Beginnings of the Heart by J. J. Nite Page B

better get out of here before your mom comes out on the war path.”
    â€œYou might be right.” I said.
    We both laughed as we pulled away from the curb. We drove into Riverside to the second-hand furniture shop Cole had found. We were hoping to find a crib in good condition we could use for the baby.
    Luckily we found a white crib with a matching changing table, and it included a mattress. We couldn’t believe we found something so quickly, and after paying for it, Cole loaded it into the back of his truck. We went back to his house and put it into the garage to store it until we needed it.
    We were surprised to find no one was home and decided to stay for a while. Cole picked out a movie, and we both lay down on the couch to watch. I didn’t see much of it though because, as usual, I fell asleep. When I woke up it was to find Cole had also fallen asleep and someone had covered us up. I assumed Cole had done this before he fell asleep.
    Once everyone found out we were going to have a baby all of the focus would be on our ages. It wouldn’t matter to anyone we were in love or would be great parents. All anyone would see was how young we were and we had brought a new little life into the world who would be utterly dependent on two teenagers for its every need.
    Cole began to stir beside me and I smiled at him as he opened his eyes. “Did you have a nice nap?”
    â€œYep, and it was really nice to be able to hold you. You know, in a few more months we won’t both fit on the couch anymore.”
    â€œGee, thanks for the reminder I’m going to get fat. It’s bad enough my jeans are starting to get tight. I guess it’s a good thing leggings and loose shirts are in style right now. I’ll be able to hide most of it for a while. I wonder how big I’ll actually get?”
    â€œI guess we’re going to find out. So, how are things really going at your house? You keep telling me they’re okay, but I can tell they aren’t. Why won’t you tell me?” he asked.
    I rolled over on my side so I could look at him. “Things really are okay. They aren’t great, but Dad talks to me and tries to pretend nothing has changed. My mother basically ignores me so I don’t have to hear anything she says because she isn’t saying anything. I’m starting to get tired of the silent treatment. I keep wondering when it’s going to end and what’s going to come out of her mouth when it does. It’s a little like waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
    He cupped my cheek in his hand, and I pressed more firmly into it. “Listen, if you can’t take it anymore we’ll work it out. I know I keep telling you to stay calm because of the baby.” He said while leaning his forehead against mine, “but I also want you to be healthy. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.”
    â€œNothing is going to happen to me. I’m taking care of myself which takes care of the baby. We are both going to get through this. You’ll see.” I reassured him.
    â€œI’ll feel better after your appointment this week. I just need to be sure all of the stress hasn’t taken a toll on you, health wise. I know emotionally you’re better since we told everyone at least.” Cole said.
    â€œI feel more relaxed, especially when I’m with you.”
    He gave me a lopsided grin which I returned. Then we both heard the backdoor open and then close quietly. Soft footsteps reached my ears and I started to sit up, but Cole wrapped his arms around me and held me where I was.
    Cecelia’s face appeared over the back of the couch. “I see the two of you are awake. Did you enjoy your naps?” She asked, with a smile.
    Cole’s head snapped around to look at her. “How long have you been here?”
    â€œI got home a couple hours ago, and the two of you were out cold. I gave into my mothering instincts and