Unconditional

9

hollie's pov:

Everyone being back together, all gathered in the apartment, makes everything so normal. Like nothing ever changed.

But it's only temporary. It's all going to go back to normal, in the next month. When August goes back to California, when Sadie and Maya come back from their trips. When Aleksander and Wyatt come back from California.

When I have a child. When Jayce, Tapper and Wilder leave to finish off the baseball season, in the next few months, things are going to be chaotic. But that's how we do things around here.

Gia, is so excited to become an aunt. She makes my mom drive her over to my house, at least four times a week, to come see what's new, with her future nephew.

She's always tells me how big he is, where he is in my belly, and the new growth he's experienced. I think it's cute.

My parents are still hesitant about the idea of me having a child. Of course they're happy for me, and maybe even August, but there's obvious disappointment in their voices whenever we talk about it.

As we sit on the couches talking, I study August. I know he hasn't changed much since moving, but there's little things that I notice.

The way he talks is different. Words he uses, the tone. His hair seems to have gotten lighter, and maybe a bit curlier. He's gotten pretty tanned up, from the sun.

Then there's the things that are the same. His smile, the way he interacts with his friends. The crook in his nose, Which I still love, by the way. And his love for everyone around him.

That's what makes August, August. And I love it about him.

"Holls, you doin' okay?" August questions.

"Mhm, why?" I ask.

"Just checking." He smiles, gently grasping my hand.

"Aug, are you doing okay?" I question back.

"Yeah. Just feels weird to be back." He claims, I tighten my grip on his hand.

"I'm sure. We love it when you're here though." I say.

"I miss you guys a lot," His smile fades, into a kind of sadness.

"We miss you too. But we're all incredibly proud of you. I hope you know that." I say. His arm wrapping itself around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him.

I take the hand that I'm holding, and put it on my bump. He's smiles, and rubs his thumb on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here, to help with,"

"Hey, it's okay. We've been just fine." I smile, looking up at him.

God I wish I could kiss him.

"I've been thinking of names for our little guy," He smiles.

"Good," I laugh "Because I haven't."

"We'll, what do you think about Westley? West as a nickname?"

"Fuck," I mumble.

August leans away from me.

"What?" He questions. The concern in his voice is genuine.

"I- I don't know. He kicked I think?" I say. But it didn't feel like a kick. I don't know what it was.