Shelly's mind began to drift back to when the arguments had started. Everything had been fine before her mother had gone to that health spa with her friend. Her mom had been looking forward to her birthday treat for a long time and, unbeknownst to her, Shelly's dad had organised to follow her to the spa. He had been away on business for quite some time so he decided to surprise her. Everything obviously didn't go to plan because they returned two days early and had been fighting ever since. It was really taking it's toll on Leslie, who had even started comfort eating, and the effects were starting to show.
Shelly snapped back into reality as they pulled into the driveway. They silently got out of the car and entered the house. Her father was home early, which meant that he at least would be in a favourable mood. Shelly put her book bag down and started to make her way to her room, but her mother stopped her.
"Shell, honey, I have some news that you and your father need to hear", Leslie said, trying to sound firm.
Before Shelly had time to ask questions, her dad appeared, hearing himself being mentioned.
"Family meeting, is it?" Dean said coldly.
He ushered the ladies into the living room and stood behind the sofa expectantly. Shelly moved the duvet and pillows from the sofa and sat down. Leslie stood to address the two of them. She took a deep breath and began.
"I…", she stuttered, "I went to see the doctor today."
Seeing the reaction on her only daughter's face, she reassured her.
"Shell, don't worry, I'm okay. Well, I'm not sick."
Dean gave two short coughs, indicating he thought this fact about his beloved wife was less than true. Leslie ignored his interjection and continued.
"Well, see, the thing is…" Leslie paused, plastered a weak smile on her face and with a deep breath she announced, "I'm pregnant".
Shelly felt a sudden surge of scrambled emotions and she didn't know what she though of this revelation.
"How far gone are you?" Shelly asked in a small voice.
Her mother hesitated and, glancing at Dean, said "Three months".
Doing some quick calculation in her head, Shelly worked out that her new sibling must have been conceived on her mother's birthday trip, since her father had been away before that and her parents had been fighting ever since. Just as she was about to share this fact, she suddenly became aware of her father's reaction. His usual stony face was certainly not lacking emotion. Shelly had no trouble telling that he was not pleased with the news. She could tell that he was getting ready to vocalise his thoughts, but nothing could have prepared her for what he was about to say.
"Leslie", he spat through gritted teeth, " I have already played 'Daddy' to one child that isn't mine, don't make the mistake of thinking I'll do it again."