Reena spent the next four days after that in the hospital because of the flu, but mainly because her uncle wanted to keep a direct eye on her. When she finally got released, she just slept for days. She did wake up eventually to have a bite of something or take a shower, but it was mostly her sleeping. She said she was getting enough before school reopened and I don't really blame her or am I upset that she rather sleeps than spend her time with me. It's just that I want to talk with her about that night and just apologize, but I can't and I feel like she knows and she's just avoiding the conversation.

After we found her, my Dad let the rest of the family know she was okay. Later that day they all came together to tell me how they felt wrong about what went down and how it could have cost the lives of Reena and my child. I honestly didn't want to hear any of it because it only made me angrier. Angry at the fact that my family members see themselves as better than others because of their race and think they can treat others as they see fit just because of that reason. It disgusts me to my core and it makes me want to protect Reena even more. Protect the child that she carries, my child.

I've asked her many times to come and stay with me because my parents don't mind, in fact, my Dad is the one that's encouraging it and Mom isn't disagreeing. But Reena declines every time, saying she doesn't want to impose but deep down I think she doesn't want to leave because of her mom. Even though her mom doesn't seem to care about her, she deeply cares about her and just wants to make sure she's okay, and the only way that can happen is if she's there with me.

It's new years eve, and we're just minutes away a brand new year, and while everyone I know is at a party, I'm spending it here with my girls. Right now I'm lying beside her on her bed, and I'm rubbing my hand over her very round belly. "I'm really serious Reena. I want you to move in with me, my parents think it's a great idea and so do I."

She looks at me then and smiles, "I know you're concerned about my safety Reed, and I appreciate it. I actually think it's sweet that you care about me, but you know I can't leave." 

"Your mom I know." I sigh and run my hands across her cheek, "I still don't like the idea of you being here, without me."

Well, you are always invited to move in." I screw up my face, and when she sees my face, she laughs and pokes me in my chest. "Exactly my point."

"Well fair enough." I kiss her on her lips and when she lets out a deep breath, I kiss her deeper and deeper until I'm lost and I'm only found because of the lack of oxygen.

"Can't keep up?" She mocks me with a laugh and when I nibble her cheeks, she cracks up and I begin laughing too.

"I love you, Reena." This time when I say it, unlike a few weeks ago where I saw fear and doubt in her eyes, this time I only see adoration.

She leans up on her arms and drop her head to the side, and just stares at me. "I love you too Reed Max."

I wrap my arm around her back to lend her my support and pull her closer to me. "I actually believe you"

"I wouldn't have said it if it wasn't true." She kisses me then and all I can do is kiss her back.

"I hope...our baby... is a girl," I say in between breaths and when she stops, she's looking at me weirdly.

"You're being serious?" She asks, with with a raised brow.

"Very serious."

She smiles and bites her lip, "Okay, why?"

"Isn't it obvious, she's going to look like you. So get ready for some competition."

She laughs loudly, even coughing creating water in her eyes. "You're so funny." She drops back down on the bed and pulls me close to her.

"I'm serious. Like dead serious." She gives me a serious look and I smile. "I want a daughter. Our daughter, because she's going to be just like you and I wouldn't mind having a mini you to give my unconditional love."

Her mouth drops open at that last part and she wipes at her eyes. "What if it's a boy?"

"Love him nonetheless, just like I love you." Her arms wrap around me and she trembles. I rub her back as she calms down and runs my fingers through her curly hair.

"Thank you, thank you so much."

I hold her face up and smile into her eyes. "No, thank you. Thanks for carrying her."

Her smile grows and she nods. "You're welcome."

"Okay," I say as I play in her hair, "What are your hopes for this new year?"

"My hopes, well I hope I get accepted into a good college, right now my GPA is good so I should be getting a scholarship, and I hope I don't get too fat and I hope our baby is born healthy." I smile at her as she continues talking, "Oh and I really hope I give birth after graduation."

"After graduation? I thought you'd want to give birth before." 

She looks up at the ceiling before looking at me, "I don't know but I wanted to be pregnant as I collected my diploma, I think it would look, I don't know, cool I guess."

I laugh then and she slaps me. "Don't laugh Reed Max. I'm serious."

"I see that. Well, I think you'll look even more beautiful. I can't wait to see you in your gown with your big belly."

"You think I'll look okay?"

I nod and kiss her, "You always look great."

"Okay, now it's your turn to tell me what are your hopes for the new year."

I clear my throat and try to sound serious. "I'm hoping I'll get into a good college too, full scholarship. I am also hoping that for this season, I can help the team reach and win the finals. It's not lacrosse but I think I can definitely do some stuff with basketball." She looks at me, taking in every word and I can't help but love how she looks at me, only me. "I am also hoping that you'll give birth to a healthy baby girl, I'm also hoping that you will stand with me during graduation."

"So we pretty much have the same goals, that's good."

"Yes, it is. What I'm also really hoping for is that you'll continue to look at me forever as you're looking at me now."

Her smile turns into a grin and she kisses me. "That's easy."

"Is it?" I stare at her very seriously and she kisses me, "The feelings I have for you right now, I don't see them going anywhere." She takes a deep breah and looks down, "We might face some problems but I know we'll get over them as long as we love and respect each other."

I force her chin up and stare adoringly into her eyes, "I love you, Reena. I mean it."

"I love you too Reed. I really do."

Just before I move in again for another kiss, she stops me and points to the clock at the side of her bed. "It's 11:58." She says and her eyes brighten. 

I look down at my phone and then at her, "Well now it's 11:59, just fifty-six seconds left to go."

"You want to go on the roof and watch the fireworks?"

"Is that safe?"

She rolls hee eyes and smiles, "Let's go."

I open her window, stepping through first and when I agree that it's safe for her, I turn back to the window and hold out my hand. It takes her a little time to come through, but when she does she stands beside me with a triumphant look on her face. 

"Eleven seconds," I say and she holds my hand. As it draws closer, I pull her into my arms and kiss her the moment the fireworks go off. 

"Happy new year." I say when I break from the kiss. 

"Happy New Year Reed."

We spend the next fifteen minutes watching all the lights and watching as people drive by shouting "Happy New Year." We laugh and wave until I beg her to go back inside. When she finally does, she lies down on the bed and within minutes, she's fast asleep.

I call my parents and tell them a happy new year and also my friends. They beg me to come at the after-party but I tell them I can't. Sheldon is mad at first but he understands right after I tell him, I'm spending it with Reena. After I hang up, I take my shirt off and slide in beside her. I stare at her for a long while, brushing her stubborn curls from out her face. Seconds later, with a smile on my face, I fall right asleep. 

***

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