DPOV (one week before Rose's doctor's appointment)

I still hadn't told Mama about Roza's pregnancy. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared to tell her. Mama views me as her "responsible" child - I don't do anything reckless, I don't act up at school, I don't screw around or anything like that. But finding out that Roza's pregnant with my children. . . .I could only imagine the kind of hell Mama would put us through.

I had convinced Roza that I'd tell Mama about the pregnancy, and I'd do it alone. If Mama got angry, which, hopefully, she won't, I don't want Roza there. I had planned on telling Mama about the pregnancy for the past few months, but I couldn't think of anything to say, but I know that she's going to find out eventually, so I might as well tell her before she finds out.

"Mama?" She was in the kitchen, fixing dinner. She turned and smiled at me, giving me her full attention. I felt a lump form in my throat. "I-I have to tell you something. . . .about Roza and I," I said uncertainly.

Mama gave me a strange look. "What's happened between you and Roza?" she asked. "You don't invite her over anymore. Did something happen?"

"W-we're fine," I said. It was a partial lie, but I didn't bother thinking if Mama bought it or not. "We've been. . . .busy." Mama nodded. "B-but I have something I need to tell you. It's i-important."

"Oh?" Mama said. "How important?"

I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. "Depends on how important you think it is," I muttered. "Well, u-um, Roza told me a while ago that she is, ah. . . ." I bit my bottom lip nervously, cleared my throat, and took a deep breath. "Mama, Roza told me she's p-pregnant."

Mama didn't say anything, she just looked at me. For a minute, I didn't know what to think. Time seemed to slow down, and the heaviness of Mama's stare made my heart stop.

"Pregnant?" she said. "Did you say Roza is pregnant?" I nodded. And, just like that, something. . . .changed in Mama. "Dimitri what were you thinking? Did you even bother using any protection? Wait, why am I asking? If you had Roza wouldn't be pregnant. What on earth was going through your head? Children should not be having children! You are too young to know how to take care of a baby! How do you expect to go to college or to support Roza and a baby if you're a teenager?" I stood there, stunned. This was the first time ever, and I mean ever, that Mama ever yelled or raised her voice at me. I've heard her raise her voice a little bit to Sonya and Karolina, but it wasn't like this. This was full-blown anger and frustration.

"I-I'm sorry," I said. "I really am."

Mama shot me an angry look. "What were you thinking?" she asked sharply.

I looked down. "I wasn't."

"How are you going to take care of a baby?" Mama asked.

"Babies," I mumbled.

"What?" Mama said.

"Babies," I said, louder. I cleared my throat again. "We're having. . . .twins."

Mama put her face in her hands, groaning in frustration. I could understand why she was so frustrated. If I was in her situation, I'd do the same thing.

"Dimka," she sighed. "I can't believe this. You're too young to be having children. Kids having kids isn't right." She shook her head. She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it. She shook her head once more, then walked away. I felt a little sad, I thought she'd at least be a little excited. But I guess I should've known she'd be furious. No parent is proud to hear their teenage child is having a baby - babies. I went to my bedroom and called Roza, telling her everything that just happened.