When my parents are finished resting it's just about dinner time so we all prepare for dinner and load into Dad's SUV and head to his restaurant. The ride there is quiet in conversation but load with thoughts. When we arrive Dad parks in his spot at the back of the restaurant and we, the twins and I, enter through the front doors. Upon entering we are greeted as usual and taken to our usual place. We sit down and Dad has place the order for our usual appetizers and drinks.
"So, how was everyone's week," Mom asks starting the conversation.
"It was good, we kept ourselves busy and entertained," Journee answers.
"Yeah, everyone was a team player including Dad when he was there," I say.
"That's good to hear. What about the basketball game yesterday? I'm sure that was exciting," Mom says smiling.
"The game was amazing. Mekhi got us good seats and his friends even hung out with us. I can't wait for college and campus life," Jackson says excitedly.
"Oh, make sure you thank him properly the next time you see him," Mom says.
"Wow, I didn't get to watch the game yesterday, but I did get to see some highlights. It looked like a really good game," Dad says joining in Jackson's excitement.
"It was a really good game, the guys all played exceptionally well," I add.
"What about you Journee? Did you enjoy yourself," Mom asks.
"Yes, it was cool. You know I'm not big on sports but it was a cool experience all the same," she says politely.
"So how was everything for you guys," I ask them and they give each other a warm smile.
"It was a good week. I got all of my work done and Dad was there to accompany me so I got to relax as well," she says smiling affectionately at Dad.
"That's good to hear," I say feeling like something's up with them.
"So do you guys have any plans for spring break," Dad asks abruptly and the twins and I all look at one another.
"Yeah, the girls and I are going to the beach for break," I say.
"Just you girls? No guys," Dad questions.
"I'm not sure. We've booked our rooms to bunk together so if any of the guys do show up they'll have to find their own lodging," I say.
"It should be fine then," he says.
"Mark, leave her alone. She'll be twenty years old this year she is capable of taking care of and protecting herself," Mom says firmly.
"I know, I'm sorry. I keep forgetting she's not as young as I imagine her to be," he says holding Mom's hand.
"What about you two? Do you have anything planned," Mom asks.
"Yeah, I'm going to go camping with Nathan and his dad for break," Jackson says.
"And I'm going to Bailey's so we can continue rehearsing for the play," Journee says.
"That's good because your father and I…" she says looking at Dad blushing.
"We're going to take a second honeymoon while all of you are out of the house for break. In fact we will be heading out before you so I'll have Ben stop by the house and make sure everything's locked up," Dad says.
"A second honeymoon," Jackson says shocked.
"Wow," Journee says.
"What's going on," I ask and they look at each other seeming to be communicating through their eyes before turning to us.
"Since you guys have noticed, I guess we can't hide it from you any longer," Dad says.
"Hide what," I manage to get out feeling as nervous as the twins look.
"Guys, I'm pregnant! I'm going to have a baby," Mom says excitedly and with that news our jaws literally drop.
"Whhaaaaatttttttt," is all I can manage to get out because my brain is still processing the information she just gave us.
"Aren't you too old," Jackson manages to get out and Dad gives him a stern look.
"Believe me when I tell you guys that I was just as surprised as you guys are. I'm not quite fifty so my body is alright to bear the brunt of this pregnancy. I'll need you all to help me after all my babies will be sixteen this year and I'm not as young as I was when I had you guys," she says glowing.
"Of course we'll help you Mom," Journee says speaking for us.
"It'll be fine you three. Your grandparents will come and stay with us when we get back from our honeymoon," Dad says dropping another bombshell on us.
"That's great," Journee says nudging me with her elbow to say something.
"Congratulations Mom, I can't wait to see the newest baby and I'm excited that grandma and grandpa are coming to stay. It feels like I haven't seen them in a long time," I say thinking back to my high school graduation. Even though it was just last year, I was in such a bad place that it seems like years ago.
"Na na, if you feel like this is too much for you with your studying and everything your father and I have already discussed getting you a place of your own. Your room will always be your room, it's just something for you to think about," Mom says sincerely.
"Okay Mom, I'll think about it," I say shocked again.
"Please do, your father and I don't want you to leave, but we know how important your studies are to you and the house will be a bit livelier with a baby in it," she says with a sad smile.
"Thank you Mom, I understand," I say to her with a sad smile of my own.
"So do you know what you're having yet," Journee asks trying to bring back Mom's happy mood.
"Not yet, I'll tell you what when the day for that appointment comes I'll have you and Lena come
with me," she says enthusiastically.
"That'll be fun," Journee says.
"Of course Mom, wouldn't miss it for the world," I say realizing that the appetizers have arrived I stuff a mozzarella stick into my mouth just to give me something to do.
"It'll be alright Lena," Dad says touching the hand I've left on the table.
"Mm," I say nodding my head because my mouth is full.
"If Lena's moving out what will happen with us," Jackson says finding his voice.
"You guys are fine, you still have the rest of high school. Lena is an adult and in college living her best life we don't want her to feel burdened or pressured into helping us raise a baby and run you guys around as well," Dad says with a tight smile.
"You'll be able to drive soon, so you'll be able to visit Lena any time you want and it's not like she won't ever come home," Mom says looking at me.
"Yeah, I'll come visit all the time and you guys will always be welcomed at my place…if I move out," I say.
"Alright, everyone is too sad, this is supposed to be a happy time. Do we want the baby to be a boy or girl? I want a little sister to spoil," Journee says lightening the mood.
"I pick boy, there are enough girls in the house," Jackson says.
"I say girl so we can dress her up," I say adding to the conversation.
"I say boy just to even it out," Dad says.
"It doesn't really matter to me as long as they're healthy," Mom says and we all agree.
With the conversation taking a positive turn we all eat our dinner happily discussing possible baby names and room themes until we are finished eating. Dad asks about Mekhi's friends during dessert and I tell them who they are and that they were kind enough to accompany us. Mom asks about Mekhi and how the relationship was going. When she had her fill of information from me she then turned her attention to Jackson and Journee. At the end of dinner, Dad asks his assistant, Ben, to drive me and twins home so that he and Mom could stay there a little longer.
Once we get to the house the twins and I head straight to my room and close the door. We're all trapped in our own thoughts. Each of us probably thinking the same thoughts but afraid to say them aloud. After about fifteen minutes of silence I decide to be the one to break it.
"I can't believe Mom's having a baby," I say and Jackson and Journee both nod their heads in agreeance.
"It's really surprising, when they said surprise that was not what I was thinking," Jackson says running his hands through his hair.
"I kind of had a feeling that it was that but it was shocking all the same," Journee says.
"How did you guess that," I ask her.
"Well, the way they were acting I knew it wasn't anything bad plus if it was the annual family vacation announcement they wouldn't have been so awkward. And Mom rested for a long time today, she never naps for that long," Journee say conclusively.
'Wow, I didn't pay attention to any of the signs because I was so lost in my thoughts from my night with Mekhi.'
"Very observant," I say to her.
"This is a big change," Jackson says.
"It'll be fine, we'll just have a new little person to look after," I say to him.
"Yeah, but you probably won't be living here," he replies.
"Even if I decide to move out, I won't stay away and never visit. You guys still need me, Mom will need me," I say to him.
'It'll be strange to be on my own. I don't know if I'm ready for it.'
"We'll probably get cars for our birthday like Na na said, so we'll be able to visit her too," Journee says.
"Yeah, you're right. I think I'm going to shower and go to bed, my mind is racing with this news," Jackson says as he stands and walks out my room.
"I think I'm going to call it a night too sis. You should get some rest as well, you look tired," Journee says and leaves as well.
"Goodnight guys," I say as I stand to close my door.