Early update!

When I was writing this I was a bit too excited and ended up cutting out Vini from this scene so I had to reconstruction this entire chapter.

So enjoy.

Shout out to coralin_Daywalt for being the first person to guess what this chapter is about.

Again Enjoy.

********

"Surprise!" They all yell and I choke up as I stare at the faces in front of me.

Dimitri, Edward, Chris, Shan, Lexi and now Chev as she makes her way towards the group.

"Oh my god!" I say in utter shock. "Guys!"

The girls giggle at the expression on my face with a sly smile.

Shan walks over to Dimitri who kisses her forehead before pulling her to his side whilst Chev walks over to Eddie who throws his arm over her shoulder. He pecks her cheek in greeting and she rolls her eyes before looking back at me.

Shan and Chev are in matching dresses. The dress they had both chosen is seashell with a sweetheart bust with mesh on top and no sleeves. It flows down to their knees and the top is covered with crystal gems.

Each girl however, wears different accessories. Shan's three inches pumps are black and her jewellery gold and black; while Chev's accessories consists of a pair of silver heels and silver jewellery.

Shan's hair remains the same as this morning, but Chev's hair is cornrowed in two with gold braids thanks to Vini's stylist.

They look beautiful especially Lexi who stands beside Chris in her purple dress and her hair is now straightened and in a high ponytail.

"So what do you think?" Shan suddenly asks as she hugs Dimitri's waist.

My eyes drift around the diner and I cover my mouth suppressing a gasp.

I sit in the centre of the room on a throne and around me gender neutral colours decorate the walls. The booths are adorned with yellow, pink, blue and purple flowers, streamers and drapes. In the corner of the room where a larger booth lies are decorated boxes piled high on a yellow table cloth with blue streamers.

The other booth tables house food, pastries, drinks and other decorations. Above each table there are banners. My eyes water at the sight before me and my lips tremble as I read each banner.

The first banner is brown with the words 'Twice Blessed' on it and each letter is printed onto pentagonal shaped paper; the second banner looks almost like crotchet and has various colours with the words 'Baby mama' on it - I think it's easy to guess who bought that. I look at Chev who smiles knowingly.

The third banner is also brown and similar to the first but the words on this one are different. This banner reads 'It's twins!' With a heart between it's and twins. The last banner in the room is hung above the presents table and I grin as I read the flashy, gold words. Pregnant AF.

I look over at Lexi who winks at me and I chuckle as tears spill from my eyes.

"I love it," I reply to Shan's previous question as I wipe away stray tears.

I hear each girl coo and soon I'm being hushed and soothed as I erupt in joyful tears.

"I can't believe you guys did this for me," I say as I blow my nose on a hankie Shan handed me. "A surprise baby shower!" I cry out. "I love you guys so much."

The girls chorus I love you-s to me and give me a group hug as the guys stand awkwardly to the side watching us.

"Don't cry Izzy," Shan says patting my cheeks with tissue.

"I can't, I'm just so happy and these babies have me hormonal," I reply as I hug Chev who is stooping beside me. "You girls are so sweet! I don't deserve you guys."

"Oh Chrissie," Lexi says before sniffling. "Of course you do! We love you and wanted to grant you this gift of having a baby shower."

"I know. But you didn't have to," I say as I start to sober up.

"Oh Izzy, we know that," Chev says. "We wanted to. All of us."

"Chris contributed his diner to house this celebration," I look at Chris who in a white dress shirt, black pants and gents. He smiles at me with a flirty wink and I mouth Thank you.

"Eddie and Dimitri contributed their money and themselves to make all this a possibility," the pride and affection in Chev's voice is evident as she looks at Eddie and Lexi and I grin knowingly.

Edward and Dimitri are both in midnight blue dress shirts but Edward is wearing beige pants and light jewellery to match with Chev while Dimitri wears black pants to match Shan's jewellery selection.

Guess it was a couple's idea that the girls made the boys agree to.

"Thank you guys," I say to the boys with a sniffle. "How can I ever repay you?"

They both chuckle and I raise a brow at the action.

"Don't worry about that part. We're getting our payment tonight," Dimitri says and they both wink at their ladies who blush.

"Men."

The sound of gravel crunching and a door opening alerts everyone of another presence and we all turn to look at the newcomer. In a black dress shirt, tight fitting pants and a pair of purple, light tinted shades a familiar male comes stepping into the place stealing the spotlight.

"I'm here!" Vini says as he walks in with a large, decorated box in his hands. "What did I miss-" he looks over at us girls and then at the guys. "She was cry wasn't she?"

The guys nod simultaneously and Vini slowly walks towards them watching us girls as if at any moment we might pounce.

"How long have they been like this?" He whispers to Dimitri but we hear it anyway.

"Approximately twenty minutes," Dimitri replies.

"Yikes, you unlucky souls. They must have been like mother birds watching over their little bloated egg."

We all look at Vincent weirdly as he says this and he shrugs nonchalantly.

Chev clears her throat and Vini looks at her with a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry Mamma d'oca, continue."

Dimitri sKnickers with Vini and I see Shan throw the both of them a glare; they shut up instantly causing the others to laugh.

After Vini's arrival the celebrations start. Shan and Chev pulls out a decorated chair for Lexi placing beside my own. They sit her down saying she deserves to have a baby shower as well. Lexi tries to protest but they both walk away leaving her with me.

"Come Lexi relax," I say as I hold her hand. "I don't mind sharing this day with you. You're my best friend after all. Just do as they say and have fun please."

"Chrissie, I can't," Lexi protests and I place my finger on her lip hushing her.

"It is my baby shower wish to share this day with you so no complaining," I say and she looks at he with a frown. "Please," I say stretching out the word.

She rolls her eyes before agreeing and I smile rocking as Rockabye by Clean Bandits ft. Sean Paul fills the room. I look over at her wiggling my eyebrows, she tries to keep a straight face but fails and we both fall into laughter.

"So Rockabye baby, Rockabye!" Chev sings as she approaches us and I swear I see everyone flinch as her howls assaults our eardrums.

Shan who's wincing as Chev sings walks over to us and places a tiara on each of our heads. Chev follows after her with sashes and places them on both of us.

I look at my sash and I laugh at the words on it.

"Baby Mama #1," I say with a giggle.

"Baby Mama #2," Lexi says after reading hers as well. "Technically I was pregnant before Chrissie..."

Chev looks at us with a glare before switching the sashes. "Happy now?"

"Yeah," I say as Lexi says. "Totally."

They soon leave us to get the party going. Edward and Dimitri come over to us and we talk a bit before they asked us if we would like to dance. Dancing with Lexi is easier for Edward than it is for Dimitri to dance with me but he manages.

He places my feet on top of his - like Johnattan had and sways with me as H.O.L.Y by Florida Georgia Line plays. I chuckle as he slowly twirls me on my uninjured leg like a ballerina, he smiles at me before returning us to our previous position.

"I didn't get to say it earlier but I wish you luck and blessings for the remainder of your pregnancy," Dimitri says with his thick Italian accent.

"Thank you, Dimitri." I reply with a smile and he nods.

"So, how's the married life treating you?" I ask him and he stares at me like a deer caught in headlights.

"She told you," he states but it sounds more like a question.

"Yes she did." I say. "I am happy for you guys but let me warn you. If you hurt our girl we'll take good care of you. And Lexi's definition of taking care of someone consists of a glock and body bag. Are we clear Mr De' Santos?"

He looks at me with a charming smile and I raise a brow. "Crystal."

Now I smile. "Good, now go to Mrs De' Santos and ask her to dance - after returning me to my seat of course."

"Of course," is all he says before returning this princess to her throne.

He then makes his way towards Shan who is busy sorting out the food and wraps his arms around her waist. She spins in his arms in surprise and ended up getting icing from her fingers onto his cheek. She blushes upon noticing what she had done. Dimitri chuckles before holding her hand and licks the icing off each one; his eyes never leaving her own. Shan smiles at him moving forward and licking the icing off his cheek before using her thumb to wipe away what she missed.

Soon he pulls her away to the dance floor as Perfect by Ed Sheeran blares through the speakers. Chev and Edward soon join them on the supposedly dancefloor. Chris is now dancing with Lexi who smiles as he says something to her.

"Want to dance cara?" Vini asks and I nod.

He picks me up and we make our way to the dancefloor. He places my feet on top of his as Dimitri had done and holds my waist as we sway to the voice of Ed Sheeran.

"How are you enjoying your day?" Vini whispers.

I look up at him and tighten my arms that are around his neck. "It's beautiful they're all so... I've never really had this at home." I admit. "My family kind of resented me and my mom so it's nice to have people that care so much."

I look over Vini's shoulder to watch my friends dance and I can't help but smile at them.

They've done more for me than my own living family has. They took me in, took their time to plan this, they used their money to do all of this for me- out of love. These people who care for me even though I've only known them for months - excluding Lexi who I've known for years. They treat me like their own and they make me feel like I belong. Something I could never feel around my own family.

Shan and Chev squeal as their partners twirl them towards one another so that Edward is now dancing with Shan and Chev with Dimitri. Lexi throws her head back laughing at what Chris says and I watch as he smiles at her reaction before slowly twirling her.

I grab onto Vini's shoulder as he picks me up bridal style and spins me. A series of giggles leave my lips and Vini chuckles at the sound. Slowly he places me on my feet and caressed my cheek.

He whispers "Carpe diem" into my ear and instantly I understand the words.

"Seize the day."

"That's right cara," his phones rings out in his pocket as he is about to say more and he curses.

Vini apologizes before cutting our dance short. He returns me to my throne before disappearing out the diner door. Alone once again.

I sigh playing with my fingers as my mind runs on a certain young man with a distinguishing scar on his cheek.

I wish he was here, right now. With me. I want nothing more than to be in his arms, having him caress my stomach as we celebrate this blessing that we've received. But, he can't. He doesn't know that I'm pregnant and I... I can't even look him in the eyes.

"Aye, why the long face?"

I look up to find Chris hovering over me and I force a smile while shaking my head. "Nothing."

He looks at me raising a bushy eyebrow while wiggling his moustache. "If you say so young lady." I can tell he doesn't believe me. "Now, Baby Mama #2 may I have this dance?"

I giggle before agreeing and soon we are on the dancing floor. We continue to dance for four more songs, switching partners until soon it is time to cut the cake.

Lexi and I stand behind the serving counter with two knives in our hands as everybody - including Vini - crowd us. Shan has her camera up recording us and we make funny faces at her causing everyone to laugh.

"Okay ladies," Chev says as she moves to the front of the crowd. "Seeing as though neither of you wanted to find out your babies genders until birth we decided to do something a little different. A fortune cake."

"Like how a fortune cookie can give you a prediction of what might happen in your future, this cake will give us a possible prediction of what gender your babies will be," She further explains. "A third of this cake is blue meaning boy, another is pink meaning girl and the last third is purple meaning both. Whichever you cut is your future prediction understand?"

We nod with a smile and give the cake a little turn before getting ready to cut it.

"Wait," Chev says stopping us. She turns to address the group. "What are the bets?"

Everyone starts to pull out money making bets and my mouth drops.

"Are you guys really betting on our babies?"

They all look at me before replying simultaneously "yes". I look over at Lexi who shrugs.

"Hey Chev put down fifty on purple for Chrissie," Lexi calls out. "I'll pay when I get my purse out of the car."

"Noted!" Chev replies.

"Really?" I ask and Lexi shrugs once more.

"Alright we are ready," Chev states. "Let's cut some cake."

I look at the three layer circular cake with a smile. It is covered with candy bows and ties, socks and booties; and white icing.

"Ready?" I ask Lexi.

She nods. "Ready. After three."

"One," I start.

"Two."

"Two and a quarter."

"Two and a third."

"Two and a half."

"Just cut the damn cake!" Our friends yell and we chuckle.

"Three!" We yell before simultaneously cutting the cake.

"Blue," Lexi announces and Edward and Vini cheer as Dimitri and the others sulk.

They all look at me probably hoping my selection could make them richer.

"Come on cara make me some money," Vini says rubbing his hands together and I chuckle.

"My colour is..." They wait patiently; all eyes on me. "Well my colours are, Pink and Purple."

A layer of pink and another layer of purple peek out at me and I smile. So my predictions are two girls, or maybe even a boy and girl.

"So because it's a tie the money will be split equally between Shan, Chris, Lexi and I. Sorry boys," Chev says as Dimitri, Vini and Edward sulk.

"Damn cara and here I thought you were my lucky charm."

"At least I won the bet on what Lexi's prediction would be," Edward says trying to cheer himself up.

"That you did," Chev says before pecking his cheek and handing him the money he'd won.

She hands the others their mula before announcing the next part of the evening.

"Now that that's out of the way, let's eat!"

****

"Oh my, this is so cute," Lexi giggles as she opens her present.

In her hand she holds up a yellow, baby size, monkey suit that has the words 'MY MOMMA IS BAD AS FUDGE' on it.

"Thanks Chev," Lexi says as she places the item back into the box.

"Oh, there's more," Chev says as she leans onto Edward sipping her wine.

Lexi rummages through the box pulling out a Batamax from Big Hero Six stuff doll. She shakes it and the doll starts to talk. It repeats Batamax's catchphrase and we girls coo at the cuteness.

"Again thank you," Lexi says. "I'm sure he or she will love it."

"No problem," Chev smiles. "Next! These are from Shan and Dimitri."

The said couple pushes two big boxes towards us and we look at them wide eyed.

"Hope you like them," Shan says as she hugs Dimitri who places his hands on her hip.

We proceed to rip off the wrapping and the words 'Blake's Baby Cot' greet us.

As we rip the wrapping off fully, we being to read the text on it. The text on the box says that the cot can sway on its own with batteries and when the baby has out grown the cot it can be transformed into a stroller or car seat.

This one neat crib.

"Thank you," I say to the couple.

"This must have cost you a fortune," Lexi adds.

"Nah, it was affordable," Dimitri states as he sits taking his wife onto his lap. "And you're welcome. It was all principessa's idea."

"Yeah, I saw them while in Atlanta and just hand to buy them for you guys," Shan says leaning back on Dimitri.

"Well thank you both," Lexi says.

"Yeah, thanks," I smile.

"No problem," they say in sync before wrapping their arms around each other.

"Now it's my time!" Vini yells before walking up to us with his large box. "It's for both of you not the babies though."

"That's okay," we say in sync before ripping into the box.

We are greeted by two new Chanel bags which are filled with makeup, two gift bags filled with hair supplies and two Michael Kors wrist watches.

"Oh my fu-dging god!" Lexi screams. She runs to Vini and hugs him while chanting thank you.

"I know, I know!" He laughs before looking at me. 'Thank you' I mouth and he winks in acknowledgement.

We continue to unpack presents and it's nearly eight when we finish this task. They had all went out in presents they basically took care of the baby shopping for us with the amount of things they bought. I am thankful for everything though, they didn't have to buy anything at all but they did it out of the love in their hearts and for that I am gracious.

"... So I've known Izzy for five months - give or take and I only have one thing to say. She's an awesome person," Chev says as she stands before us giving a toast. "She's feisty at times and surprisingly can hold her own against me. And I know y'all know that's saying something."

We laugh and Chev smiles at me. "She's not only feisty but she's smart, beautiful, well-behaved and an awesome friend... Minus the fact that she hid her real identity from us."

I wince at that and Lexi pats my shoulder soothingly. I smile before looking down at the glass non- alcoholic champagne I hold in my hand.

"The point is that," Shan cuts in as she stands beside Chev. "- regardless of the fact that she hid her identity from her we still fell in love with her as a person."

Dimitri holds the camera recording them looking straight ahead at his wife.

"Through her we've also met Lexi. One badass momma," Chev adds moving her hands about and again we laugh. "We hit off instantly, she's the type of person that doesn't take BS and keeps it real. She's the yang to Izzy's ying and one helluva best friend!"

"When we look at these two we know that without a doubt that they will be good mothers," Shan says with a smile. Dimitri looks at her questioningly and she smiles reassuringly at him. "As Chev says they complete each other and I believe that together they can make the best mothers."

"So raise your glasses," Chev says.

"As we toast to these two ladies." Shan states.

"Our fellow females."

"Our future mothers," Shan says with glossy eyes. A tear slips down her cheek and she wipes it away with a smile. "Oh damn now I'm crying."

Chev chuckles before hugging her sideways and rubbing her arms. Shan laughs before drying her tears and Dimitri watches her like a hawk. Chev sniffles as well before continuing. "Our future mothers and our friends. We love you guys and we wish you all the best."

"To Christina and Alexis!" Shan says before throwing back her drink.

"To Christina and Alexis!"

****

I make my way through the door with Lexi on my tail, she turns on the light and the first thing I see is a welcoming couch.

Home sweet home.

It is now to eleven and we are just making our way into the apartment. The night had continued with everyone going up and making speeches and then we hang out and talked until it got late. Edward and Chev had dropped Lexi and I home. They walked us to the elevator before leaving and wishing us a good night. Our presents are still at the diner, we had all decided to leave them there because it would be too hassling to move them tonight.

I yawn as I make my way to the couch. Slowly I sit after resting my crutches on the side of the couch. After locking the door Lexi makes her way towards me and sits beside me.

"That was tiring," I say as I take a breather.

"Yes it was," Lexi agrees, "but we had fun."

"Totally."

"Absolutely."

We sit silently for a moment before turning to look at each other.

"I'm so lucky to have you as a best friend Lexi," I admit.

"So am I," she smiles before holding out her hand.

"Best friends for now," she whispers.

I smile at her holding out my hand. "Best friends forever."

"Through good times."

"Through bad times." I say as we raise our hands.

We high five each other as we say the last line. "And through the tantrums of that bitch call life."

We giggle before falling into silence once more.

"Oh!" Lexi squeals. "I almost forgot I got you something. Be right back."

She runs to her room and seconds later she returns with a small item wrapped in pink and blue wrapping paper. "Here you go."

I take it from her with a smile and starts to unwrap it. Our sashes lie on the side of the couch where we had thrown them. They are beautiful but annoying.

As the wrapping disappears a small book with greets me and I look at it with a smile.

"It's a Mother's prayer book," she says as I look at the peach and green coloured book.

"It has a prayer for everyday of the year. I just thought I'd make a good present for you. I remember you saying your mother had one so I -" I hug her before she can continue and she squeals in surprise.

"I love it! Thank you," I whisper as tears well in my eyes. It's just like Momma's.

She runs her hands soothingly down my back and I smile through tears. "You're welcome Chrissie."

We decide to part ways after we notice the clock started to strike twelve. Lexi hugs me before making her way to her room and I whisper good night before venturing into my room. I sigh as I remember that we left Roxie at Shan's with a pet sitter that Dimitri found. So that means I'm on my own tonight.

I sigh again before pushing my way into my room and my heart stops as I notice a tall, male silhouette at my window.

"Johnattan?" I ask as I move farther in the room but I receive no response, no conformation.

The silhouette moves closer to me and I try to make out his features in the dark. His broad shoulders almost hover over me and his dark hair glistens in the moonlight.

"Johnattan?" I try again to call again. He starts to open his mouth but before he can reply the lights flip on.

"Hey Chrissie do you-"

Lexi stops mid-sentence as I stare agape at the man before me.

He has dark hair, he's tall but his green eyes and physical features tell-tale that this man is not Johnattan.

"Sam?" I ask bewildered. "What are you-"

A scream comes from behind me and I spin around to see Lexi lying on the ground unconscious.

"Lexi!" I scream in horror pushing myself onto the floor towards her. I turn her on her back with the little strength I have, before cupping her face.

My heart hammers in my chest. She fell on her stomach. Her baby.

Tears spill from my eyes as I call her name over and over again. I touch her stomach but my hands tremble as the worse things formulate in my mind. Shoes come into my field of vision and I look up from Lexi's unconscious form to look at her assaulter.

My hazel eyes widen in shock and I swear my heart stops as I looks into his blue eyes.

Whatthe fuck is he doing here?

***

And this is where I leave you.

Muhahahahaha

Don't know when I'll update next but look out it'll be soon.

Give me your theories on who it is...

Let's see who gets it right.

Mama Perv😸😸