The Feeling: Chapter Fifteen - Calm Eyes
Sunday arrived and it found only Tish and Carver sitting in the pizza shop. Both of them munched slowly on their pizza since neither were feeling that good. The two were disappointed that Lor and Tino were missing out on the pizza. They were used to having one person gone, but half the group missing felt weird to them. In addition, the reason why Tino and Lor weren't present bothered them even more. They still couldn't believe that Lor might be pregnant. It didn't seem possible to them that one of the group members could possibly be facing early parenthood, let alone two of them.
"Man, I don't have an appetite with such a serious problem facing our friends," Carver said finishing his slice of pizza.
"I know what you mean, but that was your fifth piece, Carver," Tish said.
"Exactly, five slices? That's pitiful. Normally, I could down a pie or two, but not today. I just can't eat knowing two of my friends are in such a bad situation."
"Yeah I know, but this is what comes with their decision to have sex."
"I suppose so. It makes me glad I haven't had sex yet...... well not really, but still after talking with Tino and Lor it kind of puts things in perspective."
"I'll second that. I'm putting off consummation until marriage."
"What are you talking about? You just consumed some pizza, Tish. You suck at lying, you know that."
"That's not what I'm talking about, Carver! I mean being intimate."
"I don't think you have to worry about that. I can't think of anyone who would imitate you."
"Okay, let me make this as clear as possible to you. I won't be joining in sex with anyone until after I'm married."
"Really? I thought you were happy with your current type of Judaism. Why would you join one of the other sects after marriage?"
"Is it your goal in life to make things as difficult as possible, Carver?"
"Only on the weekends."
"Anyway, I'm concerned about Lor and Tino. These are our two best friends and they are going through the toughest time in their lives right now. I just wish that we could do more to help them."
"I feel the same way, but I think the only thing we can do is just step back and see what happens. We have to wait until we find out if Lor is really pregnant. Right now, those two need some time to think things over. As for us, we need to sit back and hope things work out because I can't take having a lack of an appetite."
"I don't think everything comes back to food."
"Well of course it doesn't. Everything comes back to food OR shoes."
"I know it's hard for you to be logical and reasonable when you haven't eaten your own weight in food, but could you at least try?"
"I do not eat my own weight in food, it's more like two times my-"
"Don't care! Not the point! Look, I'm concerned about our friends, and I would just like some support from you instead of your current asinine musings of nescience!"
"What in the blue hell did you just say?"
"Never mind. I want you to seriously think for a second about how things will be if Lor is pregnant. Imagine both she and Tino will have a child to take care of if that's the case. A living breathing child! The gift of life will be in their hands, and it will be up to them to make sure that child blooms and prospers. If that's the case then we will barely see them since they will be caring for a baby and possibly still trying to finish school. Can you possibly imagine not seeing them for a whole month, say?"
"True that. If Lor is pregnant then we will barely see them, and I can't really imagine that. So that's why instead I imagine that she isn't pregnant and that everything will be just like it has always been."
"Yeah, that is also a possibility, but that's pretty optimistic thinking."
"I know, but like I always say 'Optimism is the best policy'."
"Carver, you never say that, and it's 'Honesty is the best policy'."
"Oh yeah. Well, I've been meanin' to say it. Anyway, we have to remember both possibilities are open, and this situation can go either way."
"That's true. I really wish we knew because this anxiety is awful."
"Well, I've gotta hunch that we will find out today. It's just a guess, but you know I'm right, don't ya?"
"I'll take your word for it. I certainly hope we find out today because I'm dying to know."
Tino rushed over to Lor's house. He had awoken that morning with a determination stronger than he had ever felt before. He was going to go straight to Lor and declare his support as unwavering and infinite. He knew that he had told her the other day she had his support, but at the time he was unsure of himself. Now Tino was confident in his decision and he wasn't going to hold back. He wanted to make sure that he showed his will and love. Tino wanted to prove that he was a man and no coward. Once he got to Lor's house the door had barely opened and Tino was already heading directly to Lor's room. He was a man on a mission and he was going to achieve his goal. Tino didn't even bother knocking, he simply marched right into Lor's room.
"AHHH! Oh it's you, Tino. Thanks for knocking, geez. What if I had been naked or something?"
"Why would that be a problem? I've seen you naked before," Tino answered.
"Oh right. Still, please knock next time. I'm glad that you're here. I have been trying to call you all morning, but I couldn't get through," Lor said.
"Really? Well, I have something important to tell you," Tino replied.
"Okay, but I have to tell you this-"
"No, let me go first," Tino interjected.
"Yeah, but I need to-"
"No, Lor, I have to say this now. I need to tell you that I will stand by you no matter what. I will help support that child and you through whatever comes our way. I know I'm only sixteen like you, but I'll do whatever I can. I'm half the reason why we are in this situation so I want you to know you can count on me. I wasn't sure of that a few days ago, but I am now. I want it to be known that I love you and I won't abandon you!" Tino proudly proclaimed.
Lor smiled at him and said, "That's very sweet of you, Tino, but please don't stand on my chair."
"Oh sorry, it's a force of habit," Tino said hopping down.
"Well, I have to say I am touched by your outpouring of support, but late last night I had my period so everything is okay."
Tino stared at her for a few seconds registering what she had just said, "Sooooo, this means you aren't pregnant?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Tino once again just stood staring at her.
"Are you okay, Tino? Don't you have anything to say?"
"Yes, yes I do. WOO-HOO!!! In your face, Fate!! What a relief. I can't tell you how happy this makes me."
Lor giggled at Tino's exaggerated reaction, "Yeah, I'm really happy too. Now we can go on being the way we have always been."
"Yeah, but we learned a valuable lesson from all of this."
"Totally. Sex can definitely wait from now on."
"You said it. Man, Tish and Carver are going to be happy to hear this news," Tino commented.
"Yeah, but hey I have something else for you. I was going to give it to you on Friday since that was the Solstice and all, but obviously other things came up," Lor said reaching under her bed.
"Oh, thanks. You didn't have to do that," Tino responded.
Lor continued to rummage under her bed and eventually she pulled out a long box.
She handed it to him and said, "Happy Solstice."
Tino eagerly opened the present, thankful that this time his gift came in a box. Lor smiled as Tino's eyes widened when he had opened the box.
"Hey, it's that blue sweater I have had my eye on from Nuclear Fashion. Thanks a lot, Lor."
The two hugged each other tightly and when they let go Tino said, "Well, I can't be outdone here, so let me give you your Christmas gift which I have right here in my pocket."
Tino reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Lor quickly tore apart the wrapping paper and opened the box. She gasped when she saw that Tino had gotten her a silver ring.
"Oh, it's so nice, Tino!" Lor said sliding the ring on.
"Sorry, that it's just a plain ring with no patterns or anything, but I'm kind of short on cash," Tino said.
Lor pulled him into a hug and said, "Don't be so stupid. There's nothing to be sorry about. It's beautiful, and you know I'm not into fancy jewelry."
Lor pulled her head back and brought Tino into a deep, passionate kiss.
The two broke the kiss after a good ten minutes and Tino said, "Well, I'm gonna get goin' since this is Christmas Eve and I know you have stuff to do with your family and all."
"Okay then later days and Happy Solstice," Lor said smiling.
Tino smiled back and said, "Later days and Merry Christmas!"
Tino walked into his house with a new vigor since he no longer felt the future weighing on his mind. He almost was walking on air as he entered his kitchen and took his seat next to his mom.
His mom looked at him and said, "Well, you certainly seem a lot happier than you have in the past few days."
"Yeah, well one feels better when they know the future is bright and it's in the palm of their hands," Tino responded.
"Yeah I guess finding out you aren't going to be a sixteen year old father does make you happy."
Tino stared at his mom for a few seconds with a lack of amusement, "Seriously, that mind reading thing of yours is really freaky."
"Tino, I want you to know that I am proud of the fact that you handled the situation maturely. You were willing to stand by and support Lor and accept your responsibility in the whole predicament. Since you did that you really proved that you are a mature young man."
"Thanks, mom. It's good to hear that from you."
"Your welcome. Of course, it's also good to hear that I won't be a grandmother just yet."
"Yeah, that's true, but in a week you will be a wife again," Tino commented.
"Don't I know it, after twelve years of being divorced it's gonna be weird."
"Well I have confidence in you, mom. Hey, it's going to be weird for me having a full family."
"I guess so. Not only will you have a stepfather, but a stepsister as well. I think it's a good thing though; this house seems pretty lonely with just two of us around. Four people will make it more lively."
"I have to agree with you on that point. It will be nice to having more people living here. Although, I think four is enough and I'm glad there won't be a baby living here," Tino said.
"Yeah, well things worked out for you this time, but just remember you have your entire lives ahead of you. There is no need to rush into things," Tino's mom commented.
"I know. We both have learned a lot from this, and we know now to take things slowly."
"Good, because I wouldn't mind being a Grandmother just not at my age."
"I hear you. Don't worry about that. I'm just glad things will get back to normal now. It's nice to have things calmed down."
Tino's mom took a sip of her hot chocolate and nodded in agreement.
End of Chapter Fifteen
I would like to say that this chapter is dedicated to all the reviews that assumed Lor was pregnant. This one is for you. I must say, though, I do appreciate all reviews I receive so keep on submitting them. And as always if you hated this make sure to tell me in as of a much profane and hateful manner as you want. I love all reviews so say what you think. Alright then, keep readin' and reviewin'.
Sunday arrived and it found only Tish and Carver sitting in the pizza shop. Both of them munched slowly on their pizza since neither were feeling that good. The two were disappointed that Lor and Tino were missing out on the pizza. They were used to having one person gone, but half the group missing felt weird to them. In addition, the reason why Tino and Lor weren't present bothered them even more. They still couldn't believe that Lor might be pregnant. It didn't seem possible to them that one of the group members could possibly be facing early parenthood, let alone two of them.
"Man, I don't have an appetite with such a serious problem facing our friends," Carver said finishing his slice of pizza.
"I know what you mean, but that was your fifth piece, Carver," Tish said.
"Exactly, five slices? That's pitiful. Normally, I could down a pie or two, but not today. I just can't eat knowing two of my friends are in such a bad situation."
"Yeah I know, but this is what comes with their decision to have sex."
"I suppose so. It makes me glad I haven't had sex yet...... well not really, but still after talking with Tino and Lor it kind of puts things in perspective."
"I'll second that. I'm putting off consummation until marriage."
"What are you talking about? You just consumed some pizza, Tish. You suck at lying, you know that."
"That's not what I'm talking about, Carver! I mean being intimate."
"I don't think you have to worry about that. I can't think of anyone who would imitate you."
"Okay, let me make this as clear as possible to you. I won't be joining in sex with anyone until after I'm married."
"Really? I thought you were happy with your current type of Judaism. Why would you join one of the other sects after marriage?"
"Is it your goal in life to make things as difficult as possible, Carver?"
"Only on the weekends."
"Anyway, I'm concerned about Lor and Tino. These are our two best friends and they are going through the toughest time in their lives right now. I just wish that we could do more to help them."
"I feel the same way, but I think the only thing we can do is just step back and see what happens. We have to wait until we find out if Lor is really pregnant. Right now, those two need some time to think things over. As for us, we need to sit back and hope things work out because I can't take having a lack of an appetite."
"I don't think everything comes back to food."
"Well of course it doesn't. Everything comes back to food OR shoes."
"I know it's hard for you to be logical and reasonable when you haven't eaten your own weight in food, but could you at least try?"
"I do not eat my own weight in food, it's more like two times my-"
"Don't care! Not the point! Look, I'm concerned about our friends, and I would just like some support from you instead of your current asinine musings of nescience!"
"What in the blue hell did you just say?"
"Never mind. I want you to seriously think for a second about how things will be if Lor is pregnant. Imagine both she and Tino will have a child to take care of if that's the case. A living breathing child! The gift of life will be in their hands, and it will be up to them to make sure that child blooms and prospers. If that's the case then we will barely see them since they will be caring for a baby and possibly still trying to finish school. Can you possibly imagine not seeing them for a whole month, say?"
"True that. If Lor is pregnant then we will barely see them, and I can't really imagine that. So that's why instead I imagine that she isn't pregnant and that everything will be just like it has always been."
"Yeah, that is also a possibility, but that's pretty optimistic thinking."
"I know, but like I always say 'Optimism is the best policy'."
"Carver, you never say that, and it's 'Honesty is the best policy'."
"Oh yeah. Well, I've been meanin' to say it. Anyway, we have to remember both possibilities are open, and this situation can go either way."
"That's true. I really wish we knew because this anxiety is awful."
"Well, I've gotta hunch that we will find out today. It's just a guess, but you know I'm right, don't ya?"
"I'll take your word for it. I certainly hope we find out today because I'm dying to know."
Tino rushed over to Lor's house. He had awoken that morning with a determination stronger than he had ever felt before. He was going to go straight to Lor and declare his support as unwavering and infinite. He knew that he had told her the other day she had his support, but at the time he was unsure of himself. Now Tino was confident in his decision and he wasn't going to hold back. He wanted to make sure that he showed his will and love. Tino wanted to prove that he was a man and no coward. Once he got to Lor's house the door had barely opened and Tino was already heading directly to Lor's room. He was a man on a mission and he was going to achieve his goal. Tino didn't even bother knocking, he simply marched right into Lor's room.
"AHHH! Oh it's you, Tino. Thanks for knocking, geez. What if I had been naked or something?"
"Why would that be a problem? I've seen you naked before," Tino answered.
"Oh right. Still, please knock next time. I'm glad that you're here. I have been trying to call you all morning, but I couldn't get through," Lor said.
"Really? Well, I have something important to tell you," Tino replied.
"Okay, but I have to tell you this-"
"No, let me go first," Tino interjected.
"Yeah, but I need to-"
"No, Lor, I have to say this now. I need to tell you that I will stand by you no matter what. I will help support that child and you through whatever comes our way. I know I'm only sixteen like you, but I'll do whatever I can. I'm half the reason why we are in this situation so I want you to know you can count on me. I wasn't sure of that a few days ago, but I am now. I want it to be known that I love you and I won't abandon you!" Tino proudly proclaimed.
Lor smiled at him and said, "That's very sweet of you, Tino, but please don't stand on my chair."
"Oh sorry, it's a force of habit," Tino said hopping down.
"Well, I have to say I am touched by your outpouring of support, but late last night I had my period so everything is okay."
Tino stared at her for a few seconds registering what she had just said, "Sooooo, this means you aren't pregnant?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Tino once again just stood staring at her.
"Are you okay, Tino? Don't you have anything to say?"
"Yes, yes I do. WOO-HOO!!! In your face, Fate!! What a relief. I can't tell you how happy this makes me."
Lor giggled at Tino's exaggerated reaction, "Yeah, I'm really happy too. Now we can go on being the way we have always been."
"Yeah, but we learned a valuable lesson from all of this."
"Totally. Sex can definitely wait from now on."
"You said it. Man, Tish and Carver are going to be happy to hear this news," Tino commented.
"Yeah, but hey I have something else for you. I was going to give it to you on Friday since that was the Solstice and all, but obviously other things came up," Lor said reaching under her bed.
"Oh, thanks. You didn't have to do that," Tino responded.
Lor continued to rummage under her bed and eventually she pulled out a long box.
She handed it to him and said, "Happy Solstice."
Tino eagerly opened the present, thankful that this time his gift came in a box. Lor smiled as Tino's eyes widened when he had opened the box.
"Hey, it's that blue sweater I have had my eye on from Nuclear Fashion. Thanks a lot, Lor."
The two hugged each other tightly and when they let go Tino said, "Well, I can't be outdone here, so let me give you your Christmas gift which I have right here in my pocket."
Tino reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Lor quickly tore apart the wrapping paper and opened the box. She gasped when she saw that Tino had gotten her a silver ring.
"Oh, it's so nice, Tino!" Lor said sliding the ring on.
"Sorry, that it's just a plain ring with no patterns or anything, but I'm kind of short on cash," Tino said.
Lor pulled him into a hug and said, "Don't be so stupid. There's nothing to be sorry about. It's beautiful, and you know I'm not into fancy jewelry."
Lor pulled her head back and brought Tino into a deep, passionate kiss.
The two broke the kiss after a good ten minutes and Tino said, "Well, I'm gonna get goin' since this is Christmas Eve and I know you have stuff to do with your family and all."
"Okay then later days and Happy Solstice," Lor said smiling.
Tino smiled back and said, "Later days and Merry Christmas!"
Tino walked into his house with a new vigor since he no longer felt the future weighing on his mind. He almost was walking on air as he entered his kitchen and took his seat next to his mom.
His mom looked at him and said, "Well, you certainly seem a lot happier than you have in the past few days."
"Yeah, well one feels better when they know the future is bright and it's in the palm of their hands," Tino responded.
"Yeah I guess finding out you aren't going to be a sixteen year old father does make you happy."
Tino stared at his mom for a few seconds with a lack of amusement, "Seriously, that mind reading thing of yours is really freaky."
"Tino, I want you to know that I am proud of the fact that you handled the situation maturely. You were willing to stand by and support Lor and accept your responsibility in the whole predicament. Since you did that you really proved that you are a mature young man."
"Thanks, mom. It's good to hear that from you."
"Your welcome. Of course, it's also good to hear that I won't be a grandmother just yet."
"Yeah, that's true, but in a week you will be a wife again," Tino commented.
"Don't I know it, after twelve years of being divorced it's gonna be weird."
"Well I have confidence in you, mom. Hey, it's going to be weird for me having a full family."
"I guess so. Not only will you have a stepfather, but a stepsister as well. I think it's a good thing though; this house seems pretty lonely with just two of us around. Four people will make it more lively."
"I have to agree with you on that point. It will be nice to having more people living here. Although, I think four is enough and I'm glad there won't be a baby living here," Tino said.
"Yeah, well things worked out for you this time, but just remember you have your entire lives ahead of you. There is no need to rush into things," Tino's mom commented.
"I know. We both have learned a lot from this, and we know now to take things slowly."
"Good, because I wouldn't mind being a Grandmother just not at my age."
"I hear you. Don't worry about that. I'm just glad things will get back to normal now. It's nice to have things calmed down."
Tino's mom took a sip of her hot chocolate and nodded in agreement.
End of Chapter Fifteen
I would like to say that this chapter is dedicated to all the reviews that assumed Lor was pregnant. This one is for you. I must say, though, I do appreciate all reviews I receive so keep on submitting them. And as always if you hated this make sure to tell me in as of a much profane and hateful manner as you want. I love all reviews so say what you think. Alright then, keep readin' and reviewin'.