Louise had now been back for almost two months and had no immediate plans to leave. It was Kyle's fourth birthday party.
"Oh aren't they cute," said Louise who was on the porch with the grown ups while the kids played.
"What?" asked Darren.
"Ellie look," she said pointing to where Ellie was currently ordering around, Liam, Clinton and Lirlyn's son.
"I wonder where she gets that from," teased Darren.
"And what do you mean by that?" said Louise innocently.
"It just looks a little familiar that's all. Well at least she isn't making him play house, like someone I know did to me," said Darren.
"Uh you spoke too soon," said Louise just as Ellie flung a doll into Liam's arms and ordered him to feed it.
"She's just like her big sister," said Darren.
"I'm gonna tell Jess you said that," said Louise sticking out her tongue.
"I wasn't talking about Jess"
Later in the afternoon, Louise was helping Melanie set up the birthday cake.
"So what are you up to?" Mel asked her.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean are you seeing anyone, got anything you want to tell me,"
"No, and I don't think so," said Louise not knowing that Darren was now standing behind her talking to Jake.
"You sure?"
"Momma what's this about?"
"I was just wondering if you knew you were pregnant, that's all," said Mel, causing Darren to take a sudden interest in what they were saying.
"What?" spluttered Louise, "W-what makes you say that?"
"Mother's instinct. So you didn't know?"
"No, I mean I'm not, I can't be"
"You sure"
"Uh… yeah… uh… oh," said Louise very eloquently, still in shock.
"I think you'll find I'm right. Who's the father?" gushed Mel.
"Momma, I'm not, just drop it," said Louise as she walked off muttering, "it's not possible"
After Kyle had blown out his candles and all the children went back to playing on the bouncy castle Jake had rented for the party. Louise slipped away thinking nobody saw her.
"Lou," Darren shouted down the street at her.
She twirled round, "What? I just came out for some fresh air,"
"Are you sure?"
"What yes. Why do people keep asking me that today?"
"I just meant are you sure you're not on the way to the pharmacy?"
"What? Why would you say that? Why would I be going there?" said Louise trying to sound natural but failing miserably.
"I uh overheard you and your Momma talking"
"Oh which part?"
"The part where she said you were pregnant"
"What oh she was just being silly, there's no way"
"We both know it's possible"
"It's not really," said Louise still trying to kid herself.
"Lou we had sex 2 weeks ago, we didn't use protection. And you refuse to even talk about it"
"Alright so it's possible, but I'm not really I'm not even that late"
"You're late and you didn't tell me," said Darren.
"One day, I am one day late it's hardly something to panic about"
"Who's panicking?"
"Well me for starters"
"Why?" he asked calmly.
"Why? Have you not been paying attention?"
"I have but I see it as nothing to panic about, if you are it's great…"
"Shut up"
"No, you shut up"
"I can't believe we're having this argument, just go back to the party, I just want some fresh air"
"No, I'm not going back. We're going to the chemist to get a test and then we are going to wait for the results"
"Why? I told you I'm one day late, this happens all the time"
"But you're Momma doesn't always announce that you're pregnant"
"Yeah well," said Louise childishly, "I'm a big girl I can pee on a stick by myself"
"Oh no you don't not this time. I'm coming with you"
"Well I'm glad to see you do trust me again after the first time," said Louise.
"That's not going to work either. You dragging me into an argument, so I'll give in,"
"I hate you"
"Now you're being childish, you just hate that I can see right through you. Now are you coming or am I going to have to carry you?"
"Fine," said Louise stomping ahead.
Darren just rolled his eyes and followed her. When they came out of the chemist Louise started stomping again, not saying a word. Darren jogged a little til he caught up with her.
"Why are you being like this? Is it… would… will it be mine?" he asked.
Louise stopped and turned to him, for a moment he thought he was going to get a slap.
"I'm going to let you get away with that, only because your wife had Bo's baby, other wise you'd be through that car window," she said.
"I'm going to assume that's a yes," said Darren then Louise started stomping again, "What the hell is the matter with you then?"
"Nothing"
"It's something"
"I just… want to find out before I think or…"
"Alright okay, we're here anyway," said Darren they were now outside his house.
They went inside.
"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked, she just looked so unsure.
"I think I can pee alone thanks"
"Okay fine, just come out as soon as you're done. I want to see…"
"You're seriously weird you know that?" said Louise before going into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Darren knocked on the door, "What's taking so long?"
"It's just…"
"What?"
"I don't have to go"
"Try"
"I can't do when there is so much pressure"
"Turn on the taps. Just do it before I come in there and…"
"You really do want to see me pee don't you?"
"I don't know about pee, but I wouldn't mind…"
"Don't even say it"
"Fine, just hurry up"
A couple of minutes later Louise came out.
"Here," she said handing the white stick to Darren who was hovering outside the door.
"That's nice real nice,"
"You're the one who wanted to see"
"See, not hold the pee stick"
"I don't want to hold it either,"
Darren went and sat it down on the coffee table in the living room, then he sat down on the sofa next to Louise.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah I guess"
They sat in silence for the next three minutes anxiously waiting.
"It's time," said Louise looking at her watch, "you look I can't"
Darren nodded got up and picked up the stick.
"Well?"
"It's positive"