I didn't want to upset them at the breakfast table so I decided I would tell them tonight, and went ahead with enjoying the brief moment of happiness I had with them,though I had to admit that once I sat down for the breakfast, my old favourite food didn't seem much appealing, as I was still fighting my nausea.
"Welcome back Ms. Ace", my cousin Leo walked in and pulled me in an embrace. I hugged him back and smiled at him. "Hey you, been a long time huh. I missed you",I told him.
Leo was my aunt's son from my mom's side. His own mom had passed away when he was just two,while his dad had become a workaholic to deal with the loss of his beloved wife,and he was practically raised by my parents that we grew up as very close knitted siblings.
He was older to me by 5 years so he treated me like his baby sister. "We all missed you too Ace", he replied still using the nick name he gave me in elementary school.
"Leo, we made enough breakfast for you as well. Do join us son",my dad told him. "Sure Pops, after all,how could I miss out on Ma's cooking", Leo said and quickly filled his plate and helped himself and I could only laugh at his childish antics.
"How's uncle Jacob?", I asked enquiring Leo about his dad. "Still as healthy as a bull", he replied. "Speaking of which,dad wanted me to tell you that you're always welcome to join his company and you'll always have a place there",he told me.
My parents who were silently observing our exchange, looked up at me expectantly."Please thank uncle Jacob for the offer,but I already got one", I told them and Leo just shrugged,"I told him so, that you'd already have a job even before you graduated"." That's my darling daughter",my dad beamed at me and my mom came to my side and hugged me.
My sweet family, ever so easy to please, but I still feared at how they would react at the news of my pregnancy.
My dad left to tend to the grocery store we owned and Leo left soon afterwards as he worked at his dad's company. After they left, my mom who was quietly observing me asked me,"Issy, is something the matter dear?I've been noticing you since last night,and something seems to be troubling you. You haven't even touched most of your food".
I knew I could not hide anything from my mom and was pondering on what to say but knowing that it was better to tell her the truth, blurted out,"Mom, I'm pregnant, and the father is not in the picture".
My mom gaped and looked at me with shock and the hurt on her face was apparent. I knew I couldn't undo the things I had done, but I wished with all my heart if I could, just to erase the hurt and pain I was giving my family.
"I know I have broken the trust you and dad had placed on me, but I really loved Roy and I thought he did too, but I was too naiive. When he learnt of my pregnancy, he told me to abort the child but I have decided to go ahead with giving birth to my baby", I told her, not allowing her to speak anything before I had spoken my piece.
My heart still hurt at my mother's hurt, but I had to rip open the band aid anyways,so I tried to calm down and brace myself for her outburst.
"Oh my poor Issy. So you were worried that your dad and I wouldn't side with you?",my mom said apparently,still hurt and devastated over the news of my pregnancy, I presumed.
"I guess you were only right to have assumed that way, considering how much we have minded our image in the society, but not anymore Issy. Thing is, we'll never live up to the society's expectations. Am I hurt? Sure,I am, but only because I don't want my baby girl to go through pain and hardships",my mom assured me,much to my surprise and to think I was so worried over how they would react.
"Mom, thank you,for not being angry at me. I know I've disappointed you and dad, but it means a lot to me to have you both by my side. Will dad be as accepting as you though?",I asked, happy that she accepted my decision but slightly worried at how my dad would react."
"Don't worry Issy, he'll need to understand that his not accepting your decision won't change the fact that you're pregnant",my mom added bluntly and I could only wince but agree.
"Now tell me what is your plan Issy, cause I have to tell you, being a mom is not going to be easy, and a single mom is going to be really hard, but I'll tell you,its going to be worth it",my mom told me and I knew she was concerned about me and I felt nothing but warmth in her words.
"I haven't figured out everything mom. I just know I can't bear to abort the baby like Roy wanted me to. I already feel very protective about the baby and only hope I can be good enough to raise my child no matter how much hardships life throws my way",I told her and my mom only gave me a hug to ease my pain.
We,the Millers believed in the miraculous effect of hugs and my mom's hug really did give me the much needed comfort I yearned for.