"Hi Kevin."
His jaw was practically on the ground, "Umm..hi...I didn't think anyone was home...I..I hope you don't mind that..I'm out here."
She shook her head, "Oh no..not at all...you belong here."
Kevin walked down off the dock and was soon right in front of her. "You're...you're.."
"Pregnant? Believe me, I know."
Kevin smiled a little, "How far along?"
"Four months."
"Wow.."
Lila nodded, "Yeah...I found out..the day of his funeral.."
"Oh..."
"Yeah...ummm..do you want to come in? Mary and Jack would love to see you, I'm sure. Mary just ran out to the store but she should be back soon.."
"Umm..yeah..sure..that'd be great."
Lila led Kevin up the hill and into the house. "Do you want anything to drink, or eat?"
Kevin shook his head, "Umm..no thanks.."
"Ok..when..when did you get back?"
"Late last night."
"How was your tour?"
"It was good...a little hectic but that's normal...how is everything here?"
"Ok, I guess. I think I'm finally getting used to living in a smaller town.."
"Are you staying here?"
"Yeah...Mary and Jack insisted.."
"Oh."
She nodded and sat down across from him at the kitchen table, "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure?"
"Why...why didn't you come to his funeral?"
Kevin sat back in his chair, he wasn't really expecting that question although in a way, he really was. He folded his hands in his lap over and over again while he thought of what to say. He sighed and looked up, meeting her gaze. "It's hard to explain Lila. I..I don't deal with things like that very well..I've had to go to one too many funerals the past couple of years. Scott was my best friend...we did everything together...we talked all the time about what we'd do when we grew up and everything....seeing him get buried just seemed too hard. I know I said I would come and I wanted to, I felt awful that day but...but it was too hard. Just getting up that day was hard..."
Lila nodded, "I know..Mary told me about your dad and stuff...I understand Kevin.."
"But...I'm back now and I hope you'll, ya know, let me be your friend."
Lila smiled and reached for his hand, "I think I can do that because I don't have many friends...in fact I don't have any right now."
Kevin smiled back, "Sounds good to me. Do you know what the baby is?"
Lila sat back in her seat, one hand resting on her tummy, "No..I want it to be a surprise."
"It'll be a good one."
She nodded, "Yeah.."
"I'm sorry Lila.."
"For what Kevin?"
"For not being here for you...Scott would kill me on the spot if he knew I left you all alone."
"I think he'd understand in a situation like this.."
"Yeah..."
"Kevin..please don't be, you know, uncomfortable around me. I need as many people around me as possible. And as wonderful as your mom, Mary, and Jack have all been..I need someone CLOSER to my age..to talk to..."
"I'm not uncomfortable but this is just so much to take in...I mean, you're going to have his baby Lila..you and Scott would be parents.."
"And now I'm just THE parent."
"Has that fact even hit you yet?"
She shook her head and smiled, "Nope, not yet. I think when I finally hold him or her in my arms that it will hit me like a ton of bricks. This hasn't been easy and anyone who says pregnancy is beautiful and peaceful needs to DIE."
"Why?"
"I've finally quit being sick all the time but I'm fat and just gross. Half my clothes don't fit, and I'm getting to the point that when I walk for a long period of time my feet and my back hurt and I get tired easily. Taking naps is an essential part of my day now and I'm really, really afraid that I am getting to the point where I can't see my feet anymore."
Kevin smiled, "You're not fat, you're clothes look fine, and taking naps is a great hobby of mine. And I can see your feet and not to worry, your socks match."
She grinned, "Thanks."
"No problem. Anytime you need reassurance, I'm your man."
"Thanks Kevin.."
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