Alex POV

When Danica messaged me during the work day asking about seeing Carol and letting her in on the news, a sudden sense of fear ran through me.
And I couldn't figure out why.

What would telling Carol change for us anyway? Absolutely nothing.
It wouldn't change our decision or the fact that the baby is already cooking, excuse the shitty explanation.

Yet still, the unwelcome feeling stuck.

Instead of reading into it further, I responded with a quick acceptance and let the feeling loose to roam in the back of my mind, ignoring it to the best of my ability.

Refocusing on the task before me, I continue to work on my current melt, coating the pre-made mould with the hot, molten liquid.

As much as I enjoy being a foundry worker, I know it can't last, robotic technology has slowly begun to take over the need for human labor and before long, I won't be needed either. It's a wonder I've lasted here this long, considering I've seen so many good guys before me get let go. That in itself has pushed me a little closer towards the edge. Because this baby puts more into focus, most importantly, being able to support our family financially.

The fact stands, I need a more stable and certain job. I might see if Dex knows of anything going at the moment, Dex is a foreman and works alongside a few different trades, he also has a decent reach with some higher ups. Surely he can help me out with this issue.

The day is long, the hours stretching with my anticipation to get to Carols and see how she feels about our news. We will likely stay the night, as Carol tends to keep you talking after dinner comes and goes. Not that I mind. It is Thursday evening after all, and I haven't worked a Friday since the lay offs started which is why I'm not concerned about staying tonight. I'm sure Danica let Peter know she wouldn't be in tomorrow as well. But it's not only that, Carol is a good person and she genuinely cares about Danica's wellbeing, I've always liked that most about her.

When I finally make it home, I'm not in the least bit surprised to find Danica already waiting for me with a bag packed for the night.

"I threw a few of your things in with my stuff, toothbrush, cologne, and other basics. The rest is up to you." She says, matter of factly.

Walking to her side, I say, "Alright. We will get going in a few, I just want to have a beer before we go. Do you mind driving?" I ask.

Danica shakes her head, "Not at all. How was your day?"

"Not bad. I've just got a few things on my mind, but it's nothing to worry about." Leaving it at that, I wander off to the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge, cracking the cap off, I take a long drink before heading back to our bedroom.

Danica sits at the end of the bed and watches me curiously, and I know she wants to interrogate me further, but I've got nothing more to offer right now. I need to find a mental balance by myself, nothing she says is going to help me right now.

When she doesn't stop looking at me in that way though, I say, "Please don't look at me like that. I'm okay, I only want to chill."

She nods once in response, accepting what I'd said and stands up.

"Alright then, how about you grab whatever else you need and we get going? We can chuck on some music that you want to listen to in the car and you can kick back for the ride."

I breathe a sigh of relief, "Perfect. Give me two minutes and then we will go."

Five minutes later and we're out the door, Ditz is cradled in my left arm as I swig from my beer with my right. All is well as we traipse to Danica's car.

The drive isn't a long one, only lasting about an hour. Carols house has always been close enough to drive to without issue, I think Danica has always preferred to keep Carol around her and I can't say it's a bad thing. She has helped to keep Danica grounded over the years.

Laguna Woods is a pleasant place with a welcoming community, a great place for people to get comfortable and feel safe. When Danica left home, she was leaving behind a entire life. She took a leap of faith and it worked brilliantly in her favor, because the life she has created for herself is one to be proud of and I'm proud of her hard work too.

I worry about what is to come for us now.
Where do we find a balance for us and the baby?

Perhaps speaking to Carol will help us both figure out a path to follow.

As we park the car out the front of her house, I find myself dwelling on thoughts of the future and the life we are to build between us.

"You ready?" Danica asks.

I turn to look at her, "Ready as ever."

We both step out of the car at the same time, instead of walking to the front door with Ditz in my arms, I put her on the ground and she makes a run for the door, knowing exactly where we are.

And it's clear that Carol knew we had arrived too when the front door swings open for our pup to run on inside, which Ditz does without a second thought.

"I'm so happy that you've come!" Carol announces, her arms outspread to welcome us into her home.

I smile as I follow behind Danica who leads the way up the path to the front door.

Carol envelops Danica the moment she is within reach, swaying side to side with Danica in her arms, her eyes stay shut as she does so. It takes a moment for them to separate, and when they do, Carol looks around Danica to give me a warm smile.

"Don't think I've forgotten you." She says to me, smiling still.

"That's alright, Dan can have my share too." I reply politely.

Carol clicks her tongue as though I'm a naughty child, "You know you won't escape that easily. Come on, let's get this over with." She opens her arms for me, and with great reluctance I move into them, knowing it's best to just get it done than argue with her. A motherly hug ensues and I stand stiff as she shares the space with me.

"Alright, I think we're good here." I mutter after a minute.

She chuckles, but pulls away from me.
"Ah, you've always been a tough guy, but I will always give you my hugs."
Grinning widely, she turns with clear purpose for the entrance and starts to make her way towards the kitchen, but not without giving us our instructions first. "Alright, you two, get your backsides inside, put your things in the spare room and find yourselves a seat at the table. Dinner is almost done, I'll put a bowl of food down for Ditz too, don't you worry."

Carol wanders on inside and Danica follows in her steed, but not before turning to smile at me, knowing full well that I am somewhat uncomfortable, because I don't love hugs from anyone. I like my space, though Carol knows this and chooses to continue to ignore it.

I shake my head and follow behind her regardless of the circumstances. It's not going to change anything. I've got to accept her for what she is, a giver, a mother and full of good intentions. Nothing more.

After dinner, we get talking, unsurprisingly. Sitting beside Danica on the cream colored sofa, I feel her shift again in her seat, eager to spill the news and I have to nudge her with my foot to get her to calm down and wait her turn. Carol is happily chattering away about her crochet group, the women that she describes sounding like clones of Carol, but with varying hair colors and backgrounds. I know how terrible that sounds, but crochet just doesn't get me crazed with excitement, hence my waning interest.

Danica keeps nodding along politely, saying yes, and okay, and what did she say?, keeping the conversation flowing, as she should. But still, she squirms and fidgets, her thumbs are spinning around each other like an out of control vortex and I keep spotting Carol staring at them.

There is no doubt in my mind that Carol is dragging this out because she knows Danica wants to tell her something. I resist the desire to chuckle at the situation.

I hear Danica exhale through her nostrils and notice her shoulders lower a little with it, her patience shrinking with each second. I still want to laugh, despite her discomfort. This is torture for her, something she is comfortable dishing out to others, so a little in return, in a different form, is great for her.

Carol stops suddenly and with a cheeky smile she says, "Alright, I've gone on long enough, what's up buttercup?"

As she continues to smile at Danica and I, it's as though she has stunned Danica into muteness. I glance to my left and find her staring and looking lost.

"The news, babe." I mutter lowly.

Danica captures my sight with her stunning green eyes and seems to find the words she had misplaced.

"We're pregnant. I mean, we're having a baby."

Carols eyes go wide, her mouth drops open and all that comes from her is a high pitched,
"Oh, my!" Then, as the moments pass us by, she clasps her hands before her in pleasure, and tears fill her eyes.
"What wonderful news! Come here, miss."
Carol stands up and opens her arms for Danica, and that's all it takes for Danica to begin crying happy tears.

The two women stand together for a long time, crying and laughing. I remain seated, letting the moment close before me, preferring to keep to myself and allow them to enjoy the emotions of it all themselves.

Because, for a fleeting second there, I saw doubt sitting clearly before me in Carols wise eyes.

::::::::::::::::::

Ooh, I wonder what that's all about?

Did Alex imagine it, or did he really witness some form of doubt there?

Alex seems to be wondering a few things himself. Most importantly him finding a job that will support them in the future. He is looking forward and trying to find solid structure for them to settle upon.

What did you think of this chapter in their lives?

Have you any thoughts of what's happening now?

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More music in chapters? Or is there enough as it is?

I look forward to hearing from you all. Have an awesome day or night.
Shantelle 🤩