Chapter 110-Uncharted Territory

After being released from the hospital, I was put on strict bed rest. I was not to be on my feet for longer than thirty minutes at a time, but my husband cut that time down to five or less if he could help it. Marcus was back to carrying me everywhere, but I didn’t mind. I knew he still held on to some guilt, not only because of how angry he was with me, but also because of what Florence tried to do. We had both made mistakes and had forgiven each other, he needed to work on forgiving himself.

Life was calm for a change. I hadn’t heard from Mulo since the fight, I knew I needed to reach out to him about turning me, but it would be a conversation best had after the babies were born. The babies were draining my energy a lot more the further along I got. Now that Finley was a teen she tried to help out more. She and Marcus were closer than ever and it was great to see, and he took on the task of the dreaded driving lessons.

At least this time I had a valid built in excuse. When she wasn’t out driving she was with her friend Zana. She was an interesting young woman. She was always very polite, but she had an interesting look, one that was starting to rub off on Finley. I didn’t mind Finley trying to express herself. Self-discovery was all a part of growing up. Zana spent a lot of time at our house, Finley said she didn’t get along with her step-dad that well and her mom worked long hours as a waitress. Tonight was another impromptu sleepover.

“Marcus can you go tell the girls dinner is ready?” I asked as I finished setting the table.

“Of course.” He replied giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

He wasn’t gone long before he walked back into the dining room looking like he’d seen a ghost.

“You…you may want to go upstairs.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” I asked as he dropped down into one of the chairs.

“This may be something better suited for you to talk to her about.”

I was getting really concerned especially if he was suggesting I waddle myself up the stairs instead of being carried. Just as I as heading that direction, both Finley and Zana came downstairs looking just as scared.

“Girls what’s going on?”

“Mrs. Smith I’m sorry.” Zana cried as she broke down into tears. “I…I’ll go.”

“Zana honey, you don’t have to leave.” I said walking over to comfort her. “Just tell me what all of this is about.” I finished looking over at Finley who still hadn’t said a word but had started crying as well. “Marcus?”

Marcus dropped his head and let out a loud sigh before standing to face me. He rubbed his neck nervously and looked very uncomfortable. “I went to get them, knocked once before walking in. They were…um…they were making out.”

“Like kissing?”

Marcus shook his head, “More…more than just kissing.” Finley’s face got red as she quickly covered it with her hands.

“Oh, um ok.”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith. I’ll go. Finley I’ll see you at school.”

Seeing all of their fear struck faces just made me laugh. I knew it was so very inappropriate, but I couldn’t help myself. Marcus being the one to walk in on them, Finley and Zana being caught in a compromising position, I just laughed.

  

“I’m glad you can find this funny.” Marcus said giving me a curious look. Both the girls stayed silent not knowing how to react.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I know. It’s not funny, but it is in a way.” I stopped to clear my throat in an attempt to get my case of the giggles under control. “I’m hungry, so before I have to have a very serious talk with you two, I need to eat.”

I waddled over and took a seat, Marcus and the girls followed suit but they didn’t want to look at each other.  Once dinner was finished Marcus quickly cleaned the kitchen then went to the basement. He wanted no part in the upcoming discussion and I understood.

“So,” I said taking a seat across from them. “I don’t want to know the details of what you two were doing, but I do want to know if this was the first time.” Both of them looked at each other before shaking their heads no. “Huh, I see. So how long has this been going on?”

“About two months or so.” Finley answered quietly. “I’m sorry Mom. Don’t be mad at us.” She grabbed Zana’s hand and I saw the fear and worry in both of their eyes.

“I’m not mad girls, well I am, but not why you think. Finley, honey I love you. Nothing is going to change that, but there are rules in this house. Do you understand?”

She nodded but I could see she was still a little unsure. Zana kept her eyes down towards the table.

“I’m going to ask you both a question, and I want you to think about it before answering. Understand?” They both nodded. “Is this just a case of experimenting, or is this something more serious?”

Zana looked up at me and I knew her reply before she even answered. Finley squeezed her hand tighter and gave her an encouraging nod.

“It’s more serious ma’am,” she said quietly. “At…at least for me,” she added quickly looking over at Finley.

“Same for me mom.”

I sat back in my chair, exhaling loudly. “Ok, well that changes things. If you were dating a boy, sleepovers and things wouldn’t be allowed. Now, where as the risks involved surrounding certain activities are not the same, that doesn’t mean you get free range.”

“So Zana can’t stay over anymore?” Finley asked and I sensed the panic in her voice.

“No, I’m not saying that. I’m just saying adjustments will have to be made for when she does. Like no more closed doors. Kissing, holding hands, that’s all fine, but anything that involves any parts of the body that are covered by clothing is not allowed. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes.” They answered in unison.

“Is Mr. Smith mad at me?”

“No honey, Mr. Smith is more in shock than anything.” I replied smiling. “He’ll be fine once whatever image he has in his head gets out of there. I promise.”

“Can we go watch TV now, Mom?”

“Yeah sure.” I got up to give Finley a hug just to reassure her everything was fine with us. I saw a look of sadness cross Zana’s face. “Zana, do your parents know?” She shook her head no.

“You’re not gonna tell them are ya? They aren’t like you…” My heart broke seeing the worry on her face. I gave her a hug and promised not to tell her parents.

I’d only talked to her mom once and she almost seemed relieved when I called to verify that Zana could stay over that first time. The girls went to watch TV and I headed downstairs in search of my shell shocked husband. I walked up behind him as he sat at his desk.

“Sorry I made you handle that on your own, but I was not prepared for…that.” Marcus said, turning to pull me into his lap.

“I swear you looked almost pale when you came back downstairs.” I replied, laughing a little.

“Babe, some things can’t be unseen and as a father, I never want to see my daughter that way. Regardless of who she’s with. At least if it was a boy I could have screamed or threatened his life or something, but I could only close the door and walk away.”

He wrapped his arms around me tighter resting his head against my chest. Putting my hands on his face, I lifted it and kissed him deeply.

“Welcome to parenthood.” I said softly.

Marcus gently massaged my neck as he gazed up at me before he kissed me again. His tongue slipped between my lips and his grip got a little tighter on the back of my neck holding me in place.

My hand slid down the front of his chest but he stopped me just as I got to the top of his pants and let out a soft groan. He placed our hands on my very swollen stomach. My bedrest also restricted sexual activity because the excitement could send me into labor. That was probably the hardest part, laying next to my husband every night but being unable to consummate our marriage. I’d offered to give him some relief, but he declined saying it wouldn’t be fair. So we were eager for the safe arrival of our new bundles of joy, for varying reasons.

“I’m looking forward to being around, and not missing a single moment of their lives. Even if that means walking in on…that.”

“You will have to talk to her, them, at some point. They are both worried you are angry.”

“I will, just not tonight. Tomorrow, just not tonight. Speaking of, where are they?”

“Watching a movie. I told them no more closed doors and they need to spend limited time in Finley’s bedroom.”

“I would have to agree. So…are they dating?”

“Yes.”

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about her getting knocked up.” He said laughing.

***A/N***

Ok, well with this chapter Kiss is not on a short break for the holiday. Those of you that read my other story as well, know I'm going on vacation for Christmas break so there will be no more updates until January. I made sure not to leave it as a cliffy so you aren't wondering what's going to happen. :) Kiss will be ending next year. I haven't worked out how many more chapters there will be, but I don't think it will be any more than 10 and that might be pushing it. We will see once I start writing those final ones. 

Anyway, enjoy your holiday, however you celebrate and Happy New Year!

Finley

Kylie (Dunham's and Embry's daughter)