Ch. 13: Big News for the Both of Us

Chapter Thirteen: Big News for the Both of Us

"This only seeing each other every few weeks is getting a bit old don't you think?" Avery says, sitting down in the chair across from me. She insisted on taking me out to dinner so we can catch up since our busy lives do not allow us much time to hang out anymore.

"I agree. I miss being able to talk to my best friend every day."

"How about I just move in? You and Jack never use that spare bedroom anyway!" She beams at me, obviously joking.

"Alright, pack up your stuff you can move in tonight." I smile back at her. 

"Ha, yeah okay." Avery takes a sip of her drink before continuing, "So, how have things been? How are Nate and Josie?"

"Things have been going alright. I mean, I'm extremely busy, but I've finally got a copy of my manuscript to my editor so that's a plus."

Avery squeals in typical Avery fashion. "Oh Addie that's so wonderful! You're just one step closer to having your book published! I'm so so proud of you."

"Thanks Ave, I can't believe I've come this far. Anyway, Nate and Josie are doing pretty good, too." I say answering her second question. "I know Josie is getting a bit anxious with her due date right around the corner. And my brother is definitely scared but everyone is being super supportive now and that really helps. I just want her to have the baby already! I'm so excited to be an Aunt!" 

Avery laughs, "Yeah I bet. Those two are going to make an adorable baby, too. Speaking of adorable babies, when are you and Jack going to add a little member to your family."

I choke on my drink and then start laughing. "Good Lord, Avery! That is not even on our radar right now. We're both just focusing on work and on each other."

"Ahh, focusing on each other." Avery says wiggling her eyebrows. 

"Girl, get your mind out of the gutter." I laugh as a warm summer breeze tugs at my hair. I inhale the fresh summer scent mixed with the saltiness from the ocean and realize how content I am right now. I really have missed spending time with my best friend. "Can we please not wait another month before we see each other. I need people to talk to other than Jack and my brother."

"Of course! I was just thinking the same thing."

We eat our lunch and discuss all the other things going on in our lives. Avery got offered a full time position at City Hall, moving up from her intern position. I'm still working for Sunset Valley Daily News but have been interviewing for positions at the high school as an English teacher. 

The sun is beginning to set as we walk to our cars after leaving the restaurant and Avery links her arm in mine, "Hey, will you meet me at the house. Lydia really misses you too so I told her I'd kidnap you for a while." 

I smile and squeeze her arm before breaking off towards my car, "Oh I guess I can squeeze in some time to see Lyd." I wink before sitting down in the drivers seat and pulling my door closed. 

------

The drive to Avery and Lydia's is fairly quick.I pull into their driveway just seconds after Avery but before I am able to shut off my car she is jumping up and down right outside my window smiling from ear to ear. I slowly open my door so I don't hit her and raise one eyebrow, "Uh, you alright there?" I say laughing slightly. 

"Yes! I'm great actually. Ok, you have to go inside and then follow the instructions."

"What? Avery, what in the world are you - "

"Just do it!" She says as she pushes me towards the door. 

I take one last confused look at her before I turn and walk inside their house. I'm instantly hit with the scent of roses. Every surface is covered with red roses. They are everywhere. On the floor, the tables, and even the walls. At first I just think that Lydia is doing something new for the floral shop but then I see a note on the bookshelf by the door. It says my name and it is in Jack's handwriting. 

I instantly get butterflies in my stomach and can't stop the smile that is slowly spreading across my lips. I don't know why but my hands start to shake as I pick up the piece of paper. Meet me in the backyard, Love Jack. I follow the instructions as Avery told me to and excitedly run towards the back door. Once I step outside I am overwhelmed by the amount of beauty that fills the backyard. 

As I scan the area for Jack I take in everything; there are lights strung up in the trees and in Lydia and Avery's pergola. It is absolutely stunning. Something in my peripheral vision catches my eye and I turn to see Jack coming from around the side of the house. I beam the instant I see him and his eyes light up the second they meet mine. 

He slowly approaches me looking the most shy I have ever seen him. He is also the most dressed up I have ever seen him. "Hey, you." He grins and it's like we're meeting for the first time again, five years ago in that coffee shop. My cheeks flush and the butterflies in my stomach reawaken. 

"Hey." It's all I can manage. 

"So, you're probably wondering what's up? Well, actually, you've probably already figured it out, huh?"

I giggle and shrug my shoulders. 

Jack smiles and then takes a deep breath. "Addie." He says my name quietly, almost whispering and then looks into my eyes. The browns and deep blues pull me in like they always do. There's nothing else in the world but the two of us. "I knew I loved you the moment I saw you in the coffee shop. You were adorably awkward but there was something about you. After we met that night you were the only thing I ever thought about, it sounds so crazy but it's true. You slowly became my best friend, and still, to this day you remain my absolute best friend. I can come to you with anything, knowing that you'll be there for me no matter what. And I hope you know I'm there for you in the same way. Addie, I want to spend every moment of my life with you, good or bad. 

He smiles an adorable lopsided grin as he drops my hands and reaches into his pocket. Getting down on one knee he pulls out a small box and opens it as he says, "Will you marry me, Addie?"

I don't even look at the ring, I mean I try but my eyes are blurry with tears, I just smile and say yes as I throw my arms around him. "I love you, Jack." And I mean it. I love him, down to the deepest parts of my soul. There is no place else I'd rather be. Standing in his arms I feel the happiest and safest I've ever felt. 

He pulls back a little and smiles before he kisses me. "I love you too." Then he laughs. "Thank God you said yes. I was ready to just drop everything and run, catch the next train out of here, and never show my sorry face again."

He's always joking, even in a moment like this, and I realize it's one of the things I love most about him. He can always make me laugh. "You shouldn't have been worried, you goof. Of course I was going to say yes." 

Moments later, when we are cuddled up on the couch together, my head in his lap, his hands playing with my hair, and enjoying our champagne, my phone rings, my mom's picture lights up the screen. I smile, happy that she's the first person I get to tell, although she probably already knows.

"I'll be right back!" I give Jack a kiss on the cheek before walking away and answering my phone. "Hey mom,I have some big news -"

She cuts me off, excitement filling her voice as she says, "Addie, Josie is having the baby!"

------

Jack and I are the only ones in the waiting room for hours. We pass the time talking, drinking coffee, and watching the cooking network. 

"Maybe I should go home and change. I feel way overdressed." Right as Jack says this Jenesis and Eric walk through the doors into the waiting room. 

They both look tired but happy. Jenesis gives us a warm smile before heading our way. 

"How's Josie?" I ask as they approach.

"She's doing great and so is the baby. Eric and I are just heading out to get some food and wanted to let you both know that you could go in and see them now if you'd like." She lifts an eyebrow as she takes in Jack's attire. "You know, this isn't a black tie event" She says with a laugh. 

"Well actually, we have some big news of our own. I don't want to take away from Josie and Nate's big day but I'm really excited to tell you guys. Jack and I are engaged."

"Oh my gosh you guys that's so wonderful!" Jenesis pulls me up into a big hug and Eric claps Jack on the shoulder.

"Congratulations you two." Eric says as he smiles at me, "It's about time."

Jenesis give's Eric "the look" but we all laugh. They congratulate us again before they leave and Jack and I go to see Josie and the baby. 

Josie's room is packed full when we get there. Mom and Dad are on the couch, Josie is resting on the bed, and Nate is in the rocking chair with the baby. 

I walk to Josie's side first. "Hey, how're you doing? You look great!"

She smiles tiredly. "Thanks. I'm doing alright, just exhausted."

Then I look to Nate. "Well look at you, you're a natural." 

"Hey sis. I'd like you to meet Violet."

"It's a girl! Oh guys, she's beautiful." 

I'm about to walk over to Nate when Josie turns to Jack and asks, "Why are you looking so fancy tonight?"

Mom gives me a knowing grin, Jack must have told her before he proposed. 

"Okay, now just remember that today is still your special day, Violet's special day." Jack says smiling. 

He nods at me letting me know I should tell them. "Jack and I are engaged." I say again for the second time that night. 

"You guys!" Josie squeals, "That's so great! I'm so happy for you!"

"Finally." Nate laughs. 

Dad is the first to get up. He comes over to me and wraps me up in a big hug, as mom goes to congratulate Jack. "Congratulations, sweetheart."

"Thanks Dad."

"I can see how happy he makes you." He whispers so only I can hear. "And knowing you're happy, well that's all I could ever hope for."

My eyes tear up and he let's go. "I love you, Dad."

He smiles, "Love you too, Kiddo."

Mom catches my eye, winks at me, and blows me a kiss. "We'll talk later" she mouths, and then aloud says, "Alright, well I think we're going to leave you guys for a bit, maybe grab something to eat. Call us if you need anything." She gives Nate, Violet, and Josie all kisses before her and Dad leave. Then it's just the four - well five of us. 

Jack takes a seat on the couch where Mom and Dad were just sitting and Nate puts Violet in the crib before joining him. 

"Hey, could I hold her?" Josie is nodding before I even finish my question. I reach down into the crib and cradle Violet in my hands. "Hello there sweet girl." Smiling, I gently lift her into my arms and sit down in the rocking chair. 

Nate, Josie, and Jack have started a conversation but I'm lost in my own world. I smile down at my tiny, beautiful niece and then at the faces of everyone in the room. At that moment my heart is full of happiness and love. 

Let the Groveling Begin

Alright, now I know you all are probably getting so so sick of the fact that the only thing I seem to post on here these days is apologies for not posting anything. But alas, this is another one of those posts. Let me start out by saying I'M SO SORRY for the lack of activity on this page. Really, I'm truly sorry and feel so terrible that I have neglected this page for so long. Not only was my last chapter post months ago in July, but I was pretty inactive even before that. Life just seems to get more crazy as the days pass. This is my final year of my undergraduate education (I cannot believe I will be graduating from college/university in 6 months!) and this is the main reason for my neglect. 

Honestly, I think about all of my readers daily. I worry about not getting new chapters out to you all and possibly losing all of the support that everyone has given me these past (almost) three years. I also think about Addie and all her little friends - which is silly because she's a fictional character - but I think about her and where her life might possibly be headed on a daily. Generally speaking, I really hate making promises of new chapters because sometimes I cannot keep those promises and I would hate to let anyone down. However, I'm going to make a promise to you all right now; I promise to try my absolute hardest to get the next chapter of Addie's story up before the end of 2014. I know, that seems like such a long time, but it's going to go by way quicker than you think. With first semester ending in about three weeks, it gives me some extra free time to make sure you all see Addie's face before 2015 graces us with it's presence. 

Until then, just know that each and every one of you that have been there from the beginning and have stuck around to see what happens in Abrielle and Addie's lives mean so much to me! I appreciate the fact that you take time out of your day to give my little blog a quick read and am so grateful for the support you give. 

As always, thanks for putting up with all my shenanigans. 

Ashlee

July 27th

Hey Readers,

I cannot believe that my last post was July 27th! That's almost two months ago now! I feel like I'm publishing more "I'm sorry I'm so pathetic and never post chapters" posts lately than actual story posts, but what can I say, life is crazy these days. So I've just (well three weeks ago) started my final year at college (or university - whichever you prefer) and I'm still trying to get into a routine. Hopefully I'll have things figured out within a few weeks and then I can get back to working on Addie's Story. Lately I've been so busy with school and homework though, that the last thing I want to do is sit down and try and finish a chapter :( 

Long story short, once I find my routine and some down time you guys can expect to see a new chapter from me. However, that may not be for a few weeks yet. Don't give up on me though because I am definitely not giving up on you guys or Addie! As always, thanks for all your support and patience!

I'll be back soon! :)
Ashlee 

Ch. 12: Oh Brother

Chapter Twelve: Oh Brother

After two months of unpacking, Jack and I are finally settled into our new home and we absolutely love this little place. So much has happened in these short two months. A few days after we moved in we both decided we'd like to expand our little "family". No, not with a baby, but with a cat. 

We adopted Pip and he has become an adorable addition to our new home. In other extremely exciting news, I am working with a publisher and my editor to develop my piece from Parent's Magazine into a novel! I cannot believe it! My dream of becoming an author is slowly in the making. Besides the book and the cat we've also been spending a lot of time with Avery, Lydia, and my family. It's great to be back in Sunset Valley and so close to my Mom, Dad, and Nate again. 

"Working on your book?" Jack touches my shoulder and smiles at me when I look up from my notebook. 

"No, just some journaling. I should go spend some time on that though." 

"Well, you've got all day. Lucky duck! I want a day off." He kisses me on the cheek before heading towards the door. He pauses as he passes the stairs and bends down to pet Pip who is lying in his little pet bed that we had put in last week.

 "Ok, you two have fun today!" He gives one last wave before closing the door. 

"Alright Pip, wanna join me in the den while I write?" He flips his tail at me and lays his head down on his paws. "Yeah, didn't think so."

I sit down at my computer and pull up my email, scrolling through to see if there's any new messages. Then I pull up Facebook - procrastination at it's finest. 

Finally, I pull up my saved document containing the thousands of words regarding my mother's incredible journey through life - also known as my novel. I'm about to look through the last chapter I wrote for inspiration when there's a knock on the door. 

"Coming!" I call. 

I pull the door open with a smile on my face and see my brother looking extremely distraught. "Nate?" 

He walks past me and into the living room and begins pacing back and fourth. 

"Nate, what's wrong? Why aren't you in school?"

"Oh God, Addie. I just... I didn't know what to do. Or who to go to."

"Nathan! What. Is. Wrong?"

"Addie, you better sit down."

My heart begins to race as I imagine all of the terrible things my brother may be about to tell me. I slowly sit down on the love seat and look up at him. "Tell me, Nate."

He lets out a long breath, runs his hand nervously through his hair and looks down at his scuffed sneakers as he says, "Josie is pregnant."

My mind tries to comprehend this. Josie. Little Josie White. As in Jenesis and Eric's daughter.

Nathan and Josie have been dating for a year now. They're too young for this. 

"Addie, did you hear what I said?" He whispers and sits down next to me. 

I nod my head and then speak up. "Alright, don't freak out okay? Maybe she's not. And if that's the case stress isn't going to help either of you in this situation. 

"No Ad, she definitely is." He says sounding defeated. "She's taken three tests now, they've all been positive." He sighs. "What are we going to do? We're only 17 Addie! Juniors in high school! we can't have a baby!" He stands up in frustration and rubs tears from his eyes.

"Oh Nate," I stand up and throw my arms around him. "There are so many options. No matter what happens, you're going to make it through it. And just know that I'm going to be here for you every step of the way."

He holds on to me a little tighter.

"But Nate, you know we need to tell Mom and Dad. And of course Jen and Eric too." 

He stiffens and begins to back away shaking his head. "Addie, no. Not yet." 

I grab his hand. "Nate, you have to. Text Josie and tell her to meet us here after school. We can go over to Mom and Dad's together."

He looks like he's going to pass out but he nods his head and pulls out his phone. I grab my phone as well and walk into the den, preparing to call Mom and Dad to let them know I have some news for them and that I'll be over when they're off work. 

------

Mom, Dad, Josie, Nathan, and I are all sitting in the living room at Mom and Dad's. By this point they know that something is up and mom is nervously bouncing her legs as she sits in the chair. 

"So," Dad starts. "What's up? You needed to tell us something, Addie?"

"Um, actually..." I glance from him to Josie and Nate and give them a little nod. 

"Actually," Nate speaks up. "Josie and I have some news." Josie hangs her head and Nate grabs her hand. "Mom. Dad. Josie is pregnant."

"WHAT?!" Dad booms.

I notice Josie start to cry. Mom notices too and she quickly moves from her chair to sit next to Josie. Putting an arm around her shoulder and shooting my dad a slight glare she reassures her that it is okay. "Shh, sweetheart. I know this is all probably terrifying but it's going to be alright." 

Mom tells Nate and Josie the same thing I said earlier; they have options and she'll support them no matter what. Dad agrees and apologizes for his initial reaction. He hugs Nate as mom continues to comfort Josie. 

"You know, honey, I got pregnant at a young age too. No, I wasn't in high school, but I sure didn't have the family and the support the two of you have. I just had Kyler and your parents." I notice how easily Mom talks about her pregnancy with Charlie. She's always so strong from everyone else. "I know it's scary, and your parents may be upset at first, but just know that they love you no matter what. And we love the both of you very much as well!"

"Yeah, I'm so afraid to tell them. I don't want to disappoint them." Josie speaks up for the first time.

"Would you like Addie, Kyler, and I to join you when you tell them?" 

Josie glances at Nate and he shrugs. "It's up to you." He says. 

She nods and turns towards Mom. "Yeah, could you?"

"Of course, sweetie. But you know, I think it's probably best that we go do it right away. I'll call your mom and let her know we're coming over."

------

We walk into Jenesis and Eric's home and at first it's nothing but smiles and hugs. It's been a while since we've all seen each other. Then Jen notices my mom's faltering smile and pulls us all into the living room asking us what's wrong. 

We all sit quietly, unsure of who should speak first. Josie looks like she's going to cry again as she squeaks out, "Mom, Dad. Please don't hate me." Then the tears begin to fall. 

There's immediate concern in her parents' eyes. "Baby, we could never hate you." Jen says. "What happened?"

She takes a shaky breath through her tears and her voice wobbles when she tells them. "I'm pregnant." 

Eric furrows his brows and looks confused. He tilts his head and stares at his daughter. Jenesis slowly stands up and starts pacing across the living room. "Well, um, okay. It could be worse. You could be dying. But you're not. So in that regard things aren't too bad. Right Eric?" She says stopping and looking at him. She's surprisingly clam but her rapid speech gives away her nervousness. 

Eric looks at his wife with even more confusion and then turns towards Nate. He narrows his eyes and I'm pretty sure we're all expecting him to go off on him. Instead he just shakes his head and says, "Nate, you are one of the most responsible kids I know. How could you let this happen?"

Before Nate can respond Josie pipes in, "Dad, please, don't be mad at him. It's just as much my fault as it is his."

"I don't think I'm mad. Which is odd because I really should be. Instead I'm just worried. I'm worried for your guys's future."

"It's alright to be worried." My mom says, "I'm worried too. But like you said, these two are very responsible."

"Clearly not that responsible seeing as their pregnant." Eric mutters. 

"Yes, Eric. But mistakes happen, alright? It's not ideal that they're only seventeen, but life isn't a perfectly paved path to happiness and success. There are always going to be bumps in the road but you have to figure out the best way to get past those and keep moving forward. Right now we're at one of those bumps and the best thing we can do is let our kids know their options and let them know that we are going to love them and support their decisions no matter what."

Jenesis nods, "Of course we love you, Josie. You have to know that we will always  love you. There's nothing you could do that would make us stop."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Eric says. "I do love you kiddo." He says to Josie. "But you both have to know that if you do decide to keep the baby, while we will be here to support you and help you as much as we can, we won't raise the baby for you. That is the responsibility of the two of you, alright?"

"We never expected you to do that for us, Dad. And we are."

"You are what?" Eric questions.

"We're keeping it." 

Nate's eyes get a little bigger and he whispers to Josie, "Are you sure this is what you want?" She nods her head and he hugs her. "I love you." For the first time that night I see a smile form on Josie's lips. 

Eventually, after talking things through a bit more, Mom, Dad, Jen, and Eric go sit outside on the deck - most likely still processing the fact that their babies are having a baby. Josie and Nate sit on the couch with Ethan who came home late after soccer practice. 

They're quietly filling him on on what's going on, and from the looks of it he's doing a really good job not killing my brother. I don't want to bother anyone so I slip outside unnoticed and get in my car. 

On the quiet drive home I contemplate life, and how quickly things can change. How small actions always seem to have such large consequences and repercussions. I know my brother and Josie will be fine, but their life is going to be way more difficult now. Hopefully they will find a balance and not have to miss out on being young while having to be so grown up. 

Addie & Jack's House + Avery & Lydia's House

Hi Readers!

Sorry it has been so long since the last chapter was posted. I was really hoping to get chapters out to you quicker now that it's summer and all, but the busy life has followed me home from school. Anyway, chapter 12 is almost finished! Until then I thought I would post some pictures of the house Addie and Jack will be living in, as well as the one Avery and Lydia share. This way I won't crowd the next chapter post with a ton of pictures! 

Thank you all again for your patience :)

Addie and Jack's House

 Living room and Kitchen 

 Downstairs bathroom/Laundry room

Den

Reading nook on landing of stairs

 Spare/Guest bedroom and bathroom

 Master bedroom and bathroom - Addie and Jack's room

 Avery and Lydia's House

 Living room

 Kitchen and Dining room

 Bathroom

Avery's bedroom

 Lydia's bedroom