Lincoln and Haiku are faced with the opportunity to become parents, how will this decision affect their families?
Haiku stared at her boyfriend for a moment, unsure if she should burst out laughing or pass out. Honestly, now both options seemed equally tempting, as his statement was as ridiculous as it was shocking. She simply couldn't get pregnant, she was too young, and just a few days ago, she was a goddamn virgin. It just couldn't happen, but not because of that old safe first-time myth. After all, it was utter crap that had even less to do with my logic than her sudden vomiting. Although no, sorry, her vomiting happened to have quite a logical explanation, namely the food she had started eating in the last few days. More specifically, meals that made her boyfriend's infamous sandwiches seem normal, or in short, one that must have caused her gastric problems sooner or later, and in her case decided to do it later. Briefly, they decided to do it when it was clear to the gloomy girl that they couldn't be responsible for her sudden vomits. Well, at least they couldn't be directly responsible, but on the other hand, possession or pregnancy, of which they were a typical symptom, could already be.
So if the goth wasn't possessed by the demon, and she couldn't be, the only logical conclusion was that she was pregnant. In short, she was in a state that should have made her happy, given that she had long dreamed of raising Lincoln's children, but now somehow, she couldn't feel it.
Even worse, now the only emotion she could feel was, well, for sure, not fear. After all, fear is something to feel when you imagine something terrible, and being an unemployed teenage mother wasn't such a thing. So it, for sure, wasn't it or even any similar emotions ... It was a bad, old panic attack.
In other words, it was something she believed she left in the past, but, unfortunately, now she experienced it again. Well, or at least she almost did it because, to her relief, before she could turn into a nervous wreck, Lincoln took action and hugged her. More specifically, he hugged her in a protective manner that eased her anxiety almost as successfully as his words:
-Shhh, relax, my dark princess, don't panic. After all, we still don't know if this is it, or maybe you just ate something indigestible, and that's all.
-But what if it is not it and I am really pregnant? What then?
-Then I will have to start looking for a job to help you raise our babe. -The teenager said as if it was nothing.
-Wait, do you really mean it? Do you really mean that if I am pregnant, you want to raise this baby with me? -Haiku asked, surprised by his carefree and touched by his words.
-Of course, I do, my angel of darkness, and what? Did you think, I would force you to have an abortion or to give them up for adoption? -The boy replied, sounding as if he could get offended if she confirmed his suspicions.
-Umm, actually, yes, my white angel.- His girlfriend admitted.
-But, why, my angel of darkness? - Confused teenager asked, then added: - After all, I told you myself that I would be happy to raise your children.
- I know, my white prince, and I'm sorry I doubted you. - Black-haired girl apologized, then added: - It's just I thought it was only something you said in the heat of the moment, and that, really, you didn't mean it.
-Ohh, I understand, my dark princess, but believe me, you have nothing to worry about. I promised that I would be the father of our child, and I am gonna keep that promise. - Lincoln swore.
-It's great to hear that, but are you sure about it? After all, you are young and, for sure, have dreams or life plans.
-And what if I have?
-Umm, that our child will surely make it harder for you to fulfill them, and I don't want it for you.- Haiku explained, touching her belly.
-Oh, thanks, my princess of darkness, that's very kind of you but remember that we still don't know if something is up, and even if, it still means nothing. After all, we can always try to reconcile it, and if we fail, then... Well then, my dreams will have to wait a little longer.
Lincoln stated, shrugging his shoulders at the end, and smiling in that disarming way that always comforted her, but, unfortunately, it didn't work this time. This time, instead of the standard leap into his arms with joy, the goth only made a worried face with which she stated:
-Umm, Thank you, my white angel, that's really sweet, and I appreciate it with all my heart, but I'm sorry, I just can't let you pay for something that is just my mistake.
And with that, the girl was ready to start crying again, but luckily before that happened, her boyfriend hugged her and replied reassuringly:
-Hey, don't say that my princess of darkness - it wasn't anyone's mistake, and even if it is, we're both equally guilty. - Then he placed his hand on her belly and joked:
- After all, someone had to put that potential child inside you.
-Hehee, right, my white angel, but it still doesn't mean you are obligated to raise it.
- No, my dark angel, that's, precisely what it means. After all, I was taught to always take responsibility for my actions, and I intend to take full responsibility for this. - The boy replied and kissed her cheek. -The boy replied and kissed her on the cheek.
-Hehehe, you know what, my white angel, you sound like you already know I'm really pregnant.
-What can I say? - Lincoln replied, then looked at her belly and added tenderly: - I have a good feeling about it.
-Heh, it's like me, my white angel, but better don't get our hopes up. After all, we still need to confirm it. -The gloomy girl stated matter-of-factly.
-Then, what would you say about heading home, so Lisa could examine you? -White-haired suggested.
- I'd say let's hurry, my white angel, and let's find out by mortal magic whether or not you put our offspring in my womb.
And with that, the goth girl cuddled up to his arm, making him smile as he led them out of the coffee shop and then started walking them home. More specifically, he began walking them home that was placed far enough away to give them time for a short conversation, and they didn't hesitate to take the opportunity. What's more, they did it eagerly, and unfortunately, it was a mistake. All because, of course, their possible child quickly became the main topic of this conversation. In short, the main theme became something that should make them happy, and of course, it did. The thing that made them unhappy, or, better said, it made them worried too much to let them be happy, was that they would have to tell their parents, and they had good reason to feel like that. After all, even if it was impossible that their parents would do something straight out of a cheesy romantic comedy, there was still a slim chance that becoming grandparents so early might displease them. Worse than that, the possibility of that was high enough that as soon as both teenagers understood it, they immediately interrupted their talk to find the best way to tell their parents. Well, or at least, they tried to do so because, unfortunately, none of them succeeded in this field, causing all they could do was improvise.
In short, they could only do what Lincoln was going to do when, after a few last words of encouragement to his girlfriend and taking a deep breath, he entered their house, announcing:
- Hey, family, we are home!
And yes, that announcement worked like a lamp's light on the moths because even before they could go fully inside, his family started collecting in the hall to question him about his date. The first was his dad, who, mixing something in the bowl, came out of the kitchen, and asked them:
- Ohh, hey champ, you are earlier than I expected. Did something happen?
- Umm, yes, dad, actually it did...
The boy started admitting, but he never could finish. All because before he could, his sisters' feet steps started sounding upstairs, forcing him to state in hurry:
- but maybe we'd better talk about it over dinner - it's something the whole family should know.
- Indeed, Papa.- His step-daughter agreed, then added: - Besides, I think, right now, it's not the best time since soon we will be taken into the crossfire of questions.
- Hehehe, yes, you are absolutely right, daughter. - The man agreed with her, then added: - Alright, kids, so it's decided, we'll end this conversation over lunch, and now you guys try to please your sisters' curiosity, okay?
And with that, Lynn Sr. looked at his son, who gave him a thumbs-up in agreement, causing him to nod first, then tactically retreat into the kitchen, which, anyway, he did just in time.
All because just when he did it, his daughters finally reached the hall and did what they could do the best. This means that the girls began bombarding the pair with questions in a way that both made them unable to understand as well as one that made Lincoln shout at them after a few failed tries of calling them:
- Girls! - Then, when his sudden scream brought a result and his sisters looked at him between ashamed and waiting, he added:- Please calm down, I promise I'll answer all your questions, but can we do it in order or you won't know anything.
And this question made, all of them nod or showed their agreement in other ways, so the white-haired finished:- Alright, then who goes first?
Briefly, he made a question that, usually, would cause another argument, but, this time, the girls, both ashamed of their behaviors and wanting to find the answer to their inquiries, didn't do it. Instead of that, they let the first of them who raised a hand ask their question, and that meant nobody else than Luan who asked:
-Umm, then maybe me?
- And that made the white-haired move his head as if he said: "Come on." which caused her to add:- Alright, so I think it's a pretty obvious question, but can you tell us how it's gone?
- Of course, Luan.- The boy agreed, then started describing how their date had gone, thus starting the round of question and answer. To be exact, he started the round of the Q&A which was hard for them, and this had nothing to do with the fact that it was very long or even that some questions were really awkward. That, of course, mattered here too, but, in this case, the bigger problem for the couple was the simple fact that they tried to avoid giving clues as to why they had returned early. Well, at least they tried it in the beginning because, of course, their sisters weren't born yesterday, so Luna quickly guessed what they tried to do and asked on behalf of the others:
-Hey bro, you know, I just noticed you're trying to avoid talking to us about something, and I can't help but ask - Does this have anything to do with your early comeback?
- Yes, Luna, It does, but sorry, if you want to know what is it, then you will have to wait until dinner, okay? - The teenager confirmed.
- Sure, bro, no problem, but why is all this mystery? Can't you simply tell it now?- The chestnut wondered.
- Unfortunately, no, my musical sister, because the secret we hide from you should be told only in the presence of everyone, including those who gave you life. - Haiku explained, causing their sisters to show their understanding in all possible ways. Well, or at least it was in most cases because Lynn, instead of that, said:
- Wow, I see that whatever it is, it must be something big.
-You even don't know how big, Lynn.- Lincoln agreed with her, then added:- I would even say this news might change our whole life.
-Really, if that is so, then maybe you should spit it out already.- The sporty chestnut suggested.
- Hehehe, nice try, Lynn, but as I said, you will have to wait until dinner to find out.- Her brother repeated his condition, then added to the sisters who clearly thought about tricking him into telling everyone: - and the same is true for all of you. Is that clear?
- Yeah, bro.- His rocker sister accepted on behalf of everybody, then added on behalf of those who were unhappy with that fact - Although it still stinks to me.
- I know, Luns, but believe me, this will be worthy of your waiting.- The teenager promised, putting a hand on her shoulder, then added:- So can you do me this favor and wait a little longer?
-Ehh, fine, li'l dude, I will do my best but better if it will be something really great.
Rocker agreed, and like all sisters, she kept her word. Okay, they barely kept it, but it mattered anyway because neither of them brought up the subject until, after setting the table, Haiku joined them with her Chromebook, because then Lola did it by asking:
- Well, Lincy, as you can see, the whole family is present, so I think it's time for you to share this big news you have for us.
-I'm sorry, Lola, but you're wrong here, we're short of two people.- Lincoln remarked thus causing his sisters to be confused.
- Two? Literally, what are you talking about, twerp? - Lori asked on behalf of everyone, then added: - After all, our whole family is together, isn't it?
-Yes, that's right, Lori, our family is together.
Her brother confirmed, and then his girlfriend, sitting down next to him, added:
-However, the same cannot be said of mine, and those who brought me into this cruel, dark world where are only two rays of the sun should hear about it as well. So before my beloved angel briefs you on the truth, I'd like to contact them. Of course, if my non-blood parents let me.
And with that ask, the goth looked at them, making her parents nod in agreement, which let Haiku do three things. The first was to open the purple Lenovo, the second was to contact her parents via "Close-away" chat, and the last was to accidentally cause her mother's panic attack. Exactly, not an explosion of joy, not hype, not even a surprise, just a panic attack, and against all logic, it wasn't surprising. After all, considering that her daughter only called her at fixed hours to not disturb her at work or when the situation was an emergency, it was clear that something happened. In short, it was possible that her daughter might be in trouble, so the fact that she panicked was perfectly understandable and even a little touching here.
Well, or at least it was touching at first because then her chatter started to get a little irritating, even to her daughter, who was eventually forced to silence her. To be exact, she did first by screaming at her: "Mom", and then, when her mother shut up, by promising:
- I am aware that being the one who gave me a life obligates you to worry about me, but I promise - the unexpected call I made toward you by this modern magic mirror is not a harbinger of bad news. So, please, mom, can you stop panicking and allow me to explain why I called instead of assuming the worst right away?
- Exactly, honey. I know you are worried about our little girl, but don't you think you overdid with that here?
- Mmm, yes, I think that maybe a little.- His wife agreed with him and then looked at their daughter to apologize: - I am sorry, my little vamp.
- No problem, mother- I should have warned you too that I'm going to call, so it's equally at fault for both of us.- The girl stated, and then added:
- Besides, as I said, I am aware that worry about my good-being comes with being my mother, so I can't be angry about you doing what is your duty, can't I?
- Hehehe, no, definitely no, my little vamp, but you can stop avoiding the topic as you try to do it now.- The older woman suggested, showing how well she knew her daughter.
- Heheheh, I see that your mind is as sharp as ever, mother, and I can be just grateful for that because now I have no choice but to tell you that. -Haiku replied, amused by her mom's intuition, and then revealed:
- Today, I started vomiting without any logical reason except that, for the last few days, I was hungry for really odd food.
-Wait, you started vomiting, and that's all? Sorry, girl, but it's no reason to call all of us here - just take some medicine.- Lynn stated a bit of disappointment, thus showing what the rest of his sisters thought.
Well, or at least, she said what most of them think because Lisa immediately understood what Haiku really wanted to say and didn't hesitate to illuminate it to her:
-You don't get it, sports-oriented sister unit. The reason, our other occult-oriented sister unit called us here is not because of some stomach ailment but because she is afraid that her initiation of sex life without protection led to the obvious result.
- Obvious result, do you say my little vampire might be pregnant? - Haiku's mother asked worriedly.
- No, miss Devoe, I just say that your daughter is worried about it possible, but it's nothing confirmed.- And with that, the little genius looked at Haiku: - Don't it, my occulted-oriented sister unit?
-Yes, yes, my wise sister from another mother, this is still unconfirmed information, so I am asking you to use your futuristic magic to check it out. - Haiku stated.
- Of course, my occult-occupied sister unit, I will do it with pleasure as soon as we finish the dinner. - Lisa promised.
- That is excellent news, my brilliant sister, can't wait for this time.
-Excellent news? Do you know what you are even talking about - after all, you can find out that you are pregnant!
Her father cut in suddenly, and he certainly didn't sound pleased. Even worse, he sounded pretty angry, and his words only confirmed it:
- Do you know how it can affect your future? You are still too young to have a child.
Briefly, he said something that usually Haiku would find as a sign of his worry, but this time it wasn't so. This time, since it wasn't even confirmed information and her father sounded like confirmation would only make him angry, Haiku only got upset. Even worse, she almost had a panic attack accompanied by loud crying, which immediately led to two events. The first was that most of her siblings started trying to comfort her or calm her down. The second was to try to calm her father, who kept scolding her for the possibility that she was pregnant, which her mother took care of, reminding him:
-Hey, calm down, honey. Can't you see that your screams terrify our little girl?
-Exactly, Mr. Devoe. I know you are concerned about the whole situation, but the screams will not help here. - Lisa supported her.
-Ohh, and what, in your opinion, would help here smart-ass brat?- The businessman stated, then replied himself: -
Maybe, for example, let them have this damn brother and plenty more?
-First of all, Mr. Devoe, allow me to ignore what you call me because I know that you are under the influence of strong emotions. - Lisa replied, trying to keep calm, then added:
Secondly - yes, that's what I wanted to suggest to you as the best solution, considering...
And here, the genius probably wanted to add something about the man's daughter's well-being, but this would have to stay as speculation because before she could say anything more, The businessman objected to her:
-Hell no, I will never let my daughter become a young mother.
- But, Mr. Devoe, please consider your daughter's feelings - if you force her to have an abortion, then maybe...
- I already said no, and none of your arguments will change my mind. -Haiku's father interrupted her again, then added:
-So either my daughter will abort this bastard or her leg...
And here, he definitely meant to say that if his daughter didn't get an abortion, he wouldn't let her come home, but he never managed to do that. All because before he could say anything else, his speech was interrupted by a hard slap on the tabletop that was done by Lincoln.
In short, the last person you'd expect to do such an aggressive action did it, so that was already really surprising, however, here, the boy, in addition, did two even more shocking things. The first was to look at the man with a look he immediately recognized as the same that tough negotiators did when they got serious, and the last was to yell violently at him:
- Can you shut your damn mouth for a second and listen to what others have to say, you fucking idiot?
And that one sentence turned out to be all it took to finally shut Haii
Great. So first, let me apologize for raising my voice, Mr. DeVoe, but I just couldn't stand you trying to win Worst Father of the Year with all that yelling.
In short, he said something that, even if it was a little cheesy, still made everyone laugh, but it didn't last long because soon the boy asked a strange question:
-And now that we're done with that, let me ask you... What exactly are you angry about?
-What am I angry about, and what should I be angry about? Of course about that my daughter may be pregnant!
- Oh, really, because to me, that sounds like a cheap excuse for your worry it could damage your reputation if this ever leaked to the public.
The teen repeated three of his most common points, then laughed them all off:
-Pff, you know what, Mr. Devoe, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you just made them up on the spur of the moment because, frankly, none of them make any sense.
- And with that, he explained why he thinks so:-
First is the pregnancy issue. To me, that's just stupid because, if I remember correctly, it takes one man and one woman to do it so your daughter, at worst, is only half to blame, and to me, she's completely innocent. You know, after all, the only reason she's in this condition is that I didn't have enough self-control to stop her from losing her virginity to me.
- The teenager blamed himself, thus shocking everyone, especially his beloved, who even wanted to protest, but could not do it because the boy had already given another argument
- Second, how she, or rather we, imagine raising our child with school and work. Well, Mr. Devoe, this is a trivial matter because you may not have noticed, but on our side are eight sisters experienced in raising children and a couple of professional parents. So, as you can see, we have ten extra people here who will be more than willing to help us, right? -
And as he said this, he looked at his family, who, still blushing from the last praise, nodded, thus allowing him to return to the conversation, saying:
- Exactly, Mr. Devoe. Now for the last thing... the financial stuff I thought I didn't need to explain to you, but ok. Let's start by saying that your daughter and I are old enough to get a legal job anyway. And, yes, I know from Lori's experience that it doesn't have to be the easiest thing to do, but honestly, I think even if I fail, still there's nothing to worry about here. After all, you, Mr. Devoe, are the head of a large restaurant division which also has an establishment in Royal Wood, and who is always in need of an extra worker, so even if I cannot find a job elsewhere, I can still...
- And here the teenager probably wanted to ask about the possibility of getting hired at her girlfriend's father's restaurant but never got such a chance since, before that, the man interrupted him:
- There is no chance of that in hell - I will never let you work in any of my restaurants.
- Wait, but why, Mr. Devoe?
- Because I will not let you take an easy way, so if you really wish to raise this bastard, you will have to do it on your own - I will never help you in doing something immature and unresponsible.
Mr. Devoe explained his reasons, and from the tone of his voice, it was clear to anyone that there was no way to convince him otherwise. Well, or at least it was clear to anybody because the boy still gave it a shot:
- Oh, really immature and irresponsible, is that what you think, Mr. Devoe, because to me, your way of thinking is one thing that's immature here. - And with that, he explained to the confused man why he thought so:
- You know, Mr. Devoe, after all, which is more mature? One: have sex and then remove the effects because it can be hard to deal with them, or two: try to deal with them knowing all this?
Or simply, he asked him about something obvious to answer, so Mr. DeVoe didn't need long to choose option one, thus letting him finish:
- Exactly, Mr. Devoe, and we're going with that option, so how dare you tell us we're either immature or irresponsible knowing all this?
- Because you both haven't even sixteen years old, you are still too young to make such a decision!- The man explained as if he was speaking to a moron.
-Well, Mr. Devoe, my mother, a woman whom I respect with all my heart, decided to give birth to Lori when she was only eight years older than your daughter, and since then, she has had nine more children. Moreover, she did it with less than 10 people willing to help, so even if she was older, more mature, etc., we still have one key advantage over her... We will have more people to help, and I hope your family will be among them, Mr. Devoe.
- Pff, then better stop, you smart-ass brat, because I will never have my hand in this madness, and the same goes for the rest of my family.- Haiku's father declined his offer, and then made an ultimate condition:
-So either my daughter will come to her senses and abort this child, or she can't return to my house.
And with that, the man left the chat group without saying goodbye, or shortly, he broke off the negotiations, thus showing both his stubbornness and his bad manners. More specifically, he showed bad manners that it easily caused Luna to remark resentfully as soon as he left the chat:
- Shit, did you see him? What a fucking stubborn donkey!
Or briefly, she said what everybody had on her mind, so nothing strange that soon her sisters started showing her support, until Leni did it, stating:
- Exactly, Luna. I totes don't know what he even had been thinking, but what he did is a big no-no, especially after all these good arguments Lincy gave him to change his mind.
-You are literally right, Leni, but fortunately, once again, every cloud has a silver lining, so at least now we know that our brother has grown into a real man, ready to stand up for those he loves.
- Hehehe, thanks, girls, but I really don't deserve all these good words from you. After all, I still haven't been able to convince Haiku's father to accept the possibility that his daughter might be pregnant.
- No, no, no, don't say that, my white angel, after all, the fact that you were willing to stand up for me in that David against Goliath fight is pretty great, and I'll say even more. - With this, the girl grabbed his hand to add:
- For me, it's enough to make me want to raise our child with you even more now because now I know that you will always be our shield no matter what sword falls on us.
- Thanks, my angel of darkness, it's really sweet you see me that way but don't anticipate the facts. - The teenager thanked her, then added as she put a hand on her belly:
After all, we still don't know If there is really a child there.
- You are right, my white angel, but, after all, we can easily change that matter.- His girlfriend stated, and then looked at Lisa to ask her: -don't we, Lisa?
- Yes, sister unit from another bloodline, we absolutely can. We only have to make you an appropriate test, so if you don't mind, let's go to my room to do it right away. - Lisa confirmed, heading toward the dining room's exit.
-Of course, my sister gifted by Salomon, I will be right behind you. - Haiku agreed, and then both girls left the dining room, thus leaving Lincoln at the mercy of the rest, who didn't even need a minute to start congratulating him and planning his entire parenting.