Chapter 116

Chapter 116
Lottie's POV

"Hey Anna?" My voice croaks out, as I pace back and forth across the hotel bedroom.

"Lottie?! Oh my gosh, hey! How are you feeling? Are you meeting us for breakfast downstairs?" Anna sounds grateful to hear my voice today, as I smile at how great a friend she was to me - even despite the fact that I had been a bitch to her!

"Yeah of course! I would love to! There's just one problem though..." I trail off, biting the skin beside my nail in thought - something I tended to do often.

"Oh no, what is it?" Anna's tone drops, as she sounds concerned, before I open my mouth to continue-

"You didn't happen to drive here in your own car did you?" I question, praying that she had.

"I did yeah..." Anna sounds confused, as I smile slightly now in hope...

"Is our shopping bags still in your car by chance? I uh... don't have any clothes or underwear to change into..." I admit, embarrassed that I still remained in the hotels free robe.

I can't show up for breakfast in that...

"Oh I forgot all about that stuff! Yeah, that's a great idea! I'll go out and grab you some stuff right now, does Alex need an outfit too? I thankfully had an overnight bag in my car last night with everything I needed since I've been living at Dels place!" Anna rambles with a laugh, as I smile, thankful that she isn't mad at me for ignoring her yesterday with everything that was going on.

"Thank you so much, Anna. You're a lifesaver, that would be great!" I reply with relief, feeling grateful for her quick thinking. "And yeah, Alex might need something too."

While Anna hangs up and goes outside to fetch the clothes from her car, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing nerves.

Yesterday's events and the news of my pregnancy have left me feeling overwhelmed. I can't help but worry about how everyone will react, especially Jace and Del.

Del had, of course, recently had a pregnancy scare with Clara. The difference in that was that Del didn't actually want to be serious with Clara... because Clara is quite literally a deranged psychopath!

Alex loves me and claims that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me so what would be the harm in a baby for us at this point?

Other than the harrowing fact that there was still people out to hurt me...

Should we really be bringing a baby into that sort of life?

My attention is grabbed as Alex exits the shower, a towel hung loosely around his hips. He seems to look around briefly, standing in all his naked, tattooed glory...

"Shit! We are going to have to wear the same clothes again!" Alex grumbles, as I smile and shake my head at him.

With that, a gentle knock comes against the door, as I rush to open it - revealing my best friend with two shopping bags in hand.

She grins at me widely, her eyes scanning me from head to toe to check me over, before she rushes inside - wrapping her arms around me - with the shopping bags rustling in the process as she does so.

"I'm so happy to see you!" Anna gushes, as I close the door behind her - letting her fully inside.

"For fuck sake Alex! Put some damn clothes on!" Anna uses her arm as a shield, scoffing at the sight of him in the towel as I giggle.

Alex rolls his eyes at her dramatics, before she turns to face me - handing me the two bags.

"I just filled a bag with an outfit for you both and underwear!" Anna explains, as I smile and hug her quickly again - enjoying her embrace.

"I'll head downstairs to grab us a breakfast table, I'll call Jace and Del to head down now too!" Anna runs the plan by us, as I nod and agree - watching as she exits the room.

Alex pulls out his Carhartt designer outfit I had picked out for him, followed by a pair of fresh boxers and socks I had also picked him up from Zara.

"These are nice! Did you pick these?" Alex raises a brow, as the cargo trousers seem to fit him perfectly.

I nod, feeling accomplished, as he pulls on the black top to match, looking fresh for someone who didn't have any clothes to wear five minutes ago...

"Nice fit!" He states, before he moves to the longer mirror, admiring my choice, as I pull on a set from Victoria Secret - seeming to gain his full attention now.

Of course!

"Who are you trying to impress with that doll?!" Alex smirks at me, as I wave him off and giggle - before pulling on the Zara denim jeans and crop top set I had purchased.

"I best wear these sets before they don't fit me anymore I guess!" I state bluntly, admiring my own outfit now, before feeling Alex's strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.

He places a kiss on my neck, followed by another, as I relax in his comforting hold.

"You'll be the fucking hottest girl still - pregnant or not!" Alex mumbles into my neck, as I smile and roll my eyes at the statement.

I doubt that very much... but I'll accept the compliment from him nonetheless...

As we head downstairs to join the others for breakfast, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest with each step we take.

The tension in the air is thick, and I can tell that everyone will still no doubt be talking about what had happened with Sofia yesterday.

As we sit down at the table, the atmosphere feels slightly awkward as nobody seems to know how to address the situation. Jace and Del glance at me with concern, and I can see that they are still processing everything that had occurred yesterday...

"So, how's everyone feeling today?" Anna breaks the silence, trying to lighten the mood as I smile at her. "I know yesterday was a lot to handle for everyone."

"Yeah, it was quite the day," Del replies, glancing at Alex and then back at me. "But we're here for you guys, no matter what, and I’m glad to see you both happier this morning!" He concludes.

I appreciate Del's reassurance, but I know that sharing the news of my pregnancy will undoubtedly be a shock to all of them... just when they think everything is calm again...

We order our breakfast, along with some coffees, as the waitress smiles and leaves the table shortly after.

I glance around at my friends, before my eyes land on Alex, as I take a deep breath and decide to be direct about the news...

Better to just get it out in the open!

"Actually, there's something we need to tell you all..." I begin, looking at Alex again for support, as Jace and Del perk up slightly.

Alex then nods, taking my hand in his. "Lottie and I found out something yesterday... shocking to us both but exciting nonetheless..." He trails off, his voice steady.

Anna's eyes water slightly as she smiles over at us both, causing Del and Jace to eye us all weirdly - wondering what the hell was going on.

"She's pregnant guys..." Alex deadpans, cutting to the chase, as I tense at the open announcement.

I just hope everyone takes it well and is on board with it...

The table falls silent, and for a moment, it feels like time stands still. Jace and Del stare at us with wide eyes, clearly taken aback by the news before they eye one another.

"Pregnant?" Jace finally manages to say, breaking the silence. "Are you serious?"

Anna smiles warmly at us, having already been in on the secret. "Congratulations, you two, I'm glad you both worked things out for the sake of this news!" She says, raising her glass of water in a toast.

I giggle at her, thankful for her lighthearted approach, before clinking my own water glass with hers, as we both take a sip.

Jace and Del exchange glances, still trying to process the information. "Wow, this is... unexpected!" Del admits, his voice filled with surprise.

I get that it's a shock... we all felt the same after finding out... I can't blame them!

"Yeah, tell me about it," I reply with a nervous chuckle, feeling a mix of emotions. "But we're excited about it now I guess? We just wanted to share the news with all of you first." I explain.

Jace finally breaks into a smile. "Well, congratulations, you guys! Can't wait to teach him how to play football!" He remarks, causing me to raise a questioning brow.

"He?! It could be a girl you stupid man!" Anna scoffs, as Jace shakes his head laughing.

"Nah I can already sense it! Hard as nails too! He will be a great little fighter!" Jace continues to joke, causing me to gasp and Alex to laugh at the idea.

My boy will not ever have to fight! He would have his Dad for that shit!

"Well if it's a girl, we can teach her how to cheer Lottie!" Anna adds, as I then grow slightly excited, nodding at the thought of a cute tiny cheerleader living and practicing with us all the time!

"This is a big deal, but we're here to support you." Jace shakes Alex's hand, offering me a nod from beside him.

Del, who finally seems to process the news, also
offers us a supportive grin next - making me sigh in total relief. "Absolutely. You guys are like family to us, and we'll be here every step of the way... although, I can't begin to imagine Alex being a damn Dad!" Del laughs loudly, as we all chuckle at his joke.

Relief washes over me seeing everyone happy now with the news, and I feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I had been so worried about how they would all react, but their support means the world to me.

"Thank you," Alex says sincerely, looking at Jace and Del. "We really appreciate it guys."

As breakfast continues, the conversation lightens, and we start to talk about other things. The initial shock of the news begins to wear off, and I feel more at ease and able to get on with it - one small step at a time.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel early, climb into our cars and head back to our home town.

I can't wait to be back in my own comfy bed again! Just me and Alex against the world!

Despite the unexpected turn of events, I feel a sense of happiness and contentment now. With Alex by my side and the unwavering support of our friends, I know that we can handle whatever comes our way.

We just have to deal with our rising threats first, and make sure that we bring our baby into the safest world possible...

I don't want my child to ever experience the shit I went through with my own Mother... I'll make it my life mission to be better than her in more ways than one!