1.83 Unreasonable

Matt had agreed to meet Zoe in the hope that they could find a middle ground and get on for Hazel’s sake.

Matt had assured Hazel that there was nothing to worry about but she wasn’t buying it because she didn’t trust her mother.

Matt stood up when he saw Zoe and gestured her to take a seat, he asked if she wanted a drink but she declined. “Mathew, thank you for meeting me and I know you will agree with me that we have Hazel’s best interests at heart.” Matt studied her for a moment and thought, ‘I do but I’m not sure about your intentions but I will try and keep an open mind.’

“Zoe, what do you mean?”

“Well I see that she loves you very much so here is my deal, I’ll give you $1000 now and the same each month for the next two years if you break off your engagement.” Matt rested his hand over the envelope and continued to stare at her. Zoe smiled at first until Matt slid it back to her. He stood up and said coldly, “If I wasn’t a gentleman; I’d punch you right now. What the hell gives you the right to ask me to break things off with your daughter when you know I adore her? I love her and we may have had our differences and yes she drives me nuts occasionally but at the end of the day I will marry her with or without your permission.”

Zoe stood and faced him and retorted, “So that’s a no to the money then? I can always say you slept with another girl, I mean I could have seen you.”

“How could you…” Zoe turned to see her daughter standing there full of anger and hate, “I’m your daughter and you would rather lie to me and see me miserable than happy?”

“Sweetheart…”

“No sweetheart, baby or cutzie pie, we are done. Matt tried to show you he is the better person here but clearly you have serious issues.” 

Matt could see she was visibly shaken and went over to Hazel and stroked her cheek, “Babe, I’m proud of you but let’s go home.” Hazel looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, “Matt I love you but I don’t want to marry you next year.” Matt heard those words and felt like his world was collapsing. He turned away and said, “Why what did I ever do to you but love you…” 

She wrapped her arms around him and said, “I’m not breaking up with you but if you’d let me finish I was going to say I don’t want to marry next year but I want to marry now.”

“What!” 

She turned briefly to her mother and said, “Are you still here?” When she turned back to Matt he looked into her eyes and said, “You wanted, no we wanted a big wedding?”

“I still do but with Mum trying to separate us, others trying to tell us when we can get married, today is good a day as any to become your wife.”

Matt embraced her tightly and whispered, “You are crazy but that’s why I love you.” He grabbed her by the hand when Zoe said, “I won’t let you marry her.” Matt turned back and firmly said, “Hazel made her choice and wants me, so get used to it.”

“I will stop this wedding.” Hazel almost in tears asked, “Why won’t you let me be happy?”

“He isn’t right for you, now come with me and I’ll show you the world and introduce you to men that are more suitable.” Hazel looked at Matt then at her mother and in a calm voice, “Mum I am marrying Matt…”

“Hazel you aren’t even 21 years old yet and until then you need a parent’s permission.” 

Hazel couldn’t breathe but Matt stroked her hair and whispered softly in her ear then said to Zoe, “Here in the really world you have to be under 18 years to have parents consent and since we are both over that age we don’t need you or my parents’ permission to get married.”

When they were finally alone, Matt asked, “Are you sure about getting married now?” Hazel smiled, “I am, why?” Matt cupped her face and said, “Your Mum is driving me nuts and I want us as far away from her as possible. Let’s go back to university now.”

“It’s the holidays…”

“So we can stay in our room in the dormitory and we won’t be disturbed.” Hazel grinned as she asked sweetly, “What about us getting married?”

“We will talk about it in the car but let’s go now before we have another visit from your Mum.” 

Once they were in the car safely on the road, Matt said, “Haz, about us getting married straight away, do you still want too?” Hazel put her hand on his knee and faced him while he kept his eyes on the road, “I meant what I said; I would love to marry you today.” Matt touched her hand then squeezing it tightly he turned left at the junction and Hazel said, “Matt the university is the other way.”

“We are not going to university; we have to make a stop first.” Hazel was in shock but trusted Matt to just go with the flow and squeezed his hand back to let him know she was ok with the detour.

1.82 An unwanted guest

Hazel hugged Kirsten, “Are you excited?” Kirsten smiled, “I can’t wait. Have you set the date for the wedding?”

“I was thinking of a time when my Mum will be too busy to attend,” Kirsten laughed at Hazel, “She has to meet Matt sometime.”

“You have met her, she is horrible. I love her because she is my mother but I don’t have to like her.” 

Andrew came into the room and said, “My two favourite girls…” Kirsten and Hazel looked at each other and Kirsten said, “Who died?” The smile was now gone from Andrew as he replied, “Hazel, your Mum is in a taxi on her way here.”

Hazel was now in shock, “WHAT! She’ll try and ruin everything.” She started to panic and Kirsten said, “Haz, don’t worry, we will support you. Matt will stand up to her, he won’t take her abuse.” Matt was staying with his parents when Hazel rang him. He told her he was coming home straight away and not to worry.”

Hazel started to pace the floor, talking to herself and Kirsten stopped her mid-stream, “Haz, you will be ok, trust me.”

“But what if…”

“Stop it Hun.” Hazel looked at her friend and replied, “I know you are right.” Andrew had been watching out the window when Andrew said, “Haz, she’s here.”

He opened the door and watched Hazel’s Mum walk in, “Kirsten my dear you look…tired.”

“I’m expecting Zoe and you look...you.” Zoe did a twirl and with a lift in her step replied, “I know and to think I wasn’t going to go on this holiday but I’m glad I did.” 

She turned to Hazel, “Now let’s take a look at my baby girl. My darling Hazel, these clothes don’t suit you. It is quite obvious that this man you are planning to marry cannot take care of you. A decent man would buy nice clothes but he can’t think highly of you.”

“Mum, it’s great to see you. Matt loves me and I’m happy…” Zoe looked stone faced at her daughter, “What has love got to do with this and as for happy you need to marry money to be happy.”

“Mum please…” 

Zoe was about to answer when she heard, “I’m Hazel’s fiancé, Mathew Dark,” he held out his hand but she didn’t take it. She turned her back on him and said as she walked away, “Yes I know all about you. I hired a private investigator…” Hazel yelled, “What! How could you?”

“Hazel shut up, he isn’t rich although his Uncle William is rich, and I wonder if he’s single…” Hazel had to hold Matt back so he shouted, “He was married to my Aunt but he’d never entertain you.” She turned to face Matt and smiled, “Maybe not but you have a temper, you are not suitable for my girl after all I can’t have her with bruises now can I.” 

Kirsten stepped in, “Matt adores Hazel and their great together and as for Matt hitting a woman that would never happen.”

Matt added, “I love your daughter and it is her choice if she wants to be with me,” 

Hazel held onto him as he continued, “I would love us to get on but it’s obvious you won’t so I don’t want you at our wedding.”

Zoe looked horrified as she looked at her daughter and said, “You let a man control you like that, I thought I brought you up better.” 

Hazel moved towards her Mum, “You brought me up to be mean and spiteful, to marry an old man and take his money but I was never like that. When I met Matt, I knew I found someone wonderful and to think I almost messed it up but you see Mum I love him and I agree with Matt please don’t come to the wedding and if you continue to speak to him or me that way then you will never know any grandchildren we may have.”

“How dare you speak to your mother in that manner, you are an ungrateful daughter.” Matt held Hazel tightly as he said, “I think I couldn’t be more proud of my fiancée right now so get out.”

“I will be back as I will not tolerate this behaviour.” Zoe stormed out, Andrew and Kirsten left the room to give them a moment. 

Hazel turned to Matt holding on tightly, “This is why I didn’t want you to meet her as you can see, it’s her I’m ashamed off not you.”

Matt softly kissed her and said, “You have nothing to be ashamed of and what you said about me was really nice, thanks. I love you.”

 “I love too.” Matt stroked her face and said, “You are nothing like her, you know that, right?”

“Sometimes I wonder, are you going back to your parents?” Matt looked into her eyes knowing that she was still upset and replied, “I am and I want you to come with me besides Charlie misses you.”

“He is a little sweetie, your Mum won’t mind?”

“No she won’t, besides she likes you and as for me I hate sleeping alone.” Hazel smiled and added, “I wonder how much sleep we will get tonight?”

1.81 Searching for a home

Jake had rented a little house on campus and this would be their home for the next six months until Kay went on maternity leave. Jake still loved his firefighter job so transferred near the university. 

Jake had spent the morning on the internet looking at homes in Lucky Palms to buy for when they weren’t here at university. Every property they looked at in Jake’s opinion wasn’t good enough.

He didn’t want a flat or a one bedroom house, he wanted a home. He wanted to be near his and Kay’s family but nothing was out there. He reluctantly called his Dad.

“Hi Jake, everything ok?” Jake sighed, “Not really Dad. There is nothing in Lucky Palms to suit our needs.”

“Jake, what is it you are looking for?”

“A home, I know we will have more than one baby, well I hope we will because I don’t want this baby to be an only child so I want a 3 bedroomed house, what do I do?”

Daniel thought for a moment and said, “You could build a home.”

“Dad that would take too long.”

“What does Kay say about this?” There was a silent pause then Jake replied, “I’m looking for this house because Kay is studying. I want this pregnancy to go smoothly and everything to be alright when the baby arrives.”

“Listen son, what you are doing is great but you may have to accept something smaller on a temporary basis. Once the baby is here look for a family home…”

“No Dad I can’t do that, the baby needs to be settled and comfortable,” Dan started to laugh and Jake asked, “What is so funny?”

“The baby isn’t even here yet and you are already starting to sound like a Dad. Kirsten won’t throw you out so you have time.”

Jake sighed, “I know Dad but she is expecting too and needs to think of the baby and let’s be honest she has properly changed a room into the nursery already. I want Kay to do that as well that’s why having a home is so important.”

“I’ll keep an eye out and let you know and I’ll talk with Spencer too and if a house comes up we will let you know and Jake…”

“What?”

“Concentrate on Kay and that baby because they will need you.” Jake thanked is Dad and hung up. 

He heard the bathroom door go and heard Kay being sick, he knocked on the door and asked, “Do you want anything?” In between her throwing up he heard, “No, you’ve done enough.”

Jake quietly replied, “I’ll make some food for you.” Within 30 minutes Kay appeared as if nothing had happened looking radiant. 

She hugged Jake and said, “Sorry, I just hate being sick. My first appointment is later on today so I might be a bit late.”

Kay sat to eat some food when Jake said, “I’m going with you and no arguments.” Kay was shocked and said, “You don’t like doctors…”

“This is different, we are having a baby and I’m not missing anything.”

After washing up she fell onto the sofa into his arms and said, “I love you.”

“You too.”

“Have you found a house yet?”

“I didn’t say I was looking!”

“Jake I saw you looking at houses last night and you were on the computer this morning. We will find a place.”

“Any ideas?”

“I spoke to Dad yesterday and he said a home had just come on the market, it is 3 bedrooms, and it’s not huge but big enough. It’s got a garden but it needs works, could we take a look?”

Jake saw the content smile on her face as she smiled at him, “I should have asked you first, shouldn’t I? I was hoping to surprise you.”

“It might not be what we want but it’s close to everyone. I say let’s see it.”

Jake smiled as he kissed her, “Ok, I’ll make the appointment for the weekend, now don’t you have class?”

“Shit is that the time?” 

She shot up grabbing he bags and Jake shouted, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Sorry,” Kay kissed him and added, “Appointment is at 2pm in the medical building.”

Jake looked puzzled, “Hun, I’m at medical school with real Doctors so my appointment is with Professor Lake. He has delivered many babies but teaches now. Dean Wright helped to arrange these appointments.”

Jake kissed her again and sweetly added, “See you at 2pm, both of you.”

1.80 Need to tell you something

Andrew was in the office with his Dad, “Are you ok?” Andrew Snr smiled, “I’m really happy for you both. What do you need?”

“Kirsten’s first appointment with the doctor is today and I want to be there.”

“What time?”

“In an hour.” He looked at his son, “It’s a bit short notice but what the hell just go. After all I’m going to be a Granddad. Do you know the sex of the baby yet?”

“Dad, I did say first appointment, besides we agreed to wait and see what we have.” Andrew hugged his son, “I can’t wait. I found a small place so you and Kirsten will have your house back.”

“Dad, wait no…”

“Andrew, you are starting a family and as much as I appreciate staying with you and Kirsten so we could get to know each other, you will need the space because I really hope you will have more than one baby.”

“Kirsten, you are in good shape and both you and baby are fine.” Kirsten was still concerned, “What about when my Mum lost my sister Ava, could that happen to me?”

“I did read up on your sister’s medical file with your Mum’s consent of course but there is really nothing to worry about here. We will however keep an extra eye on you throughout your pregnancy and if at any time we are concerned we will tell you straight away.” 

Kirsten looked at Andrew and he turned to the doctor and replied, “Thank you. Does she need to rest or eat more…” The doctor stopped him, “Andrew, your wife is fine. She will need rest, you know a good night’s sleep but not bed rest and as for eating more, the answer there is no. The eating for two is an old wives tale; all Kirsten needs to do is eat well in normal quantities.”

Andrew heard Kirsten say, “See, I can still do things and eat normally. You don’t have to be overprotective.”

“Hay, I want things to go right for you, the baby and us.” 

The doctor watched and listened for a moment or two then said, “Andrew don’t be overprotective, Kirsten knows what she is doing. Kirsten as the pregnancy goes through it’s stages enjoy him fussing over you because when the baby is here you’ll both focus on that little one and forget each other like that for a while until you develop a routine with the baby.”

After leaving the doctor’s Andrew wrapped his arms around Kirsten and softly said, “I’m still going to fuss you no matter how much you object.” Kirsten smiled and kissed him, “I love you fussing me but just don’t overdo it.”

“I can’t make any promises.” 

When they got home Jake was waiting, “Mum told me your news.” Kirsten was shocked, “Jakey, I was going to tell you…” 

He hugged her and said, “Sis, I’m excited for you really I am but need to tell you something,” 

They sat down and Kirsten looked at her brother, “Thing is I’m going to be a Dad too, we think Kay is about 6-8 weeks but she will go and get that checked.”

Kirsten squealed, “I can’t believe this you are going to be a Daddy, oh this is perfect. Kay will so understand what I’ll be going through. Where is she?”

“Playing with Charlie, she wants to spend some quality time with him.” 

Andrew asked, “Are you going with her to the appointments?”

“Kay said that she would go alone…” Andrew was in shock and so was Kirsten, “Jakey, you’d better go to those appointments with her or else. Pregnant or not I’ll still kick your butt if I have too.”

“Cool it sis, I will be attending every appointment. I know she thinks she’s tough but I know deep down she wants me to go besides if I don’t she will make my life hell.” 

Kay walked in the door looking happy, “Did you tell them?”

Kirsten interrupted their kiss, “Yes he did, I’m so glad I have someone to go through this with.”

“Me too but he did tell you the other news?” 

Jake looked sheepish as Kirsten glared at him, “I hadn’t told them yet.”

“What haven't you told me Jakey?”

“We are engaged and Kay spoke to the university and for the next 6 months until Kay goes on maternity I will be living on campus.”

“What no you can’t…”Jake knew Kirsten wouldn't take him moving away well, “Sis, it will be ok…”

“No it won’t, we’ve never lived too far apart before and my birthday is coming up and we always do the breakfast thing together and…and…” 

Jake held her and softly said, “Sis, I promise I won’t miss your birthday not now or ever.” He looked at Andrew as he said, “Babe, please stay calm. Jake won’t let you down.” She was now in tears, “I want my brother around as I get fat, and you always know what to say Jakey.”

“If you need me, I’m a phone call away besides we will be back and forth so don’t worry.” 

Andrew took her from Jake and Kay put her hand on her shoulder and said, “Please don’t be upset Kirst, we will be here a lot, you won’t even notice.” 

Kirsten looked at Kay and said calmly, “I thought we’d have moans and laughs together and drives these two insane.” Kay smiled, “We still can…”

“How?”

“Video chat, webcam so whichever one of us is having a bad pregnancy day the other can help and still drive these guys nuts.”

Kirsten now had a big smile, “And I could talk to both of you?” Jake looked at Kirsten and sweetly said, “Yes big sis and drive me insane if it makes you feel better.”