It was an unusually cold day for a graduation, but Clare didn't mind. It gave her an excuse to wear a large cardigan to cover her growing belly. Despite being six months along, the only people who knew about the baby were her and Eli's parents, Alli, and Darcy. Clare's parents weren't entirely thrilled, and Alli was extremely worried. Cece on the other hand…
"Ooh, what about Ophelia? Very Shakespearean!"
"Definitely not," said Clare. "We are standing firm on Helen for a girl."
"Ugh, so plain."
"It's my mother's name!" laughed Clare. "Her middle will be Cecelia." Cece gave an exaggerated stare.
"Should be reversed."
"Oh hush, you two," Bullfrog interrupted. "Eli's almost up." They all craned their necks to see, although being towards the back on a large crown, it didn't help much, so they resigned to watching the screen in the corner.
"I can't believe my baby's graduating college," sighed Cece emotionally.
"He's come a long way," said Bullfrog. "You both have."
"Thank you," Clare said, smiling. "Doesn't feel like it sometimes." Cece took Clare's hands in hers.
"I know this wasn't the plan, but it's not a roadblock. You're just taking the scenic route. It'll happen to you too, baby girl." The two leaned in for a hug, just as Eli's name was being called.
"Elijah Elliot Goldsworthy!" Cece and Bullfrog immediately stood up and started screaming their praise while Clare cheered from her seat. She jumped a little when Bullfrog blew an air horn, and could see on the screen that Eli was laughing as he exited the stage.
"Ooh, there's a good boy name," said Bullfrog as he sat back down. "And I'm not just saying that because it's my name too."
"Elliot is really nice," agreed Clare.
"Oh sure, his name goes to the top of the list, but not Cecelia," Cece joked. The three laughed as the rest of the graduates were called and after a series of boring speeches by the staff, caps were tossed and Eli was officially an NYU graduate.
After some scattering about, Eli made his way to the back of the crowd and into the outstretched arms of his parents.
"My baby!"
"We are so proud of you, dude!"
"Okay, can't breathe," gasped Eli from somewhere in the dogpile.
"We would've brought flowers, but I may have accidentally left them in the car overnight," Bullfrog said as he let go.
"Boo, rip off!" Eli joked.
"Thankfully I am making up for it with dinner," said Clare leaning up for a kiss.
"Greasy dollar pizza?" asked Eli.
"Of course! It's what the baby wants." Cece and Bullfrog high-fived at the concept. "Shall we get going? It's getting a bit crowded for me."
"Lead the way, graduate," Cece said, bowing her arms. Eli took Clare on his arm as his parents trailed behind them.
"Are you feeling okay? We're you too cold?" he asked Clare.
"No, we're okay," she answered, holding her belly. "Carrying a growing watermelon makes you sweat really easily." The pair laughed as Eli kissed the top of her head. "Also, your dad gave me an idea."
"Oh no, that doesn't sound good," said Eli. "The last time he had an idea, I lost an eyebrow."
"Hardee har har," Clare mocked. "It's good. It's a baby name. Elliot."
"Oh, you mean the family name that I suggested three months ago?"
"First trimester Clare was a completely different person, don't judge."
"Okay, okay." Eli glanced down at Clare's belly. "So Helen/Elliot, I hope you know what you're being birthed into."
"The best family ever!" called Cece from behind them. Clare let out a sigh.
"I'm still nervous," she said.
"I know," said Eli. "But we've come this far. And the doctor's been really good with keeping an eye on you and the baby."
"You really think we can do it?"
"I know we can. I know you can. You're Clare Edwards, my amazing, brilliant, beautiful fiancee. There's nothing you can't handle." Clare leaned her head onto his arm and smiled.
"I love you, Eli."
"I love you, Clare." The pair shared a kiss as CeCe and Bullfrog looked on in mock disgust. Eli cast a middle finger at them as the smell of pizza drifted closer and closer.
I'm back bitches eheheh but seriously, sorry for the delay! Life has kinda hit me hard and I've needed to come back to myself. I think one more chapter will be done and then this story will be complete! Thanks for sticking around and I hope to see you for the next chapter!
