Olive's P.O.V.
That second where we all froze in shock felt like it lasted an eternity only to play again at double the speed. Dad swiveled back around, his fist drawn back and ready to hit Lucas in the throat. I pulled on Lucas' shirt, forcing him back so that dad's punch missed.
Due to the lack of contact, Dad had to take a step forward so as not to fall. He had put a lot of power behind that punch. I dragged Lucas further back away from Dad. I'd like for my child's father to not be killed by my own. Dad looked at me with narrowed eyes and for a moment I think he contemplated hitting me too. Daisy gasped, thrown off by the whole debacle playing before her.
"I'm calling the police," she said, rushing to dad's side and looking at us like we were in the wrong.
Oh Daisy, if you only knew.
I could tell that this whole thing only made her believe me less. I signed realizing that what I had set out to accomplish would not be happening. I looked at her and her little baby bump, worried that she'll fall prey to dad so easily now. Somehow in my hurry to help her I only solidified Dad's grip on her.
"We're leaving, but if you ever find yourself needing to escape ask Joe at Iron Work Tattoo for my number. I'll come help no matter what." I hope that she'll keep that information tucked safely away in her mind for when she needs it. I just hope the time never comes.
I dragged Lucas out of the store, feeling Dad want to chase him down and beat him. I hurried us to the car worried that Daisy would actually call the police.
"You shouldn't have done that," I whispered, staring out of the car window at Daisy and Dad holding one another inside the bookstore as we drove away. It was like Dad was comforting her from a bad experience. One we caused.
"I'm sorry, Olive. He just made me so mad. How could he say that to you?" Lucas' hand gripped the steering wheel so hard I could see the whites of his knuckles. His jaw cleanched as he ground his teeth in anger. "I know I fucked up, and I'm sorry for that, but I am not sorry for punching him. He deserved it and he deserves so much more." I sighed knowing I can't really be mad at him for it. He's right.
"That was a really good punch.' I smirked at him, trying not to laugh now that the moment had passed.
"You think so?" He smirked back, eyes still on the road.
"Mhm, you made his whole head turn."
"Maybe I'll fight the championship for you, then perhaps Davis won't kill me as badly."
We both laughed at that, lightening the mood despite everything that had just happened.
"I really am sorry, Olive." He repeated a moment later.
"I know you are. Thank you for trying to fight for me." I grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly to show him I cared. "Let's get my things from the Inn and head back to New York. I am ready to be home with you."
"Are you sure you're ready to leave?"
"There's nothing else for me to do here." I nodded.
"Then let's go home."
------
"Liv, pass me the tamales please," Hailey asked me from across the table.
I reached for the warm stacked plate, handing it down towards her. It passed about three different hands before making it to her. Lucas and I decided to start out Thanksgiving with Hailey's family since they started earlier than everyone else. After here we were headed to Leo's where Sarah and Lisa will join as well. Apparently they get together as one big family on Thanksgiving and Christmas minus Lucas' Dad, and now Leo's.
"No, mamá, no tengo novio." Hailey answered another pestering question about her love life. Her family was determined to have her set up, but she refused their set ups every time. "Sí, yo veo que Olive tiene un novio muy guapo."
Translation: Yes, I see that Olive has a handsome boyfriend. I'm definitely learning more Spanish thanks to Hailey and her family these past few years. I tried to save her a few times, but it was a lost effort as the conversations were always brought back to the same topic. By the end of it, Hailey looked reslady to strangle the next person to mention the words love, boyfriend, or relationship.
"How was the visit home?" Hailey asked me as I helped her wash the dishes. Lucas helped as well, being the wonderful man he is.
"It was interesting to say the least. Crazy even."
I began to tell her about Ian, Dad, his girlfriend, how Joe helped mom, all of it. She gasped, she cried, and she yelled.
"Good job sir." She patted Lucas on the back when I told her that he had punched dad right in the face.
"There's something else I want to tell you, but you can't tell anyone." I pointed my finger at her.
"You know your secret is safe with me." She nodded, reminding me of how well she was at keeping secrets.
"I'm pregnant."
She yelled so loud in excitement that some of her family came rushing in to check on her. She came up with some sorry excuse, but her family believed it. They know she's always been very enthusiastic and energetic.
"That's amazing, Liv. I am so happy for you guys! Are you still going to be able to graduate?" She asked me worried now that she realized what it means for my future.
"Yes. It won't be due till around July if I'm calculating it right. I'll just be graduating looking like Shamu. The people in the front row better watch out." I joked, making Haily and I giggle.
"I better be that baby's godmother. Ian needs to realize that I'm the best friend now. You need to have him come visit here. I want to meet Ian." Hailey demanded with a nod before continuing on the dishes.
"Okay, I'll ask him if he can come. I am really not sure what he does for a living currently, but I am sure he'll be free to hang sometime soon."
"Great, he and I need to have a talk about who your best friend is." Hailey laughed, making me smile. She had a fun laugh to listen to.
"Don't be too harsh when you meet him."
"I won't," she promised.
Just like that our festivities at Hailey's place ended and we headed towards Leo's house. I'd never been before and I dare not venture to call it a house any longer. The place was massive! It smelled wonderful with all kinds of traditional Thanksgiving food sprawled throughout a massive table. We all took our seats and began to dig in as we talked.
"Lucas are you going to tell me what the big emergency was that you had to leave early for?" She asked, eyeing him suspiciously and then me.
"I will later. Don't worry mom, it's handled." Lucas didn't bat an eye as he answered her calmly. He gave her an innocent smile that melted even my heart.
"I'll be waiting," she said with a nod.
She didn't press the matter any further and I was grateful for that. I am surprised he didn't tell her though. I had already told 3 people and he has yet to tell one. Has he changed his mind? Does he not want this child anymore? The thought made my stomach turn, having me quickly lose my appetite. Suddenly all I could do was play with my food.
"What's wrong, Rise?" He leaned in, whispering the question in my ear.
"Do you still want this baby?" I whispered back so lowly that even he could barely hear me.
"What? Of course I do!" He looked at me like I had just asked the craziest question on the planet. Still, he hasn't said anything to anyone.
Dinner continued with small banter here and there until we were all done eating. Leo, Lisa, Lucas and I all went outside to enjoy the evening sky, while Sarah and Leo's mother stayed inside chatting about trivial things.
"I have something to tell you guys, but you can't tell Mom yet," Lucas told them with a serious face.
"Mum's the word," Leo said.
"You know I won't tell her if you don't want me to," Lisa assured him.
"Rose and I are having a baby." Lucas smiled so brightly, washing away any doubt I had created over dinner about him wanting our child. He is happy, he just doesn't want to tell his mom yet. I am not sure why, but I'm sure he has his reasons so I won't pressure him.
"Christ!" Leo sighed. "You guys sure are doing things at a very fast pace." He shook his head almost disapprovingly. Leo's reaction kind of stung, and I think it hurt Lucas a bit too as his smile lost some of its brightness.
"That's amazing! Oh! I can't wait to be an auntie!" Lisa smiled excitedly, bouncing in her seat and leaning towards me. "That kid is going to be so adorable!"
"You don't think it's too soon?" Lucas asked, a bit surprised. I guess he knew they would have a similar reaction.
"I mean, yeah, but it's happened and there's no changing that, so I'll just be excited for you and skip the lecture that you already know." She smiled at Lucas, grabbing his hand and squeezing it tight. She stared intently at his eyes as she spoke next. "You are nothing like Dad. You are going to be the most amazing father. I know you will be. I am not worried Lucas and neither should you be."
Lucas smiled back at her, giving her nod without responded. I could tell he was feeling emotional at Lisa's words. She told him something he needed to hear.
"Well now I feel like an ass. Thanks, Lisa." Leo sighed. "I just worry for you guys, but of course, I'm excited to see your little baby and be a cool friend that gets to be called uncle."
"I don't know about the cool Uncle part." Lucas teased Leo as he always done, letting me know they were okay. Lucas smiled back at Leo. "Thanks, Leo."
We spoke about all things baby for the next half hour until Sarah stepped out. We got quiet a little too quickly, causing her suspicion to rise. I'm realizing we are not the sneakiest of couples.
It's okay. She will know soon enough.