Chapter 5
Monica sat across from Rachel in a local Brooklyn coffee shop, their cups of steaming hot beverages untouched on the table between them. There was a slight awkwardness in the air, a feeling of distance that had settled between the friends.
"So, Rachel," Monica began, trying to find the right words. "I wanted to tell you in person... I mean Emma told me and I texted you, but I just wanted to get together to say congratulations on the baby. I feel like it's unexpected, but... it's wonderful." She hesitated anxiously awaiting Rachel's response.
Rachel's eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of joy and vulnerability. She reached out and grabbed Monica's hand, grateful for her friend's attempt to bridge the gap. "Thank you, Mon. It means a lot to me that you're here for me. I'm sorry you found out in the way that you did but honestly I'm so glad because I've been wanting to tell you."
Monica smiled, her usual efficiency and practicality giving way to a softer, more empathetic side. "Of course, Rachel. I'll always be here for you. There is no perfect timetable for this stuff, so I get it. I'm just happy I was able to be there for Emma and you know, I'll always be there for you."
Rachel's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, her heart pouring out to her friend. "Emma loves you so much. I'm so thankful that she has you in her life now and of course back then. I still cannot thank you enough for everything. I really thought Emma would be my only baby. I mean after what happened last time and then the years of just nothing. This baby... you know. After the loss we went through... it's both scary and hopeful. I want this baby so much, but I'm also terrified."
Monica's eyes softened, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I can't imagine what you're going through, Rachel. I know I'm not the best with emotional conversations, but I want to be here for you. I want to support you in any way I can."
Tears streamed down Rachel's face as she leaned in, feeling the weight of their shared history and Monica's genuine effort. "I need your advice, Mon. You have a beautiful family, and I want to know... what was it like when you were expecting Milo? How did you handle the mix of joy and fear?"
Monica took a deep breath, her gaze focused on Rachel. "It was a rollercoaster of emotions, Rach. Joy, fear, excitement, and doubt... they all coexisted. But what got me through was leaning on my loved ones, talking about my fears, and seeking support. You're not alone in this journey. We'll navigate it together."
Rachel squeezed Monica's hand, her gratitude palpable. "Thank you, Monica. Thank you for being here, for understanding, and for reminding me that I'm not alone. It means everything to me."
Ross, Rachel, and Emma stepped out of the taxi, the hot sun beating down on them as they gazed in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Emma's eyes widened with wonder as she took in the massive structures.
"Can we climb them, Dad?" Emma asked, turning to Ross.
"I don't think so, Em. They're too old and fragile," Ross replied.
Rachel smiled, watching the father-daughter duo interact. She snapped a few photos of the pyramids as they walked around, taking in the history and grandeur of the place.
After their visit to the pyramids, they wandered through the vibrant markets, haggling for souvenirs and trying new foods. Emma was fascinated by the colors and sounds around her.
"This is so cool! I wish we could stay here longer," Emma exclaimed, twirling around in her new colorful scarf.
Rachel laughed. "Maybe one day we'll come back and spend more time here."
The sun was setting over the Nile, casting a warm glow over the water as the family settled onto the boat. Ross and Rachel sat side by side, admiring the view and chatting about their day, while Emma explored the boat, taking in the sights and sounds of the river.
As they began to cruise down the river, the boat rocked gently and the sound of the water lapping against the hull filled the air. Ross put his arm around Rachel, and she leaned into him, taking in the moment.
Emma came running back to them, grinning from ear to ear. "Mom, Dad, you have to come see this!" she exclaimed.
Curious, they followed her to the front of the boat where she pointed out a small island in the middle of the river. "It's called Elephantine Island," Emma said excitedly. "They used to have real elephants there!"
Rachel and Ross laughed, impressed by their daughter's enthusiasm for the local history. As they continued down the river, they saw traditional felucca boats sailing past, carrying locals and tourists alike.
They talked and laughed about their trip, sharing memories and jokes. They enjoyed the delicious food served on the boat, savoring the local flavors.
As they gazed out at the scenery, Emma nestled between them, Ross and Rachel exchanged a loving glance.
After the whirlwind trip to Egypt with her parents, Emma got back to New York ready for the new school year. Her first meetup was to check in with her cousin, Hannah on what had been going on since she was away. They decided to meet up at the local coffee shop that had become a staple in all their lives. It had comfortable seating and low music for the adults, but it was funky and cool enough for the teenagers.
Hannah embraced Emma in a big hug as she approached the door where Hannah was waiting. The August humidity hung in the air, so Hannah was wearing jeans shorts and an aqua Ralph Lauren tank that was a birthday gift from her aunt, she had Rainbow sandals on to complete the outfit. Emma smiled big as she reached around her cousin for a big hug. Emma was also wearing Rainbow sandals but paired it with a white sun dress from Banana Republic. She wanted to show off her summer tan from the hot Egyptian sun.
"I missed you so much, Hannah. "Emma said as she pulled away from the hug, "It felt longer then two weeks. I brought you some souvenirs." She held up a gift bag and handed it to Hannah.
"Thank you! I know. I have so much to catch you up on." Hannah said, "But I want to hear all about your trip."
"Honestly, it was a great trip overall, but it's been this weird dynamic with my parents ever since I found out about their big secret. My dad is overprotective. I mean even worse then normal. And they've always been like that couple, like it was them and then me which is fine because before I felt really included and I feel lately like I'm on the outs. They have all this baby stuff to go to and talk about and my mom is just milking it. Sorry, Hannah. That was a lot. I've just had no one to talk to except them for two weeks."
Hannah didn't know how to respond at first, so she took a minute to process what her cousin had shared. "I mean it's a lot, but you and Aunt Rachel are so close. I've always been a bit jealous because she seems like she would be so fun."
"It's just not the same." Emma said with a big sigh. "But catch me up on everything. I heard some things from Chase, but he didn't have many details."
"I didn't want to send this in text for one reason my mom has been reading my texts." Hannah said with full disapproval in her voice. "She found out I was texting Sam and she freaked out, so my dad freaked out. I was grounded with no phone privileges for like a week. But I used Kylie's phone to explain to Sam what happened, and we were all still hanging out at the Y which my parents already knew about. It was me, Sam, Kylie, Taylor, Chase, Arturo, Bradley and Alexis. You know Aubrey is spending the summer in London, right. Anyways, last week after we all swam at the Y, Sam invited me to get ice cream and we kissed."
Emma's eyes got round and big as she exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, Han. That is so exciting!" She made such a commotion that other patrons looked over at the girl's table. "All good here, folks." Emma finished to break up the glances. "I'm also really glad Chase is getting integrated into the group. I'm still trying to get him to meet my parents so we can hang out more. So, did you have a talk with your parents about texting Sam? I mean you got your phone back."
"I'm still not allowed to text him or call him but they're okay if we hang out in a group." Hannah said with a sheepish look that led Emma to believe she was lying.
"And they know that all the guys are hanging out with us at the Y?" Emma said pointedly, " I mean you said that directly?"
"Well, not exactly." Hannah said, "I just wanted to be part of the group and they wouldn't let me go unless it was all girls. See this is why you are so lucky, I bet you told Aunt Rachel everything and she was cool with it. She listens to you. And she has your back with your dad.
"I mean, yes." Emma said, "But I have a feeling everything is about to change. She's been avoiding me. And Aunt Monica is a great listener. I think you should try harder to have that conversation. She's always been great to me."
"She loves so much." Hannah replied, "I mean seriously she has a baby book for you. I wish I could talk to your mom the way you talk to mine because it would be so nice to have an advocate."
"Yeah. It's interesting because you're somehow closer to my dad." Emma said, "My dad thinks the world of you. You're like the only one who reads his papers. I know my mom would be there for you though. She can be intimating but she's a big softy underneath those designer threads."
"I've always felt like I've bothered her." Hannah said, "I love dinosaurs, but earth science is my jam. Which is why we get along so well."
Emma's and Hannah's phones chimed at the same time which usually meant a group text. It was a text from Chase.
Hey guys. Emma is home so let's all go out to dinner. Promenade at 6:30?
Everyone replied in the affirmative which made Emma feel special. She did feel a little guilty though since Hannah was joining in on an activity that her parent's clearly wouldn't be okay with since it included guys, but Emma felt like she could deal with that later. She missed her friends, especially Chase.
Emma made it home by 9:30 which was well before her current curfew of 10:00. Chase walked her home and they both were standing awkwardly on the front stoop making small talk. Emma was waiting for him to lean in and kiss her. She didn't let it on to Hannah, but she was a bit jealous that Hannah got her first kiss before Emma. Emma was a year older and had been talking to Chase for longer, although technically Hannah had known Sam since kindergarten. Finally, Chase got the hint and leaned in, Emma reciprocated and just as the magic moment was about to happen, just as the sound of the proverbial music was about to play, the front door opened letting the entry hall light shine like a spotlight onto the young couple. Emma panicked, took a step away from Chase as she turned her head and squinted to see who stood in the doorway.
"Oh my god, Mother. What are you doing?" Emma said with a hint of sass, "Bye, Chase. I'll text you later." Emma turned and jogged up the remaining steps, sliding past Rachel on her way through the door. Chase stood still unsure of what to do, waved to Rachel while shrugging his shoulders and made his way down the stairs and around the corner.
"Mom" Emma said dragging it out for emphasis, as she turned back to face her mom who was closing the door.
"Emma," Rachel said with regret in her voice, "I'm so sorry." Her tone changed and a big smile was plastered across her face, "Were you about to kiss Chase?"
Emma looked down at her and began examining the stitching on her dress, while her face turned red. The moment replied in her mind, it was so perfect. Dinner with all her best friends, the walk home and finally the kiss but then the spotlight ruined everything. Anger replaced embarrassment as she looked up,
"Maybe. But what were you doing? It's after 9:30. Why did you need to open the door? You can't even stay up to watch a movie with me but suddenly you're wide awake to ruin my big moment. What was so pressing that you had to open that door tonight, this late? Well, late for you." Emma was surprised at the level of rage that sounded in her voice. She hadn't meant for it to come out that angry. She was pretty mad at the situation but when the rational side of her brain kicked in, she knew it wasn't something that happened on purpose. If it was her dad, then maybe but mom would never intentionally sabotage her. But it was too late. She watched Rachel's face begin to fall and her eyes got watery. Emma watched for a second because it really was like looking in a mirror. Emma's hair was a couple shades lighter, and she was about two inches taller, but their faces matched. It was a rare day when Emma was the better dressed of the pair. Rachel was wearing cotton biker shorts paired with an oversize t-shirt that she had cut the sleeves off to combat the summer heat. It had finally become apparent that Rachel was pregnant again, Emma had noticed it when they got back from Egypt that she could no longer hide it. Emma didn't want to fight, and she had already come around to the fact that it wasn't intentional.
"Don't cry, Mom." Emma said, "I'm not mad. It was a mistake. I'm going to bed."
She turned before she got a response because she just wanted to get upstairs, text Chase to explain, find out what happened with Hannah and tell Taylor all about her night. She also didn't want to get into sharing her real feelings. She took the steps two and time and power walked to her room, closing the door behind her. She tripped over the suitcase she still hadn't unpacked but caught herself on the bed and began to strip out of the dress she had on. She threw on her pajamas and sat in bed with her phone to begin her texting. She ended up clearing up things with Chase, sharing the details with Taylor, but she never heard back from Hannah. By 11:30, she still wasn't tired, so she started in on You Tube videos about makeup. When she opened her eyes the next day, morning was almost over. She pulled up her phone to her face and focused her eyes on the time which read 10:08. Before she responded to any of the messages, she pushed off the covers and made her way downstairs to find some breakfast. The house was quiet as by this time both parents had made their way to work. The pain of being an adult- no summer vacation. Emma was making the most of the couple weeks she had before school started again. When she got to the kitchen, she rustled around in the refrigerator where she found a yogurt. She topped it with granola that was buried in the pantry. When she set it down on the kitchen island, she found a note from her mom. She loved to leave her handwritten notes over the modern-day texts her dad sent her. In her mom's loopy handwriting the note read, Hi Emma, if you're free for lunch, please come meet me in the city around 11:30. I love you! Mom. Emma smiled as she looked over at the stove clock to check the time, it was about 10:20 which gave her just enough time to get ready and head into the city to make it to her mother's midtown office. She took a couple more bites of the yogurt and tossed it before heading upstairs. She picked up her phone and text her mom, hi mom. I got your note. See you at 11:30.
Emma exited the subway and walked the block and half before she made her way into the upscale building. She took the elevator to the 27th floor and exited out to a familiar setting. It had been a minute since she visited her mom at work, but the layout was familiar. She wound around until she found her mother's office. The door was open, and Emma stepped inside with a smile on her face, and she motioned in a wave. Rachel sat behind her desk clearly focused on responding to an email, but as soon as she caught Emma in the corner of her eye, the face of concentration broke into a smile.
"Emma!" Rachel exclaimed, "You made it."
"Hi Mom." Emma said softly. She wasn't sure what to expect after the encounter between them last night. Rachel stood and rounded the desk to hug her daughter. Her heels brought Rachel to Emma's height, and she had returned to her true form of being the better dressed between the two. Emma was slumming it in a plain white t-shirt and jean shorts. She smiled and went in for the hug which was immediately reciprocated by her mother who leaned into it and pecked a kiss on her cheek. Emma stopped hugging first and said, "So where do you want to eat?"
"You pick. I invited you. You have my permission to pick Shake Shack."
"Well, it doesn't have to be Shake Shack."
"Just think about it. I've gotta run quick to tell someone about something then we can go. Make yourself at home."
"Sure." Emma said as she made her way to the desk.
She loved to sit at the desk even though she saw herself in the medical field there was something fun about being an executive. She looked around her mom's desk, it was very stylish with very little clutter. There were only three framed photos and two were of Emma. One was her as a baby, then her latest school photo and finally a picture of mom and dad, she had seen all these before then when she turned toward the computer monitors, she noticed another little frame in the corner. All the other frames were sleek, black, and modern. This frame was colorful and goofy which had her dad written all over it. The cartoon like font on the top of the frame confirmed her initial thought as it stated, ""Roar' Means 'I Love you' in Dinosaur", Emma's eyes trailed to the bottom of the bright frame where a green T-Rex stood. It was a cutesy cartoon T-Rex which fit the color and font of the frame. Emma had finally turned her attention to what was in the frame which was one of those blurry sonogram photos. Her dad had even put a green matte behind the black and white photo. She was instantly curious because when her dad gave gifts like this, he always wrote notes on the back. He had done this on every book he had given Emma. When she started playing soccer, he gave her a copy of the famous photo of Mia Hamm after winning the World Cup and wrote the most inspirational note on the back. She knew it wasn't really hers to read but she couldn't help it. She peered up at the open door and saw no one, so she made a dash for her purse which sat on a guest chair. She then swiped the photo, frame and all and tucked into her purse. Incoming footsteps, shifting her attention back to the present and she pretended to be looking for Chapstick. She smiled as she made eye contact with her mom and said, "Are you ready?" She then proceed to put on the Chapstick. The guilt got to Emma, so she agreed to go to some salad place her mom liked. Her first order of business was to get to the bathroom. She made her way into stall, pulled out the cutesy frame and quickly opened the back, as predicted she saw her dad's tight, square handwriting on the back. It was a paragraph that nearly took up the entirety of the 4 by 6 matte. She pulled out her phone and snapped a picture and then proceed to put the frame back together. Lunch went well, Emma let herself be in the moment and answered all her mom's questions about school and Chase. After lunch, Emma successfully got the Dino frame back in its place. Her mom told her to think about stopping by the see her dad since he was only a couple subway stops away. She agreed and headed out; she was going to see her dad, but she was also anxious to read the note. She race out of the building and instead of heading straight to the subway station, she found a seat and pulled out her phone. She navigated to the photo she had taken, used her fingers to zoom and her eyes began darting back and forth as she read her father's words to her mother.
Love, I bought this frame knowing that you would hate it but since you love me, I thought you could make a place for it on your desk next to your shrine for Emma and the one picture of me who is the love of your life. I saw this frame and I smiled because for the first time I was happy about being able to be able to enjoy the things that new parents love. It's all about pastels and cartoons. I wanted you to let yourself feel those things again because I see it in your eyes that you haven't quite connected the way you did with Emma, and I know you're scared but I'm here for you forever and always. We can still believe that things will work out. Roar, R
While she felt like snooping around led to her a better understanding, it made Emma feel even worse for her reaction to her mother's accidental breakup of her and Chase's first kiss. Emma did something that for her was a bit out of character. She was never one to be too gushy, but the note had made her feel like she needed to be a bit more empathetic. She put her phone away and made her way back upstairs. When she entered the door frame of her mom's office, she greeted her with a big smile. Rachel's face of shock turned into a smile and finally a look of concern.
"Emma" she said, "Are you okay? Did you get lost?"
"No" Emma said as she shook her head. "I mean 'No' I didn't get lost and 'Yes', I'm okay. I just had to come back and tell you that I'm sorry for what I said to you last night. I should have said something at lunch, and I shouldn't have made you cry last night. I was embarrassed and it turned to anger before I had a chance to realize that you didn't mean it." Emma almost shared her feelings about Hannah and how she was jealous, but she pulled back, she didn't feel like unloading all of that in this now steam of consciousness.
Rachel who was very much gushy, already had tears rolling down her cheeks, "Emma. I really was so sorry. You didn't give me a chance to explain why I was even looking at there. It was my shoes. Daddy and I went on a walk, and I thought I left my new Nikes outside. I was only up that late because I napped in the middle of the day which you know I never nap. I've just been so tired."
Emma moved in closer, "It's okay. You're like making a person so that has to be exhausting. Dad said that it's around this time that you can feel the baby move. Is that true? What does it feel like?" Emma was proud of her line of questioning. She felt like lunch had been an Emma monologue of school and reminiscing about Egypt. She felt like this was a step forward in closing the gap that had come between them. But what she has missed in the nuances of the card and what she didn't see in the conversation between her parents when we wasn't there or was out of earshot was Rachel's hesitation in accepting this new being that had taken up space in her body. She was hesitant to get attached, reserved and pull back as if nothing was changing or so she wouldn't get attached to something. Emma saw the change in her mother's eyes, it was a face of someone who clearly wanted to change the subject. Emma expected Rachel to get up and hug her, but she just wiped her tears as she stood up.
"Yes, this whole process is exhausting." She said as she rested her hands on her baby bump something she rarely did, then she motioned toward the door and continued to speak to Emma, "I'm so glad you came back up, but I've got to go. We have a big meeting about."
"It's fine, I've got to go check in on Dad." Emma said as she grabbed her mom's hand and squeezed it, "I love you and I'll see you tonight."
Emma visited with her dad at NYU for about an hour before making her way back to Brooklyn. By the time she made it home with was 3:00. She texted her friend group and found out everyone was at the Y swimming, so she made her way there. Everyone was there, except for Hannah. In fact, Emma realized she hadn't heard from Hannah all day. She made a mental note to walk over there later to check in. The pool was a great time. She had missed her friends. This time Chase had to leave early for football practice, so she walked home with Taylor. By the time she made it home it was almost 6:00, she walked into the sounds of a podcast droning coming from the kitchen.
"Hey Dad" Emma said as she popped her head in the kitchen, "Long time, no see."
"Hey Ems" Ross said as he used his phone to pause the podcast. "It was so great to see you this afternoon. I know Mom enjoyed lunch with you."
"Thanks. Speaking of did you guys come home together?" Emma asked. Ross had been extra protective and had gotten into the habit of waiting for Rachel to finish work so they could ride the subway home together.
"She told me to head home. She had a meeting or a client, honestly, she started talking and I kind of tuned out. But she should be home before 7:00 at least that's what she said.
"Sounds good." Emma said, "I'm going to go get cleaned up and then I'll come down and help."
By the time Emma made it downstairs after showering Rachel had just walked through the door. She wasn't her normal cheery self which Emma attributed to the awkward encounter they had as she was leaving but she kept that to herself. Her Dad looked at her puzzled, as the sound of Rachel's heels on the staircase echoed out. "Did anything happen at lunch? Because she seems upset. I'm sure it's something I did but did she say anything."
Emma shrugged her shoulders and continued slicing the tomatoes. Wasn't it haughty of her to presume that her words had such a profound effect? Was it really a lie if she was just not sharing a presumed feeling of weirdness? She didn't know but she also was treading a fine line between her parents, and she had to leave somethings for them to figure out.
"I'll be right back." Ross said as he dried his hands with a dishtowel, "If you could finish the salad that would be great, then we can eat."
Ross made his way up the stairs, and down the hall to the master bedroom. The double doors were closed which was never a great sign. He gently twisted the handle and walked in determined to have a happy demeanor and not aggravate the situation. Although he wasn't even sure if it was a situation. The sunlight was streaming in, so he first went to the blinds and turned them, so the light wasn't as blinding. He then followed a trail of Rachel's things starting with her heels, then her pants, a top, an undershirt, the trail of clothing was leading him toward the bathroom which then went into the closet. And it was there he found his wife topless; her bra was on the floor of the closet the last clue in his bizzarro scavenger hunt. She was looking through a drawer and clearly not paying attention.
"Rachel" he said softly as to not startle her.
"Ahh" she said covering herself with her arms. "What do you want?"
"Don't cover up, you look amazing." He said countering her attitude with kindness, "I just want to make sure you were okay. Your footsteps on the stair noted a hint of anger. I wanted to check in with you to apologize."
"I'm hot and tired and I can't find my favorite shirt. Can I have a hug?"
"Of course, love."
"I'm so sorry I'm sweaty."
"I don't care."
"Have you been talking to Emma?"
"Our daughter Emma? Yes, I've been talking to her. I think like every day this week."
"I'm not in the mood for your weird humor. I mean she was really sweet today like almost out of character. She apologized for making me cry last night, even though really it was my fault. I messed up her big night with Chase. Then she went on about baby stuff and I just sent her off."
"I'm sure she'll understand."
"Are you even listening to me?" she said as she pushed him away.
"I have hard time listening when your pressed up against me like that." He said with a wink, "What happened with Chase?"
"Oh, it was just me looking for my shoes and ruining their first kiss out on the front stoop last night, but you don't know anything about it. I just wanted to know if you asked her to ask me those questions."
"I didn't ask her to ask you anything. I'm sure she is just curious. She's a pretty intuitive kid. And hey, she told me that she is thinking about being a doctor."
"A real doctor or your kind of doctor?" She said but ended the line with a giggle.
"Will that ever get old?" He replied with a hint of sarcasm but clearly in jest. "Also, what this kissing Chase business? Because I think I could use a hug." He opened his arms and smiled. She leaned back in and rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her hair. "By the way, she is interested in being a real doctor." He then ran his fingers along her back, "How is she old enough to be kissing some guy?"
"I don't know."
"Hey, I found your shirt." He said as he reached over and grabbed the folder shirt that had wound up in his section of the closet. He helped her pull it over her head. "Now we need to find you some pants and we can go eat dinner."
"I'll find pants. Can you bring me a hair tie? And thank you for this closet interlude."
"Of course, love." He hesitated to say more because he could tell by the look in her eyes, she was ready to spill. He could always read her eyes.
"I don't want Emma to get attached and most of all I don't want Emma to think I'll love her less, but I can't find the words to say that to her."
"Love, I think that you just did. I want you to remember that you're not responsible for others' emotions. Emma is going to feel how she is going to feel and all we can do as parents is guide her though it. Speaking from experience, you don't love one kid less or one kid more. It's like your heart grows. I don't know how else to explain it."
She was quiet in thought as she put on the shorts she had found folded up. She had really wanted to take a shower but now she was just ready to eat as lunch had been close to seven hours before. She was already thinking about how she was going to talk to Emma. She was never one for being direct or confrontational. She was broken out of her inner monologue by a hand with a hair tie in her face.
"Thanks, love." She said as she grabbed the hair tie and pulled her long hair back to in a low ponytail. "I'm hungry."
"Great, Emma is waiting for us."
After dinner the three of them sat and tried to pick a movie. It was a rare day when the three of them could agree. Finally, they settle on insert movie name, the movie had barely started when Ross took a call, it was his mom, so he felt like he had to take it, so he went to the other room. Rachel took this as an opportunity to talk to Emma. She had paused the movie and picked up her phone. Emma was laying across the chair whereas her parents were seated next to each other on the sofa.
"Hey Ems." Rachel said, "Do you want to come sit next to me?"
Emma looked up and smiled, "Sure." She got up leaving her phone on the arm of the chair and sat down. Rachel put her arm around her.
"I had a really nice time at lunch today. We should do that more often; I feel like I never get one on one time with you."
"I know. We're both busy." Emma said a bit awkwardly as she didn't really know where this conversation was headed. She didn't know how to navigate back to the moment where they had left things this afternoon.
"You know I can feel the baby move." She blurted out just going headfirst into the conversation, "I know you asked me earlier about it. It's a little weird. Your dad claims he can feel it, but I question it. He says the sound of his voice makes it move."
"Dad talks to it." Emma said, "That seems a little out of character."
"He is a wild one." She replied, "I just want you to know that I'm still getting used to the idea of having a baby, I mean another baby. So, it just caught me off guard when you asked me those questions, but I realize that we're all having a baby. Dad is just like all in. He bought me this ridiculous picture frame that I hate but I kind of love."
"I saw it." Emma said, "It was not your style at all, but it was very cute. So do you think the baby is a boy or a girl?"
"I don't know. I haven't thought about it too much."
By that time, Ross had reentered the room having caught the end of the girl's conversation, "It's a girl."
"I don't know, according to your little prediction that freaked me out you said we would have a girl first then a boy. "
"What did I know back then?" What do you think Emma? And we shouldn't say "It" that literally is from a horror film.
"I don't know. I guess I don't care. I think I'm just going to call it a night." She said as she retreated upstairs faster than her parents could say well anything.
"I think we scared her." Rachel said shifting herself closer to Ross who had made his way to the sofa and sat down.
"We." He said, "What were you telling her before I got her because all I said was girl and that we needed a proper noun."
"I was just trying to answer her questions from this afternoon." Rachel said defensively, "She clearly didn't like your answer."
Ross lowered his head and lean over, "Hey baby. Hold completely still if you don't like being called "it.""
Rachel rolled her eyes and laughed, "You're such a loser."
"Don't say that in front of developing ears." He replied placing his hands on her stomach like earmuffs, "For a little while this one will still think I'm cool. Your reign as the cool parent is coming to an end. Well not an end, Emma will always think you're cooler."
"I don't think so, love." She replied in earnest, "Emma probably thinks we're both losers."
As she finished speaking, Ross exclaimed in excitement, "I felt it move. That was so cool. "He had taken one hand in her hand and used the other hand to continue to feel movement. "Keep talking, it likes your voice."
"Ross, you said no more "it" and you've used it like a billion times."
"I got it." Ross said, "Hey Jellybean, it's daddy. Are you going to be a soccer star like your big sister?" He waited but got nothing. "You try?"
Rachel felt a little awkward, but she decided to play along, it was actually kind of fun," Hi Jellybean. It's Mommy. I can't wait to meet you. I'm the normal one who is very well dressed."
Ross's face lit up with excitement, "Jellybean is on the move. That is still so cool, even though I've done this with Ben and Emma, it really doesn't get old."
Meanwhile Emma had retreated to the sanctuary of her bedroom, pulled off the clothes she had on all day, and put on soft pajama shorts and tank top. She grabbed her phone from where it was charging on her desk and laid in bed while reviewing her texts. Her current state of mind was all over the place and didn't lend itself to any kind of responses to Chase asking her how she was or Taylor asking about hanging out tomorrow and whether she was going to the Y tomorrow. She was concerned about the lack of a message from Hannah, but that concern was elevated when she saw a text from her Aunt Monica.
Hi Emma. How are you, sweets? Can you tell Hannah that she needs to come home? She said she need to get a book from you for summer school homework, but she was supposed to come right home. I'm sure she told you she's grounded.
Emma shook her head and thought, "Oh Hannah, you're playing a dangerous game." Although Emma wasn't sure, she felt like Hannah used her to be able to meet up with Sam. Emma was very uncomfortable being put in the middle and being used for Hannah's lie. Her loyalty to Hannah was strong but then she thought about all the true crime documentaries she'd watched with her mom where kind girl was kidnapped and brutally murder. This was also spinning with her emotions about Chase and the kiss that wasn't and her relationship with her parents and how it was changing. She clicked the reply option and began typing a message that she felt was the right thing to do but she was left feeling uncertain about how it would playout.
Emma stood near her locker in the bustling hallway of YMCA the next afternoon. She anxiously fidgeted with her things, feeling the weight of her own struggles. Suddenly, Hannah stormed up to her, frustration etched on her face.
"Emma, what the hell?" Hannah's voice strained with disappointment. "I thought we were tight. I needed you to cover for me, and you just let me hang out to dry."
Looking up, Emma's eyes filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. "Hannah, you don't understand what I'm going through right now," her voice trembled. "My mom is having a baby, and everything is changing. I'm scared, okay?"
Hannah's anger softened slightly as she noticed Emma's vulnerability. "Emma, I get that you're going through a tough time," she said, her voice sympathetic. "But that doesn't mean you can't be there for me. I've always had your back, even when things got rough."
Emma's voice rose, a mixture of anger and desperation. "Well, maybe I don't want to lie and cover up for you!" Her tears started to flow. "Maybe I want to be honest with my parents because I've seen the damage that lies can cause. I don't want to go down that road."
Hannah's frustration grew, her voice tinged with hurt. "You're being selfish, Emma! I would do anything for you, even if it meant bending the rules a little. But you're just thinking about yourself and your perfect image."
Emma's voice cracked with emotion as she tried to defend herself. "It's not about image, Hannah! It's about doing the right thing. I can't risk losing the trust of my parents, especially now when everything is so uncertain."
They stood there, their eyes locked in a mix of anger, hurt, and disappointment. Without another word, they turned away from each other and headed to their respective directions. Hannah rushed out of the Y where Emma presumed, she headed home to continue her restriction. She wasn't sure how she got out of the house for this little confrontation. Emma headed toward the pool to lay out and get some sun, hoping to find a little peace as her emotions continued to torment her.
Emma and Chase walked side by side, their backpacks slung over their shoulders, as they made their way home from YMCA The warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the neighborhood streets.
Emma let out a heavy sigh, her thoughts consumed by the fight she had with Hannah earlier that day. She glanced at Chase, a troubled expression etched on her face.
"I can't believe the fight I had with Hannah today," Emma confessed, her voice laced with frustration. "It's been bothering me all day."
Chase's eyebrows furrowed, concern evident in his eyes. "What happened? You guys are usually inseparable."
Emma paused, taking a deep breath before recounting the events. "We had this huge argument about covering for her. She lied to her parents, and I just couldn't go along with it. It's like we're on different wavelengths or something."
Chase nodded, his face showing understanding. "That sounds tough. But you did what you thought was right, and that's important. Friendship can handle disagreements, you know?"
Emma offered a faint smile, appreciating Chase's support. "I guess. But I hate feeling like this. And on top of it, my parents... they're having a baby. It's all so overwhelming."
Chase's voice softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "Change can be scary, but your parents love you. They'll always be there for you, no matter what. And the new baby? That just means more love in your family."
Emma's tense shoulders relaxed as she looked at Chase, grateful for his comforting words.
"Thanks, Chase," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You always know how to make me feel better. It's just hard sometimes, you know? Balancing life, family, and our relationship."
Chase smiled warmly, his gaze fixed on Emma.
"We'll figure it out together," he reassured her. "You're smart, talented, and I believe in you. Plus, we make a great team."
They continued walking in comfortable silence, the sound of their footsteps blending harmoniously. Emma took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking up again.
Emma's lips curved into a grateful smile; her worries momentarily eased by Chase's unwavering support.
"Thank you, Chase," she said sincerely, her eyes meeting his. "I'm really lucky to have you in my life."
Chase's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with affection. "The feeling is mutual, Em. We've got this."
With a renewed sense of unity and determination, they continued their walk, their steps in sync. As they faced the challenges of together, a bond of trust and unwavering support fortified their relationship.