By: Izabel
Chapter 18: Tell The Truth
*~*~*~*
"Maybe you should go to the doctor."
Kekoa didn't look up. She didn't look anywhere for that matter. She'd just heaved the meager contents of her stomach into the toilet at JD and Jason's apartment as JD was walking in. He'd gotten off early so they could meet Jason and Max to celebrate her birthday.
Kekoa flushed the toilet and lifted herself from the floor, exhausted and weak. She sagged slightly as JD gripped her upper arms, gently helping her.
"I'll call Max and Jason and tell them you're sick," he offered, handing her a damp cloth to wipe off her mouth.
Kekoa looked up at him, her eyes finally meeting his. She was blown away by the amount of love and concern that rested there. "Don't…don't call them."
"But you're sick," he began to protest.
"I'm not…sick," she murmured, stepping around him and going into the hall. She walked slowly to his bedroom and sank onto the bed. She didn't need to turn around to know he was leaning against the doorframe studying her.
"Kekoa, what's going on?" There was an edge to his voice now; he knew she was keeping something from him. That she'd been hiding something for a while now.
"I guess it's time I told you," she managed to choke out, still not daring to meet his gaze. If she looked into his eyes—those trusting eyes—she'd break down. JD waited patiently.
"I'm pregnant."
The two words exploded between them and Kekoa closed her eyes, mentally steeling herself for his angry words. She opened her eyes slowly when she felt the bed shift under his weight as he sat beside her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he reached for her hands and squeezed them.
Her shoulders dropped in relief as she realized he wasn't going to yell. "I guess…I was scared," she admitted.
JD tucked a strand of hair back from her face, trailing his fingertips gently down the delicate curve of her jaw. "You should have trusted me."
"I know." Kekoa felt a tear slip out of the corner of one eye. JD wiped it away soundlessly. He pulled her to him and she crawled willingly onto his lap, resting her head against his broad shoulder as his arms circled her.
It was minutes before JD broke the silence. "I don't ever want you to hide something from me. You can always come to me, Kekoa."
She pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. "I know…I'm sorry, JD."
He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, then her lips. "How far along are you?"
Kekoa smiled shyly. "A little over nine weeks."
JD dropped one hand to her stomach and let it rest there. He looked at her seriously. "I love you. And I'll love our child."
Kekoa felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. "I know," she nodded. "I love you, too."
*~*~*~*
"Will you please tell me what's going on?" Max begged as Jason led her forward. One of his hands covered her eyes while the other rested on her hip to guide her.
Max stumbled and his hold her tightened. "OK, this isn't fun anymore, Jase."
Jason smiled broadly down at his girlfriend. "Just a few more steps," he promised against her ear. A few steps later they stopped.
Max waited, leaning her back against his front. "Now what?"
Jason lowered his hand and Max yelped slightly in shock as the majority of the Baywatch staff yelled, "Surprise!" She stumbled backwards into Jason, who held her by the shoulders to support her.
"Happy birthday!" Kekoa beamed as she quickly ran to Max's side, hugging her best friend.
Max gaped at them all, taking in the dozens of people, the mountain of presents on the table in the corner, the streamers hanging from every corner of Baywatch Headquarters, the balloons…everything.
"This is for me?" Max asked quietly, stunned.
Jason kissed her cheek. "Happy birthday."