Eric and Nate exited Ben’s car and headed for their house. They weren’t the least bit surprised to see Samantha and Francis exiting as they approached.
“Remember, right next door.” Frances said once more before following Samantha. Martha watched them leave, and took several dozen deep breaths to calm herself.
“Hi Mom, what’s up? Is everything okay?” Nate asked.
“Well, in a way yes. I, uh, just need to talk to you two about something very important.” Martha said slowly. The three walked into the Anderson’s living room, where Nate and Eric sat on the couch. Martha was hesitant to sit down, seeing as the only available chair had once belonged to William. But once she did sit, she felt much better. It still had some of his scent on it, and that was extremely comforting.
“Do we have to move?” Eric asked, assuming that was what his mom was getting at. Because the last time she’d sat them down for a “talk” it had been about William’s cheating, and their needing to move across the country. Which hadn’t seemed so bad before. Of course now Eric and Nate both had budding relationships and neither was keen on the idea of a long distance relationship.
“What? No, no sweetie we’re not going anywhere.” Martha quickly assured Eric. The thought never crossed her mind. She too was perfectly happy in Moon Lake. Granted things hadn’t gone the way she wanted them to since the move, but she wasn’t about to uproot the family for a second time.
“Okay. And there’s nothing wrong with you right? You’re not, like, dying or something are you?” Nate asked nervously.
“No. But the news does have to do with me. And… your father.” Martha said slowly. Eric and Nate were on the edges of their seats. The anticipation was killing them. Whatever the news, good or bad, they hoped their mom would just tell them already.
“I’m… I’m pregnant.” Martha finally said.
For a moment she was worried the two boys were unhappy because they remained silent for so long. But once the initial shock wore off they both grabbed Martha into a hug. If they were transformed, they would have started howling. Martha found herself surprised and at the same time batting away tears.
“When did you find out?” Eric asked once the three separated.
“This morning.” Martha said.
“Do you know what it is? I mean, a boy or girl? Are you, uh, far enough to tell?” Nate and Eric both kept looking at their mom’s stomach. She didn’t look pregnant. At least from a male standpoint they didn’t. When someone said pregnant, their minds immediately conjured up images of a woman with a basketball sized stomach.
“It’s a girl.” Martha replied.
“Wow! That’s great. And that means she’s like you, a werecat.” Truthfully Eric had been hoping it was a boy. He was tired of being the “little brother”. And more importantly, having a werefox in the family again would be nice. Not exactly filling the void, but Eric always thought that if he hadn’t fallen for Cassie, he might and sought out some of the local vixens.
“Well, not exactly. They’re not a hundred percent sure if it’s a werecat or werefox. It’s definitely a girl, but…”
“A hybrid?” Nate and Eric both asked at the same time. Martha blushed a little and nodded before the three started another round of excited hugging.
“When is she due?” Nate asked amidst all the hugging.
“Um, probably sometime in July, maybe a bit earlier. Both of you came out a few weeks early. But then I’m not sure how different were-pregnancies are to normal ones.” Martha said.
“Can’t be too different can they? I mean, babies are babies.” Nate shrugged. His lack of knowledge on the fairer sex was pretty sad. But it resulted in a hearty laugh form both Eric and Martha.