31/A Compromise

Lila stormed into her house slamming the door behind her and tossing her small purse clear across the living room. When it fell with a heavy thud, she remembered her cell phone was inside.

"Fuck!" Lila's hands flew to her head as she ran to the small purse. She fell to the ground inspecting the contents within. The phone case had cracked but the phone looked fine. She quickly removed the broken case, wiping broken bits of the plastic case from the surface careful not to scratch the screen.

A sequence of knocks sounded from the door. "Lila! It's Alex. Can you open the door?"

Lila stared at the broken shards on the floor. "Give me a moment!" She cradled the electronic carefully between her hands, laying it down gently on the counter as she grabbed a broom and a dustpan from a slender cabinet door.

Once the offending bits of waste were disposed of, she put the broom and dustpan away and opened the door.

"Hey," Alex greeted.

Lila crossed her arms in front of her chest. "What are you doing here, Alex?"

The young man ran a hand through his hair. "Can I come in?"

"Of course." She stepped aside, pulling the door wide open.

Alex walked in rather sheepishly with his shoulders shrugged. "I just wanted to see if you were okay. I didn't like the way you ran out of Eric's house."

Lila sighed. "Alex-" she stopped herself.

Alex chuckled. "Why does it feel like you're about to break up with me?"

She looked into his eyes, her eyes watering. "Alex," she whispered. "You think everything is settled, but in reality nothing is, and your brother-"

"Eric can go fuck himself!" Alex exploded. "He isn't going to tell me what to do! If he thinks he can- well, fuck him! I'll come live with you until the baby is born and take the classes I need online so I can graduate on time." He looked at Lila, his burst of anger subsiding. "You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Lila pressed the weight or her body against the back of the sofa. "I wouldn't mind at all," she said, "but I do think Eric needs to be on board with this, as well as the rest of your family." She stared tenderly at Alex. "You have an idea of what you're about to go through, but the reality is that you don't the full scope, and I really think it would begood for you to have the support of your family during the process." She reached for his hand. "You have my support, Alex, you do, but I don't think that will be enough for you. I wouldn't have an iota of what men go through with nesting."

Alex's face fell.

"You don't have to tell your parents today, or next week but you should tell them down the line. Your mom has a right to know there will be a child in the world with some of her DNA." She pulled his hand playfully. "You know that'll make her happy."

He sighed, placing both hands on his head. "You're right." He said softly. "I'm just scared."

Lila nodded. "I can see why, but I can see how much family means to your mom and dad, Alex. It would be nice if the offspring had the grandparents around, don't you think? If they want to be a part of the kid's life?"

Alex snorted. "Now that you met my parents, are you sure you want to have them around for the rest of your life?"

Lila blinked, his humor catching her off guard. She began to chuckle. "Alex, I would be honored to have them be a part of our family."