Chapter 24: XXIV

Cindy Neutron sat on the top of the toilet bowl cover, her knees to her chest and her face buried in her arms. She was taking several deep breaths, trying desperately to calm down her heartrate. She was only three hours into Christmas at her in-laws house, and she had already had enough. Judy had insisted that all meet in Retroville for Christmas this year, and when she meant all, she meant all. There was close to seventy people running around the Neutron house and she was feeling overwhelmed.

Christmas had never been a happy time in her house, and it was not until she had married Jimmy that she had really begun to celebrate it. Her first Christmas was spent at their penthouse in New York, with just her and his parents. Her second was spent with only her husband and the sunny beaches of San Juan. Therefore, being thrown into the chaos of an all-Neutron family Christmas was more then she could handle. Especially considering her current state.

It had taken three years, but she was finally pregnant. When the test had first shown positive, she had burst into tears. They had been trying since they married and it was finally a reality. She had kept the secret until she was absolutely sure but by that time, her husband had been so busy trying to wrap up things at NeuCo for the end of the year that she hadn't had a moment to tell him. She was going to tell him at Christmas, but she with the entire hubbub, she wasn't overly sure that that was what she wanted either.

She raised her head from her arms to eye herself critically in the mirror. She looked slightly pale and her cheeks were flushed as her body was still attempting to come down from the minor panic attack she had in the foyer from all the people crowded into one area. She took another deep breath and was about to take a third when there was a knock on the door before it swung open.

"You okay dear?" Her husband asked as he walked in, his face full of concern. Seeing her state he ducked down to kiss the top of her head. "I know that all these people is pretty overwhelming. And out of your Christmas comfort zone."

"Quite."

He settled himself on the tile at her feet and placed his hand on top of hers. "I know. I'm sorry. But it means so much to mom that we're here."

She nodded. "I know. I just-it's a lot."

He chuckled. "You're telling me. But we can sit up here for a while if you'd like."

She was silent as she stared at her hands, which had finally stopped shaking and she could feel her heartrate slowing as well. "Better?" Jimmy asked and she nodded and stretched.

"I think I'm good for round two."

He laughed as he got as to his feet. "We'll get you some wine." He promised as he tucked her under his arm as they walked through his adjoining bedroom.

"I can't. I have to think of the baby."

The words were out of her mouth before she herself understood what was being said. They both seemed to realize it at the same time because both of them froze. Jimmy dropped his arm and spun around to look at her. "Wait-"His eyes dropped to her stomach. "Cindy, are you-?"

She couldn't help but smile and nod. "Three months along." She whispered.

He continued to stare at her for a moment more before a goofy grin exploded onto his face. "Cindy!" He cried with glee as he picked her up around the waist and twirled her around in the air. "That's wonderful news! I can't believe it!"

She giggled as he placed her back on the ground. "Best Christmas present ever?" She teased.

"Absolutely!" Jimmy kissed her and held her tightly. "I can't believe we're going to be parents." He whispered.

"Me either." She admitted. A sudden crash from the lower level followed by a wailing cry, caused both to pull back slightly. "However," Cindy told him as she lightly ran her fingers down his chest. "Can we wait to tell your family?"

"Yes." He responded automatically. "I don't need to have you crushed by seventy overeager Neutrons."

"Much appreciated." She told him as she gently tugged at his hand to have him come with her back downstairs.

This was one secret they were going to keep to themselves. At least for now.

A/N: I know, I know its been over a month! But I'm super busy! Hahaha. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Look for the next chapter soon!