Good Intentions ⇼ Luke Hemmings

“I’m so nervous.” Kaylee whined as I curled her hair, preparing it for a simple updo. “I haven’t seen Ashton’s mum in five years. As soon as Josi was born, we left. She’s never wanted me to come by after that. It’s just Ashton and Josi. I’m never invited.” Kaylee was freaking out because both her’s and Ashton’s parents were coming over for dinner to celebrate Josi’s 5th birthday, and by request of their daughter, their parents were both coming over. “I really don’t know if I can do it. I just want Josi to have a comfortable family life. You know? Where she doesn’t have to spend half her Christmas without her mummy. Christ it’s like we’ve broken up when the holidays roll around. I’m sick of it.” She sighed in frustration. “I just… I want to be mature and polite… I want them to be proud of who I am.”
“Hey!” I turned her to me, setting down my curler. “Anyone would be proud of you, Kaylee. You’ve grown so much these past few years. You’re so kind to everyone, you’re a great mother. When they see you-” I paused, turning her back to the mirror and flattening out her skirt. “-they’re going to understand.”

With a shaky breath, Kaylee sat down on the bathroom counter. She pat the place next to her and I hoisted myself up. Kaylee’s hands were shaking as her head fell in her hands.
“It’s going to be okay.” I rubbed her back. “They’re going to-” She cut me off.
“You know, the only reason I’m doing this is because… Well… I’m just hoping… I hope…” She stuttered.
“Spit it out.” I laughed gently. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“I don’t think he loves me anymore.” She looked at me with tears in her eyes. “I-I talked to him about it. I asked him if he loves me and… And he didn’t say anything. He just didn’t respond. His eyes glazed over and he stared at the wall. He just stared at the wall while I stared at him. Didn’t say anything… It hurt, Romy. God, it hurt so much.” Sniffling, she began fanning her eyes so tears wouldn’t spill over after the hour I spent doing her hair and makeup. “He doesn’t love me.” She whispered.
“Hey.” I cooed. “I know he does. I know that somewhere inside him he feels the same way he used to.”

“No, Romy. Everything changes when you have a kid. They never look at you the same.” She shook her head. “You’re so lucky that you’re not pregnant.” I remained quiet for a long time. “You’re not…” Her voice trailed off. “Did you go to the doctor?”
“Yeah.” I squeaked. “I’m pregnant.” A small smile played at my lips. “But, hey… I don’t think it’s such a bad thing after all.”
“I do.” She confessed, grabbing my hand. “But hey, I’m biased. I’ve got a kid and a loveless marriage—well, not loveless. One sided love. What do they call that?” She looked at me, her grip tight on my hand.
“Unrequited love.” She nodded.
“Unrequited love.” She repeated. “But, if you’re happy, I’m happy.” Smiling, she kissed my forehead. “I’m so happy for you.” At that, she stood up and flattened her dress, staring in the mirror as I stood up too. “I have to go.” She smiled. “Wish me luck?” Nodding, I pulled her into a tight hug. Breathing in her scent, I closed my eyes, not wanting to let go.
“Wish me luck, too.”

***

“So?” Steph teased. “What’s the occasion?” I promised Steph and Ella that I’d pay for dinner if they’d join me. I felt it was time to break the news.
“What? I can’t take two of my best friends out to dinner?” I smiled, biting my lip.
“No, actually, you can’t. Tell us what’s up, Baker.” Ella laughed.
“Okay, fine!” I fessed up, “I’m pregnant.” No one said anything. Steph was smiling and Ella just looked plain confused. “I’m 9 weeks and 4 days.” Still, nothing.
“Are… You… Keeping it?” Ella’s voice was slow.
“Yeah.”
“How do you feel about it?” Steph asked, giving Ella a rude side glance.
“I’m happy as hell.” I grinned, shrugging,

*** LUKE’S POINT OF VIEW***

“Something’s up.” Ashton stated, staring at me. I invited the lads to the pub after Ashton had a fifth birthday party with family for Josi. I didn’t want to tell everyone so soon, but since Romy had broke the news, I had no choice.
“What’s up is that Romy is pregnant.” Michael broke the news for me, causing me to sigh.
“Yeah.” I admitted. “And we are keeping it…”
“Well how do you feel about it?” Calum asked, scratching the back of his head. “Damn. Am I the only one who can’t have a damn baby?” He drank from his beer.
“Honestly? I feel trapped as hell.” Intertwining my hands, I looked down at the table.
“Uh-oh.” Ash muttered.
“No, no, no. Like in a good way.”

***

“Mum?” I asked, holding the phone up to my ear.
“Hi, baby!” She gushed. “How’s everything? How is Romina?”
“Uh… Mum listen, I have to tell you something-” She cut me off.
“Oh! I think we should get together, you bring Romy over and I’ll have Jack and Benny come over! A family dinner! Oh, sweetheart, that is so overdue.” I sighed.
“Mum, please-” Again she cut me off. I stared up at our apartment. I’d been sitting in the car for about an hour, working up the courage to call my mum.
“I could make steak! Your favorite. How does Saturday sound?” I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“Mum! Listen to me, please!” She was silent.
“I-I’m sorry, Lukey. Go ahead.”
“No, I’m sorry, mum. I just have some big news… We’re having a baby.” She gasped.
“Oh, Luke. How did you let this happen? You’re so young. You’re not married, you’ll end up like-” This time, I cut her off.
“Don’t say like Ash and Kaylee.” I warned. “I-I don’t know, mum… We used a condom… I just it all happened so fast and now she’s two months along and wants to keep it. But that’s not my decision! I can’t tell her what to do. All I can do is be a father to my kid. I don’t know what to do… I’m so scared.” I poured my emotions out to her, and all she did was breathe slowly.

“Sometimes, things happen, love.” She finally spoke. “And when they do, we can’t do anything about them. Honey, I know it’s hard. And I know you. I know you want to keep the baby as much as she does. You’re scared, and I’m going to tell you exactly what dad would in this situation. Man up. That’s your baby. You’re going to love it when it comes out. I know you. You’ve got so much love for life, for your friends, for Romy. And you’re going to have so much love for the baby.” I took a deep breath, nodding to myself.
“You’re right.” I rasped, pulling at my hair.
“I know. And I expect to see you two Saturday at 6.”
“Yeah, we’ll be there.” I laughed. “Look, I gotta go. Bye mom, I love you.” I smiled to myself.
“I love you too, baby.”

Notes

Please comment to keep me motivated to finish this story.