Chapter 21 – Good News
Monday, October 10th, 2022
Gabi's POV
I tugged on my leggings with a Duke t-shirt and zip-up jacket as I shoved my feet into a pair of tennis shoes. Troy was pulling on his own tennis shoes behind me as we were both giddy with excitement as today was our first prenatal appointment. The last month had been full of exhaustion and a lot of sleeping but Troy had been a trooper the entire time. My hormone levels were a bit all over the place as I would be crying one minute and then laughing which caused Troy to give a few too many side-eye glances.
We were still the only two people to know and I was kind of scare to announce it to the world. I was scared of different reactions but it was going to be okay. We were traveling to see Troy's parents this weekend in Oregon and we were going to tell them this weekend and then come to see my parents tell them. After that, we would call Grey and Lauren and tell them the big news. Troy fell back onto the bed as he rubbed his eyes, "You okay?" I asked with a tilt of my head.
He laughed, "Yea, I'm just tired. You good?" I nodded as I went over and straddled his lap. His arm slipped around me and his hands planted firmly on my ass. "I can't wait to see our baby," I smiled from ear to ear as I planted a quick kiss on them. They were thinking I was right around 8-9 weeks pregnant which was crazy that something was growing inside of me. My only complaint was that I was tired all the time but besides that, I felt good.
No morning sickness and I might want to climb my husband like a tree but that wasn't much different before pregnancy either. He pulled me down onto his chest as he rubbed my back gently with his large hands. "You sure you're okay?" I asked him again as I pushed up a little to look at his face. "You're quiet," he gave me a firm smile and a shrug, "I'm a little nervous. I mean, what if something is wrong or they find something or…" he stopped talking as he shook his head. "No, I don't want to scare you. I just am overthinking everything."
I sat up as I tugged on his hand to sit up to as I settled into the spot next to him, "I mean that is a very rational fear. I have thought about it but I am trying to stay excited until something is wrong. 99% of the time it's going to be perfectly normal. I've sat through these appointments last year." I folded my fingers with his fingers as I breathed, "But I get it. We don't know what the ultrasound will look like or if there even is a baby in there still…" I pushed out the words and he turned to face me.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause anymore apprehensive or anything," I shook my head, "You didn't say anything that I haven't already thought myself." He leaned in and cupped my neck before pulling me in for a hard kiss. "C'mon, let's go see our baby," he whispered against my lips. I smiled back as I pulled away and grabbed my purse and backpack. I had to go to the lab for a little bit afterward and work on my research project.
Troy had to go to work afterward and I was proud of him. In two weeks, he had to go away for a conference and I was already sad that he was going to be gone. He didn't want to go either but he needed to go for work. I breathed out heavily as we both grabbed our car keys and I paused, "Do you have time to bring me back?" I asked him, my voice quiet because I didn't want to suddenly drive myself. I didn't want to have to drive myself home if something was wrong.
Troy looked at his watch and nodded, "Yea, I don't have to be at work until 11. I'll make it work or just stay at work a little longer." I pouted at that sentence but thankful that I didn't have to drive. I picked up a water bottle and we walked out to his car. "Think we should think about getting you a new car?" Troy questioned; he replaced his car after the car accident last summer with a 2020 Honda Accord with four doors. My car was from high school still and I could probably use a little bit bigger of a car.
"Yea, maybe this January or February we can look." I mused and Troy squeezed my hand, "Something safe for my family," he said with a look over towards me. I smiled back at him as he gripped my thigh gently. His fingers massaged it back and forth with his fingers gently kneading in. I turned on the radio as I tilted my head back, "How should we tell your family?" I questioned and Troy sucked in a breath, "You are going to possibly make my mom stroke out from excitement." He said sending me a look and I giggled.
"What if we got a little apron like your dad has that says kiss the baby?" I questioned and Troy threw his head back in a laugh, "Oh my god, that would be great. He'd love it. My mom will die from excitement. Audrey will not stop squealing and Jake might give an ounce of emotion." I couldn't stop my own grin as I laughed, "I was thinking for my parents we could just give like a basketball and say promoted to grandparents again?"
"What if we got a little basketball and say to teach me in the future?" Troy tossed back and I grinned, "That's adorable, okay, yes," Troy chuckled as he picked up my hand and brought it to his mouth to kiss it gently as he pulled into my OB/GYN office. I took a big breath of air as he looked over at me, "I love you, no matter what happens inside that office." I gave him a smile back as we got out and walked in together. I lead Troy to the office and when we stepped in, I was asked to fill out a mountain of paperwork.
Troy and I sat together as we laughed over questions and came up with answers until our name was called. The nurse-led us back to the office as she gave us both a big smile, "Gabi, we'll have you pee into a cup and then we'll draw your blood. The U/S tech will be in here to do a vaginal ultrasound so you'll have to undress and then you'll see doctor to go over the results." I swallowed on the lump in my throat and nodded my head.
The nurse chatted away as I sent an alarming look to Troy and he walked over and squeezed my shoulder. "Go to the bathroom," he instructed gently as he shoved me towards the room. I was glad that Troy was able to see that I was getting nervous and overwhelmed. I walked in and did the deed in the cup before twisting the cap back on, wiping the sides, and washing my hands. I came back out to see her ready to draw my blood and she was chatting with Troy. Troy gently eased me on the table, "First pregnancy?" the nurse asked as I stripped my jacket off.
"Uh," I stumbled over the words as I nodded, "Yea," I said quietly and Troy squeezed my shoulder again. "We got married in December and are excited to start adding to our family." Troy eased the conversation as she poked around my veins and it wasn't too long before she found a good one. I was withdrawn as Troy did most of the talking but fear crept up into my body. The nurse was laughing by the time she was done drawing more blood than I could handle and I felt a little woozy.
"B," I looked up at him and his eyebrows were twisted in concern. "You look green, are you okay?" I closed my eyes and nodded my head as the nurse moved and he was wedged between my legs in seconds. I rested my head on his chest as I took a deep breath in and out as he cradled me close. "It tends to happen when we draw blood, I'll grab her a snack." Troy thanked her but the words were all muffled around me.
Troy eased me back as the nurse brought back graham crackers and I ate a few bites before I took a deep breath, "I'm okay, I just…I'm overwhelmed all of a sudden," I felt the room growing hot and spinning around me as Troy eased me back on the bed. "Talk to me, B. Why are you overwhelmed?" I breathed through my nose as the tears stung my eyes. "I have to explain my abortion to my doctor. I never told her." I choked on the words and Troy ran his hand down my arm.
"She isn't going to judge you, B. She just needs to know." I couldn't stop the tear that rolled down my face as I took in a deep breath, "And the nurse is just too much for me right now. I peed in a cup and gave my blood and I am going to have a vaginal ultrasound – do you know how fun that sounds?" Troy let out a dry chuckle and he brushed his fingers over my hair. "I love you, let me know what I can do for you."
I sat up gently as I took off my pants, underwear but kept on my t-shirt and jacket. I covered my legs up as Troy kept his hand on me. "You have nothing to explain, Gabi. You just mention your history and move on." He rolled closer to me and his hand swept my hair away from my face. "I'm in medical school and I almost passed out from her taking my blood." I joked and Troy laughed as he shook his head, "I don't think that was it. I think it was a lot of things combined."
The door opened and the nurse was back with another lady, "Gabi, this is Mary, the ultrasound tech. She is going to take a look and then Dr. Wilson will be here, okay?" I nodded as the ultrasound tech had me lay back as she started to set up for the scan. She settled between my legs and the panic swelled in my throat and body as I clamped my legs shut and I felt my whole body tremble with flashbacks of laying on the bed as the sucked my baby out of my body. I squeezed my eyes closed to the flashbacks assaulting me. "Gabi," Troy's voice was soft and I felt a sob tumble out of my throat, "No, please," I shook my head as I sat up, "She can't take our baby," I cried and Troy gave me a confused look as did the ultrasound tech. I couldn't stop shaking or crying as it must have hit Troy with a ton of bricks as he gasped and shook his head, "No, baby, they aren't going to hurt the baby," he whispered and I couldn't stop. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close, "She's just going to show us a picture. That's all," he whispered into my ear as he rocked me gently.
"But the last time that somebody had that they-," I couldn't even finish the sentence as Troy glanced up over top of me and I just buried my face into his shirt. "Oh," I heard behind me and she cleared her throat, "Mrs. Bolton, I promise, we are just going to look at the baby. I'll explain each step as I do it, okay?" I squeezed my eyes closed and I just nodded my head as Troy eased me back on the table, his fingers gripping mine tightly, "I won't let anything happen to you or our baby." He confirmed with a serious look in those blue eyes. I whimpered as she settled back between my thighs and I heard her voice but I just focused on Troy. Trying to suppress all of the memories that were rapid-fire in my brain. The screen flickered on next to the bed and I looked as I couldn't see the screen last time – probably for the best. Mary, smiled over at us, "There is your little baby," she said with a smile as Troy squeezed my hand as the tear fell down my cheek. All of my panic died down temporarily as I couldn't stop staring in awe.
The heartbeat fluttered in the room and I nearly choked on the sob crawling in my throat. "Oh my god, there is a baby," I whispered and Troy laughed as he brushed my hair away from my face. My entire body screamed with protection and motherly instincts – that was my baby in there. I was going to have a baby and I was going to do everything I could for our baby. I couldn't stop the tears dripping down my face as the love that exploded in my chest was almost too much for me to handle. Our eyes focused on the little blob on the screen as she pointed out our baby. Troy buried his face into my hair and his lips pressed against my scalp. "I always love showing parents their baby for the first time. The reaction is always precious."
My fingers wiped away my tears and the tech smiled, "I am going to print out some pictures for you both and I'll give them to the doctor with my report." We nodded as she pointed out the baby again and then the flickering heartbeat in its tiny chest. Once the picture was cut off, she allowed me to get settled back in but warned me that doctor would want to do a pelvic exam first. Troy and I thanked her as he couldn't wipe the concerned look on his face as he faced me. A grim smile was on his lips because I knew he was happy but I saw the concern. "Baby," he whispered and I shook my head as I wiped the tears away. "No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak out I just…" Troy brushed my hair away from my face. "No, you are allowed to freak out." I closed my eyes trying to push away the emotions. "She understood, baby, she's done it before."
I gave him a smile and he pressed his lips to my forehead before a true Troy grin came on that face.
"B, that was our baby," I laughed and I nodded, "It was so surreal, I can't believe we are having one." Troy gave me a smile as his hand swept over my face as he wiped away lingering tears. Troy watched me with those blue eyes for a moment before he pulled back and he held my hand, his thumb stroking my skin. "When are you going to tell your research coordinator?"
"Soon." I told him, "Probably after we tell everybody. My research doesn't have any risks to the baby though so I'll be okay. There are x-rays involved but I'll just read them – I won't be around them." Troy gave me a smile as the door opened again. Dr. Wilson had been my OB for some time now – but this was the first time she would be meeting my husband. "Gabi, this is a surprise! We just took out your IUD in late July!" she exclaimed and I laughed, "I know, I was just as surprised." I told her as she smiled at me and then her eyes drifted to Troy. "Mr. Bolton, Dr. Wilson," she introduced herself and Troy smiled, "You can call me Troy," he said with a nod, "It's nice to meet you,"
Dr. Wilson smiled as she was probably in her mid-forties with a big smile, her blonde hair pulled up into a ponytail as she sat down on the stool. "You are indeed pregnant," she said with a smile, "I know you already saw the little babe on the screen but it looks to me that you are measuring right around 8-9 weeks and based on your last menstrual cycle it fits," I couldn't stop my small smile over my lips as she grinned. "Your blood tests will come back over the next few days and I will call you with anything shocking, okay?" I nodded as she smiled.
"How are your symptoms?" she asked, "I'm just tired." I explained, "Really tired, all the time, but that's all I can really complain about. Troy might have some opinions on my mood but…" Dr. Wilson laughed as Troy cracked a smile, "No complaints," Troy said and I laughed, "Uh-huh, okay," I said with a look over towards him, Dr. Wilson smiled with a shake of her head, "We are flying out to Oregon this weekend, is that okay?" I asked, the nerves creeping in and Dr. Wilson nodded, "Yes, just make sure you are getting up on the plane frequently and walking around."
I nodded, "Are you still in med school, Gabi?" I nodded my head towards her, "Yes, I'm in my third year." Dr. Wilson smiled on memories as she went to Duke Medical school as well. "You are going to do great. It looks like you timed it pretty well too, your due date is May 14th, 2023," my stomach fluttered with a date as I gave her a smile, "That was pretty good timing," Dr. Wilson smiled with a nod, "Anything else you want to discuss before I do a quick exam?"
My stomach twisted and I looked down in my lap as my tongue went dry and my entire body felt like I could vomit. "I uh…" I swallowed hard as I looked up at her, tears filling my eyes, "A prior abortion won't have any effect on this baby…right?" I questioned the words a quiet whisper. I saw the quick flash of shock on her face and Troy squeezed my hand to reassure me that he was right there. "When was your abortion?" she asked quietly and I swallowed down on the fear.
"May 2020," I told her and she looked at me and nodded her head in understanding. It didn't take rocket science to figure out that I won the Championship in April of 2021 and I was in my first year of medical school. Dr. Wilson knew me. She cleared her throat and shook her head, "No. It will not affect anything. You've been healthy in your past pap smears and visits. I never knew," she said with a quick look to me and I felt myself shrink. "But I never suspected. This baby will be healthy and perfect, Gabi. You don't have to have any fears about doing what you needed to do."
I released a heavy breath of air and I felt my head sag forward as the tears rushed my eyes, again. Troy rubbed my arm gently as Dr. Wilson squeezed my knee, "Thank you for telling me," she said and I nodded as I wiped away the tears. She had me lay back against the table and Troy scooted closer to my head as he ran his fingers through my hair and kept close. So thankful that he did because I felt on the verge of a mental break down.
Dr. Wilson didn't take long and she pushed away writing down some notes in the chart before she smiled, "I'll see you back in a month, okay? Keep taking the pre-natal vitamins that the office called you in last month and call if you have any heavy bleeding and cramping. Okay?" I nodded my head as she smiled, "Congrats, you guys are going to be fantastic parents. I can already see it." She winked before reminding me to make another appointment and to return in a month.
The door shut behind her as Troy pulled me into his arms into a tight hug. "I'm proud of you," he murmured into my ear and I couldn't stop the smile on my face as he wrapped me uptight. "I didn't realize it was going to have that much of an effect on me or I would have warned everybody." Troy let out a tiny laugh, "I know baby, I know, I'm just glad you didn't do this one alone." I couldn't stop the tears the filled my eyes and I pulled him close to me.
"I'm so thankful you're here this time," I whispered to him.
Troy's POV
I sat at my desk but I couldn't think straight after what happened this morning. Seeing our baby on the screen had been lifechanging and exciting and it made it very real for me. She didn't look pregnant or act all that pregnant but seeing that baby wiggling inside of her? That was a wake-up call that I desperately needed that my life was going to change come May. I pushed out a breath of air because that wasn't the part bothering me.
Her reaction to the ultrasound tore my insides apart. My entire body ached to know that she panicked that somebody was going to take our baby from her because the last time somebody set up with tools between her legs it ended in a lot of heartbreak and damage to our relationship and to her mind. She already called her therapist on the way home to schedule an appointment and I just held her hand and reminded her that I was right there. It's all I could do but the pain on her face, the fear, the trembling…I couldn't imagine what she went through by herself and I couldn't. I didn't want too.
I was thankful that she was being open and honest with me about all of her emotions and fears but man did it hurt. It was a reminder that I failed her. That I wasn't there when she needed me most and I know that it wasn't my fault that I wasn't there but it still hurt the same. I brushed my fingers through my hair trying to calm my thoughts and get work done but I couldn't focus. It was almost pointless being here today. I had projects I needed to wrap up, I had a meeting with my team this afternoon, I just…fuck.
I wanted to be with her right now. I couldn't even talk to anybody about this because nobody knew. I pushed out a breath, this weekend, people would know this weekend. She would be 10 weeks on Sunday and we were edging to the same zone. My parents would know and I could talk to my mom about what to do. I felt a little lost, a little helpless, and a little scared that this entire pregnancy was going to be one major flashback to what she did two years ago.
My fingers scrubbed my face and I tried to make myself focus on work. I pushed through the papers, I fumbled around with the projects, and when it came time to the meeting, I just kept it brief and quick because I didn't have anything in me to give right now. I scheduled a follow-up in two weeks to see where everybody stood on their assignments. I collapsed in a chair and my eyes looked at the clock to see Gabi should be home by now and I just needed to be with her.
Packing up my belongings into my backpack, my phone buzzed, I reached for it as I put it to my ear. "Ma," I said with a smile, "Hi sweetie! I just wanted to call and make sure you and Gabi still were coming up this weekend." I smiled because she was going to be so excited. "Yea, we fly out Thursday night around 6 here." She squeaked with excitement that I was coming home. I knew this was her biggest fear when I went to Duke – that I was going to find a girl and fall in love and never leave.
Well, she wasn't wrong about most of it but we were probably leaving.
"Gabi is excited for a relaxing weekend in Seaside," I said and my mom buzzed with happiness, "I am excited to come out to you guys for Christmas!" I walked to my car as I sighed, "We are excited to have everybody over. It'll be nice to have both families together so neither of us is missing the other."
"I wish you were coming home for Thanksgiving but I understand. Where is her dad going to be?" she questioned and I smiled, "He'll be in Florida. Her brother and sister-in-law are hosting a big thing though and her mom will be there. Their family is ever rarely together for Thanksgiving so it'll be good. I'll Facetime in for dinner," I reminded her and she humped, "Okay, I just can't believe how much I miss you."
"Mom," I said, "I love you dearly but don't guilt me." She laughed on the phone, "I won't dear, please send me all of your flight information." I unlocked my car and nodded, "I will ma, I love you."
"I love you, too."
I hung up the phone as I settled into my seat as I drove the short distance home. My thoughts wandered back to Gabi this morning and the pain returned to my chest. All I want to do is protect her. I don't like seeing her hurt or scared. She was terrified this morning. I pushed it away as I pulled into the driveway, I tucked my car into the garage next to hers. I picked up my backpack and walked inside as it was pretty dark. I couldn't stop the slow smile because the girl had been exhausted.
I dropped my backpack as I toed off my dress shoes and I walked up the stairs and into our bedroom. She was curled up on her side with a blanket on her lower legs. She had changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt since I last saw her. She was wearing one of my t-shirts and I felt myself relax. She was okay. I turned as I ordered a pizza and wings for us to share for dinner before I went into the bathroom and changed into a sweatshirt and shorts before crawling into bed next to her.
My lips brushed against her neck and she stirred in her sleep, I tugged her back against me and she wiggled in my embrace and I groaned, "Gabi," I said with a laugh and she smiled in her sleepy state. "That was intentional – you dirty," I was cut off when she opened those brown eyes and smiled, "Yea, it was," she pulled on my shirt and dragged me forward in a kiss. Her mouth opened mine aggressively and I couldn't help but roll her to her back before settling between her legs.
"Can we talk for a minute?" I asked pulling away, "I want to do this," I said waving my hand between the two of us. "But I need to get something off my chest." Her brown eyes flashed to mine in worry and I dropped a kiss to her forehead before I rolled off of her. "What's wrong?" I couldn't stop my small smile as I picked up her hand, "Can we talk about this morning?" I asked, her eyes flashed down and she took in a gulp of air.
"I mean – yes, we can, I just…" her words dragged off. "I hate how scared you were," her eyes clamped shut and I pulled her into my lap. I didn't want her to think that I was mad at her or anything. "I didn't know they were going to do something like that. I never got an ultrasound last time until I was there. They asked me if I wanted to see but I couldn't and I didn't want too but it was almost the same setup and I panicked."
I brushed the hair away from her face and I nodded, "I hate that I wasn't there for you the first time but I am glad I was there today. You freaked me out, baby. You sat up in such a panic and the sob," she gripped onto my body and her hands framed my face. "I'm sorry," I shook my head, "You have nothing to apologize for," I reminded her. "I just need you to keep that open communication and you have been. I just – I don't want another moment of you that scared, again."
"I didn't know I was going to react like that but as long as you are there – I'll be okay, Troy. You calmed me down." I threaded our fingers as she rolled in my lap and pressed our lips together. Her fingers brushed through my hair, "Promise me that you'll tell me when you're scared," I said pulling away from her for a beat and she let her fingers run off my face and she nodded, "I will, T. I will." I gripped her ass in my hand and pulled her closer to me.
"We gotta be quick, the pizza guy will be here soon," she laughed and pulled me into a deep kiss. I'll go slow later.
Thursday, October 13th, 2022
Gabi's POV
The plane was already in a descending pattern as we had spent the last five and a half hours riding our way to Oregon. We were going to land around seven their time but I was on my time and it was late and I was exhausted. Troy was slumped against the front of the seat in front of him while I tried to get comfortable in the middle seat. A kind older gentleman settled in next to the window as I wanted to tell his family tonight – at least his parents and Audrey. He was going to have to call Jake.
He was in the middle of the football season and couldn't come home this weekend. I wanted them to know all weekend while we were here because I wanted to allow them enough time to celebrate. We were leaving early on Sunday to head back home. It was a quick trip but I was glad we planned it far in advance so we could tell them in person. My hand rested on my belly as it was still flat as could be and I was thankful so I could hide it just a bit longer.
My eyes scanned Troy as I knew he was struggling with how Monday went down. I honestly, didn't know, I was going to panic. My therapist told me that it was normal to have PTSD from something of that nature. Something that still bothered me today. I tugged on the bracelet on my wrist as I was thankful, he was there this time around. I exhaled trying to relax my body but I really just wanted to sleep. Troy sat up and his eyes were still closed but I leaned into him.
"You feeling okay?" I nodded my head, "Yea, I'm just tired."
Those blue eyes flickered open and he smiled, "I know. We'll go to bed as soon as we get to the house." I shook my head, "Let's tell them tonight. I want them to be able to know the entire time we are here so they can celebrate and do whatever. I'm already sad it's a short trip." Troy eyed me with curiosity and he nodded, "Okay, if that's what you want to do." I nodded my head and he kissed my temple as we both remained quiet for the landing. The cabin lights flipped on and Troy stretched his long legs out in the aisle. I started to clean up my area as Troy tossed our trash away. His big hand reached around and rubbed the back of my neck gently with his big fingers.
I leaned into him as he kissed my head before standing up as people started deboarding from the plane. He picked up my bag and his backpack as it was our turn to dump into the aisle. He slid his backpack on and held my backpack in his other hand. "I can carry that," I reminded him and he scoffed, "And watch my mother yell at me because you were carrying a bag? And then later when she finds out you're pregnant she'll really beat me." Gabi laughed as she intertwined our hands together.
We walked through Portland's airport until we got to baggage claim when I heard the excited laugh from behind us. Troy twisted and a smile graced his lips as he dropped my hand and wrapped his arm around his mom in a hug. "Oh, hi sweetie," Audrey was close behind as she tackled her brother from the other side and I couldn't stop my laugh while Sam pulled me into a hug. "How ya doing?" he asked, "Great. A little sleepy but great."
Sam winked with a smile on his face before he grabbed his son in a hug while Jessie and Audrey hugged me. "I'm so glad you guys are here for the weekend!" Audrey exclaimed; Troy sent me a smile as we were about to make their weekend ten times better. We waited at the baggage claim for our one suitcase to spit out with the present neatly on the top. Troy secured it as Audrey took my bag for me and his dad took the suitcase.
"How was the flight?" Jessie asked, "Good. Just long," I said with a smile. "Dear, you look exhausted. Troy, have you been letting her rest?" his mom asked him and Troy rolled his eyes while shooting me a look. "Yes, the flight was long and she had to be up and at the hospital to do research this morning. She's tired." I giggled under my breath as Sam led us to the car and we all piled inside together. Troy and I sat next to each other while Audrey climbed into the back. "Audge, how is junior year going?" he asked.
She rolled her eyes, "Fine, I guess, mostly just ready for senior year,"
"Nah, then you have to get jobs like Jake and me,"
"Jake is graduating, are you going to be there?" his mom asked him and Troy lifted his eyes, "May, right?" she nodded and his eyes drifted to mine, "Maybe? I'll have to see what work looks like. If I can – I will be there." I tried to hide my smile because it might be mission impossible for Troy to show up to Jake's college graduation because we were due right in the middle of May. Troy would explain later. Troy squeezed my hand as they chatted for the 90-mile drive back to Seaside.
My eyes lured closed as I leaned into Troy on the bench seat and his arm shifted to bring me closer to his body. "Troy, will you run through some coffee shop stuff this weekend? We're close to finishing renovations to the building and I am going to start hiring next month."
"Yea, I can come out for a weekend and probably train next month or early December." Sam looked at him in surprise, "Really?" Troy nodded, "I might be without my sidekick but we can make it work." I smiled as I squeezed his arm. Audrey caught Troy up on everything that was happening in Seaside and all of the latest gossip – even about Hallie. "Raven and Tommy said they were going to be at the diner tomorrow morning waiting for you."
Troy chuckled, "I bet those knuckleheads will be."
It wasn't much longer until we were bouncing over the bumps of their driveway. Their large house sprawling and I sat up rubbing my eyes, "Jessie, I got something for you. My mom and I found it one day and it is the cutest thing. Let me get it out of the suitcase. I think Sam and Audrey will like it, too." Jessie turned to peak at me with curiosity all over her face. "Ohh…I can't wait. Is it one of those Durham cakes?"
Troy and I laughed together, "Not quite, hang on, we'll be down with it. We'll meet back in the living room." Everybody agreed as Troy grabbed our bags, I fought for my backpack and he finally relented once his mom went inside. "Such a momma's boy,"
"Just you wait," he murmured causing me to laugh, we walked inside and Troy lead me to his room in the second floor. We dropped our stuff as he popped open the suitcase and the gift were still resting on top. Troy and I shared a smile together as he pulled me in for a quick kiss, "After this – we sleep. You do look extremely tired."
I rolled my eyes, "Thanks," I muttered and he chuckled, "In the nicest way possible." I shot him another look and he just grabbed the gift with a laugh. "You have your phone?" he nodded his head as we went back downstairs as Audrey, Sam, and Jessie were sitting on the couch laughing about something. "Here, my mom wants to see your reaction because she just loved it," I gushed and Jessie sent me a look as Troy handed her the present on top.
Troy started recording on his phone as I wedged myself into his arms as he sat on the corner of the couch. Jessie slowly started to unwrap as Audrey and Sam were taking turns guessing what was inside the package. Jessie finally popped off the lid and peeled back the tissue paper because she gasped, her hands covering her mouth, and her eyes instantly watering. "No," she said with a look between the two of us and I couldn't help but laugh because Sam was so confused until his eyes peered in and he flashed those same blue eyes to Troy. A slow grin coming over his face. Jessie finally picked it up and the itty-bitty apron with a kiss the baby on the front hung from her hands.
"Shut up!" Audrey bounced up from her spot, "You're going to have a baby?!" she squealed and we were almost knocked off the couch as she crashed into our arms with a hug. Troy chuckled as he ended the video. "Surprise," Troy said and his mom came over and wrapped him up tight in a hug as Sam hugged me, "Congrats!" he whispered into my ear, I held back the tears as I thanked him as Jessie looked at me and dissolved into tears again.
"I'm so happy for you," she whispered as she hugged me and I officially lost it and started to cry. "Thank you, Jessie. We were so excited. He is so excited," I whispered to her and she wiped away the tears as she pulled away with a smile on her face. "You're going to make me a grandma," Troy rolled his eyes and shook his head, "I was expecting more screaming," he countered causing Jessie to laugh, "I was so surprised. I didn't even think that."
Troy squeezed her hand as I wiped away tears, "There should be a sonogram picture in there," I said with a nudge and Audrey went over and pulled it out with a smile on her lips. Jessie and Sam looked at the picture, their first grandchild, and I rested my head back on his shoulder. He folded his arm around me and placed his lips into my neck. "How far along are you?" Jessie asked, "I'll be 10 weeks on Sunday," I told her. "You are the first people we've told so if you could keep it a secret a little bit longer. We'll tell my parents Sunday or Monday."
Jessie nodded her head, "Of course. We'll let you guys share it first. Wow, I am just…I can't believe it." Troy smiled, "I was pretty surprised when she told me, too." Troy said with a laugh, "We barely tried for a baby – it just kind of happened." Sam laughed as he shook his head, "It's the Bolton," Troy laughed as Audrey rolled her eyes. "We're due May 14th," I told her with a look and she smiled, "So that's what that little look was about in the car when we mentioned graduation,"
Troy and I both laughed this time, "Yea, I don't know what's going to be happening around then. I'll apologize to Jake in advance. I'll probably call him tomorrow morning and tell him the news." Jessie grabbed the both of us in another hug, "I'm so happy for the both of you. You are going to make such wonderful parents." Troy kissed his mom's temple, "Thanks ma, we're pretty excited. We've known for almost six weeks and it has been tortured to keep the secret."
"You found out early," his dad said with a bit of surprise and I nodded, "Yea, everybody said I was so tired all the time. It finally clicked on night and it was pretty positive." Troy squeezed my knee gently, "But speaking of tired, she is tired so…we're going to go crash and we will continue the celebration tomorrow. I wanted to wait till tomorrow morning but Gabs said you deserved to know the entire time we were here so you could celebrate with us."
"Damn straight," his mom said and I laughed as I hugged each of them again and they squeezed me extra tight. Emotion swelled in my belly as I tried to stop the tears but I couldn't and Troy sent me an alarming look. "What's wrong?" he asked and I shook my head, "Nothing. I am just…so thankful for your family and that they are so excited to add a baby into the family." Troy laughed, "I told you they would be."
Jessie shook her head, "It's just hormones, Troy. Those pesky things will make you think about the most damn of things." I smiled thanks to Jessie from saving me and she hugged me one more time, "Go get some sleep, we'll celebrate tomorrow. Any food aversions?" she asked and I shook my head, "No. The only true symptom I am having is tired." She smiled, "Good. I'll see you in the morning. I love you both," we bid our love back as we climbed the up the stairs and I barely got my shoes off and crawled into bed before I was passed out.
Friday, October 14th, 2022
Troy's POV
I pushed back and forth on the rocking chair outback as it was a fairly nice morning for October in Seaside. I held my coffee in my hand as I promised my dad that I would come to the restaurant and coffee shop this afternoon to help out for a bit. Yet, I woke up early due to the East coast time but my girl was still passed out. I was thankful she wasn't dealing with morning sickness and any of that and that her only symptom was exhaustion. I could work with that.
The backdoor opened and I twisted around to see my mom coming out. She was dressed in a pair of jeans with a sweater, "Good morning," I said with a growing smile, "Hi sweetie," she ducked to kiss my head and then settled into the chair next to me. "How are you doing?" she asked and I smiled my famous grin, "I'm great ma," she nodded while looking out at the sunrise as well. My parents were early risers due to the diner and that made most of us early rises as well.
"Were you shocked when she told you?" I laughed and nodded as I knew it wouldn't take long for the conversation to drift there. "Yea, I was. I wasn't expecting it. I mean, her IUD was barely taken out and the next thing I know I'm opening a pair of tiny Jordan basketball shoes." My mom laughed at the image in her head and I smiled, "She's been doing great with all of it." I told her and my mom sent a smile on her face, "Yea? How have you been?"
"Good. I'm excited, nervous, but excited to be a dad. I had great role models in my life and I know you'll pick up every single phone call." She grinned at me, "Of course," I laughed and took a long sip of my coffee. "I guess – Gabi's had a bit of a hard time with flashbacks and whatnot," my mom turned her head in questioning and I sighed, "From her abortion," I finally admitted. "When we went to the doctor on Monday, she had a near panic attack because they wanted to do a transvaginal ultrasound to see the baby and mom – the fear that she had in that moment." My chest ached with the pain again but I pushed it away.
"I almost called and told you on Monday because I needed somebody to talk about it," I admitted. My mom reached forward and squeezed my knee gently, "Troy, this has to be hard for her." I grimaced and nodded, "She panicked when she told me, terrified that something is going to go wrong because she had an abortion." I admitted to her and she nodded, "It's probably messing with her head as it always has. That was probably the hardest choice she ever had to make and then how it all unfolded in the end, she's terrified. That she is going to be punished for all of this and that will somehow punish you again." I went to object but she continued to talk, "You are angry with her Troy, rightfully so, but she associates that abortion with many other things and if you were upset in any way or form if something were to happen with this baby? She will probably not be okay. In her eyes – that's failing you and she can't do that again."
I didn't speak for a moment as I just stared at my coffee for a moment, "I never thought about it like that." I admitted slowly, "I can understand how she gets there though. She knows I want a family and if something were to happen to this baby because of her prior abortion…" I trailed off and my gut sank in my chest. "She probably doesn't even realize that's why Troy. You just have to be supportive of her. I know, you know, and everybody else knows that you won't be angry with her if something random happens but she will never see it that way."
My mom gave a small smile, "The first thing she whispered to me last night was that you were excited." I swallowed on the lump in my throat, "I hate myself for putting her in that position in the first place," my words were barely above a whisper and my mom squeezed hard, "You can't blame yourself; she can't blame herself. It was an accident and those tend to happen. She's just scared, baby, if I know you, you are right there with her the entire time and you never let her once think otherwise."
I smiled and nodded slowly, "You do have that right." My mom smiled leaning back, "You two are going to make great parents and this will get easier for her. Just be there for her, baby." I smiled over at my mom and nodded, "I will. You are going to have to fly to North Carolina a couple of times over the next few months." She laughed, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Gabi's POV
Sunday, October 16th, 2022
I nervously moved my weight back and forth as we waited for my mom to unlock the front door. We were dropping over on a surprise visit as they thought we were just going home and missing dinner. Well, we did miss dinner but I knew Trevor and Vivian were still here. The door swung open and my mom gave a big ol' smile, "Hi! How was your trip?" she asked bringing me and Troy into quick hugs as we walked into the house.
"Really, really good. It was much needed for all of us." I said and Troy grinned, "It's always nice seeing the family. I helped my dad get the coffee shop menu started." Troy said and my mom gushed, my mom absolutely loved Troy Bolton. I couldn't blame her there. We walked into the house as football was on the TV as Vivian was on the floor with Clara while Wyatt was playing with my dad. Trevor was nursing a beer as he grinned, "Hey guys,"
"Trev," Troy greeted him in a quick handshake and I carried the gift into the room, "I thought you guys weren't coming over tonight," my dad said with a quick look between us. "We figured we would stop by and say hi. I won't see you till next week anyway, especially with basketball getting into full swing." My dad grunted from that statement and I giggled. "Plus, I may or may not have gotten something." A few eyes turned my direction as I addressed my dad. "Dad, I got you and mom a little something in Seaside," I said as I swung the bag around and my dad laughed, "You didn't have to sweetie," I sent Troy a sly smile, "We felt like it, plus, his mom thought it was adorable. She wants a video of you opening it," Troy snickered at my line as I was using that excuse for everybody. Troy got out his phone to do the recording as Trevor eyed me with suspicion.
My dad started to pull the tissue paper out as my mom peered over into the bag as my dad's eyebrows crinkled in confusion. He reached in and pulled out the tiny basketball that we found as him and my mom read the lettering at the same time before both of their eyes were on mine. "Shut up," my mom practically screamed and I laughed as Troy chuckled to himself as Trevor gave a confused look before my dad tossed him the ball.
My mom collided into my body with a tight hug as Trevor laughed, "Damn, that's exciting," Trevor said and I couldn't stop my laugh as my mom squeezed me again, "Gabi! That's amazing. I'm so happy for you." I laughed and nodded my head, "We're excited," Troy looked over at me with a wink and I smiled right back at him. Vivian grinned from ear to ear, "How long have you known?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh…remember the night at your house when you asked if I was going to make Troy a daddy?" she squinted and nodded her head, "Well, it kinda hit that my period was late and you all couldn't stop telling me how tired I looked and couldn't stop sleeping so – I took a test. I figured it was going to be negative because I hadn't had my IUD out that long but…surprise," I said and she laughed, "That was forever ago,"
I rolled my lips together as Troy shook my dad's hand and they shared a smile, a secret, among the two of them. I cleared my throat, "Yea, I am actually ten weeks today." My mom giggled in her spot with excitement as Trevor stood up and brought me into a bear hug. "I'm happy for you, sis." I squeezed him as Vivian hugged me next and then my dad. He squeezed me into his embrace and kissed the top of my head, "I'm honored that you want me to coach your kiddo but I think you kid will be in great hands," he whispered into my ear and I smiled with a laugh.
"We're really excited," I whispered back to my dad and he looked over at Troy who was hugging my mom and Vivian, "I know you are sweet girl and I know how excited he is. I'm excited to have another grandbaby,"
My mom gripped my hand and drug me into the kitchen and Vivian wasn't far behind as she planted me in the chair. "Okay, spill all of the details," my mom said with bright eyes and I laughed, "Uh…I told you how I found out. I told Troy with a pair of basketball shoes, we told his parents with an apron that said kiss the baby, and then you guys. That's all who know right now. We'll probably call Lauren and Grey after this and tell them."
My mom grinned from ear to ear, God, she was way more excited than I thought she would be. I figured my parents reaction would be less only because they had grandbabies already but they were just as excited as Troy's family. "Was he excited?" Vivian asked and I laughed, "Yea, he was really excited." I picked up my bag and found the sonogram picture for them and my mom gushed over the first picture. "We got everything confirmed on Monday. Heard the heartbeat, watched the little bean flicker on the screen, and here we are. My due date is May 14th so a petty perfect time but I hope you are in the mood to be our babysitter mom,"
She laughed, "Of course,"
I wrung my hands together as I looked over my shoulder to see my dad had gotten Troy a beer and they were all watching the Sunday night game together. Tears filled my eyes as I twisted to face Vivian and my mom. "I was a mess at the doctor's office though," I admitted, "I uh…I panicked because the set up to my sonogram was similar to my abortion and I just lost it because I can't lose this baby because of something related to the abortion. I can't hurt him again,"
My mom and Viv shared a look as I tried to wipe the frustrated tears away but they were both quick to hug me, "Oh honey, that will not happen. You're already 10 weeks and I bet you already asked your doctor about it. Nothing is going to happen and you will get that baby. IF something did happen it probably wouldn't be related anyways. You get to be happy, Gabi. Troy wants you to be happy," my mom told me and I took a deep breath and nodded, "I know, I know, it's just hard to shake right now."
"Oh sweetie, you are going to be just fine. That baby is going to be so loved and you guys are ready to have kids. You are going to be the best parents next to Viv and Trev," I laughed and wiped away my tears, "Thank you, I have been a bit of a hormonal mess since I found out and poor Troy. We didn't really tell anybody for six weeks."
"You guys keep a good secret," Viv said with a laugh and I nodded, "Yea, we do."
Troy and I curled together as it was just now nine in Chicago but Grey was probably just getting home from the field. The phone rang only for a few seconds before Lauren's picture popped up on the phone. I was screen recording our conversation with a smile on my face, "Hi bestie! Hi Troy," Troy grinned, "Hi Lauren, where is my bestie?" he teased and she grinned like a cat, "Getting out of the shower, hang on,"
I scooted into Troy's lap as he held the phone. His other arm secured me into place and he pressed his lips into my skin. "Troy," Grey's face popped up with a big goofy grin and Troy and I both laughed. "Grey," Troy said with a smirk and Grey shook his head back, "When you'll coming to Chicago again?" Grey asked as he sat down and pulled Lauren into his lap. I shared a look with Troy and he winked, "Uh…no plans as of right now. I might have to get back to you on that. Think you'll be able to swing a trip to Durham in May?" Troy questioned and Grey frowned.
"May? That's like forever away."
Lauren gave me a look and I didn't even say a damn word, I didn't smile, I barely looked at her and she just let a slow smile roll over her face. "What day?" she questioned towards me and the boys both shared a look with each other, Troy in damn amazement and Grey in complete confusion, "May 14th," I practically squealed and Lauren pressed her lips together and she squealed from the other end of the phone as I started to laugh.
Grey was so confused and his face showed it.
"What's on May 14th?" he demanded and Troy chuckled, "Dude, they have some serious telepathy," Troy commented and Grey grunted, "What the fuck dude," Troy laughed as I started to cry as Lauren started to cry, "Gabi's pregnant," Troy finally said and Grey's eyebrows shot up, "shut the fuck up!" Grey said and I wiped away tears and laughed, "Oh my god! Gabi! I know you were talking about it this past summer but I never thought already!" I nodded with a smile.
"We were a bit surprised at how soon as well," I told them, "But we are very excited. I am ten weeks today and we couldn't wait any longer to tell you'll," Grey let out a laugh and a big smile came over his face, "I'm so happy for you guys, yea, we're making a trip to Durham in May." Troy and I shared a smile with each other and Lauren gasped, "I am going to have to fly there a fuck ton more, Grey, like we have her baby shower and the birth and what if they do a gender reveal? I am not missing that."
I couldn't stop my giggle, "Grey, sounds like you better buy some miles." He grunted, "This is my last season here so…she needs to hold the phone." We all laughed and I smiled, "I'll keep you updated on all of the big things," I said to Lauren with a wink and she smiled, "Good. I am so excited," she squeaked and Grey rolled his eyes, "Look, if we have a kid ten weeks after you guys it's because I am a weak man and can't say no,"
Troy barked out a laugh while Lauren slapped him, "We are not ready for that yet," she told him and he shrugged, "I don't know, if those two are," Lauren rolled her eyes, "You need a real job first," Grey grunted and I laughed, "I love you guys, I am exhausted though. This little bear takes all of my energy and we flew home today so we can all talk again soon."
"Troy, call me tomorrow," Grey requested and Troy nodded, "Yes, sir,"
"Gabi, I need all of the details…tomorrow afternoon."
"Yes, ma'am," we all bid good-byes and my eyes were already drooping closed, "Wow, I am so thankful we've told all the important people." I smiled as I rolled to my side and faced him, "Me freaking too but let's wait a while to announce on social media. I don't want that yet." Troy and I both hard large following from our time at Duke and being on the national stage. Our relationship was also well known in the basketball community.
"Of course, baby," he kissed me forehead and he pulled the blankets back. "Get some sleep," he laid with me and his fingers stroked my hair until my eyelids were just too much to keep open anymore.
Hey guys! I know this was supposed to be out Sunday but finals week hit HARD and I 1) forgot and 2) didn't have much time to spare! SO! I am happy to uplift you on this Tuesday with an update. Hopefully, another one will be out in about twoish weeks as well!
Thank you for your love and patience!
PLEASE REVIEW
ps. story voting will be during the next chapter release but I'll leave the titles below and then synopsis next week!
1. Coach Bolton
2. Nurse Montez
3. Drunk Girl