Telling Clare’s family
Once Clare was ready to go and had found everything, Eli walked outside with her not being able to help her into the car like usual since he almost forgot his keys. When he was outside Clare was already inside the car waiting for him and he got into the driver’s side. “Sorry, I didn’t have my keys.” he whispered as he started her car knowing he had the spare key on his key ring and pulled away. “I talked to CeCe, she said she read that when someone puts their hand on your stomach to put your hand on theirs and ask them how it feels or how they like it when some random stranger touches their stomach.” he stated as he started to drive from the house. He put his hand on top of Clare’s and laced their fingers together and smirked at her, seeing the seat-belt on top of her bump. “I love you both.” he whispered and kissed the back of her hand. “Speaking of things to tell your mom, I don’t think she know’s we’re engaged and I don’t think Jake knows either.” he stated not knowing how they’d react since the reason Clare moved in was because her mom would rather have Clare be with Jake rather than him. As his thoughts started to consume him, Eli was having second thoughts about going and started to get nervous, but kept his thoughts to himself as he pulled up to her house.
When he parked the car, Eli hurried out to help Clare out of the passenger door and rubbed her stomach for a moment as he pressed his lips against hers. “I love you.” he whispered against her lips, then put his arm around her as they walked to the door. He knew that her dress didn’t really hide her bump that much since it tied in the back meaning the ribbon had to go above her bump leaving the rest of the dress to cover her. “Ready, Clare?” he asked as he was about to knock on the door and moved his hand from around her waist to hold her hand, then laced their fingers together. Once he knocked he squeezed Clare’s hand a little as the two teens waited for someone to answer. A guy answered the door and Eli automatically knew that it was Jake’s dad. Eli looked over to Clare as Glen stepped aside inviting them to enter and looked over at her as they entered the house as he looked around at everyone, he started to wonder if they could notice Clare’s baby bump since it’s more visible in her dress than in her school uniform.
The whole ride to her old house was nerve racking for Clare. The familiar surroundings caused memories to flood her mind, some upsetting, some happy. How was she going to tell her all this? That she was engaged and pregnant. She would have a heart attack. She sighed softly to herself as they pulled up to her old home. Not having been here for about 6 months now, it seems almost as a strangers home. As if they’re trespassing. She looked down and held her hand cautiously on her stomach as they stood waiting for the door to be opened. Honestly she was a bit oblivious to what was happening around her. Eli holding her hand, Glen opening the door, them entering. She was just focused on how she would mention all of this, bring it up honestly. ”Hey, Clare..” Jake said walking out of the kitchen and into the foyer seeing the couple together. Clare came back to reality, if you must, and looked to Jake, now fully aware of her surroundings. “Hi, Jake…” she smiled faintly and watched as he walked back into the kitchen. “Glen, is that Clare?” Helen called from upstairs. “Yea,” Glen replied then smiled at Clare before joining Jake into the kitchen.
Moments later, Helen walked downstairs, eyeing her daughter and her boyfriend closely. She stood in front of them, her face changing from serious to blissful within seconds. “Clare…” she whispered pulling her into a hug. Clare hugged her back, leaning back a bit so she wouldn’t feel her stomach bump. She looked to Eli, and nodded his way, you could tell she was bit hesitant towards Eli, but nonetheless grateful for him taking care of her daughter. “Let’s eat shall we?” Jake interrupted and they all followed into the dinning room. Clare sat beside Eli, in front on Jake, and next to her mother whom was at the head of the table with Glen on the other side. Clare’s hand never left Eli’s, her nerves getting her even more than now. Clare prayed over the food and they began to eat some. “So, Clare, how’s life been?” Glen asked. Clare looked at him shyly then answered, “Uh, it’s had it’s ups and downs, but that’s life right?” Glen chuckled lightly and agreed, “Don’t I know it.” “Clare, you said you had something important to tell us?” Helen asked placing her silverware down, giving Clare her full attention. Clare froze. This was it. “I, uh, right… Well, mom, I uh, I’m uh…” she stuttered trying to compose the words in her mind but they wouldn’t click.
“You’re what Clare?” Helen asked. As she began to speak, Jake said laughing, “What pregnant?” he joked. Clare just looked at them sheepishly, not saying anything. Helen’s smile faded and the whole table went silent. “You’re pregnant?” Helen asked and Clare shook her head yes, then slowly held up her hand and pointed to her ring finger. “And engaged….” she added. The whole table sat in awe to her announcement, not sure how to react. Helen excused herself from the table and Glen followed suit. Jake congratulated them then too left the room, leaving Eli and Clare by themselves. “That went better than I imagined….” Clare whispered looking down into her hands.



