Chapter 69

Clara's POV

Mom kept her strong gaze on me, staring directly into my eyes as a range of emotions flashed across her face. The tears on my cheeks weren't helping her worry any less. Without question, she looked like she was expecting the worst.

The look on her face told me, "How bad is it?".

I knew I had to tell her the truth. Maybe then I could gather the courage to tell Derek and face whatever consequences that follow.

This wasn't something you threw in your parents' faces. I was just about to tell her I'd disregarded all the morals and values she'd ever taught me. I continued with this despite knowing it was wrong. That's why I was in this position. That wasn't an easy thing for most parents to hear.

The pressure building up inside me only increased my anxiety. The thought of someone being at our front door wasn't helping either, but if one thing was clear, I needed to be out with it now.

"You are starting to scare me, Clara. What is it?" Mom asked as she pulled me out of my limbo state.

My mom has never been the kind to ignore any house guests, even when I suggested that we pretend we weren't home when her gossiping work friends wanted to visit.

The fact that she, too, was ignoring the person at our front door suggested that she, too, might have realised that this was serious.

"It's about the baby," I began, my words barely audible. But she heard me. "I...."

There was a loud thump that came from upstairs. It startled me, and I nearly lost my balance.

It sounded like a few boxes had fallen.

"Sorry!" I heard Katy yell upstairs.

Mom turned away from me, shaking her head in disapproval of whatever stunt Katy had just pulled off.

Mom's face now appeared to be more relaxed as she sighed deeply. Katy seemed to have diverted Mom's attention. "I realise that you are really scared about this whole experience, and I understand that. It will all be alright. It may seem like everything is slipping out of control, but that's just the process of adjusting. I was scared, too, and I got through it." She smiled. I was now confused. What exactly was she talking about? "I know that it's scary having a baby. You are probably going through a range of emotions. It's alright to feel scared. I want you to know that I'll be there for you." She smiled at me reassuringly.

That was not what I intended at all. I didn't need her to commit to a grandchild that didn't exist.

Why was it that whenever I tried to be honest, things never turned out as planned? It always leaves me in a worsened position. The universe must have been trying to get back at me. Everything was going to blow up in my face.

"No, it's something else," I said, wiping my tears. This time, my voice was more persistent.

The doorbell rang again. This person had the worst timing. It better not be one of our neighbours asking for butter again.

Mom's attention was now diverted as she looked towards the door. "I think that I need to get that. The person has been there for a while," Mom said dismissively. She stepped away from me, heading towards the door.

I was left with a space in front of me as Mom rushed to answer the door.

As always, I was too late because I was too cowardly to speak up any sooner.

Loud footsteps on the staircase soon followed along with an out-of-breath Katy, who was not fully dressed for school. She jumped down the last few stairs, landing a step away from me.

This child was looking for a way to end up in the hospital."What do you think you are doing?" Katy asked in a whisper.

Experience tells me she was probably listening in. I knew the sound upstairs was no coincidence.

"I can't keep hiding this forever, and it will only blow up in my face." I reasoned with her.

"Mom has never stolen a candy bar in her life. She will murder you and everyone else involved. You can't do this." Katy whispered.

Katy and I froze as we heard footsteps and laughter coming down the hall. Katy tried to look as natural as possible to avoid all suspicion.

"I see you are ready for your trip." I heard Derek's voice from down the hall.

Not him, either. I couldn't help but curse softly. My bad luck couldn't be a coincidence. This was all a conspiracy.

Maybe it was just my bad decision.

It would be much easier to tell the two of them while they are together. That way, I only had to see their disappointed faces once, but Derek had already threatened me, and I'd never seen him more serious. He clearly shouldn't be messed with, especially when he is angry. There was no telling what unhinged thing he would do next. That meant I was back where I started.

Katy and I pretended to be normal as Mom and Derek approached us.

He looked cheerful today, in a bright shirt without his usual tailored coat, but still maintaining his business look. The smile on his face looked even more optimistic. Maybe today was a great day to disappoint him.

Immediately when Derek walked in, he noticed my reddened cheeks and the salty tears that were still in the process of drying off.

The smile on his face faded, a more concerned look replacing it.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a genuine look of concern as he approached me.

I had no strength to continue lying to him, even with a nod or half a smile. It was too arduous.

"She just woke up and realised she had eaten all the chocolate on her bedside. It's probably all the hormones." Katy answered on my behalf. "By the way, you owe me five hundred dollars and forty-five cents. That's how much it will cost you for rent since you are coming here all the time now." Katy said as she held her hand out to Derek.

"Do you take credit cards?" Derek asked with a chuckle.

"Don't mind her," mom interjected. "We are not trying to raise the next corrupt politician." She added as she shook her head in disapproval.

"I'd never get caught, though," Katy added with a smile.

Mom sighed, continuing to shake her head.

"Anyway, Clara. What is it that you wanted to say?" Mom asked.

Everyone's heads turned in my direction. Their concerned looks returned.

I didn't have the courage before to tell either of them separately, and I still haven't gathered that courage right now.

Of all times, I had to be placed on the spot.

"No, it's nothing." I finally gathered my words. "As Katy said, I just woke up emotional today," I answered dismissively, hoping it would be enough to convince them.

"Are you sure?" Mom asked with a questioning look.

"Yes," I answered.

With my track record for lying, I was well set off for a career in Hollywood.

"Anyway, I better get going now.". My bus leaves in an hour, and the cab will be here soon." Mom announced. "You two should look after each other. I'd also like my house in one piece when I return." She added.

I noticed Mom tearing up as she pulled Katy and me into a hug.

I forgot I was mad at her not too long ago.

Our moment was interrupted by the honking of the taxi waiting outside.

Mom picked up the last small remaining bag while Derek helped her take the rest of it to the cab.

I couldn't help but start tearing up again as the taxi drove away with Mom.