For most people, holidays are a chance to spend time with family. My family was no exception.
Ever since I was a child, we gathered at my grandmother’s house, and even when I grew up and had my own family, this tradition hadn’t changed.
Mark and I were already on our way to my grandmother’s house to celebrate the 4th of July.
When my younger sister and I were kids, Dad used to buy fireworks every 4th of July, and we would watch him light them up with excitement.
But a lot had changed since then. Dad still bought fireworks every year, but Kate and I stopped talking, as we had grown so different.
She rarely came to family gatherings, claiming she had more important things to do, and the fireworks no longer thrilled us the way they did when we were kids.
That was probably the saddest part of growing up, such vivid emotions and experiences from childhood would never come again.
But now, I loved holidays because I got to spend them with my loved ones.
And this 4th of July was particularly special for Mark and me. We were bringing joyful news.
“Are you nervous?” Mark asked, glancing away from the road for a moment.
“Yes, though I know they’ll all react well,” I replied.
“Aren’t you worried Kate will spill the beans? She saw you at the hospital with the ultrasound pictures,” Mark said.“That’s good. She’d be furious if the inheritance from Grandma went to you,” Mark noted.
“I don’t care about the money. Besides, the inheritance isn’t for me, it’s for our baby,” I said, placing my hand on my belly.
I was just into my fourth month of pregnancy. We hadn’t told anyone yet, because we were nervous about everything going smoothly.
But we decided to share the news at the party—it was time, and I couldn’t keep such a happy secret any longer.
When we arrived, my parents’ car was already parked in front of the house, and the smell of barbecue wafted from the backyard.
We went inside and found Mom and Grandma in the kitchen, already preparing dinner.
“Is Dad making his famous steaks?” I asked, hugging Mom.“Oh, yes, and burgers. Sometimes I feel like he loves that grill more than me,” Mom said.
“You’re lucky it’s just a hunk of metal,” I teased.
“You look good. You’re glowing,” Grandma said, eyeing me.
It was true. Pregnancy suited me, and I really felt like I was glowing.
“Is that a bad thing?” I asked.
“It’s very good,” Grandma answered. “Looks like Mark’s treating you well,” she added.
“I’m doing my best,” Mark said.Dad came into the kitchen, carrying a tray of burgers.
“Are you guys still going to take forever? I’ve got everything ready,” he said.
“We’re ready too, don’t nag,” Grandma replied.
We all headed to the backyard to start dinner. Everything looked delicious, and I didn’t even know where to begin. We chatted about everyday things, reminiscing about old stories.
“Why are you only drinking water?” Grandma asked, eyeing me closely.
“Uh…” Mark and I exchanged glances. He nodded and took my hand. “We’ve got some news for you,” I began, but I was interrupted.“Hey, family! Can someone let me in?” someone shouted from the road.
I turned and saw Kate peeking through the fence. What was she doing here?!
In fact, the last time Kate and I saw each other was about five years ago when she stole a large sum of money from me.
After that, she didn’t speak to me, didn’t answer my calls or texts, and didn’t show up for holidays.
I ran into her again at the hospital when I was getting an ultrasound, but she acted like she didn’t know me and just walked past. What was she doing here now? Coming to steal more money?
Mom opened the gate for her, and Kate sat down at the table.
“So, how’s everyone doing?” she asked.Why haven’t you shown up in all these years?” Grandma asked, clearly upset.
“What difference does it make? The important thing is I’m here now,” Kate said. “And I’ve got some news—I’m pregnant,” she announced happily.
Everyone immediately forgot about the past and rushed to congratulate and hug Kate.
Except for Mark and me. We exchanged awkward glances. I knew my sister, and something was off. Kate wasn’t the type to share news with the family; she was hiding something.
“And how far along are you?” I asked.
“Five months already,” Kate replied.“Your belly looks awfully small for five months,” I said.
“It happens. Mom was the same when she was pregnant with me,” Kate quickly retorted.
“That’s true,” Mom added.
Everyone continued to chat excitedly with Kate about her pregnancy. She said she had a fiancé, they loved each other, and she’d introduce him to everyone soon.
When their enthusiasm for Kate’s pregnancy cooled a bit, Mark and I decided to share our news.
“So, what I didn’t manage to say earlier because Kate interrupted me: Mark and I are expecting a baby too,” I announced happily.
“Oh my God, that’s wonderful! I’ll have two grandkids almost at the same time!” Mom screamed. She and Dad hugged me, and then Grandma did too.
Kate sat there with a frown on her face, as though something bothered her.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“It’s just weird,” Kate said. “As soon as I tell you I’m pregnant, you turn out to be pregnant too.”
“Are you kidding? You think I’m lying?” I asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe you just want Grandma’s inheritance,” Kate said.
“Are you joking? Grandma’s literally sitting right here,” I snapped.