Chapter 9

Noah's POV

After being forcibly persuaded, I began to live with Liam's mother. She is a brisk woman with a busy lifestyle, but she was caring and kind at all times. She would worry and fret over me, making nutritional meals and always giving me her attention.

Liam came over every day to have dinner with us and check up on me. His mother was grateful for this as well. "He used to never come over to visit," she said. "This is the longest I've ever seen him here!" Liam only blushed as she thanked me.

"How are you feeling?" Liam asked, nervous. After I'd told him​ off, he was a little bit better with the number of questions he asked a day.

I shrugged. "I'm feeling, I suppose."

Liam furrowed his brows, opening his mouth to speak when his mother cut him off. "Oh, buzz off. The poor lad's pregnant! What else do you have to understand? It hurts, and he's emotional. End of story."

She left with a curt nod, leaving both of us wide eyed and opened mouthed. Liam sat down on the couch after that, not saying anything more. I could tell he was worried, so I came over and sat in his lap. He stiffened for a moment before wrapping his arms around me, nuzzling his face in the crook of my neck.

"... I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize."

He raised an eyebrow. "Not even for my mother?"

I laughed. "Not even for your mother."

The clattering of dishes had gone silent, and I knew Mrs.Prince was watching from the kitchen, to seewhere this would go. I looked at Liam. Where would it go? I mean, how long until anything happens between us? There have been plenty of chances, but nothing happened.

I'm not frustrated, but I don't feel like we have any sort of connection. The only reason I seem to be here is because of the child. Even Liam seems more interested in my being pregnant than anything else. I suppose I'm just jealous.

I felt ashamed of myself. To be jealous of a child - my own unborn child - was silly. Liam gave a small sigh and I turned. "Something wrong?" He shook his head. "No, it's just... It's really hard to come here. I mean, I have to work during the day, and come here to check on you at night. It seems like a hassle, really. If my mother's here, why do I have to be?" I froze. "O-oh..." I got up from his lap, causing him to whimper.

"I-... I'm going out." I called to Mrs.Prince. She popped her head out the doorway. "Okay, dear. Be safe!"

I rushed out the door, not looking at Liam. I hadn't realized he felt that way. Had I been a bother? Was me getting pregnant just an accident he had to take responsibility for? Am I really that much of a hassle? Tears gathered in my eyes and I grit my teeth. Of course I'm a hassle. I'm a pregnant man for God's sake!! It's not uncommon, but I'm sure it's not easy for the other man to go through.

I headed towards my house, pulling out my phone and contacting Mrs.Prince. I left a simple message before collapsing on the bed.

Thank you for looking after me. I've decided to take my maternity leave now, and I am going to be staying home from now on. Don't tell Liam where I live.