I make myself smile, and it’s not entirely fake because he loves me, and what he’s describing is a future that still has space for everything. It’s just that ourone dayis happening a lot sooner than either of us want, and I don’t know how to explain that yet without blowing up every careful structure he’s just laid out.
“Yeah. I do too,” I say instead.
He reaches over and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “Feeling any better?”
“A little.”
He sets the carton on the floor and pulls me into his side. It’s late, and I can tell he’s as worn out as I am. He falls asleep first, and I enjoy the weight of his arms around me. I press my hand flat against my stomach for a second.
I’ll tell him when the moment is right.
Instead of telling him, I pretend nothing has changed. I put on a happy face. I avoid the rink in case I run into Daniel. Tully comes to my place, or I go to his, and I live in a little bubble with my love.
My sister calls one night after I’ve gotten off the phone with Tully, and I pick up, thinking it might be him again.
“Hello?”
“Lola.” My sister bursts into tears.
“What’s wrong?”
“Mom kicked Dad out tonight.”
“What?”
The thought is so outrageous, I’d think Isla was joking if she weren’t crying.
“I don’t know what’s going on. It’s been so crazy around here. And I know what you’re thinking—ourparentsare weird. But they’re not with each other!”
“I wouldn’t have expected to feel so sad about it,” I say softly.
“Me either! It’s freaking me out!” Isla sniffles and then blows her nose. “It feels wrong. You and I have each other and Luca, and our parents just have each other.”
“Have you asked Mom what’s going on?”
“She’s shut herself in her room and won’t come out.”
“They probably wouldn’t answer my calls, but I’ll try.”
“Thank you. I’ve tried calling Dad too. Maybe he’ll cave with one of us.”
“Would you like more to deal with…since there’s already a lot going on?”
She snorts. “Sure. Why not?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Silence.
“Isla?”
“You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
“Wow.”
“I know.”
