AN: I wish I could give everyone a epic reason as to why I haven't updated, but the only one I have is writer's block. I'm hoping to be able to post more frequently, but I don't want to make promises that I might break. I just hope you enjoy this latest chapter.
March 26, 2005 Saturday
After one more day, of observation, upon his mother's request, Finn was released from the hospital. It wasn't without stipulations, though. Finn was ordered, by the hospital, to see a psychologist twice a week for a month, and was required, by his mother, to move back home until the next school year.
There was no point arguing it. His options were to either move home, or have his mother move into the apartment with him. He decided it wouldn't hurt to be waited on at home.
His mother had hired two home helpers. One was to take care of him during the day and the other was to check up on him throughout the night.
She was going the extra mile to make sure nothing like this happened again.
The fourth day home Finn was starting to feel a bit stir-crazy. Usually, during spring break, he would attend the wildest parties every night, and either sleep the day away, or hang with the LDB. The past week had been nothing but laying around in bed. He had read books and played video games, but it all became dull.
But he had to keep himself busy. If he didn't his mind would wander. He would start to think about the situation back in the hospital.
He hadn't gotten to see Rory since the day she told him the news. She had to go back home, but not before promising that no big decisions would be made without him.
He hadn't shared any information with his mom yet. Even though it seemed like there was no chance Rory would have an abortion, he wanted to be cautious. It was her body and her final decision. If she got home and changed her mind about keeping it, it was no right of his to fault her.
But he was going absolutely insane not getting to talk to her.
It wasn't until the second week that she finally paid him a visit.
She was a vision.
She was wearing a simple white sundress and black converse. Her hair was braided down her back and she had just a hint of makeup on.
He could also swear she was glowing.
He waited until she spoke first. Even though they were okay when they parted last, he had heard tales of hormone shifts in pregnant women causing them to feel different about situations than they did before.
"Hi," she said shyly as she took his inflatable chair, moved it next to his bed, and sat down.
"Hey," he replied, feeling a little lame for his short reply, even though her introduction was just as short.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Finn decided to be the gentleman and start the conversation. "So how are you feeling?" Another lame line Finn, he thought to himself.
If Rory thought the same, she didn't let it show. She smiled sweetly and sat forward in her seat, "Surprisingly well. I'm really glad we got to talk at the hospital. I feel like a one of the weights has been lifted from my chest."
Finn felt his heart lighten. He was glad that she was feeling better. "That's great luv." He didn't know what else to say.
Luckily, Rory had more to talk about. "Finn, I have decided that I'm going to keep the baby."
Finn was sure his heart was going to explode with joy. "That's wonderful," he did his best to not sound too eager, but it wasn't the easiest of tasks.
She moved from the chair to sit on his bed. "Look, I know you never signed up for a baby, so it is okay if you would rather not lay claim and step away now,"
"Rory, I,"
"And don't try to be a gentleman and take responsibility because you think you have to. It's not something I'm expecting you to do,"
"Rory, I,"
"My mom raised me by herself, and she was only 16 at the time. I'm more that capable of being a single mother at 21. You shouldn't have to give up,"
Finn covered her mouth with his hand before she could continue any further. "Rory, if you think for one second that I am going to walk away from you and my child, you are a complete nut job. There is no way in hell that I am going to do anything less than be the best fucking dad that child could ever ask for."
Tears started to well up in your eyes. "Finn, I…I don't know what to say. I know what you said at the hospital, but I didn't know if you really meant it."
Finn grabbed both her hands in his, "Rory, there is nothing you can do to keep me Out of this baby's life."
He could see her physically sag with relief.
"There is one thing we have to do though. Something that's going to be a bit hard for the both of us."
She tensed back up slightly, "What is that?"
"We are going to have to tell our families."
"My mom already knows."
"Yes, but mine doesn't. Neither does anyone else in my family, not that it really matters that my father or my sisters know, but I do have grandparents that would like to know that they are going to be great-grandparents."
She nodded in agreement.
"And speaking of which, I would bet a million bucks that you haven't told your grandparents, or anyone besides your mother for that matter."
She sighed, and he knew it was a sign that he was correct.
"I know I know, but that is one bout of disappointment I'd like to avoid for as long as possible."
Finn knew Rory's history with her grandparents. She was beloved by them dearly. They had helped her to get to where she was now. Her biggest fear was to do something that would make them no longer proud of her. She never wanted to have the broken relationship with them that they had had with her mom.
"Rory, I know it's scary, the fear of disappointing someone, but it's far better to get it over with and be truthful, than keep secrets. That will only make things worse when they finally come out."
She let out a breathy sigh, "you're right."
"I know I am," he said smugly.
She playfully hit him on the arm.
He tried to not to wince, his stiches were long gone, but he wasn't at all fully healed. He knew he failed when a look of fear wash over Rory's face.
"Oh my god Finn, I'm so sorry, I…I forgot." Panic was rising in her voice.
Finn grabbed her and forced her to look at him, "Rory, it's okay."
She shook her hear causing tears to spill down her cheeks.
"Rory, you know this wasn't your fault, right?" Before she could protest, and he knew she was going tom he continued, "this was all on me. I get too emotional, and I lose control. I don't check myself; I don't go to anyone for help, and I especially don't care how my actions affect other people. " He wiped a tear from her chin, "I need to learn to deal with my emotions better, and not do stupid shit when things don't go my way."
"But Finn, if I hadn't,"
"If you hadn't nothing," He cut her off, "If I hadn't pushed you, and just done like you asked, you wouldn't have gone to the measures you felt you had to go to. Besides, they are mending quite well. My nurse says they will probably be completely healed by the end of April."
She didn't say anything. He didn't know if she was placated with his answer, or if she knew it was pointless to argue with him.
"So," She started, breaking another stretch of silence, her voice heavy with the threat of more tears, "what is the game plan then? Who do we tell, and when?"
He could still tell she was unsure about the whole thing, but he would be there to support her the entire way.
"We'll start with my family and work our way to your grandparents. However, once we tell my sisters I suggest we tell Emily and Richard ASAP. Isabella And Camila are gossip-queens. Give them an hour and half the town will know that you're pregnant."
"Then could we tell them last?" she pleaded.
He nodded.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him until she was laying alongside him. She settled to the curve of his body, her head resting on his shoulder.
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask you before we move one to tell everyone."
"Hmm, what's that?"
He shifted himself so he was laying on his side, looking down at her. "Are you still my girl?"
He could see that she stopped breathing for a brief moment.
She sat up slightly, causing her face to be mere inches away from his. "You still want me as your girl?" She sounded a mix between awe and confused.
"Are you serious?" Finn asked almost too bluntly. "I have wanted you from the first moment I saw you. Those feelings have not gone anywhere. In fact, I think they've just intensified now that I know you're carrying my child."
She scrunched her nose, "You haven't wanted me since you first saw me."
"Oh, believe me when I say, yes I have." He traced her cheek with his thumb, "there was just something about you that drew me in. I can't explain it, but I knew I wanted to be the one that you called yours. I wanted to be special enough for you to choose."
She leaned into his touch, "Finn, you are the most special person I have ever met. I would be thrilled to still be considered your girl."
Finn smile so wide that his face hurt slightly. He closed the small gap between them and pressed his lips to hers.