‘Oh, shit’ is right.
Because I have a feeling they’re not going to take the news of our pregnancy well.
* * *
“How did you let this happen, Michael?” My mom’s shrill voice is worse than nails on a chalkboard.
“Well, Mom, I’m sure you’ve taken biology. When a man takes his piston and—”
“Michael Theodore Oliver, you know full well that’s not what I mean.”
“Son,” my father interjects, “we don’t see why this has to change the game plan.”
He doesn’t see why this changes everything? The fact that Ted and Wendy don’t get what’s going on is maddening.
Mrs. Morales keeps wringing her hands, and Maggie is fighting back tears.
“Look, it’s done. Maggie and I are together, and while my shit’s at the football house, I basically live at her house, and this is why. Because she’s pregnant. With twins. I can’t in good conscience abandon her while I play football, can I?” Not that I would want to. After a week away from her, I’m loath to leave her side again.
“Michael, how in the world will you keep your focus on football?” my mom asks. “I’m not saying you can’t see Maggie, but this is not good for your game, especially after your injury.”
Fat tears stream down my girlfriend’s face, and she brushes them away with the back of her hand. I hate seeing her cry. “Mom, Dad, maybe y’all should go. You’re getting Maggie upset, and that’s not good for her or our sons.”
My mother stills. “You’re having boys?”
I’m too pissed to talk, but I nod.
Maggie sniffles. “Would you like to see the ultrasounds?” She pulls them out of her purse and hands them to my parents, who honestly don’t deserve to see them.
“Oh.” My mom covers her mouth as tears fill her eyes. She rests her head on my father’s shoulder as he wraps his arm around her.
After a few moments, Wendy gets a tissue out of her purse and blots her eyes. “Maggie, Michael, I’m sorry. I’m just feeling blindsided. We’re happy for you, though.”
She sounds thrilled. After an awkward cup of coffee, Wendy and Ted leave.
I don’t see how my parents can be out of their minds with excitement for my sister’s baby but not ours. What happened to ‘babies are a blessing?’ Do they really think this will ruin my future?
As soon as the door closes, Mrs. Morales turns to us and apologizes for inviting them today. “When I ran into your mom at the grocery store this morning, I told her I was excited about the twins. I assumed she knew. I’d hoped we could plan a baby shower and coordinate making you meals after the delivery. You’ll need help with babysitting and laundry. ¡Dios mío! Two babies! No one knows how much work kids are until you have them.”
Maggie sighs. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Michael’s parents not knowing about the pregnancy. Breaking the news to you while Amelia was there stressed me out, and I couldn’t think straight.”
Mrs. Morales wraps her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “You don’t need to apologize. I understand.”
“We’re doing our best,” I add, wanting to back up Maggie. “We just have a lot on our plate.”
Her mom turns to me. “You both are smart and capable. If anyone can handle the challenges ahead, I know in my heart you and my Magnolia can.”
She’s so sweet. I grab her in a big bear hug. “Thanks, Mom.” She laughs. “Can I call you Mom now? Your daughter says I’m stuck with her, so I’m guessing that means I’ll be around a lot more now.”
Mrs. Morales smiles. “I always hoped you and my daughter would end up together.”
I lean down to whisper, “I did too.”
She pauses. “Have you told Sebastian yet? I need to know if I should keep my big mouth shut.”
“Actually, everything has happened really fast, so Maggie and I were trying to just date and be together without adding other factors. That’s why we delayed sharing the news about the twins.”
“I completely understand, mijo. You don’t need to explain it to me. This is your private business. You tell everyone when you and Magnolia are ready. I won’t say a word to Sebastian about the pregnancy. You do it in your own time. Trust me—he’ll understand.”
