ficwhatfic | The Price Legacy - Generation One

Marci is pregnant. She has to break the news to the father. How do they take the news?

CONTENT WARNING: Mature language, mentions of abortion.

Marci stepped outside the house and waited for Don to come over.

For a few weeks, she felt as though she were coming down with the flu. She was lowkey nauseous all the time and felt more exhausted after her night shifts.

It never occurred to her that it could be morning sickness until she skipped a period.

Marci: "Shit."

She knew Don was the father.

It wasn’t that she and Joshua hadn’t done anything in the last few weeks, but when the doctor estimated the baby’s due date, it made sense. The only person she slept with at the time of conception was Don.

Once she got home from the doctor, she texted him and told him to come over, that she had important news.

Sure, telling Joshua was a top priority, but she was still figuring out how to break the news to him. It was hard to tell how he’d feel about this. He knew about her entanglement with Don but neither anticipated this. He might be fine...or everything might blow up in her face.

And there was no telling how Don was going to react.

First, he was going to lose his shit and have a meltdown. She knew that for certain. After that...

No matter what happened, her best friend deserved the truth.

He read the message but never answered.

The next night, she tried again. This time, she called.

It went to voicemail.

Marci: "Hey! What's going on? I uh...don't know if you forgot to respond to my message or what, but we need to talk. It's kind of a big deal. Call me back when you're not busy. Bye."

Was he blowing her off?

The next day, her phone rang, waking her right out of her nap.

She didn't even have to look at the caller ID. She recognized Don's ringtone.

Marci: "You're avoiding me."

Don: "Wha - no, I'm not!"

Marci: "Then why haven't you been returning my messages?"

Don: "Why do you think? Kat hasn't give me a second to myself since I moved back in. The last thing I want is another freak out over a text from another girl."

Marci: "Wasn't that always the case with her, though? It takes a minute to answer a text and just let me know what's up, Don."

Don: "Get off my case. I'm not glued to my phone at every second like some people."

That was a lie. Don practically lived in his phone. Marci knew better than to take the bait. He was trying to distract her.

Marci: "Look, if you're feeling weird about what happened between us, you can just tell me."

Don: "That - that's not - "

Marci: "It has to be. You never ignored my texts until now. And you haven't dropped by in awhile. Did I make you uncomfortable? Seriously, I'm sorry if I did."

Don: "No, don't be sorry, I just...I needed some space to figure things out with Kat. It's got nothing to do with you, Marci."

Marci: "You swear?"

Don: "Sure. I swear. What's up? How come you've been trying to get a hold of me? Is something wrong?"

Marci: "I... I don't know yet. I can't tell you over the phone, though. It's too important. How soon can you get here?"

Don: "Give me a few minutes? I've got to help Nina out with the grill, then I'll be right over."

Marci had a really, really bad feeling about this. She tried to tell herself Don wasn't ignoring her, that he wasn't going to blow her off, and that he wasn't going to react too badly to the news. It did nothing to ease her anxiety.

Don: “Sorry! I (huff) would’ve ran over sooner, but there was a damn grill fire!”

Marci: “Again? This is, what, the third grill you have to replace now?”

Don: “It’s fine! I didn’t destroy it this time, but I nearly set myself on fire before Nina dragged me away from it! She joked and said it got my hair. Got me panicked for no good reason.”

I can’t believe I’m having this idiot’s baby...

They shared a friendly embrace.

Marci: “Well, I’m glad you didn’t die. And that your hair wasn’t harmed. Whatever would you do without it?”

Don: “It would be a devastating loss and you know it. So, what’s the news? Did you get that promotion?”

Marci: “Oh, I wish. Haven’t heard back yet. Actually, it’s something else.”

Marci: “I...I’m pregnant.”

Don: “Whoa. Again? Uh hey, congrats! Does Josh know?”

Marci: “Not yet, but actually...I needed to tell you first.”

Don: “Me? Why me?”

Marci: “Joshua isn’t the father. You are.”

Marci watched as Don's face sank.

Don: “Hold on. Are you sure? That was, what, how many weeks ago?

Marci: “I’m sure. I just got back from the doctor. The conception date...it lines up.”

Don: “No, no, there’s got to be a mistake. You and Josh haven’t...?”

Marci: “We have, but...it was much later, too late for Joshua to be the father. I’m sorry, but I did the math, and…it just makes sense.”

Don: “UGH! I can't believe this!"

Marci: “Don, could you please calm down?”

Don: “Calm? How can I be calm right now?! You just told me you’re pregnant - with my kid! How did this happen? We used protection, too!”

Marci: “We did, but…you know as well as I do that birth control fails sometimes. It happened with me and Josh, too. Can we just talk about this? You’re starting to freak me out.”

Don: “What is there to talk about, Marci? Shit, how are you not freaking out right now? Why am I the only one who thinks this is a horrible mistake? Is this supposed to be good news?!”

Marci: “You’re telling me! Do you think I’m looking forward to this, Don? Giving birth again, when I barely bounced back from the first time? How do you think I’m going to feel explaining this one to Josh? ‘Hi honey! Guess what? I’m pregnant! Again! This time, it’s not yours! Surprise!’ So no, I wouldn’t call giving birth to your devil spawn with half your stupid genes a joyous occasion, but it’s hardly the kid’s fault!”

Don: “Go ahead and laugh, Marci! Maybe you think this is funny, but I don’t! At what point did I ever say I wanted to be a father!? When I was telling you about Kat, did I ever say, 'Well, I already feel weighed down here! Do you know what I could use? A kid to tug harder on the anchor!'? Did you really think I asked for this responsibility?”

Marci: “Wait a minute. You’re not saying what I think you're saying, are you? Do you believe I’m trying to get something out of you with this?”

Don: “I don’t know, Marci. You tell me. What do you want from me? You can’t stand there and say you didn’t expect anything when you called me over. I already feel trapped here with Kat. I don't need this.”

Marci: “Trapped? Trapped!? You think I’m trying to trap you?”

Don: “That’s not what I meant - ”

Marci: “Who the FUCK do you think you’re talking to? I don't need you! I already have a husband! And even if I wasn’t married, I have a job! I can take care of this kid with or without you!”

Marci: “And all your talk about feeling suffocated and weighed down, like I schemed to get you in this mess? Get over yourself! I told you I was having your kid because I thought you were a decent person, that you’d like to get to know your kid or have some say in what I do with it.”

Marci: “You talk about responsibility, but look at yourself! You work for minimum wage and hang around the Caliente estate all day with an old hag who doesn’t even respect you! You settled for so little, and you dare to act like you’re some prize that I’m trying to win?! Don’t flatter yourself!”

Don: “That’s cold, Marci. I thought you said I wasn’t a bad guy.”

Marci: “Well, maybe I was wrong! This bullshit you’re spewing at me right now? It proves you don’t WANT to get better! That you don't want to change! That you’re still selfish! Grow up!”

Marci tried to walk away, but she didn’t get too far.

Don: “Marci, wait!”

Don: “Just hold on a minute!”

Marci: “Let go of me, Lothario. I mean it. The mood I’m in, I’ll break your jaw. And that’s a promise.”

Don: “Marci, I’m sorry! Can't you just hear me out?”

Marci: “Why? You made your point loud and clear - and I am not terminating this pregnancy, so don’t even go there.”

Don: “No, that…that wasn’t--”

Marci: “You were working up to it. You wanted to hear me suggest that. Don’t fucking lie to me.”

Marci knew she probably went too far with her words. All she wanted to do was hurt him - and she clearly did. Despite that, he tried grabbing her hands.

Don: “You...really think I would do that? Seriously? What kind of monster do you think I am?”

Marci pulled her hands away.

Marci: “At this point, Don, I don’t know what to expect. You’ve done a pretty damn good job accusing me of ruining your life. May as well hit me where it hurts while you're at it.”

Don: “I’m not trying to hurt you. I don’t want to tell you what to do about this, or how to feel, but this...this isn’t what I want. I never wanted this. You knew that.”

Those final words chilled her. It was worse than the fury, the implications of his earlier remarks, the defensiveness. It was worse than the reality that he was never going to be a father to their child, or give it the time of day. He was essentially saying her hurt feelings weren’t his responsibility...

That she should’ve known better.

“Save yourself a world of hurt, honey. Stay the hell away from Don Lothario.”

Marci: “Wow. Okay. You...really don’t care, do you?”

Don: “Marci, I’m sorry, but--”

Marci: “I'm not an idiot, Don. I knew all about you from the second I moved here, remember?”

“I ignored what other women said about you. I defended you when people talked shit. I was there for you when Kat kicked you out. I opened myself up to you, even when I had no reason to trust you...because I thought I found someone who understood me, who accepted me when I was still damaged goods. Because I thought you needed a friend, too.”

“I never expected you to be such a fucking prick with me over this. I just thought we could figure this out, together. I thought you respected me...that you cared about me.”

“I was wrong though, wasn’t I? You don’t love anyone.”

“Don’t worry. You’re off the hook.”

“Just go.”

When Marci got into the house, she didn't dare look out the window to see if Don was still in front of the house, or if he already left. Not that she had the time. Joshua was waiting, and he tentatively approached her.

Joshua: “Marci, what were you and Don fighting about? I heard you two yelling from the basement.”

Marci: “You were right, Josh. I...I shouldn’t have trusted Don. He was never my friend. He’s so stupid. So fucking stupid. So am I.”

Joshua: “Marci…”

Marci: “I just need a minute. I’m fine.”

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, which only made her feel worse.

Joshua: “No, you're not fine. You're crying! What's wrong?”

Marci: “I… I can’t tell you, Josh. I just can’t.”

Joshua: “Sure you can. Please? I’ve never seen you this upset. What did he do to you?”

Marci: “Don’t hate me. No matter what, please don’t hate me. I can deal with you being angry, but I can’t lose you, too.”

Joshua: “Lose me? What are you talking about? You’re worrying me.”

This wasn’t how Marci wanted to break the news to Joshua. He deserved better. Better than her.

Left with little choice, she told him everything.

At first, Joshua didn’t say much. Maybe he was too stunned to say a word, or he was letting her get everything out first. He let her explain how she talked to Don, how he reacted, and what she said.

Then he held her as she cried.

Eventually, he pulled back.

Joshua: “I…I’m sorry, I have to pick Louis up from school. Why don’t you lay down while I’m out?”

Marci: “I’m not tired…”

Joshua: “I know that’s not true. You were up and down all night. Go on, rest. We’ll talk when I get home, okay?”

After Joshua left, Marci went to their bathroom. She took off her jeans and changed into sweatpants, washed off her makeup, and splashed cold water on her hands and face.

She looked at herself in the mirror.

No matter what choices she made, good or bad, she still looked and felt like that broken, dirty, stupid girl who fled to Oasis Springs for a fresh start.

Marci: “You are such a dumb slut.”

Marci lied in bed for at least an hour turning everything over in her head.

Don’s absurd reaction, Joshua implying they were going to have a big discussion later…

She never planned on this. What if she blew up her marriage with this pregnancy? Joshua was fine with an open marriage but never said anything regarding bringing in children that weren’t his own. What if he didn’t want this any more than Don?

Perhaps she was a fool, but she never expected such a harsh reaction from Don. It wasn't as though she expected him to leap for joy, but she never thought he was capable of being so cruel towards her. Were they ever really friends, or was he just bidding his time until she too threw herself at him?

Either way, their baby would grow up without their father involved whatsoever...and that realization hurt more deeply than she ever expected. More than the reality that she and Don likely wouldn't talk ever again. More than the possibility that Joshua would never forgive her.

What a goddamn mess...

When the bedroom door opened, Marci stayed still, hoping Joshua would assume she was asleep. She wasn’t ready to face the music yet.

Joshua: “Marci, I’m back. I checked on the babies. They’re all right.”

Joshua: “I know you’re awake. I can tell when you’re faking. You snore, remember?”

Marci: “...I’m giving you an out."

Joshua: “What?”

Marci: “We don’t have to do this, stay together for the kids. You didn’t sign up for your wife having someone else’s baby, so I’m giving you the option to leave. Or I can leave. You poured more savings into this house, so-”

Joshua pulled her into his arms and held her.

Joshua: “Stop. Stop trying to push me away.”

Marci: “I’m not.”

Joshua: “You are. You’ve been giving me outs since we started dating. I’m not going anywhere.”

Once Marci calmed down, they discussed the matter. It wasn’t an easy conversation. Although Joshua knew about her entanglement with Don, neither predicted this situation as a likely outcome. At first, he was at a loss of words to comfort her, and it was difficult for her to get a read on what he was feeling and what was running through his mind. Marci briefly danced with the option of adoption or terminating the pregnancy, but even just voicing the option out loud didn’t settle right with either of them; she loved the twins so much, that the mere thought of giving up this child felt wrong, and Joshua was too family-oriented to seriously consider those options. And so, they decided to keep the baby.

Joshua: “Are you okay?”

Marci: “No…are you?”

Joshua: “I’m not the one who’s pregnant.”

Marci: “No, but this has to be a shock for you. It’s okay if you’re mad at me.”

Joshua: “I’m not mad. At least, not at you. I’m just...shocked. I always thought if we had another baby, it would be one of our own. It’s a lot to take in.”

Marci knew her follow up question was necessary, but she feared his answer.

Marci: “Josh, be honest. Are you really okay with this? Don't hold back on my account, seriously. Eventually, there’s going to be another baby. And it won't be yours, not really. You don’t have to act like that doesn't upset you. I don’t want you to go along with this if it’s going to make you unhappy.”

Joshua: “You’re right, I wasn’t expecting this, and this is weird, but…we opened our relationship. I went into this knowing the risks. Had this been a few years ago, or if you weren’t honest with me from the start…perhaps I would’ve reacted differently. Maybe I feel differently now because I spent so much of my life alone, and since Katherine left, I didn’t think I could find anyone to fill that void for me and Louis.”

Joshua: “Then you showed up. From the start, I knew I was meant to be with you...and nothing is going to change that.”

She finally sat up.

Marci: “Really? Even now? I know we swore to stay by each other’s side through the good and the bad, but I know I messed up. You didn’t marry me to help me manage my goddamn mistakes.”

He took hold of her hand. He pressed a soft kiss against her fingers.

Joshua: “Marci, a baby isn’t a mistake. I won’t pretend this is going to be easy, but we’ll figure this out.”

Marci: “You’re too good to be true. It’s making me a little nauseous.”

Joshua: “Heh. Does it, really?”

Marci: “So does pregnancy, but still, my microscopic black heart can only take so much goodness.”

Joshua: “I can pretend to be jealous and confront Don if you want. He has it coming, anyway.”

Marci: “No need, I...I kinda already did that. Verbally, at least. He dished back. It got ugly out there.”

Joshua: “Did he really take the news that badly?”

Marci: “You heard us from the basement. What do you think? Guess I should’ve seen it coming. I thought...never mind what I thought. It doesn’t matter, I got my answer. He clearly wants no part in this.”

Joshua: “I hate to say this, but... screw him. We're probably better off.”

Marci: “Wow. That was blunt of you to say.”

Joshua: “Marci, I don’t have a lot of respect for someone who refuses to step up and do right by their kids. Some people shouldn’t be parents, such as my stepfather. My ex was one of those people too, and look at what happened with Louis. If Don doesn't want to come around for this baby, then good riddance. At least they won’t even know him enough to miss him.”

Marci: “I get where you’re coming from, Josh, I do, but...growing up without a father and never knowing why? That sucks, too. And...I don’t know, maybe I expected too much too soon from Don. I know I freaked out when I got pregnant with the twins.”

Joshua: “Sure, but you thought about it and decided you wanted to be a parent. You’ve been a mother for our children every step of the way. He’s an adult. You can’t hold his hand through this, no more than I could when you made your choice. Making excuses for him won’t--”

Marci: “I’m not making excuses for his ass! The jerk doesn’t need my help in that department. Now, is this the part where you say you told me so? That I shouldn’t have trusted him? Go on, I know you want to.”

Joshua: “Of course not! Just...forgive me, I’m not being helpful right now.”

Marci: “It’s cool. If I was in your position, and some dumb chick shattered your big sentimental heart into bits and pieces, I’d want to pummel her ass, too.”

And there it was, the looming question over both their hands. She knew his curiosity was inevitable. He reached over and held her hand.

Joshua: “Is...that what happened with you? Did you get your heart broken?”

Marci: “No, it...Don and I were never a couple.”

Joshua: “I didn't ask if you two were serious. I meant--”

Marci: “I know what you meant...and no, it wasn't that deep.”

Marci: “I just meant, I would’ve gladly jumped to your defense if anyone ever hurt you.”

Joshua: “I appreciate that.”

Joshua got up from the bed.

Joshua: “I think we need a break - I know I do. We can talk more tonight if you want, but I have to get dinner started for Louis. What did you want to do about us? We can order out, or I can heat up some leftovers in the oven.”

Marci: “Hold on.”

She got up, too. She stopped him at the door.

Marci: “I don’t know if you’re a saint or an idiot, Josh. How do you put up with me?”

Joshua: “Marci, I don’t put up with you. I chose you. We’re a family now. That makes this baby my family, too. So, please...stop doubting me.”

Marci: “I don’t, I just...I was scared. Still am.”

He kissed her forehead.

Joshua: “Don't be.”

***

“...You better not ghost me. I mean it, Lothario. You don’t get to walk away from me without a couple of scars. Leave without saying a word, and I’ll haunt your ass.”

“I believe it...but I won’t do you dirty like that, Price. Same goes for you. When things with your man gets too overwhelming, and you need a getaway driver, hit me up.”

“What, you’re ready to bail the fuck out of here at a moment’s notice, for me? Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

“Say the word, and we'll go."

Marci: “Oh...I’m sorry, Louis. Did I wake you up?”

Louis: “No, I had to pee. Why are you crying?”

Marci: “I…I’m just sad. I got into a big fight with my best friend.”

Louis: “Why? What happened?”

Marci: “It doesn’t matter. We both said things we can’t take back, and now...I don’t think we’re friends anymore.”

Louis: “You know, I get into fights with my best friend Jet all the time. He’s always saying stupid stuff that gets me mad! Then we don’t talk for a day or two, but we always make up.”

Marci: “Ugh, I wish it was that simple. You’re still a kid. Little kids have little problems. When adults argue, sometimes it gets really bad. We both hurt each other’s feelings.”

Louis: “So what if I am a kid? I still know that you should always try and forgive your friends. Otherwise, you won’t have any. That’s what my dad always tells me.”

Marci: “Your dad might be onto something, huh? He is a very smart and sweet person. Just like you.”

Louis: “Are you going to be okay?”

Marci: “Yeah, I’ll be okay. Thanks for checking on me. I’ll stop crying now, I promise. Sorry if I scared you.”

Louis: “Nah, you didn’t scare me. I never get scared. I’m gonna go to bed now. Night.”

Marci: “Hold on, little man. Can I hug you?”

Marci turned in her stool and pulled the boy into her arms, squeezing him tight.

Marci: “You’re a really great kid, you know that?”

Louis: “Yeah, I know.”

Marci: “Heh. You cocky little shit. Want to eat some cookies with me before you go to bed? I won’t tell your dad.”

Perhaps Marci couldn’t get everything she wanted, but she still had her family.

In the end, maybe she and Don were getting exactly what they needed.

Katrina: “Don, sweetheart?”

Katrina: “It’s two in the morning. Are you coming back to bed?”

Katrina: “Don? Did you hear me? Is everything alright?”

Don: “Yeah…just had a little too much to drink.”

Don: “I’m fine.”

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1. You wouldn't believe how many times I had to retake the storytelling images of Don and Marci's argument because Marci was missing her body freckles! It was awful. I took a series of pictures that I was happy with but ultimately had to scrap because I couldn't justify pairing them off with the pictures where her body freckles are pronounced.

2. The second title of this chapter: "Marci and Don are both idiots, the end."