Hi guys, I'm back with another chapter. Thank You All for reviewing and waiting. Yes I know sorry, but good for you that I already moved and I start school on Monday because that means that I will probably be updating more often. Yippee! And just so you know this story is only about halfway done, don't worry. It's only starting to get to the good part! Anyways my goal for this chapter is to add some more humor or 'comic relief' I guess. You'll see what I'm talking about… I hope. So let me know what you think?
Everyone who was staying at the beach house woke up early, because today was the day. The day Neha found out whether she was pregnant or not. Everything was just like her last visit, she felt sick to her stomach and nervous, only this time Anita and David decided to tag along. Of course it only figures Anita is her mom, she's supposed to be there for events like this, to well… comfort her. However, this only made Neha feel more stressed. In any event, somehow she still managed to survive the car ride. Mal was driving and Natara rode shotgun, while Neha was sat in the back between David and Anita on either side. It was utter silence, until they got to the hospital, where Neha could hear the heavy pounding of her heart, as she grew more restless.
They entered through the front doors of the hospital and as they made their way in, the same nurse from the day before appeared from around the corner. She flashed them a kind smile, her green eyes sparkling, and recognition going through her face.
Nurse: Welcome back. You're here just in time! Follow me, please.
As the 'crew' settled down uncomfortably in the tiny, white room Neha began to distract herself by thinking. I can't believe they're letting us all in at the same time, isn't that against protocol? Of course, what would I know…? Maybe they think I'm going to need all the support I can get, since I don't have a husband and all. Yeah that's why; they must think I have a dysfunctional family or something. How? Well with an FBI profiler as a sister and a hot detective as her 'best friend' who both happen to be madly in love with each other but are too scare to risk it; plus, an energetic mother who is so lonely because her husband is always traveling and craves attention and a little… grandkid? I can't believe I said that, or thought it. Oh, and let's not forget David, a super cute gay guy who has nothing to do with this at all but for some reason is always around…Wow, we ARE a weird bunch… but what am I saying? I don't care; they're my family and owe them.
Natara: Hey sis are you okay?
Neha: Yeah… I am now, thanks.
Neha flashes both her sister and mom a thankful smile and takes their hands as they sit next to her. They return it by squeezing her hand, and a wave of relief rushes through Neha. Meanwhile, Mal stands next to Natara looking at the them, especially Natara, with a sympathetic smile, and David just looks at him, or rather stares… intensely… weird?
Nurse: Well Dr. Prewitt will be here any minute. Good luck!
Neha: Thank you.
Before the nurse leaves she gives Neha a nod. As soon as the door closes Neha decides to break the silence, not wanting it to be like another car ride, and trying to restore everybody's confidence, especially hers.
Neha: So… I guess this is it.
The effort was clearly an epic fail because nobody answered. Only David seemed to come alive at the sound of these words and only shifted his gaze from Mal to Anita. He was trying to tell her something, or rather 'mouth'. He was trying to be so secretive that it only attracted more attention. It obviously didn't go unnoticed as all the eyes in the room fell on him in a matter of seconds. However, nobody could figure out was he was trying to say or why he was acting so strangely all of a sudden. Anita didn't make his case any better because she just sat there wide-eyed and angrily mouthed back at him 'shh' before anyone could figure it out. Lucky for them the doctor arrived before anyone could ask any questions…
Dr. Prewitt: Hello there! I'm Dr. Prewitt. You must be Miss Mansingh.
He offers his hand charmingly and Neha shakes it, an evident look of surprise on her face when she notices how young and rather attractive he is. He's quite tall and slightly tanned. His built is strong yet thin. Beautiful gold locks fall on his face gracefully, not long enough to cover his dark brown eyes sparkling.
Neha: Hi… Oh and please call me…Neha.
Dr. Prewitt: Will do! I mean… yes of course.
The doctor shakes Neha's hand one last time before realizing he's been doing it for about 30 seconds. A slight blush appears on his cheeks and he gives Neha a sweet smile with a hint of embarrassment. Then he continues looking at his clipboard and other files. Apparently he found what he was looking for, Neha's results. He scans the paper, a faint look of disappointment appears in his face, but it fades away before anyone can notice. Then he clears his throat and puts on a 'poker face' before answering shakily.
Dr. Prewitt: Ahem… I believe you submitted a pregnancy test. Is that correct?
Neha: Yes.
For the first time since he was distracted by Neha, the doctor looks up and makes eye-contact with everyone else in the room. He starts with David, Mal, then Natara, then Anita and finally Neha. He takes a moment to collect himself and pull up a sympathetic smile before finally talking again.
Dr. Prewitt: Well… Congratulations! You're having a baby.
As those words leave the good doctor's mouth all everyone can do is freeze, especially Neha who has her hand covering her mouth while a fresh tear slides down her cheek. The utter silence is worst than the car ride and the only one who doesn't seem to be affected is Anita who is clasping her hands together tightly as a form of excitement and happiness. She smiles contently before looking in the doctor's direction.
Anita: Excuse me doctor?
Dr. Prewitt: Uh… Yes, ma'am?
Anita: Could we get a moment in private? This is definitely shocking news for my family.
Dr. Prewitt: I understand.
The doctor leaves as Anita stands up. She turns to face Neha who is now in her sister's embrace crying audibly. She looks desperate and scared something that is unusual for her.
Anita: Sweetheart… There's no need to cry.
Anita gets closer to Neha and wipes a tear away with her delicate thumb. She looks into her watery eyes a little broken heartedly but nevertheless completely determined to help her understand.
Neha: Then what should I do, Mom?! Tell me! What do I do know, huh?
Anita: Well sweetie for one you need to stop this crying and face the consequences! You need to focus on the big picture, the baby, and consider all your options.
Neha: You mean like abort? Adoption?
Anita: Well that, or…
Neha: Or?
Anita: You can keep the baby…
Neha: You want me to keep the baby?! Mom! I'm not ready to be a mom.
Anita: I understand but believe me no mother is ever too ready when her baby is born. And I believe that everything happens for a reason, as well should you. A baby is a blessing that anyone would be lucky to have. Plus, nothing good in live is ever planned, ask your sister. She never thought she would be an FBI profiler, as far as we all knew she was going to be a business woman.
Natara: Mom…
Anita: Hey let me finish. Now that's not what your father and I had in mind but as long as she's happy we're happy. See it's funny how these things in live work. I'm pretty sure she also would've never guessed she was going to be moving all the way here to San Francisco, but what can I tell you, when one door closes another one opens. Isn't that right detective?
Mal gives Anita a slight smile knowingly as she nods. He shifts his gaze quickly towards Natara who is now looking at him sweetly. Their eyes connect lovingly both of them trying to read each others soul, their inner most secrets and desires, neither of them trying to break it off. Unfortunately for them David nudges Mal in the stomach leaving a small bruise and gaining a scowl from Mal. He stares right back at Mal punishing him as if he did something wrong and inappropriate.
Neha: I… you guys I-I need a moment.
Silently everyone leaves the room except Anita and Neha…
Natara's POV
You sit in an uncomfortable chair in the corner of the hospital cafeteria. David sits next to you and rests his hands on the table in front of you, while Mal approaches and hands you a cup of coffee.
Natara: Thanks.
Mal: Mhmm. You okay?
Natara: Yeah… I'm… fine.
Mal: Right… Hospitals?
Natara: Yep.
Mal takes a seat next to you and David scoots closer to him shoulder to shoulder, their arms brushing. Mal gives him a confused look before sighing.
Mal: Do you mind?
David: Its a little cold in here don't you think?
Mal: Then by all means why don't you go and buy yourself a coffee. Here.
Mal hands David a five dollar bill and he takes it excitedly, finally leaving the two of you alone. You grin at what you're about to say.
Natara: I think it's safe to say that you're starting to miss Kai.
Mal: You know, I honestly don't know.
Natara: Ha!
After a long awkward moment Neha and your mom arrive at the cafeteria looking much calm and collected.
Natara: Hey, is everything okay?
Neha nods solemnly and takes a long deep breathe before continuing.
Neha: We've decided… I mean, I-I I've decided to keep the baby.
Natara: What? Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to decide today you still have some time.
Neha: I know… but I've come to the conclusion that I-I don't wanna be a baby killer. I'm not gonna kill something as pure and innocent as that. It deserves a chance. My baby deserves a chance.
Neha holds her belly delicately and her eyes start to water a little but she manages to keep herself composed. All you manage to do is nod comprehensively.
Natara: Okay… so did Dr. Prewitt say how many weeks pregnant you… are?
Neha: Three weeks. Almost a month I know. He said on the fourth week I need to come so I can get a few tests done.
Natara: Oh, is everything alright then?
Neha: Yeah… um, just to be sure I guess. So can we go now?
Natara: Sure-
Suddenly David appears out of nowhere, coffee in hand.
David: Uh, excuse me. Sorry, so sorry for interrupting Mrs. Mansingh but did you already tell them about…
Neha: About what, mom?
Anita: Well there's something else you guys should now. I… ahem well I've prepared a little get together in honor of the baby, sort of like a pre baby shower you might say.
Neha: A what?! Mom!
Natara: Wait, hold on Neha. Mom you aren't talking about a party right?
Anita: Well-
David: Yes a party!
Neha: You knew about this?!
Neha raises her hands at David as he takes cover behind Mal defensively.
David: No I… it was Mrs. Mansingh it was all her… ask her, she knows!
Your mom looses her patience for the first time and takes an angry step towards David. She stares him down while he screams, still cowering behind Mal in a very dramatic manner.
David: No please! I'm sorry. Detective quick, save me! This is assault, the lady is about to commit assault. You all saw her… right? Please! I'm just an assistant.
Neha: Everyone shush!
Neha stood her ground and everyone turned to look at us like we were crazy.
Anita: Let me explain this daughter. I was so happy when you first told me you were pregnant that I just… I needed to tell everyone! And throwing a party would be the perfect way to tell our family and friends that 'I'm going to be a grandmother'!
Neha: Really mom? But how? HOW? Why would you throw a party without even knowing? I could've lost the baby, I-I…it could've been a fake for all you know!
Anita: I… well I guess I took a chance of hope. I was just so excited. And since you told me you took a test and it was positive then I thought 'why would she go to the doctor if she wasn't pregnant?'
Neha: Unbelievable!
Anita: Come on honey… bare with me. I'll even give all of you some money so you can go to the mall and buy yourselves something nice…
Neha: Unreal, are you trying to bribe me?
Anita: You know what, FINE. Okay, I'll just cancel everything. I guess we'll never see our family again and they'll be disappointed as always. Every time, every time! Why can't I stay happy? Why? I bet that's why Raj is always traveling… Oh, I'm so lonely! But its okay I understand, everyone's too busy to take some time off to be with me, I'm just a sad old lady…
Your mom keeps on rambling unintelligent things and lets out a cry from time to time. She lets 'fake tears' flush her face. Her make up all ruined and her dramatic voice gets louder every time. Talk about making a scene. The acting classes she took were definitely convincing Neha. Too bad she's not you, you can see all through her act and exaggerations that make it look like a soap opera. All you do is roll your eyes and pray that nobody is watching.
Natara: Mom! That's enough.
Anita: I'm sorry… I do everything wrong…
Neha: No mom. It's okay we'll take the money and go to the party, if it'll make you happy…
Anita: Oh yes! It'll make me very happy. Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you so much my baby!
Your mom bounces up excitedly and kisses Neha on the cheek while giving her a tight hug. She stops her 'crying' immediately and gives you an innocent look begging for you not to intervene. You sigh.
Anita: Alright then. It's settled! Here take my credit card and buy something nice for the four of you. It doesn't matter what it costs okay, as long as it's formal. Now go. I'll take a cab home so I can finish up on some of the decorations. Oh and be home early so you can eat and get ready. The party starts at 6!
Neha is the first to turn around and head out while your mother watches expectantly for all of you to do the same. Mal takes your empty cup from you to throw it away and you flash him a thankful look.
David: Hey how bout' mine handsome?
David holds out his cup to Mal who you notice clenching his jaw. He looks over at your mom who is still watching you closely and hesitantly takes his cup as well, clearly bothered. You can't help but let out a small chuckle while he walks to the nearest trashcan and throws them away. He mumbles something inaudibly.
Mal: This is going to be a long day…