Chapter 33 THIRTY-THREE
Janice gently touched Brienne's belly with her permission, a look of worry etched on her face. Brienne told her everything about the massive wolf she had encountered in the forest back in Raven's place, with its piercing eyes and calm demeanor. Janice was just as surprised as Brienne, feeling both amazed and slightly uneasy about the whole experience, unsure of what it could mean.
"You okay there, little one?" Janice asked. "Your belly is growing big," she whispered.
"It is. I still didn't tell him," Brienne said. "How do I say this, Nice?" she added.
"Just tell him straight that he got you pregnant," Janice answered.
"I don't know. It's not that...easy," she said.
"Bree, you'll eventually have to tell him because your belly is getting bigger and bigger. He’ll notice it too," Janice said. Brienne touched her belly, thinking of a way on how to tell Raven.
"Let's go back. Lunch break is over," Janice said. Brienne nodded and followed her back inside their department.
Throughout the entire afternoon, Brienne was busy working, but she couldn’t get her conversation with Janice out of her mind. She kept wondering how she would even begin to tell Raven about her unexpected pregnancy and everything ahead.
The workday had ended, but Brienne's thoughts remained the same. Absentmindedly, she grabbed her bag, said goodbye to her friend, and walked out of the department. She then went to the usual spot where she would meet Raven, feeling anxious.
Brienne immediately saw Raven waiting for her. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest.
"Hi, darling," he said and walked towards her, taking her bag and kissing her on the cheek.
"Hi," Brienne answered.
"How was work?" he asked and held her hand, intertwining their fingers. Brienne looked at him and couldn't help but smile.
"It's fine. I finished the reports needed by the manager," she replied.
"That's good," Raven said. "Anyway, darling, I have something to tell you," he added, stopping before they reached the door.
"What is it?" Brienne asked, her eyebrow raised.
"My parents arrived from their vacation and went straight here. I told them about us, and they wanted to meet you. Is it okay with you?" Raven said. Brienne stopped; her eyes widened, surprised.
"What?" she whispered.
"They want to meet you, if that's okay, but if not, we can skip it and I'll tell them," Raven smiled.
"N-No... it's alright," Brienne said.
"Are you sure? If you're uncomfortable, there's no need to push yourself," Raven reassured her. Brienne breathed deeply and shook her head.
"No, it's really alright. I will meet them," Brienne said, but anxiety devoured her. What if they weren't going to like her?
"Do not worry, darling. They will surely love you," Raven said, which made Brienne gulp.
"Should we visit a cake shop, or what kind of food do they prefer?" Brienne asked. Raven pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.
"Anything you buy, they will like it. Don't worry too much, darling," Raven said, but Brienne still couldn't help but be worried. Even when she was with her ex-boyfriend, she never met Jasper's parents because they were out of the country.
They went inside the car, and Raven drove off to the nearest sweet shop. Brienne bought a cake and cupcakes and they went home. When they were near the house, Brienne's hands were sweating profusely.
"Are you alright?" Raven asked.
"I am," she managed to say despite her nervousness.
"Okay, wait for me," Raven said and went out of the car. He walked beside Brienne and opened the door for her. "Let's go," he added. Brienne gulped and accepted Raven's hand.
They went inside the house, and Brienne immediately saw two people in the living room. An older man and woman were sitting on the couch, talking.
"Mom, Dad," Raven called. The two turned around, and Brienne couldn't help but hide behind Raven.
"Darling?" Raven called when he felt Brienne's grip on his shirt. "It's alright. Come here," he said and pulled her out. Brienne bit her bottom lips and bowed her head.
"H-Hello, I'm Brienne," she muttered, stuttering.
"Brienne! Oh, how beautiful you are!" Cecil exclaimed and rushed to embrace Brienne. "I'm Cecil, and this is my husband, Arthur. We've been dying to meet you," she added and looked at Brienne with a smile.
"Nice meeting you..."
"Call me mom, please," Cecil said and held her hand.
"Mom," Raven warned, but Brienne smiled and nodded her head.
"Okay, mom," she whispered shyly.
"Oh no, she's cute!" Cecil gushed.
"Cecil," Arthur said. "Nice meeting you, Brienne," he added.
"Come, let's sit down," Cecil said and pulled Brienne away from Raven, who was holding the cake and cupcakes.
"Mom," Raven called, but Cecil didn't look at him. He heaved a sigh and glanced at his father, who, in return, shrugged his shoulders.
Cecil and Brienne conversed as if there was no tomorrow, with Cecil dominating the conversation, which made Brienne feel at ease. Cecil was like a mother to her, radiating a warm glow that reminded her of her own mother, making her feel both comforted and nostalgic.
Brienne discovered a lot. She found out that Raven had an older sister who was traveling for work. It didn’t end there; Cecil also showed her childhood photos of Raven and Ravena, along with their friend Carter, and Brienne enjoyed every bit of it, laughing at their adorable antics and marveling at how close they all were.
"Okay, guys, enough," Raven said, embarrassed. "Here, eat the cake and cupcakes Brienne bought for you, mom and dad," he added. Lily brought utensils and put them on the table.
"How thoughtful of you, my daughter," Cecil said and started eating the cake.
"Are you going to stay tonight, mom?" Raven asked and sat next to Brienne, putting his hand on her waist.
"No, we'll go home," Cecil said. Brienne also found out the Raven's family lived in the area. "I don't want to impose," she added, smiling.
"M-Mom, it's alright. This house is huge," Brienne said, still feeling slightly embarrassed to call Cecil her mother. The older woman caresses her hair.
"No, it's fine. We'll go home," Cecil said. "I will be here again tomorrow, and I will bring you gifts I got from the counties where we have been," she added.
Raven's parents went home, and they were left by themselves. Raven intertwined their fingers, and Brienne leaned on his shoulder.
"Are you tired? You want to sleep?" Raven asked.
"Yes, please," Brienne said.
"Alright, my darling," Raven muttered and stood up, gently carrying Brienne in his arms. Brienne immediately put her arms around Raven's neck and closed her eyes. Another day passed, and she still hadn't told Raven everything.