Chapter ten.

Kates decision/Busters guilt

three months had passed since the scan

It had been progressing smoothly , life that is. Mom was talking to Kate alot. We were discussing names and where thr nursery would be. Some things were going to be difficult. Where would we put the crib? Or buy a change table and toy's etc. So many details and planning had to be donre and all we had were some clothes, an old crib and a breast pump. Still Jane and Francine would help. Im sure the way Francine had been acting recently, hormonal and so on that she'd be all over the baby...

Not a good idea!

So I thought Id go around and visit Arthur, since he has softened toward me. Hes still stiff and distant, very distant but hes too kind to stay mad at anybody.

"Hey" I waved. Thinking Francine would be in and hopefully Arthur.

"Oh...Hi Sue Ellen"

She looked at me and quietly replied "Hey Buster."

She wore her hair very long and a green dress over a pair of tights. Sue Ellen had most definitely changed. Her and Francine remained close, even after what took place between Kate and me. Thank god Francine eventually accepted it. Sue Ellen eas surprisingly forgiving not long after she caught me kissing Arthurs little sister and kicked me in the nuts. Arthur was the most angry of all which was why it was such a releif when he finally drew a breath and hugged me. That scan changed everything.

So there she sat, beside Francine who had similar hair and red skinny jeans.

"Do you two mind if I sit down?" I asked, looking around the place. They had to move since our old two bedroom was too expensive.

Francine shrugged and took a sip of coke. "If you want"

Sue Ellen smiled lightly. "Um so...hows life been?"

"Well, I replied. " Kates waddlimg like a duck now, l"' "our little girl is a helluva kicker" I grinned.

Sue ellen nodded. "Yeah I heard". " Thats cute, I hope shes okay"

Yes shes fine right now" I replied "Thanks"

So far things were going well. We were making small talk but Francine wasn't very jovial. ".

"Why so glum?" I crumpled my brow. "You've been kinda laying low awhile now"

"Its a private matter." She replied coldly.

"Oh but you're talking with Sue Ellen about it?" I thought.

"Is it bad?" I asked.

Sue Ellen shook her head. "Dont ask questions Buster, she said its private"

"Its not just you buster" Francine replied with a sigh. "Only Arthur and my family know" meaning The Frensky and Reads. "Its just..." She then started sobbing

Sue Ellen wrapped an arm around her.

Then I had an idea. The old comic we used to laugh about. Francine the blob. Okay it wasn't so funny at the time but once we'd all moved on from it we had a good laugh over it. Those were the days..

"Hey, I still have my comic" I piped up. "Francine the blob, remember?"

"Ill go get it"

Francine gasped. "Buster?" "What?"

I rummaged through my car and had brought it in so I didn't hear her but she looked less than impressed when I walked in with it.

Sue Ellen had her hands on her hips. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She yelled.

"Me?" "Im trying to make my friend feel better, look" I said, opening the pages. "See this is the part where I ate you" I chuckled.

Francine went red and ripped the comic out of my hands. She tore out the pages and threw them on across the table.

"You asshole" she cried, running upstairs.

"Whats her problem?" I shrugged. Sue Ellen was glaring at me "What now?" I rolled my eyes at her..

"Shes was told her body will never able to carry a child" she spat. Her eyes were peorcing through me. I gulped.

How was I too know?

"Francines never going to be able to have a child with Arthur" Sue Ellen said. I felt like such a fool when Sue Ellen spoke those cruel words. I understood why Arthur was so aggrieved now. He'd been more stoic than usual and very sharp with people.

"Am I stll angry and hurt at you Buster?" "Yes" "Does the fact you got a seventeen year old girl pregnant bother me?" She hissed. "You bet it does" "Oh and to top it off, its Arthur, your best friends little sister"

I frowned. "Oh well when you put it like that"...

" Shes kept it hidden because Arthur didn't want anyone to know" "three months Buster, only the family knew" She informed me. "Im her closest friend in the world and you ruined what we had"

Oh hell. Poor Francine, Poor Sue Ellen. I never knew. I honestly thought she had moved on. Sue had dated one other guy and seemed so happy after we parted... At least thats what I thought.

She shook her head. My behaviour was appalling. I had deliberately hurt Francine and Sue Ellen was still hurting herself. I see why they resented the comic book. I looked at the pages torn up,spread across the floor.

" Im going upstairs to check on Francine"Sue Ellen informed me.

"Im really sorry for hurting you, It wasn't meant to be this way" I looked at her with pleading eyes.

She sighed. "Well perhaps you should apologise to Francine and Arthur" Sue Ellen suggested.

I agreed but decided to wait until the two women had talked. I slammed my palm against my forehead. "Oh what an idiot am I" ...

Arthur came home. So I explained what happened in detail. Since I knew he'd be asking why Im here and why is wife is upstairs.

He was fuming but in his angry eyes I saw a tinge of pain.

"Just get out" Arthur snarled. "I didn't know about Francine" I replied. "I honestly thought Sue Ellen was over it". " Please Arthur" I begged, on my knees by his feet like a silly fool. "Let me apologise to the

" Fine" he sighed. "You're on thin ice and this is your last chance". " Follow me"

I nervously walked behind him.

Once we were up stairs, I saw Francine crying on their bed and Sue Ellen hugging her. Arthur went to comfort huis wife and we both noticed tears in Sue Ellen's eyes.

"Im so sorry, both of you" I said, standing there. I felt like a lamp shade

Francine turned onto her side on the bed and Arthur sat by her feet and sighed.

"Why are you in here?" "Its Sue ellen you should say sorry too" she sniffled.

"Hes sorry for hurting you before with the comic"Arthur told her, taking off her shoes.

*that was an asshole thimg to do" Francine said, ",but you weren't to know about this..."

Tears welled up in her eyes again.

Arthur motioned for me to leave while Sue Ellen gave them both a big hug one at a time and walked downstairs beside me in silence.

I had to say something.

"Listen uh Sue...Ell"

"Buster" she interceded. "Just save it"

"I do forgive you, I have forgiven you but...Im hurting" she said meekly.

I gave her a sympathetic kiss on the cheek and she wiped a tear from her eyes.

We left on mutual terms. That is what I hoped for atleast.

Kates big choice.

At the Read house.

Buster had really put his foot in it yesterday. I love him but boy, he's not the most tactful of boyfriends which has been laying ever so heavy on my heart. Its aching, not just my growing stomach or back. I lay in bed with my mind racing. The little girl moving inside of me was the strangest feeling but it felt amazing too.

Imhad however a big decision to make.

I wanted to be a mother but I was torn because I wanted my high school diploma and had really yearned to travel abroad. Dammit, this was quite the predicament.

Was there a way I could look after the baby and graduate? Could I travel with my sweet Buster who was hit bitten travel bug and really wanted to go to Egypt and Japan with me. How coulkd we lug a basby around?

Then like a bolt of lightening hit me...

Arthur!

I took the deepest breath I had ever taken and dialed the phone. I asked Arthur and Francine over.

"Nows not really a good time" He replied. I could hear the sadness in his voice

"Arthur" I replied. "Youll want to hear this" "I mean you will really want to."

As I hung up the phone I knew I was makingbthe right choice. Arthur and Francine rushed over as though it were in fact a life or death situation.

I saw them pullmup outside and waddled out of bed. Mom and Dad were out but I figured the news would make them happy if Arthur and Francine agreed to it.

I slowly took a step by step waddle until I saw Francine burst in. "What's wrong?" She asked, running up toward me. Francine helped me downstairs and Arthur hekd my hand.

"Whats up Kate?" He asked. I saw tears drying on Francines face.

Okay here goes...

"I uh was wandering if you'd be able to raise the baby?" I said.

I could almost feel my brothers stare change and his eyes and heart melt. Francine nearly fainted. She looked af me with a reluctant smile. "Are you absolutely sure about this?"

I nodded. "Yes, I need to continue my studies" "I want to go to college" I smiled and rubbed my belly. "Plus, Mom and Dad will be thrilled to know my baby is growing up in the family"

I suddenly felt warmly embraced by Francine, her mascara was running, I think we both had tear stained faces that day.

"Thankyou so so much I . .uh" she was lost for words.

Arthur held his wifes hand and looked at me lovingly. "You're an amazing sister" he beamed. Oh my gosh, I had forgotten the last time I saw my brother smile.

"Dont worry Kate, the baby will know who her real parents are and we will always have a place for you to stay, right Arthur?" She looked at her husband. He put his hand on her shoulder. "Yes" "off course"...

They kissed each other then Francine kissed me on the forehead. " Ill never ever forget this Kate"

Arthur gave me a small kiss on the cheek. "This means more to us than you'll ever know, thankyou."

"Im glad" I replied. "We'll tell Mom and Dad whgen they get home." I said.

I watched as My brother hugged his wife. I dont think I've seen them this happy before. Perhaps this would be a fresh start for them and for me?...

Then it hit me. While my little girl kicked that night inside of me. I looked at Buster. His eyes were red with tears. " So thats it I guess?" "Well be bio parents?" His voice was soft and solemn

I hadnt taken his feelings into consideration, but after his antics the other day and his lack of motivation, I knew as much as I loved him that now was not the right time for us to be parents...

"We can travel together" "and...who knows?" I smiled while resting my head against him. "We can always have a baby later"

"Yeah" he replied. "Much later"

We laughed a bit and agreed that while it would pain us, this was the best thing for everyone.

I held his hand while he placed his over my large bump. "Shes one hell of a kicker" he said, forcing a smile

I agreed and told him. "She will always know who her real Daddy is"...

" Plus I have my best friend back" he grinned an actual grin. He had sent Buster a lovely message and Francine apologised the next day fotrdestroying his comic. She offered to make a new one with him and Arthur wanted to take him to see his favourite team play next weekend with Francine but I declined. Baseball was not my thing but the dinner sure was nice.

Mom and Dad had made the most delicious celebratory meal while Francine and Arthur made an ice cream cake and double chocolate mousse cake for Buster.

"Cheers" we chanted raising our glassess. We had champagne but I was fine with my red grape juice. I craved it.

Buster was even able to stay over and lsy beside me in bed...

I hugged him while he felt my tummy and drifted off to sleep