Après (sequel to Arranged marriage with Adnan)

Chapter 6

"I still can't believe it!"

Rylee attacked me with yet another hug. I told her over the phone straight after I found out. We were meeting up briefly with her and Ander before going off to see our parents. That was going to be the hard part. Telling our parents.

"These are for you... And here."
"Thank you! You didn't have to."
"Congrats," Ander told us, before going off separately with Adnan.

They had gotten us a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a card.

"So, how was he?"
"Good," I rolled my eyes at Rylee asking another question.
She stared at me, "You lied that time at the pool."
"I was not lying! I actually did scratch him during bungee jumping," I laughed.
"Sure."
"Fine, don't believe me."

I marched off over to Adnan who was with Ander, standing near the door. He had his shoes on and looked ready to go.

"Ok well it was nice seeing you, but we should get going."
"Yeah, time to tell out parents," I added.
"Good luck."
"We're going to need it Ander, knowing my dad."
"Mine, too."
"I don't know who's dad is worse... But I think Scarlett's dad will have a harder time dealing with this. At least that's my prediction."
"Nice seeing you," Rylee hugged me for the fiftieth time today, "hope to get together soon."
"I know right."
"Congratulations, again!"
"Thanks."
"Bye!"
"Bye, thanks for letting us drop in!"

They stood on the porch and watched us get into the car. They waved when we drove away. I was getting that nervous feeling in my stomach again. I wanted everything to go smoothly. We'd arranged a lunch at my parent's house. Adnan's parents were coming, too. Right now, we were on the way there and with each second we were getting closer and closer.

"Adnan."
"Yes?" He placed his hand on top of mine.
"I'm scared."
"Why?"
"What if they don't take it as well? What it they get mad and don't want this?"
"Well, that's their problem. We're going to be parents and their wishes won't change that. I'm hoping it will go well and honestly, I'm pretty scared too. Don't worry though, things will be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"At the end of the day, we're still married and expecting our first child."

I smiled at him. We pulled into the driveway and before getting out, Adnan kissed the top of my head. He then pressed his forehead against mine and stared deeply into my blue eyes. I held his head there and stared back.

"Ready?"
I shook a shaky breath, "Let's go."
The door opened after we knocked, "Adnan! Scarlett!"

We exchanged hugs with both our mothers first before our fathers came to the door to greet both of us. We were kindly invited in. The lunch was almost ready, so we took a seat at the table. We started off just talking. About football, how the marriage was going, the honeymoon. I told Adnan I was going to be the one to tell them, but I was scared. We finished the delicious lunch and handed the plates to my mom who cleaned them up. When she sat back down at the table, we continued to talk. I knew I couldn't wait forever.

I felt Adnan hold my hand. I turned to him and gazed into his eyes. He nodded at me and I slowly returned a nod.

"Um... I have something to say."
"Ok, what is it honey?" My mom said.
"Well-" I hesitated and looked to Adnan.

He squeezed my hand tighter. I had to say it sometime... He gave me another nod. I took a deep breath and took a second to prepare myself.

"I'm pregnant."

Silence washed over the room. My mom was shocked. I think everyone was.

No one really knew what to say, so Gani thankfully stepped in.

"Congrats," she said with a smile on her face.

Gani was always so happy and looked to the brighter side of things. She could always find the right thing to say to something. She was just so understanding and caring and thoughtful. I loved her so much.

"Thank-"
"So you're pregnant..." My dad cut me off."
"Um, yeah."
"Don't you think it's a little early in your marriage?"
"Paul, it's their decision."

I was surprised my mother took our side.

"No, they're too young!"
Abedin spoke, "Adnan, you know-"
"Yes, I do know and this was after marriage," Adnan clearly stated.
"You're too young, what do you think the public will think of this?!"
"It doesn't matter what they think!"
"It does! They'll think wrong if you!"
"Dad, chill. They won't say anything."
"Adnan, your father is right," my dad agreed.
Fortunately, our moms stepped in, "It's ok! They've already made they're own decision and that's it. They're both married and can do whatever they like. Can't you realize that they're twenty?"
"They're old enough to make decisions for themselves we can't keep controlling them forever and I think that's great news that they're ready to take on the responsibility of being parents."

Both of our dads got quiet. I squeezed Adnan's hand tighter. I could feel some tears building up, o don't really know why.

"I understand they can do whatever they want, but... I'm just disappointed. I thought you'd make better choices, Scarlett."
Abedin then had his chance to speak, "Adnan, I hope you know what to do. I'll let you control you're own life and I'll just take a step back. Congratulations Scarlett on your pregnancy."
"Thanks."

The tone in their voices didn't show that they were happy. I think that it was time for us to leave. We hugged our mothers, but not our fathers. They were quite upset I think. My dad was just being overprotective again and trying to do what's best for me.

Adnan opened the car door for me and then shut it before walking around the car and getting in himself. He started the engine and began to drive back home.

"That wasn't that bad was it?"
"I don't know..." I frowned.
"Don't be upset, Scarlett."
"I- I just feel like what if they're right?"
"Maybe they are, maybe hey aren't. Whatever it is, I'll be by your side. We're going to do this together. I don't know about you, but I'm thrilled to know that I'm going to be a dad. That's the best feeling in the world to know that soon, we're going to have our very own child."
"Adnan, that wonderful. Thank you, I needed that. I'm super excited as well."

He smiled at me as I laid my head on his shoulder. At a stop, he pulled out his phone and took a picture. He went to Instagram to post the picture.

"Proud to announce that in nine months, we'll add a third member to our family."