Good News

                   The next day, before leaving for the morning walk. My mom felt sick. She asked us not to worry about her and go on but we couldn't leave her. We decided to stay and take care of Mom.             

             "I think I'm…..", started Mom, she looked at me in a way to tell me to leave the room. I left the room and stood outside the room. I could still hear everything.             

  "I think I'm pregnant, Hibiki", she said shakily. I didn't know how to react to what I just heard. I was happy for her and Dad, but isn't she a bit on the old side to give birth? When I heard my mom crying, I burst into the room. I saw Dad hugging her and planting kisses on her neck. I understood that I had put myself in an awkward position.              

             "Congratulations, Mom. Dad, too. Carry on", I said awkwardly and ran out shouting, "It seems like I shouldn't skip jogging". Why did I do that? I should've stayed outside. Why am I like this? Why do embarrassing things happen to me?             

                I saw Natsuki with his many girlfriends and I lost the courage to talk to him. He waved at me. I didn't wave back at him. I was too embarrassed. I finished my jogging quickly and went back home.                  

            Mom and Dad were having their breakfast. I settled myself silently. I faced down but I could feel their eyes on me.                                         "Honestly, I didn't see anything", I said before they could say anything. I regretted saying that half a minute later. Why did I just say that? Is that even important? Ahh…why do I keep on embarrassing myself?           

          "Haru-chan", mom started, I don't know if I'm pregnant yet. I haven't tested it yet"                "Ahh…", I sighed, feeling relieved. Mom was already forty-two. Pregnancy would take a toll on her body.               

 "Why did you sigh? Is it embarrassing for you to have a younger sibling at this age?", said Mom, sounding embarrassed.             

  "Ehh..no..no. I don't know—- I don't have a say on this, do I?"             

   "Hm", she said and left. I followed her with my eyes. She looked depressed.            

             It was just me and Dad at the dining table. "I'm sorry. I don't know what to say in these situations", I told Dad.           

            "Your mom has suffered a lot. She went through a miscarriage last year. It was hard on her", informed dad.              

           "Why didn't you guys tell me about it?", I said. I knew why. I shut myself up. Dad did not answer. Dad stood up and left. No "see you later", no "bye".           

            I went to Mom's room and told her to get ready. "We're going to the hospital for a check-up", I informed her. Mom got ready in ten minutes.               

               Mom was the one driving the car. It was my first time sitting in a car after two years. The feeling was weird. We didn't exchange any dialogue. When we reached the location I assured my mom that whatever happens will be for the best of her. She nodded.                                      

            We left the hospital with happy news. Mom was pregnant. I was filled with joy. While driving home Mom became talkative. She told me how much she wanted another child and about the five miscarriages she's had in the past twenty years.              

    "I'm sorry, Mom", I apologized, I wasn't there for you last year. I was too selfish. I thought only about myself. About the hurt, I felt and not about you guys. I hope this coming baby will never do something like I did".             

      Mom smiled and didn't say anything. I took it as an acceptance of the apology. As mom was driving I was looking around at the scenery. I saw a familiar face.              

          "Mom, will you please stop the car?", I asked. She stopped the car and asked me what was wrong. I didn't answer and got out of the car.                

         "Fuyuko-Sensei! Long time no see", I greeted her. She stared at me for quite some time after which she greeted me back with a smile, "Long time no see, Haruki-kun". She still looked the same except that she had become thinner and her hair was longer.              

           "How have you been?", She asked me.                     "Fine. What about you, sensei?"                                "I'm doing well"               

             "Glad to hear that"               

  "Hm. Yeah. I got to go, okay? Goodbye"       

         "Goodbye", I waved my hand and went back to the car.                 

          "Isn't she the teacher who got expelled?" asked my mother.                 

 "What? Wait— how did I forget that?", I thought, not realizing I had said it out loud. 

              "You forgot. I mean, she wooed you when you were sixteen. She deserved it", mom said looking straight ahead.                  

 The whole drive back home I didn't utter a single word. I remembered what happened.