Post by CarpentersFan2003 on Jan 14, 2004 20:22:28 GMT -5
Karen bit her lip for a moment and then she said in a forced happy tone.
“ I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon. I have news for you. Please promise me that you will not get mad.”
Nathan looked at his wife the concern etched around his eyes.
“ Please tell me it’s not your heart again?”
“ No it’s not that. It’s could be good news for you if you choose to take it that way. Nathan there is no easy way for me to say this so I will be blunt. I’m about two months pregnant.” Karen bowed her head waiting for her husband’s reaction.
“ You’re kidding me right?” Was all that Nathan could ask when he’d found his voice.
Karen shook her head and said.
“ I wish I was. I have tour this summer, this could not have happened at a worse time.” Karen intoned. She then said in almost a whisper. “ I was thinking about this on the way home. With the stress of the tour coming up, I was considering having an abortion.”
When Nathan heard this he exploded in anger.
“ Not a chance in hell! There is no way that I will allow you to destroy our son or daughter! You hear me?”
Karen sat in stunned silence for a moment looking at her husband and the anger that was blazing in his eyes. It was the first time he’d ever looked at her with anything more then mild annoyance. Karen bowed her head and felt tears overwhelm her. She sobbed.
Nathan sensed that he’d been too hard on his wife so he put an arm around her and squeezed her shoulder.
“ Karen, I’m sorry for yelling. I had no call to do so. It’s just that I know that you want to be a mother so badly. I can’t imagine you aborting a pregnancy because of a planned tour. I mean the baby is due in what…”
Karen whispered.
“ October.”
“ So that means that when you will be about eight months along at the end of the summer. Then you will have three months before you head to Europe. In that time you will have had the baby and will have enough time to get ready for your performance for the Queen.” Nathan’s voice was now pleading. “ Karen don’t do this, for me and most of all for the life inside you.”
Karen wiped away the tears form her cheeks and then she nodded.
“ Your right. I’m gonna have this baby.”
*** *** ***
The next morning Karen and Nathan drove to her parent’s house, Christopher had chosen to go to a local park with Andrea.
Karen had called the night before to tell them that she had an important announcement to make. She refused to tell her mother over the phone even when Agnes started to plead. All Karen would say was that she wanted her mother to call Richard and have him there at the house too.
So when they arrived Richard’s car was in the driveway. Nathan parked behind it and then turned off the motor. Karen looked at him and said.
“ Why do I feel like I’m sixteen and about to tell my family I’ve ruined my life?”
Nathan half smiled and then pecked his wife’s cheek.
“ Come on lets go drop the bomb.”
Karen playfully slapped his cheek and rolled her eyes. She reached into the back seat and grabbed her purse then opened her door and stepped out of the car.
At the front door Karen knocked then opened it. She called out.
“ Mom… Dad… Anybody home?”
“ We’re in the kitchen Karen.” Called out her mother’s voice.
Karen and Nathan kicked off their shoes and walked into the kitchen. Both were greeted with hugs from both Agnes and Harold.
“ Where is Richard?” Karen asked.
“ Your brother is upstairs showering. He will be down in a few minutes.” Agnes said and then pulled out chairs for her daughter and son-in-law. She asked if either wanted coffee or something to eat.
“ Karen and I ate at a diner before coming over here Mom, but I’d love a cup of coffee.” Nathan said.
Karen shook her head no to the offered coffee but she did ask for a glass of orange juice. When she and Nathan had their drinks Agnes sat at the table.
“ So what is this big announcement you have Karen?” Agnes asked with great interest.
“ Not until Richard comes down Mom.” Karen said coyly.
That was when Karen’s mother narrowed her eyes at her daughter and then her jaw dropped in amazement, she sputtered.
“ Your pregnant aren’t you?”
“ Mother, please. Wait for Richard.” Karen pleaded.
“ Agnes leave Karen alone. She clearly wants her brother to be here.” Harold said gently. He too had a sneaking suspicion that his daughter was carrying a child, but he was content to wait for Karen.
So Agnes changed topics for the time being. She asked Nathan about his mother and sister.
“ She and Lynda are fine. Lynda is planning a trip to England to for the winter; she and Karen spoke on the phone. Karen invited her to join the touring band for two weeks.
“ That is good to hear.” Richard said coming in to the kitchen. He was in his robe and was drying his hair. He leaned against the counter. “ Karen will enjoy the company I’m sure.”
Karen looked at the four others in the room. Nathan reached out to take her hand in his own in support.
“ Mom you where right. I am carrying Nathan’s baby.
“ I knew it! I could tell!” Was all that Agnes could say.
“ I’m almost two months along now.” Karen smiled. She sensed that her parents where overjoyed at the news, both where smiling. When she looked at Richard she could see the barely contained anger in his eyes. He pushed off the counter and said as he headed for the patio doors.
“ Karen, can I speak to you alone for a moment.” It was not a request rather it was an order.
Karen squeezed Nathan’s hand gently and then stood and followed her brother.
Once the sliding door was closed Richard asked in an ugly tone.
“ Are you trying to ruin our comeback on purpose or are you just incredibly stupid?”
“ What do you mean?” Karen asked feeling her own anger starting to build up.
“ I mean… A baby… Now… Karen you and I are about to embark on a nationwide tour for Christ’s sake. You know how stressful touring is, hell you have said it many times! Now the summer tour will have to be cancelled.”
“ Why does it have to be cancelled Richard? Being pregnant will not effect my singing ability. Granted I will not be able to play the drums in my later months. But to hell with that, I want this baby. And I’m going to have it.” Karen raised her voice. “ What right have you to tell me how to live my life? It’s my body. I don’t need your permission!” Karen turned on her heel and slid the door open. Over her shoulder she called.
“ Go to hell Richard!”
Once back in the kitchen Karen told Nathan that they where leaving. She also told her parents that she would not be returning to the house until Richard said he was sorry for what he’d said. Before anyone could say anything to Karen she was out the door.
