His Miracle

Peggy's Humble Abode

I warily enter the hallway, following close behind Jake and Peggy. A scent of strong must and cooking fills the small building and I shuffle closer to Jake. Peggy leads us into the living room that's furnished with a single beaten up leather sofa and an old television box with an antenna attached to the top.

The walls are covered in an old yellow stained geometric wallpaper that's peeling at each corner, revealing the damp-filled wall underneath. The entire decoration style screams old school. A small table sits in the corner with a feeble Christmas tree perched ontop. A few baubles decorate the tree but that's it.

No Christmas lights or Christmas Angel.

No presents underneath the tree.

No festive spirit in the air.

Does Peggy really spend her Christmas like this?

My hand tightens around Jake's and he squeezes it in reassurance.

"Welcome to Peggy's humble abode," Jake mumbles quietly, taking a seat onto the couch and looking around. I silently sit next to him, my legs sitting awkwardly due to how low the couch is to the floor.

"Why are we here?" I mumble under my breath, careful not to speak too loud. I don't want Peggy overhearing and thinking I'm being a rude guest.

"So we can continue our talk." Jake replies casually. I snap my head towards him, eyes widening in surprise.

"You want us to talk. . . right here? To decide whether or not we keep our baby?" I ask in disbelief. He nods his head, appearing a thousand miles away as he continues to search the room. An expression I don't recognise fills his features and he appears almost guilty.

"Are you being serious Jake?" I ask him in bewilderment. Before he can respond, Peggy clears her throat, causing us both to turn towards her. She's holding a silver tray with three steaming hot mugs placed on top.

"I didn't mean to listen to your conversation dear but I couldn't help it when your voice is so loud and this house is so small." Peggy says, giving me a tight smile. The tension in the room increases and I close my eyes, my stomach twisting with nerves.

"Have a cup of hot chocolate Emily, it'll warm you and that baby up."

My eyes snap open to meet her curious one. She gives me a tight smile and her eyes travel further down until they rests on my stomach. I feel myself grow protective and place my hand over it, her aura freaking me out.

"Let me guess... It's early days and you haven't decided what to do yet?" Peggy says. I pause for a moment before nodding my head.

"I understand why you came here now." Peggy says quietly, walking over and handing Jake a mug. He clears his throat and takes the mug carefully from Peggy before bringing it to his lips. I frown in confusion at both of them, the questions rising by the minute.

How does Peggy know Jake?

I decide if I'm not getting answers, I should leave to make it home on time. I don't want to miss seeing Pops and being at the Christmas Dinner. Today should be about family . . .

"It was nice to meet you but I should get going." I say politely, standing up and heading for the door. My hand rests on the handle when I feel Jake's presence behind me, his hand on my waist. He leans forward, his mouth lined up with my ear —

"Emily, wait. I'm sorry for being so vague."

"What's going on Jake? There's supposed to be no secrets between us."