•Huge News•

SEVEN YEARS AGO

Malcolm opened the door to the house and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The house was silent and no one was in the living room. Usually, he would meet his girlfriend, Yvette, sitting on the couch in the living room, her legs on the center table while she watched Television. Malcolm let out a smile at the thought. He walked further in the living room. “Honey, I’m home!” He announced as he dropped his suitcase on the table. He glanced around, wondering where his girlfriend was. “Honey?!” He called out again. “Babe?!”

A figure appeared at the top of his stairs. He looked up and it turned out to be his mother, Sarah Grayson. She walked downstairs and towards him, her wrinkled face lightened up in a bright smile and her hands spread out. “Hello darling,” she greets warmly, pulling him into a hug.

He encircled his arms around her waist. “Mum,” he said as they release each other. “This is a pleasant surprise. When did you get here?” He asked. “I had no idea that you will be here.” His parents rarely ever came to his house without informing him, so seeing his mother here was quite surprising.

“Oh, yeah. Your girlfriend invited I and your father over. She said something about a big news that she wants to announce,” Sarah said, waving her hands around in a dismissive manner.

A big news? Uhn. “Really? I had no idea. Where is daddy?” he asked her.

A large bulky figure in the shape of a man appeared from a corner in the room. “Hello son,” the man said, taking heavy steps towards them. “It’s wonderful to see you.” This was Malcolm’s father, Tom Grayson. He gave Malcolm a brief hug, patting his back lightly.

“Dad, what are you guys doing here?” Malcolm asked, still confused and still wondering where Yvette was. It was so unlike her to not be in the living room at this time, watching television and drinking wine. “What are you doing here?” he repeated.

“I invited them over,” Malcolm’s girlfriend, Yvette, said from the top of the stairs. Malcolm traced his gaze towards her and his face lit up in a smile as she climbed down the stairs and walked towards him.

They hugged each other and Malcolm gave her a simple kiss on her cheek. “Hey sweetie,” he greeted. “You didn’t tell me you were inviting my parents over,” he said, putting his arms around her waist and drawing her closer. He gave her a kiss on her temple and she snuggled closer to him.

Yvette placed her hands on Malcolm chest. “It was kind of an impromptu meeting,” she said. “Plus, I have some news I would like to share with the three of you.”

“Really? What’s that?” He asked curiously.

“Why don’t you freshen up and come downstairs for dinner? Then, we will talk about it,” she said, leaning in to give him a kiss.

Malcolm pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Alright,” he replied and headed towards the stairs. “I’ll be back in few minutes,” he said.

About twenty minutes later, he was back from his room. He had changed from his suit into a blue shirt and grey shirt. His parents and his girlfriend, Yvette were sitting at the already set table.

“Hey, I’m here,” Malcolm announced, giving his girlfriend a chaste kiss on her cheeks and taking his seat beside her.

“Okay, before we start eating,” Yvette started saying, “I just want everyone to know I made this meal.”

“Really?” Sarah Grayson asked in surprise. “Wow, Yvette, that’s interesting. This news must be a very important one. You don’t cook. Ever.”

Yvette beamed. “I know! But yeah, this news is important and it’s calls for celebration. So, everyone, dig in!”

They all opened their plates to the sumptuous meal in front of them. While his girlfriend and parents eagerly dug into their food, Malcolm was hesitant. He turned to Yvette. “Honey, what’s the news?” he asked with curiousness and uneasiness.

“Darling, eat your food first. We will talk about it,” Yvette replied, an excited smile on her face.

Malcolm was still reluctant but he did as she said and began to eat. While eating, the four of them chatted and laughed occasionally. When they were done, Tom Grayson cleared his throat. “Yvette,” He called, “we have finished eating like you asked us to. So, what’s the big news?”

“Well,” Yvette beamed. She paused, taking a look at the three of them. “I’m pregnant!” she blurted out, a wide smile on her face. She looked really excited and her eyes shone brightly. 

Malcolm nearly choked on the water he was drinking. “What?!” He, Sarah andTom exclaimed.

“I’m pregnant,” Yvette repeated, still smiling widely. “I’m pregnant with Mac’s baby,” she said. "I'm pregnant!"

“Oh my God! Sweetie, that is good news!” Sarah exclaimed, standing up and walking towards Yvette. She bent and engulfed Yvette in a warm embrace.

Yvette hugged her back. They released each other and Yvette turned to Malcolm who had a stunned look on his face. “Baby, aren’t you excited for me?” she asked. “I’m having a baby! Our baby!”

Malcolm cleared his throat. “Yeah!” he said, smiling with forced enthusiasm. His mind was in a turmoil as he tried to think of the right words to say to his excited girlfriend.  “That is good news! You are pregnant! Good news indeed. How am I just knowing about it?” he asked, trying really hard to hide the panicked and alarmed tone laced in his last words.

“I just found out this morning. Plus, I wanted it to be a surprise,” Yvette replied.

“Well, I am surprised,” Malcolm replied strangely, beads of sweats appearing on his forehead.

“So,” Tom Grayson said, the first time since Yvette announced the news of her pregnancy. “When is the wedding?” he asked, directing his question and gaze to Malcolm.

“What?!” Malcolm exclaimed.