Before the Party
Rachel was in her home reading a book from the library called Pride & Prejudice. She got a page done, but then thoughts of her family would distract her from reading. She knew her father was hiding from his children. She also had the nagging feeling that Ray was about to experience something life changing.
She sighed when she heard the front door open revealing a tall woman with the body of a rugby player, with her hair in braids and scars on her face giving her a permanent smile. "Hey Rachel."
Smiling, Rachel put the book down and turned towards the other woman. "Hey Eve."
Eve walked over and the two shared a quick kiss. "How were the deliveries?" Rachel asked.
"They were good, Susan gave me a few teas after I brought in her share." Eve said, taking her coat off and taking a seat on the coach next to Rachel. "So how is the family."
"Good I guess." Rachel said leaning on Eve. "I think dad is not getting enough sleep, and Allison is sick, I saw her at the clinic."
Eve wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a side hug. "Is your father going to be at the party?"
Rachel smirked. "Agreed once we delivered Maria's message."
Eve also gave a smirk before giving her a kiss on the forehead.
With Ray, he was currently in his workshop making a baseball bat. When he arrived in Jackson, he took shifts going over inventory and woodworking. He took to woodworking, fixing what needed fixing and even applying it to a hobby.
He was nearly done when he heard the door to his workshop open. He turned to see his girlfriend enter. "Hey Ali." He greeted.
"Hey Ray, am I interrupting anything?" she asked nervously.
"Nothing I can't finish later, how was your appointment? Are you feeling any better?" he asked worriedly.
She gave a small smile and nodded. "Yes, the appointment went well."
Alison rubbed a piece of her black hair behind her eye. Her blue eyes filled with worry as she rubbed her neck. "Um… Ray I also received some news from the doctor."
Ray still looked worried. "What did the doctor say."
"I'm pregnant."
Ray's eyes widened and he started to smile widely. "Wow… how are you feeling? I'm excited, but…"
Seeing Ray's smile Allison interrupted. "I'm excited as well."
Allison smiled widely as Ray gave her a big hug and lifted her up from the ground and spun her around. He placed her gently on the ground.
"So, when should we start telling our friends and family?" Ray asked excitedly.
"Is your dad going to be at the party tonight?"
"Yeah!"
"Then let's tell them tonight at the party tonight?"
Allison looked calm, but Ray could tell that a storm was brewing. "Dad said that it's my punishment for our trip to the cabin six months ago."
His girlfriend calmed down gradually before speaking. "I don't like your las minute assignment, but that was a beautiful trip."
The two laughed for a few moments then the two kissed again. Allison smiled. "Okay, I am going to get ready for tonight, finish the bat and get ready."
"You got it babe." He said as his girlfriend left the workshop.
He then turned to the bat. "Alright just got smooth you out, then I got to get ready for the dance."
Later at night, Graham was walking down the road towards the community center. Limping on the road he arrived at the front. He saw children playing clickers. The 'clicker' chasing the other children blind. A makeshift bar for people to make their own drinks. A woman doing face painting. There are even carnival games.
Walking towards the gathering he sees a group of people roasting a pig over an open fire. He walked over to the group. The group turned towards him and smiled widely.
"General!" They shouted in joy.
"It's good to see you out tonight." One said.
"Want some of the pork when its ready?" The one spinning the pig asked.
"Yes please, Manny." He said slowly, taking a seat on a chair grunting in pain.
He rubbed his left thigh. "How's everyone doing?"
They all looked around, each smiling as the group started talking and laughing. Through all this he had to remember to thank Maria for twisting his arm.
Thank you all for reading. Hope you all are doing well.