SHADOWS

THE GOOD NEWS

*KRISTY'S POV*

The next day is got into the kitchen to make coffee for myself when my mum comes into the kitchen going straight to the refrigerator.

"morning mum" I said turning on the coffee maker.

"morning" my mum answered absentmindedly. Something about the way she answered me, sounds so cold.

"You were back pretty late last night" my mum said still not looking at me now I get it. She has always been against my relationship with Soul. She feels I'm loving him too much and am undermining other important things in my life like my family. Partly she's right cause I use almost every slightest opportunity I have to be with Soul. I feel it's worth it, since am an only child, I might as well use some really nice company.

"Yes mum and am sorry I was back too late. Promise it won't happen again". My mum drops the juice box she took out of the fridge, she put her two hands on the kitchen counter and looked down. I know that posture, it's the posture she makes when she wants to say something unacceptable.

"Kristy? You have to stop going out with Soul". She tried to keep me that serious look but I know am not taking that.

"No mum, I can't do that. I've always been afraid of loosing Soul and just when am trying to get over my fears you're telling me to stop seeing him? What has he done to you? I told my arms expecting an answer from him though I know she has nothing to say.

"That boy is a bad influence. He's consuming your time and energy. You give him more time than you give to your family, can't you see what he's doing to you?" Now I know why mum is asking me to stop seeing Soul. I know this issue won't be resolved if I continue arguing with her. So I took in a long breath and then I moved closer to her, I took her hands in mind and try to look her in the eye.

"Mum, am sorry I haven't been there for you and dad since I started going out with Soul, just that I got so attached and I tend to drift all my attention to him. Let's leave Soul out of this, it's not his fault that am apart from you. He's a very nice guy that you know already. But I promise am going to spend more quality time with you and dad as much as I can". She looks at me and I know she feels am just saying that to get off her hook, of course I am,am already late for my early morning lectures, so I try to be more convincing. "Ok how about we go visit grandma and uncle Ken and the kids this weekend then we could go shopping for some groceries then we could make dinner together and other things you would like to do for fun, just to make up for lost times?" I could a smile coming to her face. Yes! I got her.

"That sounds very tempting and I can't say no. That's all I want, to spend time with my only child. And I've got some news for you too" Oh my God! What could that be? The last thing I need now is another prolonging discussion to make me go late for class.

"What news?" I asked giving her a hard stare

"I'm pregnant". No! That didn't come out well, I think she meant...

"You're what?" I ask again even when I know I heard her loud and clear.

"You'll be having a baby sister or brother in 7 months time". Wait so my mum is like what? 2 months pregnant? What else did I miss? My dad comes down from the stairs and he comes around the kitchen and gives me a kiss on my cheek.

"Morning love" my dad greeted and heads over to my mum and gave her a kiss.

"When were you intending to tell me?" I ask trying not to sound angry.

"Tell you what?" My dad ask looking confused. There's silence and then I burst out laughing.

"Oh my God mum! Like that is the best news ever. Why did you guys have to wait this long before deciding to give me a sister or brother?" My dad now knowing what the confusion was all about suddenly smiles and put her hands around her waist.

"We've been trying for years now and now here we are. Was scared I was going to reach menopause before I get pregnant again but now here we are. Sorry I had to tell you now. Not that it was intentional. I only got to know Two weeks ago. I wasn't having the nausea or morning sickness, guess am already too old for that". I can't help but feel so happy for my parent.

"Oh mum, am so happy for you. I can't wait for that little angel to be out". We all gave each other a family hug and while we were still hugging, I hear a cough that made us refrain from the hug. When I look up I see Soul by the door, I don't know if it's the right time or wrong time but I can't help but feel happy to see him.

"Hope I wasn't interrupting anything? I could wait out side if you want. He said pointing at the door.

"No no son, come in" my dad said gesturing for him to come in.

"Uhm no dad". I walk up to Soul stopping him from coming any further. "Am sure Soul here doesn't want to wait either, we are already late for class and we'll like to leave now. Right Soul? I asked looking at Soul hoping he'll get the message.

"Right, yeah, Sorry we'll have to be on our way now" I smiled at my parent and took Soul's hand and drag him to the door.

"Bye mum, bye dad, love you". I hurried with Soul out the door and we got into the car without wasting anymore time.

"Wow! Am glad you came! I said giving him a kiss. We both smiled at each other. Just when Soul was about to start the car I saw a man staring right at us, he looks creepy on his black coat. "Hey Soul? Do you by any chance know who that man is?