My original plan was to call Maira, Chi Chi, and Justin and give them the vaguest explanation for why they should come to our house for a party at 11 in the morning, but I thought it better to imply what’s actually happening without giving any details, saying my sister was throwing a baby shower at our house and they’re invited. True, that was slightly deceptive, but I did not lie. I figured the best way to do it was to prepare them to learn someone was pregnant. After the phone call, I changed clothes and went downstairs. Alessia side eyed my outfit, but it was the best I could do. Like I told Dub, I wasn’t in the celebrating mood. I asked her what she wanted me to do, and she told me to sit tight in the kitchen and that she would bring everyone in at once. I took a pouf and waited nervously for everyone. The front door opened and closed now and then, adding a new voice each time, and I felt like I was going to be sick. To make matters worse, I experienced a new sensation. It wasn’t the cramps or back pain, just a very weird sensation. Was it a kick? I seem to remember Desi getting active in the second trimester.
“Where’s Chi Chi,” I heard Sophia ask.
“She might be running late,” Alessia said. “Let’s just get started. Everyone, follow me!”
The clattering of shoes got louder and louder the closer they got to the kitchen. My heart was racing, and my breaths were shallow and short. I took a few deep ones before they all rounded the corner and saw me.
“Tada,” Alessia sang. “It’s Luca who is expecting!”
I was glad to see Dub, even though it was obvious he had a bad morning. As expected, Maira and Justin looked dumbfounded.
“How is that possible?” Maira asked.
I opened my mouth to answer, but Less jumped in.
“ALIENS!!”
“They … abducted you?” Maira asked.
Justin became furious.
“They’re never going to stop,” he shouted. “My great-nephew is a scientist. They’ve been working on strengthening alien-sim relationships for years, hoping if they got to know us better they’d quit using us for their sick experiments. My nephew thought things were going well, but I knew better. They’re never going to stop.”
No one knew how to respond, and an awkward silence fell on us.
“It’s a boy,” I said, hoping to break the ice and temper the moment.
“Congrats,” Maira said, hesitantly. “They picked the right family. He’s in good hands.”
“Thanks for saying that, Maira,” I said. “And thanks, all of you, for coming. Sorry it was so cloak and dagger. As you could imagine, I’m struggling with this. I hid for as long as I could, but I can’t hide anymore. Not just this belly, but me. I’ve done a terrible job of letting you all in when I needed support in the past. But if I ever needed a village before, it’s now. I love you all.”
“I agree with Maira,” Justin said in much better spirits. “One thing I’ve always loved about being around y’all all these years is how warm and loving your family is. It may take a while to come to terms with this, but even now I can tell you love that baby. Everything will be alright.”
“Seconded,” Dub said. “I know you don’t like it when I say this, but you guys really are the perfect family.”
Chi Chi rounded the corner as Dub finished. I got up to greet her, not remembering I’d give myself away. At first, she gasped and looked just as confused as everyone else. Then she looked at me through narrowed eyes, and I know I was about to get an earful, so I intercepted.
“I know,” I said. “I should have told you. I should have told everyone sooner, but I’m still struggling. I got abducted by aliens, so … Yeah. It’s a boy.”
Her face softened, and she pulled me into a loving hug.
“You didn’t need to explain,” she said. “Any addition to the family is welcome. I can’t wait to see his cute little face!”
For the rest of the afternoon, everyone sat around and talked. Every now and then, someone handed me a gift, and I felt really special. Not because I was the center of attention or whatever, but because I have the best village in the world. I am ashamed that it’s taken all this time for me to lean on them, but I guess all that matters is that I am leaning. All that leaning had me tuckered out, though, so when no one was looking, I sneaked upstairs for a nap.
