Velvet Love Ch. 04

"You mean charms schools still exist?"

"Oh yes, in upper-class circles they serve a very important purpose."

"Not to be rude of anything," Luna impatiently said, "But I thought we all met here to hear Jeneda's news."

"It's nothing huge or anything," Jeneda informed. "Just a little something I want to run by you all, to get your opinion and see what you think."

"Well what is it?" Bright with curiosity, Poppy's eyes focused on her new friend.

"Last night Dane mentioned he wants us to work on making a baby. But instead of feeling excited, I got kind of nervous and even uncertain."

"I can understand that," Luna said. "You haven't been married very long at all."

"Doesn't matter how long they've been married," Ethan chimed in. "They're clearly a solid couple."

"Well of course they're solid, but they're still in newlywed mode. She wants to have fun, without any kids to worry about, you know?"

"Well I think you should go for it." Ethan sipped his drink.

"So do I," Poppy added. "Dane really wants to be a dad, I can so tell."

"Don't rush it," Luna said. "You two have time, so no need to stress."

"Why exactly are you nervous anyhow?" Ethan inquired. "I mean what is it about having a baby that makes you feel uncertain?"

"Well to be honest, I'm pretty vain. So gaining those pounds during pregnancy would make me self-conscious."

"And then there's the stretch marks," Luna said. "Not to mention horrendous gas."

"What?"

"Yeah." Luna nodded. "I'm talking stinky gas, like rotten-egg farts."

"That's not for certain," Ethan said. "Only some pregnant women get gas that bad."

"Yeah but It's still a possibility so she should know, right?"

"You're scaring her, Luna."

"It's only a heads up on what to expect."

"Sounds more like you want to make certain she doesn't have kids."

"That's completely ridiculous, why would I want that?"

"I don't know. But you're not exactly encouraging her either, are you?"

"I just want her to know what's ahead so she can be prepared."

"I'm sure she's got an idea already. Right now we need to be positive."

"It's fine," Jeneda replied. "I need to know the con's as well as the pro's."

"But I think you pretty much already know them," Ethan said. "So at this point It's up to you what you decide."

"Well I do want kids, but not immediately. I told Dane to give me five months, and then we'll get started."

"That seems fair." Poppy nodded her head.

"Yeah five months Isn't long at all," Ethan stated. "December is five months away, so if you guys starting trying around the end of the year, you'd have a pretty good chance of conceiving before New Year's."

"Imagine if they conceived on Christmas day." Bright with excitement, Poppy's eyes focused on Jeneda. "That would be the best present ever for Dane, he'd be so happy."

"It would be pretty cool," Jeneda agreed.

"I guess It'd be nice, but just don't forget us when you get preggs, alright?"

"Luna, come on. I would never do that." Noting Luna's slight pout, Jeneda reached out to take hold of her hand. "I'll be just the same as always, and that's a promise."

"Uh-huh," Luna replied, but her tone of voice suggested skepticism.

"Honestly, I will. I mean I'll be carrying a baby, not moving to a different country."

"But you'll have less time to be with us, right? You'll have to get ultrasounds and shop for strollers and be busy picking out names. And then eventually you'll meet other mom's-to-be, and once that happens, I and Ethan will be all on our own."

"I won't abandon you guys."

"You say you won't now, but I think It'll happen over time. I mean It's inevitable, Jeneda. You'll be carrying a life, which is a major deal."

"Well of course things will change somewhat," she admitted. "But we'll still have our girl's night out, and we'll meet up to shop on weekends, I promise."

"Hope so." Her expression went slack. "Because losing you as a best friend would suck pretty hard, just so you know."

"Babe, you know that won't happen." She squeezed Luna's hand. "Even if I do have less time to hang out, I won't just fall off the radar and ignore you guys."

"We know you won't," Ethan said. "But don't worry about our feelings getting hurt. This is your time for something new, an exciting moment that will change your life."

"It'll be wonderful though," Poppy exclaimed. "So don't worry about the changes to your body, It's a magical thing."

"But what if I gain too much weight and Dane gets turned off? Or what if after I have the baby my sex drive dies off? I heard that it happens with some women."

"You're his queen," Ethan replied. "He won't care when you get stretch marks and gain weight. He also won't care if you need to throw up every morning or have swollen feet. You'll be carrying a life, Jeneda. One that you two created together."

"Exactly," Luna agreed. "You're going to have a gorgeous baby, and by a man that adores you in every way."

"So you see, there's nothing to fear at all," Poppy stated. "Sure there'll be adjustments and a shift in your lifestyle, but overall It'll be amazing, not to mention you'll make Dane the happiest man in the world."

"I guess you guys are right," Jeneda replied. "But I've still got the pregnancy jitters."

"That's natural," she assured. "But they'll go away with time."

"Well I think we should make a toast." Raising his stemmed glass, Ethan encouraged the others to follow. "To a blessed and healthy pregnancy for Jeneda."

"A blessed and healthy pregnancy," Poppy agreed.

"I'm glad for you, Jeneda, I really am." Offering a small smile, Luna clinked her cocktail glass with her friend's. "Just please don't become one of those smug pregnant chicks, okay?"

As Jeneda smiled her dimples popped out, eye twinkling with a glow of amusement.

"But having said that, I will be protective of you and the fetus. So any weirdo strangers who try and rub your belly, just say the word and I'll be your shield."

Now grinning widely, Jeneda took Luna's hand. "Thanks, love. I always can count on you for support."

"Well don't forget about me," Ethan reminded. "I've got two years of culinary school under my belt, so you need to indulge any cravings, I'm your man."

"And I know a chic maternity boutique on Sacramento Street," Poppy said." So whenever you're ready to update your wardrobe, just give me a call."

"Thanks guys, you really are amazing."

"Yeah, well, what kind of friends would we be if we didn't offer support?" Ethan asked.

Smiling in response, Jeneda lifted her glass. Then altogether as a group they clinked glasses, toasting their friendship with fruity drinks.