Maia didn’t need a pregnancy test yesterday because she already knew what was up. She just needed one more day to live in denial. But when Maia wakes up to pee the next morning and sees how much her belly has grown in the mirror, there’s no more room for her nonacceptance. She’s pregnant whether she’s ready to face it or not. The reality of it all weakens her and she sinks down to her knees.
Maia: *out loud to herself* Oh, Watcher!
Missing Maia’s warmness next to me in bed, I get up and find her sitting on the ground in the bathroom. Concerned, I hurry over to her.
Wade: Maia, baby – are you okay?
Maia: I lied to you, Dub. *tears* I’m sorry – you were right. I already knew I was pregnant.
I don’t want to be right, but at least now we know. But confirming it doesn’t make it any less shocking. The devastation I hear in Maia’s voice threatens to knock me off balance. But somehow, I continue to stand, watching tears fall that are caused by me.
I force my voice through the emotion building within my throat.
Wade: I’m so sorry, Maia. What can I do? Do you want to talk about it?
Maia: *barely audible* No. I – I need to be alone for a while.
Wade: But Maia –
Maia stands up with her hand on her belly, and there’s no mistaking it. She’s very pregnant.
Maia: Please Dub. I want to take a bath and think – alone.
I’m afraid for her to shut me out right now, but if she’s not ready to talk about it, forcing it won’t help. I have no choice but to give her some space.
Wade: Yeah, okay.
I take a few steps towards the door as Maia walks to the tub and runs a bath. I linger momentarily, hoping she’ll change her mind and talk to me. Instead, she steps into the tub and begins to sob.
I want to hold her and tell her everything will be okay, but I need to hear it from someone else first. I leave the bathroom.
I change into my workout clothes as I realize I need time to think, too. It’s hard to breathe, but maybe some fresh air and a jog will help. I go down the stairs and run into another surprise in the kitchen. Luna is back and up to her old ways, rummaging through the trash.
Wade: What the f—! When did you -? I can’t with you right now. I gotta get out of here.
I walk out the door, leaving Luna and her mess behind to deal with later. I enter the cool breeze, but even fresh air doesn’t make problems disappear. I need to talk to somebody. I consider calling my dad or one of my brothers, but telling my family isn’t what I need right now. I can only think of one other person – Luca, who is on his honeymoon. As much as I hate to interrupt, I pull out my phone and send him a social bunny message. Then, I begin my jog, hoping he’ll get back to me soon.
I barely make it a few feet before my phone rings. It’s Luca. I answer it immediately.
Wade: *on the phone* Luc, man. I know you’re on your honeymoon, and I wouldn’t have bothered you if this wasn’t important.
Luca: *on the phone* You’re good, man. That’s what friends are for. So what’s going on? Your message had me kinda concerned.
Wade: I messed up, big time!
Luca: What did you do?
Wade: It’s about Maia. I got her pregnant, man, and I don’t know what to do.
Luca: *silence* …
Wade: Hello! Luc? You still there?
Luca: Yeah, sorry. I’m here. I’m just – Honestly, I think this is wonderful news, and I want to congratulate you. But I also know this is unexpected, and you’re panicking, so I don’t exactly know what to say here.
Wade: Of course, I’m panicking! This isn’t something we can just hide! I don’t know who to fear more, my dad or…crap – Maia’s dad. That dude freaking threatened me with a cane when I met him – a cane! Are you hearing me? And now I have to tell him that I got his daughter pregnant. I’m a dead man walking, bro.
Luca: Yikes. But-
Wade: And then there’s Maia. I want to be there for her, but she’s scared and crying. And I want to cry because I don’t know anything about raising an entire child. How could I let this happen? This wasn’t how it was supposed to go –
Luca: Dub…
Wade: Yeah??
Luca: Do you love Maia?
Wade: Of course I do! What kind of a question is that??
Luca: When you think about the future, do you see her in it?
Wade: Yes! Of course.
Luca: Are there children in that future?
Wade: Yeah, but-
Luca: So what’s the problem? I know this is sudden and not how you saw your life going right now, but plans change all the time. Did I tell you Sophia asked me to move in with her after our first date?
Wade: What?? No, you didn’t. That’s crazy, bro!
Luca: Yeah, it was. She knew it too. I was scared, man – like, terrified! I just wanted to show her a good time, not get into anything. I had some serious concerns about relationships because of my parents’ divorce, but deep down, I knew I wanted to be with her. Even though I was scared and had those concerns, it’s what I really wanted, so I swallowed the fear. Clearly it was the right decision.
Wade: That’s obvious to anyone who has seen you together.
Luca: I know moving in with Sophia and getting Maia pregnant aren’t on the same level of fear, but I think we have the same thing going on inside. Deep down, this is what you want anyway. Maybe not now, but eventually, right? People might have something to say about how and when it happened, but in the grand scheme of things, does what they think really matter? This is the life you wanted anyway, so just…live it.
Wade: Yeah… *takes a deep breath* You’re right! Maia and I, we’ll talk about it. I’ll convince her everything will be okay because it will, right? My dad will understand. I’ll just have to man up and tell him I’ll care for my family like he did. And her dad – *shudders* I’ll worry about that later.
Luca: Maybe a grandchild will soften him up…after he attempts to murder you, heh.
Wade: Don’t laugh – that’s a real possibility. But, yeah, a grandchild – *realization* Whoa, I’m going to be a dad, Luc! It’s crazy to hear myself say that out loud.
Luca: I bet! Hopefully, soon I’ll know what that feels like. But anyway, I’m very happy for you, Dub. I think you’ll be a great dad. With any luck, maybe our kids will grow up together and be friends.
Wade: Thanks, man. You’re right—our kids would definitely be friends. I can already see it.
Luca: Well…let’s hope all our efforts will be fruitful.
Wade: TMI, dude. TMI!
Luca: *laughs* How is that too much? You already have fruit!
Wade: Whatever, man. Tell Sophia I’m sorry for interrupting your honeymoon. I’d better check on Maia. Thanks for this talk, Luc. I needed it.
Luca: Any time. Seriously.
I end the call, seeing things from a different perspective. Luca is right; this baby is very unexpected. Maia and I have barely even talked about having children. And I wanted it in the future, but what about Maia? If she decides to keep this baby – it doesn’t matter; the future is now, and it’s time for me to step up and be there in any way I can for Maia.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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Note: Luca’s dialogue was written by his creator – storiesbyjes2g. You can read his story on Jes’ website here: aDOLTing
