Hiiii everyone :) Hope you all had a good holiday! Now back to work for me... yeeee. I deeply appreciate the reviews that I do get, but I wish I could get more! :( I wouldn't keep writing this story if it wasn't for your support. So keep that in mind ;)
I hope this chapter is alright.. I was so tired last night when I wrote it but I wanted to keep going anyway so that I could actually sleep tonight! Haha.
Well read on loves XOXO
Chapter Twenty Five
Claire's POV
In the distance of my sleepy mind, I heard a ring. When I thought about it, it sounded more like a door bell. Echoing throughout my ears having my eyes flutter open slowly. Observing the surroundings with eyes half open, full of drowsiness, I took in the slight chill of the small guest room, though the warmth from Taylor's hands around my body overcame all of that. I half smiled and unraveled each finger gently, not wanting to disturb his peace, before swinging my legs over and standing up on the frigid wood. Everything about this felt like Déjà vu. Literally.
My bones cracked in a marvulous symphony as usual while I took my few first steps over to the bedpost, snatching a random sweatshirt and pulling it over myself.
I crossed my arms across my chest, hearing slight chatter coming from the front of the house. I wondered...
"She's what!" Oh god. Ryan was here. He, out of everyone, was probably the worst at handling stuff that involved his little sister.
I crept around the corner, noticing him and Shelby in deep conversation. My eyes narrowed as I stepped into view.
Ryan caught sight of me in his peripheral vision and turned dramatically over to me, mock shock on his face. "Well lookie what we have here! My knocked up sister."
I rolled my eyes, arms seeming to lock tighter and tighter into my ribcage.
"Don't roll your eyes at me sis. Hey, where is that bastard anyway?" He stomped down the few stairs and walked right past me. I gasped and ran after him, not wanting to go through this right now. This early in the morning. Though, of course, he barged right on in, startling Taylor wide awake as planned.
"Sup man!" His voice couldn't have been loud enough. Ugh.
I walked up to be right in the middle. Just in case anything happened... Yeesh.
"Hey Ryan." Taylor acknowledged.
I sighed at how retarded this all was. Feeling so bad for my sleep deprived boy. I just watched my feet, not wanting to look back and forth at them while things brewed up. Though I could feel intense holes being burned into me from each of their stares.
"Do you know what you did?" Ryan asked, for once, softly as he pointed at my stomach.
"Ryan!" I slapped his hand away.
Taylor gulped slightly, but it wasn't too noticeable. His back straightened up and he looked pretty in control of the situation. "Yes."
"That's all I need to hear." The irritated jackass of a brother huffed. "For now."
Did he growl? Seriously.
"Come on, you're done huffing and puffing and being a jerk, now get out!" I practically growled under my breath as well, while trying to push his slim body towards the door.
"I'll be back," He gave Taylor one last glare before storming out. Finally.
I groaned in complete frustration and slammed the door with passion, which was probably not necessary but it sure felt like it.
"I'm sorry about that..." I flipped over to lean back against the door.
Taylor chuckled and shrugged, "I would be the same with Makena, no doubt. So I understand where he's coming from."
"You weren't intimidated?" My brows furrowed.
"No, why?"
"Well just because of all his tats and shit." I giggled slightly, striding up to his bulky frame. I mean, Ryan's tall and all, over six feet but he's pretty skinny. Tattoos everywhere, a very active smoker, and drinks most of the time... Gladly not in front of me, but probably with his buddies up in the city where he lived.
Bullshit.
Ehh that was just how he rolled I suppose.. Nothing I could do about it.
But I'm sure, with Taylors mass, he could easily take him if something went on.
"Nah, I was okay." His grin was almost convincing.
"Just okay? Not great?" I challenged with a smirk, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Okay, okay. I was a little... taken back," I ahh'd right in his face. "but only because he just woke me up so abruptly!"
"So you would've been better, like more alert and ready if you had been up for a while?" I raised my eyebrow suspiciously, my tone sounding suddenly professional while we played with each other.
He nodded vigriously, "Yeah that's right."
I scoffed and kissed his lips quickly, "Sure..." he continued pressing our bodies together with his strength, as our mouths connected multiple moments. Little Dani, Nessa, Blair or Chloe cradled right in the center of our intertwining forms. I was enjoying this spontaneous moment, feeling the softness of his fingers caress my skin, while I was a bit more animal-istic with my own as they tangled within his messy black hair. I could feel a small smile against my lips but it suddenly faded when a rapid shooting pain shot right directly through my stomach. I whimpered against his hot skin and pulled inches away, clutching my bulge with one shaking hand.
"Claire..? What is it! What's wrong!" Taylor's eyes flickered nervously on mine. Though as quickly as it came, it evaporated. Like it was never there.
I moaned, breathing slowly through my teeth. "I'm fine. It-its gone."
"Are you sure?" His hazel rounds still searched for something wrong. Panic filling his veins, having them pulsing through his skin.
"Taylor, its okay..." I shook my head, trying to find something to say while catching my breath all at the same time. "I remember the Doctor saying that small, quick pains are normal early on. I'm fine; she's perfectly fine." I lied straight to his face. I didn't know where it came from and I never wanted to feel it again... Although it assured him and I rubbed his arms up and down.
He embraced me gently, his grasp so much lighter than normal. I wasn't used to it. It was like he felt that I was fragile all of a sudden... But he ended up hugging me close, sensing my slight hesitation.
"I don't know how I'm going to handle keeping my cool when you're in labor." His breath tickled my slowly decreasing goose bumped skin while the hairs on my neck stood up.
"That's a very true statement. At least you aren't the one giving birth!" I laughed against his body, having the feeling of butterflies bursting from inside me.
"Oh yeah, I'm happy about that." The tone in his voice sounded like velvet, but still jokingly sweet.
"Shut up and go take a shower." I released him and started to make my way out the door
"I'd be a happier guy if you would join me..." Goosebumps rose along my exposed skin at the idea.
"Not in this household." I glanced over my shoulder with a wink before continuing on my way.
Time for some Father Daughter talking time. After all, I had to somewhat break through the brick wall that he'd built last night..
The house was pretty quiet as I made my way down through the family room and around the corner towards the foyer. Besides Taylor starting the shower and Ryan, whom I just caught a small glimpse of his black jacket as he slipped out the front door for a smoke.
I paused at the foot of the stairs, pondering through my flurry of a mind.
Sometimes I wondered what it would be like if he quit smoking... He would be less grumpy and weird...ha... Or maybe he would live longer.
I sighed and took the steps slowly, holding my extending stomach with my free hand.
Emotions rushed through my body, most feeling almost... heavy with guilt. But I didn't fully understand. Well for one, my dad hasn't been working since I was sixteen, he got laid off from his financial job of twenty years that year, which took a huge toll on all of us for the longest time... Mom anyhow, continued working her ass off in her facial medical career of practically her whole life after re-marrying to my dad. She put food on the table for us everynight, got both Shelby and Jordan into college, paying for Jordan's car while he was in the process of building it, paying for every single dance class that I took and competition fee's and costumes and so much other crap... I'd almost forgotten how much she.. loved us. And what she went through for us. God, I missed her.
I crashed against the wall so deep in thought, I soon lost what I was going to discuss about with my dad. Though my crazy conversation with myself in my head pushed its way back into view.
Now with mom gone, dad has been searching like mad for something to keep him occupied since everyone was out of the house. Including myself, surprisingly. But I just felt so bad leaving him here.. All by himself. Even if its been eight months since the accident, I knew he still thought constantly of her, as I did.
I sighed quietly and craned my head towards the window. Observing the beauty of the white airy clouds immersed within the incredibly blue sky. It felt like Santa Fe.. My sudden racing heart made me smile, remembering those days. Those innocent, carefree days of-
"Ahhh.." I grunted under my breath, prodding my side where the random pain hit me. Once again. And just like that, like it was offended by my sarcasm, it shot back, with knives and flame. Right above my pelvis. Moaning with my lips sealed shut, I leaned over myself and rested my palms atop my knees. Taking needed deep breaths, I thought: What was going on?
Just then, the master bedroom door swung open and my dad popped his head out. I tried standing up straight quickly but I guess it wasn't fast enough...
His eyes widened at the sight of my labored breathing, "Is everything alright?" coming into full figure and right by my side with his hand comfortingly behind my back for support.
I nodded surely, flashing him my teeth as an act of 'I'm just fine, no need to worry'.
He received the message and let it go. "Were you coming to talk to me?"
"Actually, yes."
"What about?"
With that, I grabbed his hand and ushered him over to the king sized bed. Scattered papers, his many laptops, iPhone and remote were among the sheets. Although, the side where mom slept, was neatly made. Never looking like anyone had laid there... I almost felt like crying seeing all her junk piled on the nightstand and across the floor in front of the dresser. She always said that she'd clean it up, but I knew it wouldn't happen. I was surprised that my dad hadn't put things away yet. I'm sure he wouldn't want to have to look over and not see his wife there... but see her belongings. I was confused on why he would want to go through that..
I don't think I would've wanted to even step into her small, cluttered walk in closet. It would hurt too much to see her untouched clothes, her shoes, the scrapbooks filled with many memorable memories... the smell of her perfume.
I avoided any contact with her side and just sat down on my dads, criss crossing my legs.
"What's up kiddo?" He flipped off the TV and turned to me.
"Nothing really... No, well," I played with my fingers nervously, my eyeballs focusing intently on them. "Why are you worried about us daddy? Taylor and I?" He didn't answer. Which troubled me. "Its not like we can't take care of ourselves... We've been living together for practically three years, and you don't know how excited we are to be bringing a little girl into this world.." I glanced up then, only to stare at his glossed over eyes.
"I know you'll be fine. Why would I have let you go off to live with him in the first place if I didn't trust that he would take care of you? He's a good, responsible man Claire... And I don't think I could ever see you with anyone else. I've just... never seen you this happy before." A small smile rose on his cheeks.
I couldn't help but smile at his honesty, "Hey, hey, don't you forget how damn excited I was when I first got my Camaro." We both laughed heartily at the memory.
"Honey.." He reached out to me and I took his hand. "I'm just glad that you found someone. Someone that truly cares for you and that will love you always. You will always bring me happiness to know that you're happy." When did he suddenly turn into a sappy, emotional man? Maybe it was because I was pregnant. Maybe that's why I was crying now. But still, I love my dad... Forever and always.
His thumb stroked a drop of saltwater from my cheek and we both smiled identically. "Come here.." He gestured softly, having me scoot over to him while his arms wrapped around my body.
"Do you miss mama?" I whispered shakily into him. My eyes swelling up at the question I just asked... not like they weren't already swollen.
"Everyday Punkie.." His tone was just as quiet.
It was late afternoon and I found out from Facebook that Kacilyn was in town for the weekend as well. I decided to pay her a visit... Taylor anywho went out for some lunch with my father, which I knew they both would have a good time. I hoped.
Of course they took the R8! Dad's been waiting forever to drive it again. So I had to sadly use the newest A6 that belonged to my dad. Sadly? Hell no! Damn this car was fuuhhhiinnnneeee. As Addie would put it.
It was blackish deep gray and overly beautiful with its shine and spark, the roar of the engine, squeak of the dashboard, smell of the leather... Jesus fucking Christ, who am I kidding? This was probably the most expensive car my dad has ever gotten. Well I did lend him some of my well earned money from my job back when I was dancing with Jack and the crew.
I didn't think I could drive in as much style as I was! Not to be too modest... hehe.
Wearing some jeans with a stretchy waistband and a flowy light blue top, one that still fit me, I finally arrived at Kacilyn's house. Unexpectedly. I stepped out and up to their front door, swinging open the screen door and knocking my knuckles upon the wood. Not even a second later, Eric, one of Kaci's little brothers (who was not so little anymore, whoo whoo), answered the door with a wide smile.
"Hey, Clai-" I cut him off with a small hug.
"Shh, I want to surprise Kace." I winked up at his tall figure, he's always been so tall since he was a teenager. "Where's she at?" My eyebrows raised.
He chuckled deeply, "Upstairs in her room."
"Okay thank you Eric." I grinned before turning around and clicking the lock button on my key. He followed my movements and ended up struck with awe.
"Holy shit, is that a... a..." I could've sworn that his jaw just unhinged.
"2012 A6? Yeah, why?" I managed to cover my voice, filling it with calm, only to tease him.
There was a very long pause before he spoke again, whipping his head around to me. "Is it yours?"
"Nope, my dads." I smiled. "Here," I tossed him the fancy looking key with four famous rings on it. "Take it for a spin, but don't crash."
"Wow.." Oh my, was he shaking? It wasn't like it was a Lambo or anything but it was a good car.. Just as quickly as I had given him the key to the gates of heaven - no wait, that's Taylor, my bad - he was off like a shot. I laughed to myself and made my way up the staircase, mazing through the hallway and finally towards Kacilyn's room.
Peeking in, I saw her with her nose stuffed in Seventeen magazine. She hadn't changed a bit.
From then, I just went for it.
"Blondie!" I screamed as I jumped into the space of her doorway.
"Shit!" Her hazel eyes bugged severely before realizing what she was looking at. "Oh my god! You're pregnant!" Before I could blink she was hugging me.
"Yep, now ease... up, please." I coughed, trying to find my way out of her grasp in one piece.
"Oh, I'm sorry... Wow! You're really.. wow.." She shook her head constantly, but that couldn't shake the smile off her face as she rubbed my stomach.
I giggled and looked her straight in the eye, "How are you?"
"Fine and how about you?" Her eyebrow raised.
"Fine." I nodded once.
"Got busy eh?"
I laughed and shoved her. "Finally though! Do you know what you're having?"
"Yeah... A girl." She aww'd, taking my hands. "I'm just three and a half months now."
"I'm so happy for you Claire Bear... Can't wait to see baby Lautner!"
I sighed deeply, "Me either."
"You're going to be a great mom... Both of you are going to be the best parents ever.." She pulled me into a gentle hug, reassurance filled her voice.
"Thanks Kace." I whispered back.
"Hey, you hungry? I can whip up some nachos or something if you'd like." She grinned her funny grin while my stomach thought fondly of the idea.
"That sounds great, thanks. I've always loved your famous creations." She chuckled lightly.
"Same to you baby girl."
"So you know... I'm going to arrange your baby shower.." Kaci looked up from her plate of cheesy bean nachos with a sly smirk.
"Oh I know." I agreed before letting my teeh crunch on a chip filled with cheesy goodness.
"Where's Taylor at?"
"With my dad. They were eating lunch but I wonder what they're up to by now..."
"Well that's good that they're getting along right?"
"I guess so." I shrugged, taking another delicious bite. I swear that after this "meal", I'll eat a little more healthier.. Let's see how that goes now.
Eric suddenly came through the kitchen, "Claire heads up!" I flipped my attention over and focused on the flying key, catching it with both hands.
"Thanks for the ride. It was amazing." His smile went on for miles.
Kacilyn cocked her head while chewing.
"I let him borrow the Audi for a while.. Since he was practically-" Another gut wrenching bullet of pain threw itself into me again. But this time it was the worst feeling ever possible. More excruciating than before, as if something was being thrust into my center, burning, and smoldering. I didn't know what to think. Out of it all, I quickly felt movement inside of me.. But how could I feel it so clearly, and so painfully, when my baby was still the size of a golf ball?
I didn't notice through my closed eyes that Kace was by my side. "Claire! What's wrong?" She pleaded. I scrunched my eyebrows, trying to pry my lids open more but they wouldn't. Though I saw Eric in the distance, worry written all over his face.
Wrapping my arms around my torso, I leaned forward in my pain, crying out in agony. All I could think of was what was going to happen to my daughter? The nachos couldn't have upset my stomach... no, not like this.
Before I knew it, I was completely out. My body let go of holding onto being conscious and aware of the stabbing knives, and I passed out.
"Mrs. Lautner.." I started getting my hearing back by vaguely hearing a woman's voice echo right through me. Though my lids opened quite slowly, anticipating some light. A very bright light actually. I flinched back against whatever I was laying on and looked around, seeing Kace sitting in the corner with a relieved expression on her round face.
"Hey there, glad to see you're awake." Hmmm, and here was a doctor that I've never seen before, who was smiling at me.
"Is my baby alright?" I croaked out too quickly.
"You're babies are perfectly fine-"
"Wait, did you say... babies?" I was dumbstruck.
"Well, yes." She nodded, squirting on some of the gel onto my already exposed belly.
"How...?" I shook my head, hoping the look on my face was making sure that she was indeed insane.
"Kacilyn here told me about the severe pain you had there and I immediately took an ultra sound... Oh, here you are," She pulled away from my eyes as the dial roamed up and down and around my round peak.
"There are your twins."
Twins? What the... "Oh my god..." I breathed, my hands now covering my wide open mouth as I stared directly at my babies... My beautiful growing children.
"Seems like you have a girl and a boy. Congratulations." Her tone couldn't have been any more excited.
Tears overflowed my eyes and I could hardly speak. I was still confused on how it could've happened but I didn't care.
A boy and a girl? Twins? My life had just gotten a bit brighter..
Breaking the sweet silence of listening to my babies strong heartbeats, rapid loud strides came from just outside the door. It suddenly swung open, revealing a breathless daddy and daddy-to-be. I moved my head to look at them two, watching their faces while awaiting their response to what the hell was going on.
They both stared, puzzled. Until I looked back at Kacilyn who had an ever growing smile on her freckled face.
Don't do it Kaci... Please.
"You're having twins Taylor!" She shouted at the top of her lungs. She did it. Of course.
Taylor's expression went from readable exhaustion, to well, unreadable shock. Just like if the Leaning Tower of Pisa's structure went crash and burn, he went down like a flash. I yelped, seeing him face down on the tiled floor and my dad quickly helped him to his feet while the doctor went to fetch him some water.
After everyone was back to normal, all were sitting in chairs while I was sat next to Taylor holding his clamy palm, the doctor explained the unknown.
"The baby might have been in a weird spot during the first month or two, that's why you couldn't pick him up on the first ultra sound. Until you started getting those uncomfortable pains, that's when he decided to finally move into the spotlight and be seen for the first time." She ended with a happy smile.
"That's why I've been thinking that I was bigger than average." I chuckled to myself. "Even if he was tucked away..."
"Well thank you so much for your help." My dad spoke, standing up to shake her hand.
"My pleasure you guys. Take care alright?" She waved once before heading out the door and leaving us to wallow in our sudden happy news.
"Are you okay Taylor?" I rubbed his arm as we walked out into the parking lot.
"Yeah.. Its just a lot to take in. Isn't it?" He swallowed roughly.
"I know it is. But look at it this way, we get both a boy and a girl... Though now we have to find our guy a name." I giggled, cuddling into his side.
"Do you think we can do this?" He finally looked at me once we got to the R8. I only stared at his uncertainty, tilting my head to the side as I watched his eyes soften. "Don't get me wrong, I know that everything about having a baby would be a... huge challenge, but having two?" He shrugged slightly afterwards.
I laid both my hands on his cheeks and stared seriously into him. "Yes. I know we can overcome this if we try. All we have to do is try, babe."
"I'm just... scared now." He barely whispered, tucking his head down in doubt.
"Taylor, I knew that this would be scary. Everything. From getting married, to having kids, but I know that we can take on anything that comes our way. You're scared? I'll be scared right along side you. You'll never go through anything alone, I promise." I half smiled, having him glance at me from underneath his long, lush lashes. My heart sped up as I went forward for a peck on his lips, though lasting longer than I thought. When released, he touched his forehead to mine while his hands rested on my stomach.
"I love you.." He sighed with sweet smile.
"I love you too." My pulse shot up as we continued staring deeply into one another. Everything would be fine..
The drive back was silent. All I was busy doing, besides holding Taylor's hand willingly and grasping my new, sneaky little boy within myself, while thinking of how much more we'd have in our future now. Our girl would have a brother to keep her company, keep her out of trouble and away from boys... Wait, how were Taylor's thoughts migrating into mine? Hah.
I turned my gaze out the window, watching the blurry cars and trees fly past us. I looked up at the sky.. Wondering what mom was up to at this very moment in time.
Mom, hey. I hope you're listening right now... Only because I have some news. Taylor and I are actually having twins, isn't that crazy? Can you believe it mama? I'm going to be a mother of a beautiful little girl and a handsome mini Taylor. Hmm.
I smiled in my thoughts, squeezing Taylor's warm hand absently as we dropped off Kacilyn. Thanking her for taking me to the hospital when I needed it.
Once back home, Taylor thought that I should take a nap, just to get my daily rest. Boy was just looking out for me. Although I asked him gently if he'd join me, just because I loved resting against his chest. It helped me sleep better than that long pregnancy pillow. Bleh.
We changed into comfier clothes before slipping under the covers for some much needed sleep. Resting both my mind and body, I quickly finished my message to my mom.
I love you and wish you were here to enjoy this time with all of the people who care for you.
Dad misses you especially, just sliding that in.
Miss you best friend..
In our minds, we were faithful that we could do this. Together, we would be the best parents we could be for our longly awaited son and daughter.
REVIEW! :)
XOXOX ps: This is the longest chapter I've ever written.. Crazy.