Queen For A Day

Vic didn’t break up with Rayne. I got a call from Mike one evening a few days later.
“Cali I just got back from a dinner at my parent’s house. Vic’s introduced them to Rayne, he’s made it sound like they’re completely official and that they’re going to be together forever. He even went along with a joke my Dad had about them getting married. I’m sorry.” Poor Mike sounded so tired and upset. A little part of me died inside.
“No, that can’t be true.. He, he said he liked me. He spent the night here a few days ago!” I curled up in my bed, trying to remember what it was like to lie here with Vic.
“Wait really?”
“Yes, we kissed. Again. For ages. And then we fell asleep together in my bed.” I explained wearily.
“Oh man, you two have to be together. I can’t stand seeing Rayne around for much longer.”
“What did your parent’s think of her?” I was afraid to hear the answer.
“They loved her.” Fuck.
“They’d never feel that way about me.” I whispered.
“Well why don’t we find out?” Mike said slowly. “I’m sure they’ll love you too Cali, let’s introduce you to them and see what they think of you.”
“Mike I don’t think that’s a good idea, in case you’ve forgotten I am like.. 4 months pregnant right now, with their grandchild. They’ll question it and I don’t know if I’m ready to tell them.” I closed my eyes, trying to imagine the conversation. “It’ll only end badly.”
“But did my last idea end badly? Nope, it ended up perfectly. This will be the same. C’mon Cali, please,” Mike whined.
“Fine, will we do it with Vic there though?” I gave in.
“I’ll bring Vic along, but not Rayne.” He sounded so excited. Mike is going to accidentally get me a terrible situation one day, I can tell. He just seems like that type of person.
“Alright, when?”
“I’m texting Vic right now, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning at like 10 ok?”
“Ok, I’ll see you then?”
“See ya.”
I dropped the phone and rubbed my eyes. My life is full of excitement. I think I’d prefer a boring one though.

I was awoken suddenly the next morning. I rolled over to look at my clock. 8:45, why was I awake? Then I heard a noise. There was a loud knock on my door, followed by a yell.
“Don’t be so loud, she’s probably asleep,” I could barely make out the words.
“I don’t care! She needs to get up!” these words I heard clearly. And I even recognised the voice. I got up groggily and stumbled to the front door barely unlocking it before Fay barged in.
“So Mike told me about the thingy today with your baby daddy’s parents.” She started as Mariah walked in quietly saying a hello to me.
“Since when have you and Mike been communicating?” I raised an eyebrow at my blonde haired friend.
She blinked at me, “Irrelevant. We decided to come over and make sure you’re going to do well.”
“And how are you going to do that?”
Fay faltered. “Umm,”
“She’s just been missing you, I think this is an excuse for coming over,” Mariah whispered in my ear.
Fay frowned at us. “Did you just wake up Cali?”
“Yes, a loud knock on the door woke me.” I rolled my eyes.
“Sorry,” Mariah mumbled.
“Ok, then go get dressed, I’ll put the kettle on. I’m in need of some coffee.” Fay marched into the kitchen.
I chuckled to myself and walked back to my bedroom, putting some jeans and a big red long sleeved t-shirt that kinda hid my belly. With a jacket over the top I’m sure it’d at least look smaller. I walked back to the kitchen, following the voices of my two friends arguing.
“She’s not allowed to drink coffee though!” Mariah was insisting.
“Who cares? She can do what she wants!” Fay retorted.
“Guys what is going on?” I giggled, walking up to them.
“Mariah isn’t letting me make you coffee!” Fay complained.
“I’ve been doing some reading and it turns out you shouldn’t have much caffeine whilst pregnant, please trust me Cali, it’s for your own good.” Mariah pleaded. I guess I can’t really argue with a nurse-in-training.
“Sorry Fay, I better not.” What was I going to do without coffee? “I’ll have a cup of tea though.”
“You can make it, Mariah will probably argue with me about that too if I do it.” Fay grumbled, gripping her mug of coffee and slumping herself down at my dining table.
“Whatever,” I quickly made it myself and sat down across the table from Fay. Mariah sat next to me, carrying a bottle of water.
“So how are you going to go about all this today?” Mariah asked slowly, brushing her black hair behind her ear.
“I haven’t really thought about it. I’m so nervous.” I confessed timidly.
“There’s no need to be, I’m sure everything will be fine,” Mariah patted my hand.
“Mike said he was going to try and handle it as much as he could. But it is between Vic, their parents and you, so I think you should try not let Mike get too involved.” Fay said calmly, making eye contact with me.
“Dude when have you been speaking to Mike?” I insured, getting curious.
My blonde haired friend shrugged, “I dunno.”
“Righto.. But yeah I’ll try my best, but I can’t help but be nervous.”
“That’s perfectly normal.” Mariah is always the one to help me feel better. Fay is the person who’d just give it to me straight. In a way they both even each other out.
“Let’s watch something,” I stood up, looking for any possible distraction.
“Let’s watch The Avengers, ok Carl?” Fay jumped up and ran to my DVD collection.
“Ok,” I laughed.

Mike showed up just before 10:00, just as I was finishing my makeup. I’d decided to go do it quickly before he got here so I left Mariah and Fay with the movie, knowing that they wouldn’t cause too much trouble whilst watching it.
I walked out to the living room to see Mike intently watching the movie, squished between the girls.
“Hi Mike.” I waved nervously. I didn’t want to have to go now.
“Cali, how ya doing?” He smiled at me, his lip ring glinting in the light.
“I’m ok, should we get going right away?” please say no.
“Yeah we better.” Fuck.
I said a quick goodbye to Fay and Mariah, who said they’d still be at my place when I got home. Which I didn’t believe. They wouldn’t last that long in each other’s company.
Mike and I drove to a quiet residential part of the city almost in silence. The radio was playing the whole time and Mike was singing along with it, but we didn’t talk. I think we were both a bit apprehensive. We pulled up in front of a little house that looked very homely.
“This is it.” Mike turned to me, “just let me try and talk to them ok, if they ask any questions you’re not comfortable with then I’ll try and answer them.” The tattooed man reached over and grasped my hand, squeezing it gently, “No need to worry ok?”
I nodded, wide eyed.
We got out of the car and Mike walked up and knocked on the door, pushing it open slowly.
“Hello?” He called. I couldn’t see anyone, but I heard the sound of feet on the carpet.
“Hi Mike.” I knew that voice. Vic.
“Hey, um I kinda..” Mike stepped to the side so Vic and I could see each other. Vic stared at me from under his snapback like I had two heads.
“W-what are you doing here? What’s going on?” Vic asked weakly.
“Vic it’s time we spoke to them.” I uttered bitterly.
“No- no I don’t think that’s a good ide-“ another voice cut him off.
“Mike, are you here too?!” the surprised woman’s voice came from nearby. A small, white haired woman appeared from a doorway and came towards us with a warm smile.
“Hi Mamma, um, I brought a friend with me too.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“This is Cali, Cali this is my Mum.”
“Nice to meet you,” I smiled politely at the woman.
“Nice to meet you too Cali, please come in.” I saw her cast a quick glace to my stomach and she frowned lightly. I must’ve have hidden my bump that well then..
She led us down a hallway to a large open kitchen and dining room. Vic followed behind everyone, looking very pale.
“My goodness, didn’t we see you boys last night?” a short plump Mexican man was sitting at the table reading a newspaper. “Oh who’s this young lady?”
“Hi Papa, I just thought I’d drop in again. This is my friend Cali.” Mike introduced us and I shook his hand.
“Nice to meet you!” he grinned at me. Now I see where Vic got his height from.
Mike cleared his throat, “um we’re here for a reason, there’s some things that need to be spoken about today that have been put off for long enough.”
“Ok, come, sit down.” Mr Fuentes said, motioning for us to sit at the table. Mrs Fuentes walked to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of wine from the fridge and two glasses.
“Cali won’t drink wine Mama,” Mike called to her.
She put one glass away and just filled hers, then brought it to the table with three beer bottles.
“What can I get you Cali?” she asked, eyeing my suspiciously.
“Nothing, I’m fine thanks Mrs Fuentes.” I tried to be polite.
She nodded and sat down by her husband. I was sat between the brothers, and their parents were across the table from us. Vic was still as pale as a ghost, which is saying something, due to his dark complexion. He was fiddling nervously with his beer.
“So what’s going on?” Mr Fuentes asked curiously, his dark eyes flicking between the three of us.
I met Vic’s eyes then looked down, absentmindedly placing a hand on my stomach. How are we meant to tell them?
“Cali, can I speak to you for a second please?” Mrs Fuentes didn’t sound very happy, and a shiver of fear suddenly ran down my body.
I nodded and stood up, following her back down the hallway. She walked back to the front door, where I assumed we were out of earshot of the men.
“Cali you look like you’re about to throw up.” She commented, her eyes gentling.
“I-I’m just nervous,” I admitted, fiddling with the hem at the bottom of my t-shirt.
“Are you pregnant dear?” She asked lowly.
I closed my eyes and nodded, trying to hold in the tears that were pressing against the back of my eyes.
“I thought so. Does this have something to do with one of my sons?” She suddenly looked as nervous as I felt.
I sighed, “I think we should all explain it together.”
This seemed to confirm her fears and she suddenly looked overwhelmed. “Ok,” she was weak now and I felt terrible. They’re going to hate me so much. I’ve ruined everyone’s life now.
I walked back to the kitchen, followed closely by the frail woman, and sat back in my seat, sitting upright and straight.
“She’s pregnant.” Mrs Fuentes motioned at me. I couldn’t read the emotion in her eyes, she looked very tired all of a sudden. But she didn’t look angry. Which is good I guess?
“I never meant for it to happen..” I trailed off, a lone tear freeing itself from my eye. This was getting even more tense. Mike wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulder and rubbed my upper arm.
Mr Fuentes looked like he was trying to figure it all out.
“Hang on, what does this have to go with us?” He asked slowly.
“It’s mine.” Vic’s voice spoke up wearily. All of us looked at him surprised. I didn’t expect him to admit it.
“I see.” Mr Fuentes sat back in his seat, frowning. “I thought we met your girlfriend last night though Victor.”
“You did, Cali and I aren’t together. We never were.” Vic took off his snapback and ran a hand through his hair. Well that hurt. I shot him an angry look. The dick.
“How did this happen, how do you even know each other?” Mrs Fuentes coughed out, obviously trying to hide some emotion. If only I could tell what emotion that was.
“She won a contest we had, she got to spend a day with the band and that night we all got drunk and things happened from there,” Mike explained in a very mature way. “Since then Cali and I managed to keep in contact, which is pretty lucky, otherwise none of us would know about this..”
“I’m 17 weeks pregnant.” I told them quietly.
“T-that’s almost halfway through!” the older woman across the table looked shocked. “Why has it taken this long for us to find out?”
“It’s not that easy to tell your parents you got a girl pregnant after a one night stand.” Vic retorted straight away.
His mum shot him daggers, “Don’t be rude to me Victor, I’m your Mother, you know I’ll love you no matter what. This is just a lot to take in.”
“I’m sorry we took so long, if it makes you feel any better I hid it from my mother until only a few weeks ago. It’s just hard to figure out these things.” I was ringing my hands together. They were taking it reasonably well.. Surely they’d suddenly explode and get angry?
“Ok Dear, I understand.” Mrs Fuentes gave me a pained smile.
This is so weird. “Aren’t you going to get mad at me? I’ve ruined your son’s life! I barely even know you or your sons but I’m now pregnant with your grandchild!” I exclaimed, not able to take the tension anymore. “Please just say something, why are you not getting angry!?”
I stood up abruptly with wide eyes. I wanted them to react, I needed to know whether or not they were angry or happy or sad. I just needed a response.
“Cali you haven’t ruined my life.” Vic spoke up first, his voice wavering. “I know this isn’t what we planned and yes life might be easier without it, but it hasn’t ruined anything. Everything happens for a reason, I think this child is going to be something amazing.” Vic looked up at me sincerely and grasped my hand. And in that instant I knew I needed him.
“Sit down Love.” Mr Fuentes motioned back to the seat. I broke my gaze away from Vic’s and sat down begrudgingly. “What Vic said is true Cali, you haven’t ruined anyone’s life. But if you keep up this attitude of regret then you could ruin your child’s life. Can you imagine growing up knowing you were never wanted, or that your mother thought you’d ruined her life?”
Shit, I hadn’t thought of it from the baby’s perspective.
“We aren’t angry at you Dear, sure I am a little disappointed that this happened in such circumstances, and I can see that it won’t be easy on everyone. But you’re bringing a life into this world, the life of our first grandchild, and to be honest I am slowly getting more excited about it. Just know that we will be here for you, you’re part of the family now.” Mrs Fuentes finally gave me a genuine smile. She looked to her husband who was still in thought.
“I agree with everything my wife said, I’m very glad you were willing to tell us, I can see how hard it would be. Thankyou.” He also smiled at me.
“Wow, ok.” Vic sat back in his chair, “You two are amazing.”
“What does Rayne think about all this Vic?” Good question Mrs Fuentes. I turned to Vic and raised my eyebrow.
“Uh.. She..” Vic trailed off, fiddling with his bracelets.
“Wait- she does know right?” Mr Fuentes snorted.
Vic laughed. What?
“Of course she knows.” Oh fuck you Victor. “She’s perfectly fine with it all.”
I tensed up, ready to say something, but I felt Mikes hand rest on top of mine under the table and stroke it gently. I turned to glance at him and he gave a tiny shake of his head. Fine. I’ll let them deal with it themselves. Rayne’s going to find out sooner or later anyways.
Vic, Mike and I all left at the same time, about an hour later. I was making my way into Mike’s car when Vic walked up to me.
“We need to talk.” Was all he said? No emotion was on his face, just an empty glare. “I’ll drive you home.”
I looked at Mike who just shrugged in response. Great, now I’m stuck for a while car ride with him.
We’d barely pulled onto the road when he spoke.
“They actually took that pretty well.”
“Yeah, I’m so relieved. My mother was just so disappointed when I told her.” And I even told her that I was in a relationship with the baby’s father. Shit they’re different.
“Am I going to meet your mother at some stage?” Vic asked quietly.
“I don’t know, it would probably be a good idea.”
“Hmm,” he hummed quietly.
“Oh, by the way I got signed to Fearless, I’m half of a two piece group with a guy now.” I suddenly had an idea. “You should see him though, he’s an incredible singer and he’s really attractive. We went out for lunch the other day.” I added a giggle to sell it off. Take that Victor.
I saw his fingers grip on the steering wheel. They started to go white. Maybe that wasn’t a good idea.
“That’s nice.” He commented tightly with his eyes straight on the road.
“Yeah, I’m really excited to work with him.”
“A-are you sure you want to be signed with Fearless? I mean, there’s probably other record labels that will sign you.” He looked at me with pain in his eyes as we pulled up in front of my building.
“Excuse me? What is your problem?” I retorted. “Is this because you’re signed with them?”
“I-”
I cut him off again. “No fuck you Victor, you don’t even want me to work for the same label you do, what did I ever do to for you to hate me this much!? You’re a complete asshole, just piss of and go back to your stupid bitch of a girlfriend? Neither the baby or I need you.” I spat out the words like they were venom. Without listening to another word he had I jumped out of the car and slammed the door too hard. I tried to run to the elevator and waited for the doors to close before I burst into tears. What is his problem?

I got home to find an empty apartment – no surprises there. I grabbed some blankets and pillows from my room, and made a cup of tea, deciding it was best to just let my emotion out over some lame chick flick instead of the thought of Vic. I was watching the notebook for the second time through when my phone buzzed. I didn’t even know it was in my pocket. It kept vibrating as I pulled it out, and I looked at the caller ID before answering it.
“Cooper?” I asked, trying to hide the fact I was crying.
“Hi, Cali?” his deep voice was like music.
“Yeah hi, how are you?”
“I’m fine, have you been crying?” fuck.
“No.. Yes.” I mumbled.
“Is everything ok? I was going to see if you wanted to catch up over dinner tonight, but if somethings wrong we won’t?” He sounded like he genuinely cared.
“Not really, my baby’s Dad is a dickhead.” I sighed loudly, “I would love to see you but I’m not really up to going anywhere today to be honest. I was just planning on watching movies and ordering a pizza... If you wanted you could come here? I wouldn’t mind the company.”
“Sounds great, I’ll pick up the pizza on the way over. Text me what toppings you want and your address and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thanks Cooper, see you soon.” Wow he’s amazing.
The Notebook was just finishing when Cooper knocked on the door. I swear I smelt the pizza before I even heard the knock. I was so hungry.
“Hello!” I held the door open for the attractive man as he walked in. He was wearing the same black jeans as the other day but with a black Avenged Sevenfold t-shirt and a different leather jacket. His head was covered in a black beanie.
“How are you doing?” he gave me a hug with one arm and kissed my cheek. I couldn’t help but blush.
“I’m fine now that the pizza’s here!” I laughed, glancing at the two boxes that the heavenly aroma wafted from.
“Let’s eat then.” We sat down together at the dining table and I dug straight into my BBQ pizza. I’d asked for extra chicken. After we’d finished we dumped all the rubbish and dishes in the kitchen and I put away the left over slices that Cooper didn’t eat. I managed to finish mine.
I yawned. “Wow I’ve had a long day.”
“I could leave if you want to go to sleep.” Cooper suggested, glancing at the front door.
“No please stay. I feel like watching something.” Without waiting for an answer I wandered to my DVD collection and scanned the titles.
“Do you own any Marvel movies?” Cooper asked playfully, coming up to look at them with me.
“Oh ha-ha,” I replied dryly. So what most of them are Marvel? I can’t help that they’re just amazing.
“Do you like Thor?” I asked him. He looked at me like I was stupid.
“Do I like Thor? Hell yeah I do. Put it on!” he encouraged, plopping down on the couch.
I did so, laughing and then flicked the lights off in the room so we only had the glow of the TV screen. As I walked back to the couch Cooper opened one arm and motioned for me to sit at his side. I blushed as I did and cuddled into him. He was warm and smelt like sandalwood. After about ten minutes of movie my eyes started to feel heavy. And slowly but surely.. I fell asleep.
I awoke with a jolt to find that the end credits were rolling up the screen.
“Ugh, sorry,” I groaned, looking up at Cooper’s face. I was somehow lying across the couch with my head on this lap, he was stroking my hair absentmindedly.
“Don’t be, you said you were tired.” He gave me a gentle smile. “You’re cute when you sleep.”
“Well then I assume you haven’t seen me drool,” I teased, trying to sit up. This was getting harder as my belly got bigger, but I managed to. I cuddled back into Cooper’s side and looked up at him.
“I’m surprised you stayed.”
“I wasn’t going to leave you asleep on your couch, I was going to carry you to your bed or something but you woke.” He murmured, stroking my hair again. He didn’t seem like the type of guy to just leave a note for me to find the next morning... or the next week. Unlike someone I know.
“You’re sweet.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“Wait what?”
“Ever since I saw you I thought you were so beautiful Cali.” Whoa. The hottest guy I’ve ever met thinks I’m attractive too?
“Uh. Thankyou Cooper, that means a lot.” I reached up to kiss his cheek gently. As I pulled away his hand gripped my chin gently and he leaned towards me. Oh shit. Cooper kissed me gently and rested one of his hands on my hip, the other was at the hairline at the bottom of my neck. I wrapped my arms around him and just let it happen. He was a good kisser. Not as good as Vic, but he was still very good. I’m probably biased though, given the feelings I still had for Vic. Wait. This is wrong.
“Stop.” I pulled away from Cooper’s grip, “I can’t kiss you when I have feelings for someone else.”
Cooper watched me carefully, “Ok, that’s fair enough.” He hesitated before continuing. “Is anything going to happen with this other guy though?”
If only I knew.
“I’m not sure... he has a girlfriend.” I confessed, my shoulders sagging, “And I don’t think they’re going to break up anytime soon.”
“Then please give me a chance, go on one actual date with me please? I really like you Cali.” Oh man I’ve let this get out of hand. Since when did he like me though? We barely even know each other.
“Ok.” I didn’t think before answering. Whoops.
“Thank you,” he leaned in to kiss me again but I put up a hand to stop him.
“I’ll only kiss you if the date we have is good ok? Until then there will be no kissing.” Hah. I was in control of the situation.
“That’s fair enough.” He sat back and grinned at me, “You’re cute when you’re serious.”
I giggled. Jeeze I’m blushing again. I let out another yawn.
“I think you should get to bed, it’s getting late.” Cooper commented. I nodded reluctantly, standing up. “Do you want to stay over?”
“No, I should probably get home.” He checked his watch. “Let’s go out tomorrow night?”
“Sounds good, pick me up here?”
“How does six sound?”
“Brilliant, I’ll see you then.”
“Goodbye Cali,” Cooper pulled me into a hug.
“Goodbye Cooper.” And he walked out the door. I locked it carefully behind him and sighed. I think I’ve almost got myself a boyfriend. Wow, Vic was right. Guys will still want to date me while I’m pregnant. Too bad it wasn’t the guy I truly wanted.

Notes

Great news everyone...... I've completely finished pre-writing this story! i have so much in store for you all!

I'll try and update as much as i can (without putting it all on here too quickly) and i now have no excuse for not updating.

I was actually going to start another story or two on here, maybe about Black Veil Brides or Of Mice and Men
-thoughts?

Thankyou to all my wonderful readers i love you all!

Beth xx