Courtney slumped into the seat across her professor's desk in her weekly office hours visit. She continued on her unintentional rant having to explain her fainting spell at the mock trial and being behind on an assignment. "So, yeah, I didn't mean to submit the assignment late. But, I've got a mom in my ear all the time, a sleep schedule I have to maintain, and a second mouth in my belly that requires being fed every hour!"
Her professor peered through the frames of her glasses, only responding simply in her usual fashion. "You look like you could use some tea." She said calmly.
Professor Curtis took Courtney to a café tucked away from most students in the area. She ordered for her, handing the foam cup of honey-infused chamomile tea and sitting across from her."
"I want to let you in on something. You're familiar with Jacob, right? He's the only student besides you that voluntarily gets ahead of the material."
Courtney sipped from the cup before answering. "That guy in the front row? The one with the giant head?"
Her professor nodded before delivering the blow. "That would be my son."
Courtney almost choked on her tea trying to save herself. "Oh! Well, he seems very studious and-and driven-"
"It's okay, Ms. Alvarez." Professor Curtis laughed it off and Courtney quickly moved on to rid of her embarrassment.
"How? He can't be younger than twenty-three."
"I was around your age when I found out I was pregnant with him. Maybe even a little younger. It came as a shock to everyone, and the decision wasn't easy to make, but I was very in love with his father at the time. My career wasn't yet established and I lived with my parents. I didn't have the slightest idea of what the hell I was doing."
Courtney was astonished. Professor Curtis was highly respected, honored, and seemed so career-oriented; never having missed a step in her walk of life. She was the professor everyone feared, but wanted. She was everything Courtney looked up to and more. "How did you deal with it? I see it all worked out, but, how?"
"Not to put it in Layman's terms, or belabor you, but I just did." Her words marinated as she took a sip of her own drink. "It has much to do with strength and very little to do with planning. There's never a right time for anything." Courtney sat still, listening intently to her academic mentor. "But, I will tell you this: the first time I looked into Jacob's eyes, I knew he was meant to be here. I couldn't look back on that time of doubt, fear because it wasn't important anymore."
While Courtney was still registering the comparisons in her own life, Professor Curtis raised the question.
"Do you have a support system?"
Courtney thought of three people. "I do. My mother and practically two sisters." Her heart stopped short of picturing Duncan holding her in the kitchen. She lingered on the feeling of his warm embrace and the familiar arms that made her feel so safe. She damned these pregnancy hormones as she tried not to choke on her own words. "I have the greatest, most supportive man I could ask for. But, we've never been through something like this and people can change their minds whenever they want-"
"Has he done anything to make you think he will? You just said he was great."
"No."
"Then why the hell should you worry? You can't read people's minds, honey." Professor Curtis sought to deliver the truth of experience to her bright and capable student. "They are here simply because they want to be. I learned that a long time ago." Courtney looked down, taking in every word of assurance. She looked up and they made eye contact before Professor Curtis spoke again.
"If you can handle a courtroom the way you do, you can handle this. I wouldn't say that to just anyone, and you know that. You've got a good head on your shoulders, young lady."
Courtney knew her professor's mode of communication. She only spoke her mind in concise statements. You'd know whether or not you impressed her or she just never wanted you to speak in her lectures ever again.
Hearing this from someone she admired allowed her to feel capable. She gave in to her calmed state, revealing a piece of information to the both of them. "Sometimes I look into the mirror... and I smile when reality sets in." She looked down again smiling at her small, but growing bump; feeling peace within herself after letting that off her chest. She continued.
"I feel this immense sense of responsibility I know I can handle, but it'll be shared."
Her professor warmly placed a hand on top of Courtney's, causing both of them to smile. She felt comfort finding a friend in the woman she admired. Courtney knew she had to make a stop before going all the way home.
When she entered her and Duncan's apartment, Courtney held her purchase behind her back and approached Duncan relaxing in the living room. She spoke as soon as he spotted her, not leaving any room for greetings so she could get all the words off of her chest. She held out her purchase; a can of sage green paint. It caused more confusion to play on Duncan's face.
"I know we want our security deposit back for when we leave this place. But, I thought while we're here we could give our baby a small portion of our room? Like, a mini nursery."
He got up quickly and spoke warily, but still smiled slowly. "So, does this mean...?"
"Yeah." She was elated to tell him as she said in between giggles. "Let's do this."
Duncan's tone unintentionally got higher out of excitement.
"Are you sure?" Courtney nodded, still smiling.
"I'm very sure."
Much like the wind, he swept her up by the waist, slightly lifting her from the floor. She took on a more serious tone when he let her down, facing him.
"I have some requirements, though." He made sure she knew he was listening before she went on. "You have to come to every recital. Every time they fall off of their bike, you'll be right there to catch them, kissing their bruises. When they can't sleep at night and crawl into our bed, they'll need the both of us to comfort them. I want our kid to be able to count on you in all walks of life."
Duncan sought to ease her childhood fears and intended on doing so for the next eight months to come. "You," he started, rubbing her small bump forming, "and you, will be my greatest loves."
She'd have to get used to the feeling of tears stinging her eyes when joy took over. "Thank you."
"I want all of this. And I want you. You don't ever need to thank me." He swept her up again as he planted a kiss on the side of her head. He held her tightly and reminded her, hoping she'd truly understand the vehemence of his words. "I love you, Courtney."
I hope you enjoyed this short chapter! I didn't want to start the next one without a reason for her decision, and I love any reason for more soft duncney :). Let me know what you thought of it ! I am very appreciative of all of the reviews left, thank you so much!
*i just wanted to say i'm not prolife. everyone is free to make the best choices for themselves. with that being said, thanks for reading!