Confirmation and revelation. Allison's little secret isn't a secret anymore. Build up to the moment where she tells everybody.
Melissa sat in the nurses' office sorting through some papers that needed to be filed. She'd volunteered for this task today to make sure she didn't have to take care of any patients when Allison came.
'Need to talk. When can I see you?' The short text from the girl yesterday morning had sent shivers down her spine. She knew what it was all about, and all sorts of thoughts went trough her head at the same time. It could of course be about something totally different, but she had to face the facts. Why would Allison need to talk to her if it wasn't about the suspected pregnancy?
She'd tried to act professional when she replied. 'Tomorrow morning at 7am. Ask for me at the front desk.' Maybe Allison wanted to come to the house, but Melissa wasn't sure she could handle the truth if she acted like a mother. She needed to be nurse McCall for this. Allison had sent an 'okay', and that was it.
The whole day yesterday, Melissa had pretty much been on autopilot. She'd worked the day shift and was happy when she came home to an empty house. Later, Scott had called and told her that Stiles had invited him over for game-night. She knew that it could drag out, and she'd actually been relived. She felt a little bad for not wanting to see her son at the moment, but she knew that he would sense that she was troubled by something, so this was better.
During the week and a half that had gone by since Melissa suspected that Allison had to be pregnant, she'd barely seen Scott. Last week, he'd worked overtime at Deaton's clinic, and with her own shifts at the hospital, they had pretty much met in the door. This week, Scott had spent more time with his friends at the Hale-house and at the loft, and he'd dived into bed as soon as he came home.
The few moments she'd spent with her son told her that he was clueless about Allison's little secret. Melissa wondered how he'd take it. He'd matured significantly over the summer, but she wasn't sure if he was ready for this. He'd turn eighteen in a few days, and he'd possibly be a father long before his nineteenth birthday.
Sitting there sorting papers, she heard the ping from an incoming message. She picked up her phone, pretty sure it was from Allison. The girl had probably chickened out.
'Dinner tonight? I can pick you up at 7.' Melissa stared at the text. She'd thought that Mr Stilinski had given up on her. She was happy that he hadn't, but she wasn't sure if she could handle it right now.
There was a knock on the door and she hurried to tuck the phone away. She could answer him later. Through the little window she could see Allison, and she knew that she'd be unable to make any decisions before she'd talked to her son's girlfriend.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Alex and Isaac had pretty much moved in already. Their room was done, and even if it wasn't completely furnished it yet, they wanted to stay there. This really felt like home; more so than the loft, and definitely more than the mansion.
After living on the streets for so long, he'd been excited about having his own room at Hester's house. Even with the abuse, he still felt that it was the best he could hope for. It was definitely way better than what he'd been used to from his time with his stepfather.
During his stay at the loft, he'd learned that life didn't have to be a struggle. The glimpses of freedom he thought he had in the mansion, paled in comparison with his new life with Isaac and the rest of Derek's pack. It was like he was given a second chance, and he wasn't going to spoil it.
He'd worried that the suspicion about Allison being poisoned would ruin it all, but nobody had mentioned anything about it later. Alex was not going to remind them, but he was still a little concerned. Isaac clearly didn't know anything about it; at least he hadn't said anything.
The vague explanation from Derek about a stomach flu didn't sound particularly plausible, but as long as poisoning was ruled out, he wasn't going to question it. Alex couldn't help thinking about it though, and had secretly tried to find out what was really going on.
Allison had been at the house every day since then, and even if they didn't exchange many words, it was clear that she didn't think that he had tried to poison her. She'd eaten his food without suspicion, and had frequently mentioned that she loved it.
Alex was pretty sure that she raved a little extra about to make him understand that she trusted him, and that made him even more suspicious. It was like she was trying too hard, so even if poison was ruled out, something wasn't right.
It wasn't until this morning, that he finally managed to put two and two together. He and Isaac had pretty much spent all their time at the house lately; sleeping there almost every night. Derek and Chris showed up early, and sometimes they'd brought take-away for breakfast.
This morning, Allison had come to drop of her dad. Chris' car was at the garage because a faulty light. When Derek came a few minutes later with a pile of sandwiches from the deli, he'd offered her one. She'd politely declined, stating that she was going back home to sleep some more.
It was just a coincidence that Alex peeked out the window as Allison walked back to her car. What he saw made all the puzzle pieces come together. Just as she was about to enter the car, he could see that she covered her mouth hurriedly. Then she moved to hide herself from being seen from the house. She was not completely covered, and there were no doubt that she was puking into the bushes.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Something wasn't right. Allison had been evasive and distant for the longest time. She claimed she was fine, but Scott had spent so much time with her that he knew that she wasn't completely truthful.
According to Derek, it was the pack-leading-business that occupied her mind at the moment, but it didn't sit well with Scott. Why wouldn't she come to him for advice? Even if she didn't need that, he could at least comfort her.
When they worked together at the house, she'd been acting like her old self. They had joked around as they tried to agree on how to furnish their room, and Allison seemed very excited about it.
As the day turned into evening, her behavior had slowly changed, and she'd suddenly just got up and left. The couple of times that Scott had asked if they could go to his place, she'd explained that she wanted to spend more time with her dad until they could move in.
Scott had been disappointed, but with Stiles nagging him about playing some video games every night it had worked out fine. He and Stiles hadn't spent too much time together either lately, so it was actually fun to hang with him like they used to in the olden days.
There were no indications to believe that Allison was tired of him; she'd been cuddly and flirtatious every day. The excitement she showed when they talked about how it would be to live together as a couple, couldn't be fake. Maybe Derek was right. Maybe she just needed some time to come to terms with her new status.
Scott had tried to address it, but she had evaded any questions about it. He decided to let it be, and just hope that it would all work out.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Melissa was almost ready when Mr Stilinski came to pick her up. She decided to say yes to the invitation, even if she knew it could be risky. An awkward breakfast and an even more awkward lunch wasn't the best start.
With the news she received at the hospital today, she wasn't sure she could carry a normal conversation, but sitting home alone pondering on it wasn't an option. It could of course be even worse. Scott could be home. Allison had begged her to keep it a secret for now; the girl wanted to reveal it herself when the time was right.
It hadn't been easy to act professional when they met at the hospital this morning. Allison was clearly timid; she'd stood by the door for a whole minute before she came over and sat down on the edge of the chair.
Melissa had done what she usually did facing a young girl in Allison's situation. In her work she'd met several of them. Allison hadn't told her straight out that she was pregnant, but by suggesting this meeting, Melissa was pretty sure.
"Did you take a test?" She'd tried to meet Allison's eyes, but had to give up. She did get a response though. That quick nod was all she needed. "And it was positive?" She knew the answer, but she was not prepared for her own reaction when Allison gave her a faint 'yeah'.
She could practically feel the blood rushing through her veins. Droplets of sweat were forming under her clothes, and she had to take a moment before she could continue. She was pretty sure that Allison noticed, but she didn't say anything.
As soon as she'd composed herself again, she'd asked the routine questions about her last period and such. A urine sample was sent for analysis, and the result supported the pregnancy test. She'd already asked one of the gynecologists to perform an ultrasound. It wasn't easy to fit in, so Allison had to wait for almost an hour before she got in.
Melissa peeked out the window. Mr Stilinski was standing by his car waiting for her. She wondered if she should tell him about it. This date would definitely be easier to get through if he knew. She put her shoes on and stepped outside, still not sure what would be the right course of action.
They got into the car and as soon as it was in motion, she made a decision. "Please forgive me for being so absentminded lately, but in six months time, I'm going to be a grandmother."
-o-o-o-o-o-o-
When Isaac and Alex decided to move in to the house before they had any furniture, Stiles had been happy about it. The loft didn't leave anything to imagination when it came to soundproofing, so when he and Derek could have it for themselves, it was greatly appreciated.
That they'd had friends over almost every evening for the last week didn't matter. As soon as everybody had left, he and Derek been able to really let loose, without being intimidated by anything or anyone.
Stiles was still a little shy when he knew that someone could hear them having sex, so the last few days had been exceptional. Earlier, he'd also felt a little inferior knowing that Derek was so much stronger than him, but lately they had been more like equals.
That didn't make sense really. Even as a werewolf, Stiles knew that he was a puny one, but Derek seemed to have lost more of his strength than could be explained by the loss of his Alpha-status. Maybe he was faking it just to make Stiles happy.
Regardless, Stiles knew that something wasn't right. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Derek had been acting kind of strange lately. Everything that had to do with his new status and Allison's rise was explainable, but there were obviously other things bothering his mate.
It wasn't easy to pinpoint – it was only a vague notion – but Stiles was pretty sure that Derek was hiding something. Stiles didn't want to ask. His birthday was coming up soon and it could be related to that.
He and Scott had often celebrated their birthdays together. They had talked about what to do this year, and had agreed that they didn't want a big elaborate party like the one Isaac and Alex had.
Scott was partially set on an idea to just take Allison out for dinner and not have a party at all. Stiles could understand that. Allison had also been acting weird lately. According to Scott, the two of them hadn't spent a night together for more than a week.
Alex had frowned at that idea. He really wanted to have another big celebration at the house. The kitchen would be up and running by then, so he'd looked forward to cook for a party. Since both Stiles and Scott were adamant on keeping it low key, he'd caved in, but begged them to at least consider a small dinner-party.
They hadn't really agreed on anything yet, but so far it looked like Scott was going to spend his real birthday with Allison. In the weekend, when Stiles finally turned eighteen, they could celebrate together with a dinner a the house. Mrs McCall and Mr Stilinski would be the only invited guests.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Allison wasn't sure that it was the best birthday present in the world, but she'd decided to tell Scott about the pregnancy on that day. She'd been pondering on when exactly to reveal it, and was thinking that the best would be to wait till the end of the dinner. At the same time, she thought it would be more fair if she told him as soon as they met.
She'd thought about it long and hard last night, but hadn't managed to decide before she fell asleep. This morning; after the routine puking, she'd come to a totally different conclusion.
This wasn't only something that would concern her and Scott. Their soon to be new housemates deserved to know also. Without hesitation she picked up her phone and called Derek to get some advice.
She was happy when he told her that he was in the car alone; she didn't want anyone to hear this conversation. "I went to the hospital. It's confirmed." Allison could hear that Derek drew his breath quickly, and she wished she could have seen his face. It wasn't easy to know if he was freaked out or excited about the news.
"Do I dare to say congratulations?" Derek's question puzzled her a little, but then she understood. He wondered if she was going to go through with it. "You can. I'm slowly starting to enjoy this." Allison was surprised by her own words. Up to this very moment, she'd been mostly scared.
Derek didn't sound worried at all, not even when she told him the reason for her call. "What can they do? I'm sure everybody will get excited about this." He chuckled a little. "Oh, maybe Scott will freak out somewhat, but..." He didn't finish. Allison sighed. "I know." She hesitated a little before she continued. "I just wonder when I should tell him, and should I reveal it to everybody at the same time?"
After a little back and forth, Derek came up with a solution. "Why don't we gather at the loft before your dinner. It is Scott's birthday after all, and I want to give him a present." He paused for a second. "You can tell him first, and then the two of you can tell the others."
Allison was still not sure how to do it, but it wouldn't help much to postpone it. "Okay, but do we need a ruse to get him to come? He didn't want a party, you know." Scott was so against surprise parties that luring him there wouldn't fly.
"I'll come up with something, don't worry." Derek sounded very convincing, so Allison decided to leave it to him. "I guess it's a date then. Shall we say around five?"
-o-o-o-o-o-
Scott was very suspicious when he came to the loft that afternoon. Derek had promised him that they were not planning a party, and he sounded truthful, but it was still something clandestine about his behavior.
He had heard that Derek told Chris that he'd be back to the house later, so he could be telling the truth. Alex and Isaac had barely left the site for a week, but Scott knew that they were at the loft now. It was strange, and could mean that Derek's promise to Chris was just for show. Stiles hadn't been there at all, but he could be at work. They had talked on the phone earlier that day, when Stiles called to wish him a happy birthday, but there were no indications to assume that Stiles had any secret agenda.
Allison seemed excited, as if she knew something that Scott didn't. He'd overheard that Derek invited her to the loft also, and she'd actually blushed a little when she accepted. The look the two of them exchanged was intriguing, and Scott's suspicious mind had blossomed again.
When he'd told the others that he didn't want a party, they had accepted it. Alex was the only one who'd seemed disappointed to learn that he was taking Allison out on a dinner date instead. Scott had booked a table at the finest restaurant in Beacon Hills, and just hoped that he had enough money to cover the bill.
He knocked and stepped inside. Isaac and Stiles were playing a video-game; Alex was pulling a plate with fresh baked cookies out of the oven, and Derek just stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. It didn't look like anybody was planning a party. Scott sighed in relief as he walked over to the recliner where Allison was sitting watching the game.
She jumped up when he approached and flung her arms around him. "Happy birthday!" She smiled. "I know I've said it already, but you know..." She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door again. "They have a small present for you. I don't know what it is, but I have something to tell you first."
-o-o-o-o-o-
Alex pushed Isaac's feet of the table and put the cookies down. Derek had gotten dressed now, and were pacing around waiting for Scott and Allison to come back. It took a while, but suddenly the door slowly opened.
Scott was white as sheet, and Allison looked like she'd been crying. Alex was pretty sure he knew what had happened out there on the stoop, and he didn't like what he saw. Isaac and Stiles were to indulged in the game to notice a first, but when Derek emitted a faint 'no' they both looked up.
Allison wiped her eyes and grabbed Scott's hand. She sniffled a little. "It's not as bad as it looks. This is my happy-face." The chuckled she emitted wasn't completely steady, but there was a smile tickling her lips. "We have an announcement."
Everybody was staring at them now. Scott drew his breath quickly and displayed a grimace that could resemble a smile. He threw a peek at Allison, and nudged her with his shoulder. He clearly wanted her to do the talking.
"Well, I hope you guys will be happy. The six of us are moving in together, but we're really seven." She patted her belly and looked down at it. Alex couldn't help himself. He screamed from the top of his lungs and ran over to hug her. "I knew it! This is awesome!"
It took a few moments for Isaac and Stiles to catch up. "We're having a baby." Scott had to actually say the words, before the two boys finally got it. They flung the controllers on the couch and hurried over to Scott and Allison.
It became very clear that Derek knew about this already. He kept his cool, and walked over to pat Scott's back. "Good job, buddy. But this wasn't the only surprise." He picked an envelope out of his pocket. "I know where you're taking her for dinner. This gift card should cover whatever you guys decide to have. Happy birthday!"