Why Are We Still Friends

By Rachel

Copyright 2014

Chapter 37

Today I was having lunch with my brother. He wanted to know about the breakup. I figured it was a good time to tell him about the pregnancy. I didn’t know why I was so scared about telling him. I was a grown woman.

“You’re looking beautiful as always.” He said as he slid into the booth across from me.

“I see Howie’s giving you pointers.” I laughed.

“You’re a funny one.” He picked up his menu.

After our waiter took our order, we sat quietly. I stared out the window trying to come up with something to talk about. Usually AJ and I were chatterboxes, with the conversation flowing freely.

“Lexi, are you okay?” My brother pulled me out of my depressing thoughts.

“I’m managing, but it does get a little easier every day.” I gave him a half smile. Honestly, the breakup wouldn’t be so bad, if I weren’t having Brian’s baby. It just complicated things.

“I can’t believe Brian would treat you that way. You were everything to him.” I looked at my brother in disbelief. “Face it, Lexi. He’s loved you a long time.”

“Well, maybe we were better off being friends. Becoming romantically involved ruined everything. I lost respect for one of my best friends.” I fiddled with my napkin.

“That probably hurts the most. You always admired Brian’s morals. He’s been upstanding since you met him.” AJ paused as the waiter served our food. “What happened?”

I bit my lip as I contemplated telling my brother the truth. I’m not sure he would believe me. Brian was never one to keep secrets from the people he was close to. Was it right to tell AJ what Brian should be telling him?

“Alexia, I promise not to say anything. I won’t even tell Bella.” He gave my hand a squeeze.

I took a deep breath and decided to confide in my brother. “Brian has a daughter. She lives in Kentucky.”

AJ’s drink came flying out of his mouth. He started to sputter. “Wh…what…the hell? You’re fucking kidding me.”

“I wish I were.” I sighed. “He doesn’t see her that often, but that’s why he’s always in Kentucky. Brian’s parents don’t even know about their grandchild. It’s a big mess.”

He placed his fork on the table. “Lexi, no wonder you can’t trust him. If he lied to you about that, what else has he lied about? I’m sorry. Brian is nothing but a selfish prick. What an asshole!”

“Tell me how you really feel about it?” I gave AJ a small smile.

“Lexi, it’s like it doesn’t even bother you.” He gave me a pointed look.

I tried to get comfortable in my seat, but I couldn’t. My nerves were getting the best of me. It was time to tell my brother the news. Why was I freaking out about his reaction? I was a grown woman capable of raising a baby. Did I really need Brian? No. I had the best role model for single parenthood.  My mom did a fantastic job of raising us.

“That’s because I have more important things to worry about.” I stared at my food.

“Lexi, you’re not sick or anything. Is this about you passing out?” My brother started spazzing out. It was endearing that he cared about me.

I looked up and gave him a half smile. “It’s not that. Well not entirely.”

“Just tell me before I have a coronary. I hate surprises.”

“I’m pregnant.” I stated calmly. I watched my brother closely.

“Is this a good thing or a bad thing?” He was uncertain about the whole thing.

“At this point I’m not really sure.” I sipped my water. “I just got over the shock myself. It wasn’t something I expected to happen.”

“No, of course not. You like having everything planned out.” AJ scooted next to me in the booth. He gathered me up in a hug and whispered. “Some of the best things come unannounced.”

“I’m not opposed to having a baby. It’s just with the circumstances being less than favorable that makes it tough.” I sighed, letting my frustration out.

AJ moved back to his seat. “Does Brian know?”

“Yes, and he’s not really thrilled about becoming a father again.” My thoughts went back to my conversation with Brian. In my heart I knew he didn’t want this child. I was sad for my unborn child.

“Well he better get glad about it. So help me God if Brian does wrong by this child, I’ll kill him.”

“Calm down.” I stopped for a moment. I knew my brother wasn’t going to like my next comment. “I’d rather raise my child alone than have Brian be a piss poor father.”

“But Lexi, he’s going to be around all the time. How can he deny a child will always be around?”

“I don’t know.” My head was starting to hurt. I didn’t feel like getting into this deep of a conversation with my brother. As for Brian, I couldn’t speak for him. He was going to what he wanted to do whether I liked it or not. “Honestly at this moment I don’t care about Brian. I’d rather not talk about him.”

“Fine. I’m on your side. No one messes with my little sister.” We both laughed.

“Please don’t beat Brian up the next time you see him. This is my problem. I’ll handle it.” I warned AJ. His temper always got the best of him.

“Don’t you trust me?” He pretended to be innocent. I just laughed at him.

“I plead the fifth. So, Nick told me you’re having a big shindig for Kevin.” I replied as I played with my new necklace.

“Yeah, I was going to mention it to you. It’s just a cookout on Saturday. You want to come.”

I loved Kevin. He was always so nice to me, even when I was an annoying little girl. It would be nice to see him. He didn’t come visit often enough. “Yes, I’ll be there after work.”

“Why do you keep playing with that necklace?” He asked, and I removed my hand from it. “That’s new. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. “Nick got it for me.” My brother gave me a look. I wasn’t sure what it meant, so I ignored him.

“That was nice of him. Any special reason?” He questioned with a grin.

“No, just because.” I said lightly. I didn’t want my brother making more out this than it was.

“Well the boy does have good taste. At least one of my friends treats you right.” My brother said looking quite amused.

“Well, I got to some errands to do. Call me later. I’ll bring a dessert on Saturday. Love you, AJ.” I got up and gave him a big hug. Telling AJ went better than expected. I hoped that he kept his promise and didn’t attack Brian.