[winkingowl]

[winkingowl]

[winkingowl]

Aurora followed him up the stairs and quickly caught up to him, grabbing his arm. He went to pull away but stopped when his arm grazed her baby bump. His stomach dropped and he turned to face her.

Aurora: I’m worried about you, Noah. But what you are going through doesn’t excuse how you are treating your wife!

Noah: I love Lacie. I would never do anything to hurt her.

Aurora: Open your eyes, Noah. She came to me crying today. You are isolating her and all she wants to do is help you. She will leave you if you continue to act like this towards her.

Noah: I just don’t know what to do....I...

Aurora: Please let us help you. You don’t need to do this alone.

[winkingowl]

Hiatus

My queue runs out tomorrow and I have an exam next week. So I will be going on a small hiatus. Will restart posting in about a week.

[winkingowl]

Noah rolled his eyes and stormed past his sister, heading for the stairs.

Noah: I don’t have to listen to this.

Aurora: Noah, get back here!

[winkingowl]

Aurora let herself into her brother’s house and found him in the kitchen, pouring himself a drink.

Aurora: What are you doing?

Noah was still groggy and her voice caused him to knock his glass over.

Noah: Well I was pouring myself a drink, but not anymore I guess.

Aurora: That’s not what I meant. What are you doing with your life?

Noah: I don’t understand.

Aurora: I talked to Lacie this morning. She is worried about you. She says you have been distant, angry, and drinking.

Noah: I don’t have a drinking problem if that’s what you think!

Aurora: It’s 11 in the morning and you are pouring yourself a shot of vodka. What does that sound like to you?

[winkingowl]

Aurora quickly interjected.

Aurora: He hasn’t hurt you, has he?

Lacie: No. He wouldn’t never do that.

Lacie: He is just so cold towards me lately. He is never angry at me or towards me, but he won’t let me help! It’s like I’m living in that house by myself again. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she buried her face in her hands. When Aurora looked closer she could see that Lacie hadn’t changed her dress in a few days; it was wrinkled and stained.

Aurora: Is he at home now?

Lacie: Yeah, he was sleeping when I left.

Aurora: Why don’t you go to my parent’s. I’m sure they would love to see you. I’m going to go talk to Noah.

Lacie: Thank you so much.

Aurora: Lacie, you know that if nothing changes you need to put yourself first, right? I know you love my brother, but you have to consider what you will do if he doesn’t change his behavior.

Lacie: I know.

[winkingowl]

Lacie: I want to talk about Noah. He....he was better for a while, especially after you shared your pregnancy with him. It was all he talked about. But the basketball season ended and the team owner told him he won’t be getting signed for the next season.

Aurora: Oh, Lacie, I’m so sorry. How are you doing?

Lacie: I’ve been really lonely. Noah has started drinking and he is angry all of the time. And-

[winkingowl]

Lacie called to invite Aurora out for coffee; her voice was soft and she sounded distant. It sounded important, and she stopped examining an artifact to head to the coffee shop.

Aurora was first to arrive and sipped on her water while waiting. When Lacie approached the table, Aurora noticed her exhaustion.

Aurora: Do you want me to go get your coffee? I could use another water.

Lacie: Um..no thank you. I actually just invited you out here to talk.

[winkingowl]

[winkingowl]

[winkingowl]

Aurora: I knew dad was acting weird! I can’t believe you did all of this. Thank you so much, mom.

Melody: You’re welcome, honey. Me and your father wanted to help you out a little. The baby is going to be here soon, and this is one less thing you will have to worry about.

[winkingowl]

One Sunday morning Lukas invited Aurora out for breakfast and shopping. She began to get suspicious when he would slow down and ask her every detail about an item she was going to buy. He wasn’t good at being subtle, and she could tell he was trying to stall her.

After their shopping trip, he dropped her off at home. She asked him to stay, but he made up a quick excuse and told her that Melody was waiting in the spare room.

Aurora walked into the spare bedroom, amazed at the hanging lights and decor. Four hours ago the room was empty, and now it was filled with baby furniture and toys.

Melody: Surprise!

[winkingowl]

Noah bent over and approached her slowly. He gently set his hands on her stomach and looked up at her.

Noah: You’re amazing, sis.

[winkingowl]

She pulled away from him and set her hands on her stomach.

Aurora: I’m pregnant!

Noah slowly lowered his head to see that Aurora had gained some weight, but it wasn’t from eating too much.

Noah: Aurora.....you’re pregnant?

He spoke slowly and still managed to stumble over his words. His eyes widened as his continued to stare at her.

Aurora: Do you want to feel?

[winkingowl]

It had been three months since Aurora found out she was pregnant, and there was still one person who didn’t know. With everything he was going through, she wanted Noah to focus on himself and not her.

When she found him in the backyard, he immediately brought her in for a hug.

Noah: It’s been too long, sis.

He could feel her stomach pressing against his.

Noah: Have you gained some weight?

[winkingowl]