I was still alive, and when it comes to Stella's dad, that was a pretty big deal. He hadn't murdered me, he hadn't even tried. I honestly think my dad was closer to bashing my face in than he was. I was thankful. Having our families at least remotely agree with the baby was a blessing. This meant we only had two more people to tell: Nate and Aubree. Stella and I had agreed that we'd invite them over to my house, which meant I had to go get them, while Tom stayed back to keep Stella company until I returned since Alex had dropped him off earlier along with some of Stella's clothes.


Nate was the first one I picked up, which meant I didn't have to wait very long because he was at the end of his driveway playing on his skateboard and texting. He tossed his board in the back and climbed in the front seat, nodding to me as we venture further out to get Aubs. She, much like Nate, was waiting at the end of her driveway, but she was much more giddy than he was.


"Jack!" She squeaked, reaching over my seat to give me a hug. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. What is up, dude?!"


"Life," I chuckled, backing up in her driveway to head back home. "What about you guys?"


"Nateykins has been spending all his time with the gymnist, but I am proud to say I've been applying for college! Daddy let me take the state test and I passed it with flying colors!"


I laughed, congratulating her. Aubree didn't know it yet, but now she'd have plent of time to attend college on campus and get the best of both worlds. I hadn't considered this before. Maybe the 'accident' Stella and I had would have a positive influence on everyone else. Tom's job would be more demanding, but I knew he loved it. Nate would have more time with his mom and girlfriend and Stella could attend college. Smiling to myself, I put on the turn signal as we made our way to my new home. I could hear Aubree gasping from the backseat, just as in love with our house as we were.


"Nice place, man," Nate commented, shoving his phone in his jeans. "Stella and Tom already here?"


"Yep."


I led them inside, but Tom and Stella were nowhere to be found. Huffing to myself, I glanced out the back door, only to see a small fire burning in the pit around the patio. Tom and Stella were sitting close to her, wearing their hoodies to keep warm. I laughed faintly and motioned for our other band mates to follow me outside.


"Aubs!" Tom grinned, instantly getting up to kiss her. "Let me get you a chair."


"Nate," I punched my friend in the arm lightly. "Let me get you a chair."


Everyone laughed at my mocking voice of Tom as three more chair were placed around the fire. We engaged in small talk until the time came for Stella and I to tell them the news. She looked nervous, but if our dad's could handle the news, so could our friends.


"So, guys," I started, gathering their attention. Tom had a gentle smile on his face, having already heard the news. "Stella and I have something to tell you."


Their eyes flickered to my girlfriend, who had gone pale all over again. This was the last millstone until we could start being open and happy about the baby. Stella sucked in a breath and offered a smile to our friends.


"I'm pregnant."


"What?" Aubree managed, sounding like she was out of breath. "Are you sure?"


"Yeah."


Aubree seemed to be processing the news. No doubt, she was running over the importanat details in her mind just like our dad's had done. But Nate smiled, a real smile, that warmed my heart.


"That's great," Nate finally spoke. He stood up to shake my hand and hug Stella. "You guys are going to be great parents. That's one lucky kid."


"Thanks Nate," Stella beamed, thankful for our first positive reaction. "We're starting to get excited, I guess."


"Don't guess," Nate laughed, shaking his head. "Be excited. You only get your first kid once. Make the most of it. Make it memorable. Make it such a wonderful experiencce that you'll want another kid someday."


Stella and I shot each other a glance, grinning. Nate was right. It didn't matter what anyone else thought, what really mattered was our happiness and the happiness of the child.


And that's about the time that Aubree shot out of her chair. She ran around Tom to Stella, and she gave her possibly the biggest girl hug I've ever seen. Then came the girlish scream, which is when Stella was pulled to her feet to join in that thing that girls do when they're freakishly excited about something. Nate, Tom and I looked at each other awkwardly. Why couldn't they just hug and make jokes like we did?


"I'm going to be an aunt!" Aubree squeaked, hugging Stella again. "Oh, I hope it's a girl! Aunt Aubs is going to spoil you, sea monkey!"


Everyone laughed. Aubree's joy and Nate's honesty were contagious. Stella and I were going to do this, and we were going to have the best support system in the world.

Notes

Oh snap.