Collision Course

Sitting on the counter, I watched as Karen pulled out the stuff for popcorn. Like my own mother, she did not use microwaved popcorn. Rather, she found a large stock pot in which she dumped a table spoon or so of oil. Once the oil was hot, she added a generous handful of the kernels.

“So did Ruth give her approval?” Karen asked in-between her movements in the kitchen.

Pondering for a moment, I replied with, “Well, she didn’t not give me her approval so I am taking that as a good sign.”

Pop! Pop! Pop! The corn began to jump out of the oil, expanding into it’s white fluffy goodness. The smell was overwhelming, nauseating. My stomach began to turn rapidly.

My hand was over my mouth in an instant. Fast as I could, I ran for the bathroom closing the door a little too forceful. Thankfully, I made it to the toilet in time.

Sitting on the floor mat, I wiped my mouth off. A gentle nock came from the door. “Allie are you alright darling?” Karen asked softly before letting herself into the bathroom.

Seeing me on the floor, she wet a washcloth and sat next to me, holding the cool cloth on the back of my neck. “Are you okay?” she asked again.

Weakly and unsure, I replied, “Um, yeah. I think so. I am not really sure what just happened. The smell was just so overwhelming.”

“I think I know why.” She said softly, not sure if she even wanted to say anything.

I did not utter a peep, just looked at her. Slowly she took my hand. “When was your last period?” She asked.

I gasped, shocked at her question. Consideration for a moment, I questioned if she could be right. “I’m not sure, but Liam and me have been careful.” I dropped the last syllable as I realized that the statement was not completely true. “No, no, no, no, no.” I mumbled more to myself then to anyone else.

“It’s okay, Allie. Look at me darling.” Karen said still holding my hand.

Tears began to well in my eyes. “How can I be so stupid?” I asked.

“Allie, I need to now. I need to hear you answer me. Is there a possibility that you might be pregnant?” She asked gently.

I nodded. Scared out of my whites that there was a possibility. She held me, embracing me in her motherly warmth.

“For not, let’s not worry about it. There is nothing to be done about it tonight.” Karen stated, pausing momentarily before continuing.“Do you think the nausea has passed?”

“I think so.” I answered, my voice a little shaky.

“Are you going to tell Liam?” She asked and for the first time, I could hear the anxiety in her voice caused by the possibility that her twenty one year old son might become a father soon.

“Not yet. Not until I wrap my head around this. I don’t even know if there is a this yet.” I said, hesitantly touching my stomach.

My mother and Allie emerged from the bathroom, Allie’s cheeks slightly pink and puffy. “Is everything ok?” I asked.

Allie smiled, whipped off her cheeks and nodded. Mom answered, saying, “Yes, darling, everything is dandy. Allie just felt a little sick. Nothing to worry about dearie.”

“You know, I think I am going to call it a day. I’m quite tired.” Allie stated before making her way to the stared.

“I’ll be right up behind you, love.” I said, not quit satisfied with mum’s remarks.

Mum was already on her way back into the kitchen, presumably to finish the popcorn.

“Oh, hi darling.” She exclaimed when she saw me.

“Mum, what’s really happening?” I forcefully questioned.

“I think she is just a little overwhelmed. She is fine Hun.” She responded, but it was not the whole truth. I knew this since she never looked me in the eye.

Not really wanting to press my mother further, I gave her a kiss on the temple and a long tight hug. “Good night, mum.”

Just before I was out the door, she said, “Oh Liam. I like her. She is a sweet girl.” Smiling at the approval I had received, I made my way to the room I was sharing with Allie.

She was sitting on the bed, still clad in her day clothes. Her face held a blank stare and her eyes were glazed over as if she were not present behind her usually piercing eyes.

Her body shifted as the weight of my body moved the mattress under her. “Allie.” I pulled her close to me, bot wanting to see her hurt or in her present condition.

“Umhum.” She squeaked.

“What’s the matter? What do you need me to do?” I asked hoping I would be able to help and feeling so helpless that I could not help.

“Just hold me?” she asked, settling herself next to me.

“You never have to ask that. I would hold you every moment of the day if I could.”

Minutes later I shut off the lights, Allie safely in bet and waiting for me to hold her. The bed was warm next to her. The linens were crisp and clean, slightly noisy under me as I moved myself into a comfortable position.

“I love you so much.” I whispered into her hair.

I felt my chest under her head begin to moisten. She was silently crying but I did not know what to do or say. Holding her, I felt, was the only thing to do. By the rigidity in her body, I knew it was all I could do.

Morning came all too soon. The sun spilled through the open window, cascading across my face. Allie was still wrapped tightly in my arms, breathing slow and steady. Attempting to go back to sleep, I shifted my weight slightly, careful not to wake her. No matter what I did, sleep refused to return to me. So, contentedly, I pulled Allie closer to me and simply relished the closeness with her.

An hour or so later, I felt her begin to wake up. Her breathing began to change and her once calm body began to move.

“Hi.” I smiled at her as she looked at me, eyes still heavy with sleep.

“What time is it?” She asked groggily.

“Just about eight.” I said hating that she had moved further from me. “Did you sleep well?”

“I had some strange dreams. Other then that, yes. I slept quite well.” She said. “I’m going to get up.” She announced. Allie leaned into me, smiling, and kissed me.

“You know, it is the weirdest thing, but I kind of like you and your morning breath kisses.” I said prompting Allie to plant another kiss on me.