I Am Here

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We went through the backdoor of the clinic. They took us to a room instead of the waiting room.  I pulled her into my lap and rubbed her stomach.

A: I'm so excited to see you. 

She smiled as I talked to our baby in her belly.
The doctor came into the room. We all introduced ourselves.

Doc: My office is confidential. 
A: Thank you for that.  I don't mind people knowing, but I want us to tell them.
Is she able to fly?
D: This early on. Yes, but not a lot.  Any morning sickness?
C: Not a lot.  Just certain foods nauseous me.
D: you are at six weeks.  I'll walk you down the hall for your scan.

During our scan, we both had tears in our eyes.  We heard the baby's heartbeat. 
Tech: Everything looks good.  I will walk you out the back and call for an appointment.

C: Thank you so much.

We were on our way back home.

A: Are you feeling ok?
C: I'm going to puke.

I pulled over, and she threw up.
I walked over to her side and held her hair back. We both got back into the car.
I called the doctor's office.

A: Can you send her some meds for nausea just in case.

We pick them up on our way home.
We began to get the house ready for our guests.  They will be here soon.
My parents came in for my birthday. 

A: This is my girlfriend, Charlotte.
C: It's nice to meet everyone.

She fit in well.

R: Who's Camaro is in the driveway?
C: Mine.
R: It's a stick.
C: Yes, Sir.
R: She can drive all your cars.

He laughed.

A: I drive her.  I'm the man.

Everyone laughed.

We all went out to eat. I drove Charlotte's Lamborghini.

A: Go in. I'm going to smoke.
R: She doesn't smoke?
A: No. I try not to smoke around her.

R: You have a red car?
A: I bought it for her.
R: Does she drive it?
A: She never has.

She seems to be a good girl. Don't fall too hard.

A: I already have.

We join the rest of our family at the table.  We make small talk.  They take turns telling embarrassing stories about me.

A: This is for your benefit.

She laughed at me.
I put my hand on her lower abdomen under the table.  She puts her hand on mine.
After we get back, I pull out some wine. Everyone has a glass. I grab some ginger ale for Charlotte.

Mom: You can drink in front of us.
C: No, thank you. I don't drink.
Mom: Austin.
She pulls me to the side.
Mom: How old is she?
A: 23.
Mom: She doesn't drink wine?
A: No.
Mom: Is she pregnant?

I pulled her outside.

A: Yes. We are just six weeks and waiting to tell people.
Mom: Are you sure?
A: Yes, ma'am.
I pulled my phone out and showed her a picture of the scan.
A: I asked her too. I wanted a baby with her now.
Mom: I'm going to be a.
A: Please, mom, don't say anything.
Mom: Are you sure it's yours?
A: Yes, I am 100% sure this baby is mine.
Mom: Might be an ex.
A: Mom, it's not.
Mom: Could have been pregnant before you two met.
A: I tore her hymen.
Mom: I'm going to be a grandmother.  No wonder you won't let her leave.
A: Everyone is waiting.

We go back in.
I wrap my arms around Charlotte and kiss the back of her neck.  I whisper I love you.

C: I love you too.

I turned her around and grazed my hand over her abdomen.

A: I love you both.

We both smiled.  We were caught up in our moment. Everyone was staring.
My mom pulled Charlotte away from the crowd.
My dad pulled me away.

R: What was going on over there?
A: I'm in love with her.
R: I noticed. A little too fast son.
A: I can't be without her.
R: What are you going to do when you tour?
A: She's going with me.
R: Does she have a job?
A: I talked her into quitting.
R: She didn't fight much, did she?
A: She did. She would have to go back for professional development last week.
R: Ok.  Make sure it's for the right reasons and not just for the baby.
A: Really?
R: Your mom.
A: I have to find Charlotte.

I see my mom.

A: Where is Charlotte?
N: I think she went upstairs.

I go into our room.  She is vomiting.
I hold her hair back.
I carry her to the bed and lay her down.  I grab her meds and water.
She takes them.

A: How are you?
C: I'm ok. Your mom knows.
A: Sorry, I swear she can read my mind.
C: That's ok, babe.  She is excited.  Though she might get upset, didn't seem to be.
A: She's not.  She is excited. We might have to run her out of here now.

We both laughed.

A: Ready to go back?
C: Yes. I know I sound Whiny. I'm sorry, but can you help me?
A: You never sound like that.  You are pregnant.
C: Just six weeks. 
A: I will carry you if that helps.
C: I better get used to it.

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