Kodie & Martin Ep. 06

Good day readers.

I apologize for the extreme delay in getting this chapter out. I've felt bad about not publishing something sooner. I decided to post what I had, rather than leave it longer.

I'm putting it right out there, that there is no sex in this episode, so please don't judge it too harshly.

As always, this is a work of original fiction from the author's mind.

Enjoy.

Episode 6

Thursday evening, a little more than a month after finding a job where I could put my degree to work, I sent the email with the project I completed for the presentation to the board in the morning.

Sighing, I knuckled my back.

I loved my new job, but the past three days rushing this project for upper management had been murder.

My cell started ringing. Glancing at the screen, I was surprised to see Toni's number. I hadn't heard from her in almost two months; not since that day at the beach.

With my heart thudding in my chest, I swiped to answer. "Hello?" I could hear someone on the other end of the line, but no one answered. "Hello? Toni? Are you there?"

I was beginning to think she pocket dialled me when her crying voice answered. "Martin, come to the hospital. It's Anthony. He's been in an accident."

It felt as though the world stilled. Taking a breath, I nodded as I replied. "I'm on my way. Hang tight."

There was a click and the line went dead.

Immediately I dialled the house. While waiting for my parents to pick up, I shut down my computer and packed up my stuff.

Kodie answered.

"Mom, Toni just called. Anthony was in an accident. I'm heading to the hospital now."

Kodie was silent for a moment, then replied. "We'll meet you there."

"Bye."

***

I rushed into the surgical waiting room, and spotted Toni and Aunt Sarah sitting in the corner; both in tears.

They both stood as I walked up to them, and I pulled them into a hug. As soon as I did, their tears turned into sobs.

It took a little for them to calm down. When they did, we sat. They each took their chairs, and I sat beside Toni, taking her hand.

"Anthony was drinking and driving," Aunt Sarah explained. "He ran a red light and t-boned a minivan. His passenger is dead. So are two kids who were in the van. And their mother is in surgery now too."

I was stunned. I didn't know what to say.

Before I could say anything, Mom and Dad came in. They rushed over, and I relayed the information. Though I didn't notice, Mom was staring at Toni's and my hands.

Mark sat beside his sister, and Mom sat beside me.

Unconsciously, I reached out and took Kodie's hand.

Together we waited for two hours, without a word.

With a sigh, Toni stood up. She glanced around at our relatives. "I need to walk." She glanced at Kodie and me. "Care to join me?"

I glanced at my mother, and we nodded.

"If you're going for a walk anyway, stop by the cafeteria and get us some coffee please," Dad said, reaching for his wallet. He handed me a twenty.

I nodded, accepting it, and the three of us wandered out of the waiting room.

Once we were in the hall, Toni moved between Mom and me, and hugged us both as we walked.

"Thank you for coming. I didn't want it to just be Mom and me. I know I've been avoiding you two."

I felt mom give her a squeeze. "Of course Hun."

Toni released us from her hug.

We walked on in silence for a few paces, then Toni blurted out. "I'm pregnant."

My brain short circuited, and I stopped in the middle of the hall.

Mom and Toni walked two more steps before they turned to face me.

I tried talking twice, but no noise came out. Swallowing, I tried again. "You're pregnant?"

Toni's eyes teared up, and she nodded. "I'm sorry."

As the realization that I would be a father hit me, I shook my head and walked forward, enveloping her in a hug. "I've always wanted kids!"

When I glanced over at Kodie she wore a sad smile.

"What?" I asked.

She shook her head, though her smile widened.

Toni wiped her eyes as she pulled back from me. She was looking at my mother.

Slowly a smile spread across Toni's face. "You're pregnant too, aren't you?"

Mom's smile widened again, and she nodded.

I stepped back, as though struck, as I tried processing this. Not only was my cousin pregnant, but my mom was pregnant as well. Both by me.

Smiling, I pulled them both in for another hug. "This is great!"

Kodie laughed. "This just became a whole lot more complicated, you mean."

I nodded, conceding the point as I pushed them back to arm's length. "True. But this is what we wanted."

A thought occurred to me as those words left my mouth. I turned to regard my cousin. "Is this what you want?"

Toni shrugged. "I wanted kids at some point, but--" She turned to look at my mother. "Aunt Kodi, I promise I didn't do this on purpose. I just wanted a taste. I didn't want to get pregnant from Martin."

Kodie smiled kindly, and hugged her. "I know that Hun. If I thought differently at the beach, you wouldn't have gotten your taste."

Glancing between us, Mom said, "Let's not worry about this now, or here. We need to get Mark's coffee, and get back in case the doctor says something about Anthony."

Shame overcame me, as in the few moments we'd been in the hall, I'd completely forgotten about the reason we were at the hospital.

Pushing the feeling away, I started walking, and the women fell in with me. We wandered to the cafeteria and purchased coffee and snacks for us all.

***

Four hours after I got to the hospital, just after midnight, an exhausted looking doctor in green scrubs strode into the waiting room. He glanced at a clipboard, then looked up. "Rossi family?"

Aunt Sarah stood, then Dad stood, and wrapped his arm around her.

Toni reached out and took my hand again.

I glanced at her, and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Once the doctor got the go ahead, he gave his report right there for all of us to hear.

"Anthony is out of surgery, and has been moved to the ICU. We did what we could, but it's still early. Both legs are broken, along with several ribs. His ribs punctured several organs, which we have patched up. There was also some damage to the spinal column. To top it off, he has a concussion. If he makes it through the night, it's likely he'll need several more surgeries. For now, he's in an induced coma to ensure he doesn't move."

Aunt Sarah broke down crying, and Dad helped her sit down again.

The doctor continued, "You won't be able to see him tonight. You might as well head home and try and get some sleep. We'll call you if there are any changes."

Mom and Dad both asked a few questions, which the doctor answered, but my mind was elsewhere. Once I knew Anthony was out of surgery and alive, I didn't care. He was paying for his poor choices.

My mind was focusing on the fact that I was going to be a father, and how to deal with that situation.

When the doctor left, Dad looked at all of us. His gaze settled on my aunt and cousin. "You two 're coming home with us. You're not fit to drive."

They easily agreed, and we all left, heading for home.

***

The next morning, as soon as I was up after my alarm went off, I called work and let my boss know I would be taking the day off for a family emergency. We spoke for a few minutes going over the presentation to make sure he knew everything he needed to, then I hung up.

As I was getting dressed the sounds of someone retching in the bathroom reached me. As soon as I walked into the hall, I saw my mother running down the stairs, and a moment later, I could hear two people retching.

It must be morning sickness, I thought as I passed the bathroom, hearing Toni groaning.

By the time I made it to the main level, Mark and Aunt Sarah were at the door pulling on their outerwear.

Dad was glancing periodically at the bathroom where my mom was, while he said, "The hospital just called. I'm taking your aunt. Toni and your mom must have come down with something. Can you stay with them?"

I readily nodded. "Sure Dad."

He thanked me, then they were gone.

I wandered to the kitchen and started making some toast. Both women walked in and sat at the table as it popped up.

I put a piece of toast onto two plates, and passed one to each of them. "Feeling better?" I asked.

They just glared at me, as I made more toast.

Once we all had something to eat in front of us, I joined them at the table. "Do you think it would be easier if we were to all move in together to be able to care for the kids?" I asked. "And I'm not sure how would be best to deal with Dad, either."

"Martin, stop," Toni said, raising her hand. When I glanced at her, she wore a sad pained look on her face.

She continued, "Martin, I don't want a relationship with you. I meant it when I said I just wanted a taste. I just wanted to see if the taboo made the experience better."

I was shocked into silence. It never occurred to me that Toni's view might not have shifted with the development.

Kodi reached out and clasped Toni's hand giving it a squeeze.

"What about the kid?"

Toni's eyes filled with tears. "I'm not saying you can't be a part of their life, Martin. But you're my cousin! We can't have a relationship!"

Wanting something to do to fill the silence, despite the fact that my hunger fled me, I took a bite of my breakfast.

Kodie reached out and took one of my hands too. "This is a complicated situation. Toni, you are right that a conventional relationship between you and Martin wouldn't be advisable. At the same time, it would be far more acceptable for you and Martin to be in a relationship, compared to me and Martin. At least you two are of an age, and could play the part of being a normal couple."

Mom looked into my eyes before continuing, "The fact of the matter is, that I'm twenty years older than Martin. It won't be that long before that age difference will really start to become evident." She gave my hand a squeeze. "I love what we have, but I don't know how practical it really is."

She turned to look at her niece, then continued, "Toni, I will support whatever choice you make. If you want to start a true relationship with Martin, or not. If you wish to keep the baby, or not. Anything you choose, I will support you."

Hearing my mother's words stung more than I thought they would. I'd always been raised to support your family, but hearing that Kodie would support my cousin having an abortion hurt, as I wanted my child to have a chance at life.

"What about us," I asked quietly.

Mom's head snapped over to me, and she gave me a smile. "I'm not changing our relationship. It may not be practical, but like I said at the cabin, I want to be able to settle down with someone I love."

Just then my phone dinged with a text message. I pulled my hand back from my mother and glanced at the screen. It was from Dad.

Anthony is in surgery again. Doesn't look good.

I sighed relaying the message.

By unspoken agreement, we all got ready to go. Silently, we climbed into the car, and I drove us to the hospital. We found Dad and Aunt Sarah in the surgical waiting room again. There were more people there this time, but we were able to find seats beside them.

I sat between Kodie and Toni, and they each rested their head on my shoulder.

Mark gave me an odd look, that I couldn't place, but remained silent while we waited for word from the doctors.

***

We spent most of Saturday at the hospital waiting. When the doctor came out with information, it was similar to the last time. Anthony was in the ICU again, and we wouldn't be able to see him.

By unspoken agreement, we all headed home again.

Kodie, Mark and Sarah all settled down in the living room, and Toni went to bed.

Seeing my dad between mom and aunt, I knew I didn't want to be there. I didn't really want to be alone in my room either, so I decided to go out. I climbed into my car and just drove.

I drove aimlessly for close to two hours. Sitting at a red light I spotted a sign across the street. The Legion was hosting a local band which would be starting soon and I decided to attend.

After paying the cover charge, I wandered into the hall. They had the place decorated, and there were people drinking, dancing, and having a good time. I looked around to see if there was anyone I knew, and was surprised when I spotted my dad sitting at the bar talking with the woman beside him.

With a shrug I wandered in his direction. Catching the bartender's eye, I ordered a beer. It was waiting for me when I sat beside my dad.

"Hey Dad."

"Martin! What are you doing here?" he replied, shocked as he turned to meet me.

It was only then that I noticed who he was speaking with. It was the same coworker he was paying particular attention to at the last big party, when Toni found out about Kodie and myself.

Mark, trying to act natural, continued, "Martin, do you remember Stacy? She and I work together."

I smiled over at her, and could see a look of concern etched into her features. I realised that there was far more between my dad and Stacy than simply being coworkers.

"Of course. Stacy, it's nice seeing you again," I replied, offering my hand. "How'd you two end up here?"

Stacy seemed to regain her composure. "I'm a member here, and helped get things set up. When Mark showed up, I thought I'd stick around for a drink before heading out. But I really do need to get going." She glanced between my dad and I, then with another good night, left.

I could see the disappointment cross my dad's face, but he quickly schooled his features.

There was a moment of awkward silence between the two of us, where we both just stared into our drinks.

"What are you doing here?" Mark asked again.

I shrugged as I took a drink. "Just didn't feel like being at home. With Anthony, it's just been a lot. How about you?"

My dad just shrugged. "Same. I knew they were having this party, and thought I'd get out and see what it was like."

I didn't know whether to believe my dad or not. Though I do believe he knew about the party and band playing, I thought there might have been more going on between him and Stacy.

Just then the music that had been playing ended, and the curtains from the stage pulled apart. The crowd cheered as the band began their first song. I had to admit that they were good.

As the evening drew on, my dad and I spoke a little, but largely just kept drinking. Mark, though, downed two drinks to my one. I could tell he was drunk when he came stumbling back to the bar after a trip to the bathroom.

The band strummed the last chord to the song then announced that they were taking a break. A moment later, the pre-recorded music started up again.

Mark and I both turned to face the bar. My dad stared into his beer a moment, then blurted out, "I think your mom's been cheating. I think she's pregnant, but I can't have more kids."

I stared over at him, shocked.

I was about to reply, but then he continued, still not looking up from his drink. "I can't really blame her though," he trailed off.

"Stacy," I asked, not unkindly.

I watched as a tear traced its way down his cheek, then he nodded.

I sighed, and downed my beer. Seeing me, Mark did the same.

I signalled the bartender, and ordered again.

He came over, with the beers, and a glass of water. He looked at my dad and said, "This is your last one until you drink some water. Beer isn't water, man."

I couldn't help but smile.

While the bartender said his spiel I thought about how to respond to my dad. In hindsight, saying anything with alcohol in my veins was a bad idea, but I knew a rare opportunity existed to bring things into the open without causing a huge scene.

"How-- How long have you-- you and Stacy," I trailed off, leaving my question hanging.

Mark looked over at me, then downed half his beer. "Two years."

That surprised me.

"Do you still love mom?"

He didn't immediately respond. After a moment, he nodded. "Yes. But things have changed. I love her. But I'm not in love with her, if that makes sense."

I nodded and sipped at my beer.

"Did you come here to see Stacy tonight?"

He looked sideways at me again. "No, actually. What Stacy said was the truth. She was going out with some friends tonight, and was just helping set up here."

I drank down half my beer, trying to work up the courage to tell my dad the truth, but then he asked, "What brought you here? Really?"

"Mom and Toni."

"Mom and Toni?"

I nodded. "They're both pregnant-- by me."

We both downed the last of our drinks.

The band started back up, and we both turned to watch the show. We spent the rest of the evening together, but not saying a word. Mark drank enough water for the bartender to give him more beer. I, however, switched to water exclusively.

I felt terrified by the fact that my father hadn't responded to my statement. At the same time I felt reassured because he hadn't responded. He wasn't reacting to the statement. He wasn't reacting in a blind drunken manner. I knew that if and when he responded, he would be acting in a thought out way; even if he was still drunk whenever that happened.

Finally the show was over. The Legion volunteers running the event turned on the lights, and soon enough the exodus began.

"Dad, want to share a cab?"

Mark glanced at his phone, then at me. He shook his head. "No. Stacy's here. C'mon she'll give us a ride."

I nodded.

Mark led me to her car in the parking lot, and I got in the back. As soon as dad got into the passenger seat, he leaned across the console and gave her a kiss.

"Mark!" Stacy said, alarmed, as she worriedly looked back at me.

"He knows," was Mark's response before he passed out, leaning on the window.

Stacy glanced between my father's drunken form and me. "You know?"

I nodded. "I know. And I'm not judging. I don't exactly have the moral high ground."

My comment seemed to confuse her, but she let it go.

Once Stacy pulled into our driveway, I managed to wake my dad up enough to get him to stumble into the house. The door had been left unlocked, which I was thankful for. I got him to the couch, where he plopped down and passed out again.

Standing straight again, I noticed Stacy standing in the still open doorway.

"Thank you for the ride, Stacy."

She gave me a brief smile. "You're welcome."

She seemed to want to say something, so I waited.

Finally she asked, "What now?"

I shrugged. "Only time will tell. I think tomorrow is going to be hectic though." Seeing the worry on her face I continued, "Not specifically from you. Try not to worry about it. This is bigger than any one, or even two of us."

Stacy nodded, though still looked worried. Without another word she turned, leaving, closing the door behind her.

I tossed a blanket over my dad, then trudged up the stairs.

Reaching the top of the steps, Kodie opened her bedroom door. The smile gracing her face lit up the hallway.

I walked up to her, and pulled her into my arms.

"You've been drinking," my mom stated.

I nodded. "Drinking, and talking... with dad."

I gave her a hug then, let her push me out to arm's length.

"He knows," I said.

Mom glanced up and down the hall, then pulled me into her room. Once the door was closed, she whispered in a furious tone, "He knows! What does he know?"

I spoke quietly, but in a normal voice, "he knows that I got you and Toni pregnant. And I know he's been cheating with Stacy from his work. We didn't talk specifics, and whether he remembers in the morning is up for debate. But he knows."

I took a deep breath, as I watched my mother's expression. I tried to gauge her response, but I think the alcohol was still impeding my ability to do so.

"Stacy gave us a ride home. Dad wasn't afraid to kiss her in front of me. Tomorrow is going to be... trying... I think. So for tonight, just be with me," I asked.

Mom glanced at the door, then to me. She nodded.

She stepped into my arms, and I just held her. I could feel the slight quake running through her body.

"Martin, tell me it's going to be okay."

"It is going to be okay. Kodie, I didn't let anything happen to us when we went to that cabin, I'm not going to let anything happen to us now. None of us have any moral high ground to stand on. We all have equal footing, and we all love one another. Things will work out."

I led my mother back to bed, and tucked her in. Then I stripped off, and climbed in beside her. I pulled her close, and we spooned together.

It had been so long since I'd been able to hold her like this, immediately I began to stiffen.

She wiggled her butt shifting my length so it fit comfortably into her crevasse, but otherwise made no move to engage.

Despite how much I wanted to do more, I could understand her feelings. I simply held her tightly, and we drifted off to sleep.