should sit."
"I'll stand", Karen mutters.
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Brooke begins, "Karen, please don't hate me. Because I don't think I could deal with that now. But understand that I'm sorry." Karen looks confused but Brooke continues, "I'm pregnant".
Karen appears terrified but quietly walks closer to Brooke and brings her into a tight hug. Both females begin to cry.
It's now Karen's turn to speak, "I don't hate you. I'm scared, yes."
Brooke interrupts, "You and me both."
Now Lucas chimes in, "Don't forget the brooding one over here."
The three nervously giggle and Karen begins to speak again, "I'll help you get through this, Brooke. Whatever you need."
Brooke smiles and mouths, "Thank you."
"Now, let's sit and have dinner. It'll get cold."
The three sit down and begin to eat.
"Now, Brooke- have you been to a doctor yet?" Karen asks.
"Yeah. I had an appointment this afternoon actually. The doctor says that everything looks good", Brooke smiles widely.
"That's excellent! Do you know how far along you are?"
"Just three months. I'm starting to show already", Brooke continues smiling, her dimples evident.
"Um, have you thought of what you're going to do in the long run?"
Brooke's smile fades but doesn't disappear entirely, "I've thought of nothing but that", Brooke pauses, "And I'm going to keep her."
Karen locks eyes with Lucas, "I think that's a very wise and mature decision, Brooke."
The three continue eating until the night comes to a close.
At the end of the night, Lucas walks Brooke out and they stand together on the porch.
Lucas looks at Brooke, "I think that went well."
Brooke smiles, "It did. What a huge weight off my shoulders."
"When do you want to tell your parents?"
Brooke looks uneasy, "I guess I should get it over with once they come home. You'll do it with me, right?"
"Brooke, of course. You're not in this alone."
Brooke leans in to give Lucas and hug and she rests her head on his shoulders, "This baby is going to be so lucky to have you as a father."
"I could say the same thing about her mother."
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This was a lot shorter, oh well. Keep reviewing! I love that you guys like it so much.
