Chapter Thirty Six
Clary POV:
Jace and I immediately went tense. I think we both knew what she was going to say but we needed to hear it out loud before we could do anything about it. We both relaxed a bit and looked at Arden who looked like she was about to throw up.
"What's up hunny?"
"Parker and I need to tell you something, but we want you to keep an open mind." I looked at her to tell her to continue and she took a deep breath and looked at me right in the eyes. "I'm pregnant." I could feel Jace tense but only for a second. We looked at each other and had a silent conversation. She's our daughter after all, and nothing will change how much we love her.
"Alright, when did you find out?"
"About 3 weeks ago."
"How have you been doing baby?"
"I've been okay. The morning sickness is really taking it's toll on my body. I feel like my whole body is convulsing when I puke. It's really painful." I took her hand to let her know that we are here for her, and she smiled.
"Do your parents know about this Parker?" Jace asked and she moved forward on the couch.
"Yea, they found out two weeks ago. They kicked me out. Told me that if I wanted to stay under their roof, Arden would need to get rid of the baby, and I refused so I've been living out of my car." I looked at him, and couldn't believe how his parents reacted. I looked at Jace and we had another silent conversation and Jace began to speak.
"Well, you must move in immediately. If you're going to be taking care of Arden during her pregnancy, you can't be living in your car." I leaned into Jace and knew that this was the right move. He was going to have to be close to Arden and that was the only way, plus the worst has already happened.
"You mean that daddy?"
"Of course I do baby. This isn't an ideal situation, and I'm not happy you're 18 and pregnant, but we're here for you, and we'll help in any way we can. I'm sure Parker wants to be there for you every moment he can, and he can't do that from his car."
"You don't hate me do you guys?"
"Oh baby, we could never hate you. Like your father said, we aren't happy about it but it happened, and I have known for awhile that you two would be getting married one day, but this is a lot of responsibility. You see how much work the twins are, and it's going to be just as rough, but we will be here through the whole thing. But we have to tackle the biggest issue yet."
"What's that?" Arden looked worried and I looked over at Jace and he smiled and looked at Arden.
"Telling your brothers." Her face instantly paled and just like magic, Jackson and Landon both walked in the front door. Arden immediately snapped her head in their direction. Jace leaned into Arden and whispered 'it's now or never' and Arden nodded her head. "Boys," Jace started, "why don't you take a seat."
"Are we in trouble?"
"No, but Arden needs to tell you something." She took a deep breath and her eyes began to water.
"I'm pregnant." She whispered, and I almost thought the boys didn't hear her but they were up on their feet in a second, and Jace had to hold them back from killing Parker.
"How dare you do this to our sister!" Jackson yelled.
"You are so fucking dead Parker!" Landon yelled and Arden started to cry. Once they saw the tears they calmed down and apologized. Still looking pissed Jace sat them down and started to talk.
"Now boys, I know you aren't happy with Parker right now, but threatening to kill him isn't the right thing to do right now."
"But dad, she's pregnant. She's 18. She isn't even finished high school yet."
"I know, and she's going to have a hard enough time in high school without you two being the front of it all. Think about how Arden feels right now. She's scared, and upset, and mortified that we would kick her out just like Parker's parents kicked him out."
"You were kicked out?" Jackson asked Parker.
"Yea, my parents said the only way I could stay was if Arden got rid of the baby, and I refused. I've been living out of my car for two weeks."
"Damn man. That sucks." Landon said.
"Parker is moving into Arden's room. She's going to need him. She's going to need all of us. I want you to protect her. Stand up for her. Fight for her. She is your sister, your triplet, and if someone is messing with her, they're messing with this whole family. Listen boys, I'm not happy about her only being 18 but she is my little girl and I will go to the ends of the earth to make sure she is healthy, safe, and most importantly loved throughout this whole journey and I expect the same from you two. It's soon, and unexpected, but its happening, and we are here to support her. Got it?" They both nod and I couldn't be more impressed with how well Jace was handling this whole thing.
"We're sorry Arden. We didn't mean to be so harsh. It was just a shock, and Parker, we're also sorry for screaming at you. I know you weren't planning this, and I'm glad she has you to lean on throughout this whole thing." Landon said and I was super proud of him for being so mature.
"What he said man. Just take care of her. She's one of us, and we love her more than anything." Arden wiped her tears and made her way over to Landon and Jackson and gave them a huge hug, but soon she was crying again and Jackson and Landon just held her until she composed herself.
"I'm sorry. The stupid hormones are messing with me so much lately." She laughed and continued to dry her cheeks.
"Is that why you yelled at me when I laughed at that sad dog commercial yesterday?"
"Yes! Those poor puppies!" She began to cry again and I went over and grabbed her hand.
"Lets go have some tea while Jackson and Landon help Parker unload his car?" She nodded and Jace, Arden and I all made our way into the kitchen. "So, when is your next doctors appointment?"
"Next Thursday. Would you like to come?"
"I would love too. Would you be apposed to switching OB/GYN's?" She shook her head. "Cause I would love if Dr. Paige was your doctor. She delivered all of you and she's very good."
"I wouldn't mind that."
"Great, I have a shift at that hospital tomorrow, so I'll talk to Dr. Paige and let her know, and when are you planning on telling Skylar?"
"Oh shit." Was all she said.
"He's going to find out baby."
"I know, but he just had a kid."
"Which might be the perfect opportunity." Jace said. "He is on cloud 9 right now, and I guarantee that he won't be as made if he is holding Oliver."
"Very true. Good idea dad. Parker and I will go over tomorrow to meet Oliver and I'll tell him then." We talked until she was finished her tea and Parker entered the kitchen and took a seat next to her.
"Alright kids, we're going to go to sleep. Get some rest. It's good for the baby." I kissed her cheek. "And make sure she's sleeping well. Take care of my baby Parker."
"I will Clary. Don't worry." I kissed his cheek and Jace and I made our way upstairs. My daughter was having a kid and I think it didn't hit me until Jace and I were lying in bed.
"Our baby is having a baby." I said and I felt Jace nod. "I can't believe it. But you handled everything so well babe. I'm proud of you."
"She's my little girl baby. I can't help but want to support her and be there for her."
"I love you Jace."
"I love you too Clary."
I felt sleep take over as I thought about how my life had changed so much in the past 24 hours. My oldest had had a baby, I became a grandmother and my first daughter just told me she was pregnant. What a world wind of emotions.