Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed. I'm just having a bit of fun.
Setting: Septembet 2031
In the Silence
A story by: Ryeloza
The first time they'd kissed was at Nora's twenty-second birthday party. There was no plan, no tension, no build-up to the moment. No. Colin was drunk and Meli was tipsy, so when Nora's idiotic friend Tony slammed into Meli from behind she flew right into Colin's chest. She'd pulled away from Colin, ready to turn and shove Tony right back—or at least give him a firm talking-to—but before she could, Colin bent down and pressed his lips right against hers. Just like that. First kiss.
Afterward, she'd turned to complete her task, completely dazed by the impromptu kiss, and Colin had wondered off to find more beer. The next day he didn't even remember what happened and Meli didn't care to refresh his memory.
Two weeks later a large group of them went to Hardy's for a karaoke night and somehow Nora convinced Meli to get up on stage and sing some inane song. When they'd finished and Meli was back in her seat—somehow right next to Colin—he'd leaned over and whispered in her ear that he wanted to kiss her.
"Will you remember it this time?" she'd asked.
But despite her caustic reply she did let him kiss her and he did remember it and two days later they went on their first date.
After several moments of silence in the alley, Colin offers to take her to the doctor.
"Why don't I meet you there?" she asks.
Colin nods. "Then could we maybe go out for coff—or, uh, breakfast after?"
"Lunch. Appointment is at ten-thirty."
"Okay. Good. Lunch is good."
Abruptly, he drops her hand and she is surprised a moment later when he wraps his arm around her shoulder instead. When she looks up at him he seems anxious and a little queasy; he's sweating and his skin is pallid. She wonders if her expression mirrors his, or if that look has faded since she first discovered the truth. She likes to think it's faded, but she really can't be sure.
After a couple of minutes, they go back into the club.
Meli doesn't mind the doctor's office, but Colin hates being there. From the moment he arrives, he squirms and pulls at the collar of his shirt. He also can't stop ogling the stomachs of some of the more pregnant women and then turning to glance at Meli's, as though hers will suddenly become as large as theirs. She's grateful when the nurse finally calls her name.
There's a blood test that causes Colin's face to whiten so dramatically Meli wonders if he's going to faint.
"Wait until the birth," says the nurse, causing Meli to groan and Colin to nearly convulse.
"You don't have to be here," Meli whispers once they're left alone to wait for the doctor.
"Yes I do."
Two days later she gets a call confirming the pregnancy and the next day she and Colin are back in the doctor's office. She's very patient with them, answering Meli's multitude of questions—do we have to take into account my mother's difficulties with pregnancy?; what are the risks?; what books do you recommend I read?; how often should I come for a visit?—and making reassuring comments complete with a big smile and nodding for Colin's benefit.
They walk out of the office and Colin mutters under his breath, "April third," again and again. Meli would be annoyed by his crippling anxiety if not for the fact that he's helping her stay calm. It's strange, but the more he panics, the more determined she feels to maintain some semblance of fortitude.
As they stand next to her car—they drove separately again—Colin finally takes a deep breath and forces himself to calm down. Then he says, "I'm telling my parents tonight."
"Do you want me to come?"
"Do you want to come?"
"If you want me to."
"Have you told your parents yet?"
"Of course."
"Oh. Well. Actually, Mel, I'd love for you to be there…"
"But…?"
"But…there's something I need to ask my mom. Something…personal."
Meli shrugs, though privately she's intrigued—and climbs into her car. Before she even starts the ignition, Colin leans down to face her through the open window. "How'd they take it?" he asks.
"Fine, I guess. They said they'd help however they can."
"Oh. Good."
Impulsively, Meli leans forward and presses her lips against the corner of his mouth. "Call me," she says.
"Okay."
A/n: Thanks for the great reviews for the first chapter! I'm not entirely sure where this story is going to go, but I hope you continue to enjoy it. Feedback is always welcome!
Katie