Chapter 28
(Phoebe's POV)
After my daily vomit, I head out to the kitchen. Nathan is still asleep. We both worked all week. Things have been so much better with Claire. We know she won't sneak out again. I decide to make myself a smoothie as nothing really sounds good.
"You are killing me," I say down to my baby. I still have to pinch myself to believe that this baby is mine.
Today I am taking Claire to get birth control. I called Lia and she said it is fine to go since I am her legal guardian. She could not go to my doctor, but we are going to one that is through children's.
I blend my smoothie and sit drinking it. From behind me I hear Nathan. "Hi," I smile as he kisses my head.
"Hi babe," he says. "Is that all You're having?" He asks and motions to my smoothie.
"Um yes," I say sheepishly.
"I'm going to make you some toast," he says and I know better than to argue.
"Make Claire some while you are at it," I say and he nods.
"What time is her appointment?" He asks.
"Noon, she should be getting up soon," I say and he nods. He passes me my plate and I thank him.
"What's the plan for tonight?" He asks.
"William is coming over for dinner," I say and he nods.
"You'll be nice," I smirk and he laughs.
"Of course, as long as he minds his manners," he says and I roll my eyes. Bless our child if it is a girl.
"Hi Bear," Nathan says as Claire comes down in her pajamas.
"Hi guys," she says and sits down next to me.
"We were just talking about your lover," Nathan says and puts Claire's toast and eggs in front of her.
"Shut up," she says and laughs.
"I'm going to shower, Nate wanna clean up?" I smirk and he nods saying of course.
I head into the bathroom and get into the shower. I strip down and turn to the side. Still no bump. I run my fingers over my belly. I try to imagine what I will look like with a bump.
I get into the shower and start to get ready. After Claire and I go to her doctor appointment, we are getting lunch. I am excited to spend time with her. I can't believe she will be moving out soon. I can't even begin to talk about how horrible that will be. She is my bestie.
I put my hair in a braid and throw on a sundress. When I walk out Nathan and Claire are watching a video. "What is this?" I ask.
"This guy held a plank for 8 hours," Claire says and I lean over looking.
"Holy shit," I say. I can barely hold it for a minute.
"That looks awful," I say.
"Claire, you ready girl?" I ask. She nods smiling and I kiss Nathan goodbye. We get into my car and head out.
"Is Nathan okay with William coming over?" Claire asks.
"Of course, sweets. He's just giving you a hard time," I say.
"I just don't want him to be angry with me," she says looking down.
"He is not at all. He is very excited," I reassure her. I need to tell Nathan to make sure he follows up with her.
"Oh okay, just make sure you guys tell me if you aren't or don't want him coming. It's your guys house," she says and she smiles drumming her hands against her lap. A nervous habit I have noticed.
"You okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, just a bit nervous," she says and I nod.
"About the appointment?" I ask.
"Yeah," she says. Psychologist Phoebe is itching to come out.
"What about?" I ask her.
"Just… it's kinda stupid," she says and I look over.
"No it's not, your feelings aren't stupid," I say and she smiles.
"Will I, will I have to take my clothes off?" She asks. I realize I should have talked to her about this before. The last time she was at a gynecologist appointment was when she was at the hospital post being raped.
"I am not going to promise that you won't, but I do not think so. I can come back with you if you would want that," I say.
"You would?" She asks and I nod smiling.
"Okay, cool. Thanks again for doing this, Pheebs," she says and I smile at her. We pull up to the office and get out of the car heading inside. Claire has to fill out paperwork along with me. Once we are done we get called back. I sit down on the small bench and Claire goes to take the pregnancy test.
When she comes back she sits on the table. A young woman my age comes in and introduces herself as Dr. Tegan. I smile and shake her hand.
"So we are here about birth control?" She says reading over the paper and I let Claire answer the questions.
"Um yes," she says.
"Have you ever used birth control?" She asks and Claire shakes her head.
"Are you currently sexually active?" Dr. Tegan asks her. Claire looks at me.
"Do you want me to leave?" I ask not wanting her to feel uncomfortable.
"No please," she says and I quickly reassure her I won't.
"Um yes I am," she says and I am surprised, but do not show it. Last time we talked her and William were not having sex.
"Okay, are you using protection?" She asks and Claire nods.
"Good, okay. I recommend using it even when you are on birth control." She says and Claire nods. I know Nathan and I never following that one.
She asks Claire a bunch of other questions regarding her health. She goes through the different birth control options and Claire vetoes the IUD idea. I knew she would not want that.
"So I would recommend the birth control pill after looking through your file. This is a pill you take daily ideally around the same time," she says and Claire nods.
"I am going to prescribe it to the pharmacy near your address and you can pick it up. If you have any bleeding, rashes or other concerning symptoms make sure to come back," she says and Claire nods.
"Well thank you so much," I say and we head out. When we get into the car Claire sighs. "That was so easy," she says and I nod.
"I am glad it was," I say and she thanks me again for taking her.
"Of course Claire. Thank you for letting me know that you wanted to get on birth control," I say and she nods.
After we get lunch together we head home. Claire heads upstairs to finish up some summer reading she has to do for school. I head into the office and find Nathan reading a medical journal. "Hi," I smile and walk in.
"Hi Bee, you look pretty," he says and I roll my eyes. Ever the complimenter.
"Don't roll your eyes at me woman," he says and I laugh going over and sitting on his lap. I read the title of his book.
"Journal of Trauma and Acute Care, sounds like a real page turner," I say and he laughs into my shoulder.
"It was before my wife came and interrupted me," he says and I smirk. His hands find my stomach as he kisses my shoulder.
"Your very sexy and pregnant wife," I say and he laughs again.
"My very beautiful wife," he agrees.
"How was Claire's appointment?" He asks.
"It was good," I smile. "She did well and we got lunch at Silver's," I say and he nods.
"What time is the boy coming?" he asks.
"Around 6, I think. She asked me on the way there if you were okay with him coming over. She is nervous you will be mad," I say and he looks at me confused.
"What?" he says.
"She said in the car are you sure Nathan is okay with William coming over, I don't want him to be mad," I tell him and he frowns.
"I don't want her to think I am serious," he says and I nod.
"I told her that you were totally kidding. I think she just feels like she is on thin ice with you," I say being honest.
"I should talk to her," he says and I smile.
"I think she would like that," I say and he nods. I stand up and he follows me.
"I am going into Claire's room," he says and I nod. I head into the kitchen and get some water.
(Claire's POV)
I am so happy Phoebe took me to get my birth control. I feel so much better now. William and I started having sex when I went over to his house last week. Phoebe was super cool about it and I am so thankful for that. I really like William.
I am reading my summer reading book I was supposed to have done. School starts next week. I was supposed to have this bad boy done awhile ago, but hey I had a lively summer. I hear a knock on my door. "Come in," I say assuming it is Phoebe giving me my prescription.
"Can I come in?" I hear Nathan say. I wonder what is up.
"Yeah of course," I say putting down my book and sitting on the end of my bed. Nathan sits on my desk chair and turns it.
"How are you, Bear?" He asks. I smile at his nickname. Nathan is the best. His approval really matters to me because he is one of the only men I trust or let touch me.
"I am good, just trying to finish this book," I say and he smiles.
"You look pretty far into it," he says and I nod.
"Yeah, I just have to finish it then write a paper," I say.
"Pro tip: ask Phoebe for help on your papers then act confused and she will end up doing the whole thing," he says and I start dying laughing. He is so funny.
"Thanks for the tip," I say and he smiles.
"I am really excited for William to come over," he says and that comment catches me off guard. I thought Nathan didn't like that he was coming.
"Really?" I ask.
"Of course. I am going to give him a stern talking to and tell him if he hurts him I will have his head above our fireplace," he says and I laugh. Being with Phoebe and Nathan is like having a normal mom and dad. I have never had that and it is so nice.
"Scare him off like a da-" I stop myself before I can say dad. I don't want to make him uncomfortable.
"Sorry," I apologize, looking down.
"I think of you as a daughter and that is why I treat you like one," Nathan says. I have never had a dad in my life. Tears start to come into my eyes.
"You do?" I say and look away so he doesn't see me cry.
"Bear, of course I do. You are so important to Phoebe and I. We think of you as our child," he says and that is when the tears start coming down my face. They are happy tears.
"What is going on?" Nathan says coming and sitting next to me.
"I just have never had anyone love me like that," I say, trying to explain what is going on.
Nathan wraps me in his arms and hugs me. I put my head onto his shoulder and wrap my head around the fact that I am loved. Nathan and Phoebe love me. William loves me. Christian and Ana love me. I hug Nathan tighter.
"I love you Bear, never forget that," Nathan says and I smile.
"Thank you for talking to me," I say and Nathan smiles.
"Of course, Pheebs and I are going to start getting ready for dinner. Let us know if you need anything," he says and I smile thanking him.
Nathan kisses my head then leaves my room shutting the door behind him. I am going to have to redo my makeup now before William comes over. I am so excited for tonight now.
(Phoebe's POV)
I made tacos for dinner tonight. I was going to make margaritas, but I realized that 3 out of the four guests can't drink. Nathan also refuses to drink if I can't which is sweet. I am grilling the chicken when Nathan comes downstairs.
"Hi baby," he says and comes behind me kissing my head.
"Hi," I smile and continue cooking.
"How was your talk?" I ask Nathan.
"I just love that girl," he says and I smile. He is going to be the best dad. Our little one is so lucky.
Nathan helps me cut up all the vegetables and get the salsa made. Claire comes down and tells us William is here. I smile to Nathan and he winks at me. I hear the door open and them talking, but I cannot make out what is being said. William walks in looking so nice. I look at Claire's outfit and see she looks adorable too.
"Hi William," I smile and he comes over giving me a hug. He bro hugs Nathan then sits down.
"How are you guys?" He asks.
"We have been good. Just hanging out and doing our thing," I say and he nods smiling. "How have you been?" I ask him.
"Good, just getting ready for senior year and all that comes with it," he says and smiles.
"That is such a crazy year. So much fun though," I say and Nathan agrees.
"How is your mom and dad?" I ask him. Nathan sets a glass of water next to me and I thank him.
"Annoying as ever, but good," he says and I laugh.
"That is what parents do," I smirk.
"Well do you guys want to eat?" I ask putting the tacos and chips and salsa on the table. Everyone comes and sits. I am next to Nathan and they both sit across from us.
"A double date," I say and Claire blushes the color of the salsa. Oops embarrassing mom moments.
"So William with your scholarship what are they requiring from you senior year?" I ask.
"Just an ACT score above 20 which I did and a GPA above 3.0," he says and I nod smiling.
"Lucky," Claire says.
"Even if that was your requirement we both know you would end with a 4.0 and a 36 on your ACT," he says and Claire smirks. Nathan and I both laugh at that. She is very hardworking.
"Whatever," she says.
"William, do you start school the same day Claire does?" Nathan asks.
"I start this Thursday, you start Wednesday, right?" William says.
"Yeah, I think so. Wednesday is a half day though," Claire says.
"Why even go," Nathan says and I shoot him a look.
"Yeah I don't know," William shrugs.
"Nathan did you hear about the NBA draft?" William asks and Claire rolls her eyes. I smirk at her.
"Are you excited for school Wednesday?" I ask her.
"I mean kind of," she shrugs.
"Nervous?" I ask her and she nods.
"I just hate getting new teachers and having to figure out my new schedule and stuff," she says and I nod. Change is hard for Claire and I get that.
"We will be here if you need us. Also remember if something isn't working we can get it fixed. I am not afraid to fight anyone at that school," I smirk and she laughs remembering my encounter with the bitch schedule change lady.
"I know, I am sure Mrs. Teek would appreciate me coming in with you again," she says and I laugh.
"Like I said no one messes with you," I smirk.
"Dinner was unreal, Phoebe," William says. I know that means very good in the teenage language.
"Thanks bud," I smile. Nathan helps me clean up and Claire brings out her chocolate chip cookies she made. She is such a good baker. She is going to make me gain more weight than the child growing inside of me.
We chit chat in the kitchen for a bit longer until Claire asks if her and William can go into the movie room. This is our room with huge couches and a huge TV. The door closes and locks. I look to Nathan and see his jaw click. After her appointment today we can all assume what is going to go down.
"Sure that is fine," I say and Nathan nods.
"Thanks for dinner again, Pheebs," William says and I smile ruffling his hair. When we hear the door shut I turn to Nathan. He has a look I can't read on his face.
"We would have been doing the same thing our junior year," I say and he nods.
"I know, it is just different when it is your kid," he says and I smile leaning over kissing him.
"How are you feeling?" Nathan asks as we go and sit in the living room.
"Good, just tired," I say and he nods while sitting down with me. I rest my feet in his lap and he begins to massage them. He should be a masseuse on the side of his doctor job. I groan slightly as he rubs my feet.
"Are you trying to turn me on," he asks and I laugh.
"Put on something good," I say, passing him the remote from behind my head.
"Narcos it is," he says and I smile. I begin to drift to sleep as he rubs my feet. He shuts the curtains with the remote and it dims the room.
"Bee," I feel Nathan shake me. I open my eyes and realize I feel asleep.
"Shit, how long have I been out?" I ask.
"Two hours or so. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. We should get you into bed," he says and I nod. I see it is close to midnight.
"Okay," I smile and we walk into our bedroom.
"Has William gone home?" I ask.
"No, but his curfew is at one so I bet he will leave around then. I told Sawyer so the alarms don't go off," Nathan says as we crawl into bed.
"Mmmm let's go to sleep husband," I say and Nathan holds me to his chest. I hear his breathing even out and then I quickly fall asleep after him.
When I wake up, it is 8:30. Nathan is already upstairs working out. I sit up and right as I do I have to sprint to the bathroom. I empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet. I gag and throw up one more time. This is my everyday routine and it has not gotten any easier.
"Here Bee," I hear Nathan. He takes my hair from me and holds it as I throw up one more time. He rubs my back and hands me a bottle of water. I take a sip and gargle it throwing it back into the toilet. I take a couple of sips then stand up.
I brush my teeth and then wash my face. "You are amazing, let's get you some food," Nathan says and I smile.
When we walk out both of us stop. Claire is opening the front door for William. Oh boy. They both stop and stare at us. "What is going on," Nathan breaks the silence. Claire looks like she could cry.
"I am sorry guys. We both fell asleep, it is my fault I should have set an alarm," William says and looks scared shitless. Claire just stands there.
"Does your mom know where you are," I ask him.
"Yeah she saw I was here and assumed you guys let me sleepover, I am really sorry. We were watching a movie and fell asleep and both woke up this morning," William says. Nathan does not look thrilled.
"Are you driving home?" I ask him and he nods.
"Okay, next time we are setting an alarm," I say and they both nod. Nathan and I should have checked. This is just as much our fault as it is theirs.
"Goodbye William," I say and he hugs Claire then leaves. Nathan and I both go into the kitchen. Claire comes in and is biting her nails.
Nathan starts making me my peanut butter toast and fruit bowl. "I am really sorry," she says and I look to her.
"We know hun, we just have to make sure that doesn't happen again," I say and Claire nods.
"I am sorry, Nathan" Claire says and I watch as Nathan's face softens. He knows that is isn't really Claire's fault. They weren't trying to break the rules.
"It is okay, like Pheebs said we just don't want it to happen again," he says and she nods.
Nathan slides both breakfast plates out. I watch as Claire looks sick to her stomach. "Sweetheart, Nathan and I should have checked to make sure he left. We fell asleep too. We aren't mad at you," I say and she nods. I see the tears form in her eyes. There is nothing Claire hates more than being in trouble I have learned.
I give her a hug and she hugs me tightly. I look to Nathan and he comes over. "Bear, we aren't mad at you," Nathan says and she turns hugging him. She has made so much improvement since coming here with being open, but she still needs a lot of reassurance. She hugs Nathan tightly as he rubs her back.
"It is okay, really," Nathan says. She pulls back and wipes her eyes.
"I just hate when you guys are upset," she says.
"We aren't upset, sweets," I say and she nods.
"Now eat breakfast with us. We hate seeing you sad," I say and she smiles. We all sit and eat breakfast as a family. It is so good to have these two in my life.