The Mystery And Mystique

The Mystery & Mystique
By: Elvira Tepes

I have had my challenges in life. But the latest one is the hardest. Who knew I would be going through a pregnancy now? The worst part is I have no idea at all who the father is. I don't remember. One drunken night at a party and I get pregnant.   

It all started on Halloween. My best friend Jonas Roberts is throwing a Halloween party and I was invited. And it is a costume party so that gives me a reason to dress up. I already had my hair dyed white so I decided to go as a human skeleton. I found some old stage make up and made my face look like an actual skull. Then I put on my skeleton costume. I smiled looking at myself in the mirror. I was very pleased.

I walked the three blocks to the apartment and knocked. The door opened and I waved. Jonas laughed and ushered me in. There already were people there. I knew some of them. I walked around talking to people as I sipped the beer in my hand. Around dark, this short freshman walked in. His black hair was gelled down towards his eyes. I watched him in wonder. I remember wondering who invited a freshman. I kept talking to people and that is the last thing I do remember. The next morning I was at home in my bed and my ass hurt like no tomorrow.

Anytime I moved it hurt. My little brother was even noticing I was acting weird. "Gerard what did you do last night? You were drunk off your ass when you came home this morning. You were talking about some boy."

I looked at him. "I have no idea Mikes... I really remember nothing from last night." Mikey scoffed at me then walked off. I sighed and went to get myself something to eat.

On November 28th, I started getting sick. I was sick most of the morning but then I was fine around lunchtime. That started to happen everyday. It was like my daily routine. On December 5th, I went too see my doctor. They ran some tests and sent me home promising a call with the results. My routine of getting sick continued. On December 8th my phone call came. I got the shock of my life. I'm pregnant.... At the time, I am 7 weeks pregnant.

I made an appointment for December 12th at noon. I write it on my calendar and put a reminder in my phone. I sighed wondering what to do. Then the other thought came to mind. Who got me pregnant? Who is my baby's father? Am I ready to be a mother? Can I even do this? Should I just abort? How dumb am I? How am I gonna tell my parents and family about this? I sighed and put my head in my hands. I sighed and looked around at my tiny flat. How could I raise a baby here if I even keep it? I bit my lip and just decided to nap.

Soon enough I'd had my appointment. The doctor gave me a list of Do's and Don'ts for the entire pregnancy. I was given prenatal vitamins and an excuse from gym class. The one benefit of being pregnant, no gym. I am still wondering whether or not to keep the baby.

Then the day came to tell my family. I got everyone together and we have pizza at my house. Then the time came. I sighed looking at everyone. "I need to tell you something... It's important."

They nodded and looked at me. "What's wrong honey?" That was my mother.

"Um.. I.. I'm pregnant..." Their jaws all dropped as one. "Uh... Guys? You ok?"

My father was the first to react. "You little asshole! I knew it! I know you would waste your life away like this! I knew you would do something this stupid. How could you Gerard?! You had your whole life ahead of you. Now it's ruined cause you were stupid! I thought we raised u better! How could you be so stupid Gerard?"

I sighed. "Just get out of my house. Leave." He tried to say something but I growled and stood. </b>"GET OUT YOU FUCKING BASTARD! I AM NOT GONNA LET YOU BELITTLE ME AND MY CHILD! AND DO NOT BOTHER ME EVER AGAIN! I DO NOT WANT YOU AROUND ME OR MY CHILD!"</b> As he left I looked at my mother and brother. "If you are gonna act the same way as him you better follow him out."

Mike stood and I was sure he was leaving. But the shock came when he walked to me and hugged me tight. "I am not gonna ditch you Gee. You are my brother and I love you." I smiled and put my arms around him. I looked at my mother.

"Well I must admit this is shocking but it is your life. You are my son and I will support you Gerard." She hugged Mikey and me. I smiled that I have a tiny support crew. I hugged them both and just sighed content.

~*~*~*~

The time came when I started to show. I was 4 months. It's February and still colder than anything. I wear a hoodie all the time for two reasons. #1: To hide my belly which is now jutting off my abdomen. #2: It is cold. The school has crappy heating. Depending on where in the classroom you sit, you're either frying, freezing, or content. I'm in the freezing category in each classroom. I still don't have to do gym class but health starts soon. Gotta do that.

As I walked into school one morning I ended up tripped head over heels and falling on my ass. As I fell I made sure not to land on my belly. Don't want to hurt my baby. I fell hard. My book bag went skyward and landed 5 feet away. Some of the contents fell out and landed in the snow.

I groaned and for a second laid back. I sat up then slowly stood. I walked carefully to my possessions and started to pick them up. I have a distinct feeling today will not be my day. I finally got everything and stood going into the school. Of course I was late. I sat in my Chorus class and sat trying to not draw attention. But that failed when the teacher looked at me and called my name. "You are Late Mr. Way."

"Sorry Mr. Riday." I put my bag at my side. "I fell on the ice outside and had to pick up my scattered possessions."

He nodded. "I see. Well don't let it happen again." I was shocked. He was known for giving detention if you are late and banning you from class that day. The rest of the class was just as shocked. He went on with class as if nothing happened.

I was confused but took it saying nothing. I started singing with the others and doing the rest we had to do. During class change I went to my locker to get my books and noticed I didn't have my keys. No keys means no opening the lock on my locker. I groaned and banged my head on the locker door. It made a thud and I sighed. Who knows where my keys are. I went to the next class with my book bag in hand and my coat.

"Mr. Way. Why do you have your coat? Why is it not in your locker?" Asked my math teacher Mr. Smolen.

"I lost my keys and can't get into my locker..." The whole class laughed at me and I put my head on my desk with yet another groan.  

"Class! That is enough!" the class silenced at his words then looked at me. "I see. Do you have ur textbook and homework?" I nodded getting them from my bag. "Alright." That was my routine all day. If I had needed my text for homework the night before I have it as well as the binder for it. But some classes I had nothing.

When lunch came around, I went and got my food glad that I had not lost my wallet. I sat at my normal table. But this time I was alone. All my friends had abandoned me once I told them I was pregnant and had no clue who the father was. I looked up as a tray was set across from mine. I smiled seeing my baby brother. "Hey Gee. You look like shit. What happened?"

"Worst day ever. I fell on the ice on the walk way, dropped my bag, lost my keys and was late to homeroom!" I sighed. "I swear there is a bruise on my ass where I landed." I sighed nibbling on some pizza. "How about you? how is your day going?"

"Much better than yours man... But Brightside?" I looked at him with raised eyebrow. "You and my niece or nephew are alright. You didn't get severely hurt. I mean you could have broken your leg or something."

I nodded. "True." I sighed nibbling my pizza some. I snuck a prenatal vitamin from by bag and swallowed it. "Can I hide my coat in your locker?"

Mikey nodded. "I'll take it once lunch is over. Let's just pray you find your keys. Remember you're supposed to take my home today cause I'm staying after for yearbook."

I nodded. "I know Mikes. If not we gotta hoof it." I ate as we talked. Occasionally he made me laugh but it was hard. The end of the day came and I sat with Mikey in his yearbook session. He walked over once they were done. "Hey Mikes. So bad news. We gotta hoof it. I never found my keys." I stood as he started to put on his coat. I put on my own and we walked outside.

"So otherwise did your day get better?" I shook my head and put my hands in my pockets as we got outside. I stopped in shock. "Dude?" He looked at me. "You ok?" I pulled out my right hand revealing my keys.

"What the fuck?! They were in my coat?! Gah... I never put them in my coat. Good god... Ok to my locker then the car." We walked as he chuckled. I sighed and pushed him. He pretended to be hurt as I got my things from my locker. We got to my car and drove home.

We were halfway there when I took a turn towards Burger King. "Where we going Gee?"

"Burger King. I'm craving French fries and a whopper with a smoothie." I said keeping my eyes on the road.

"A smoothie in the winter?" I nodded. "Why? It's cold as hell out already."

"Cause the baby wants it. Now hush or I won't get you anything. We arrived and I took the drive through. We got our food and headed home eating the whole way. As we pulled into the driveway of his house I smiled. "Am I giving you a ride tomorrow or are you taking the bus?"

"Dude... Tomorrow is Saturday." He started to laugh and once I figured it out laughed with him. "Losing your mind much?"

I chuckled. "Seems so. It just didn't feel like a Friday. Well how about tomorrow you and me have a brothers day?"

He nodded. "Deal. We can go to the movies and shit like that." I smiled. He hugged me then grabbed his bags and walked to the house. I saw my father glaring from the front window. I gladly flipped him off then left. The minute I walked into my flat the hoodie went bye-bye. I sighed putting my book bag in a chair and hung my keys on the wall.

I plopped onto my couch then sprawled out on it turning on the TV. I was starting to fall asleep when I felt it. There was a flutter in my stomach. I put my hand on my belly. "Was that you baby?" A few seconds passed and it happened again. I smiled happily. My bad day had a reward.

~*~*~*~

After that day, the baby started to move a lot more. And sadly my ability to hide my pregnancy has gone away. It is now April 7th and I'm 6 months pregnant. The baby kicks so often now I come to expect it. The doctor said the baby can hear me now. And anytime it is really active I sing to it. It calms immediately. I also learned the gender. I'm having a baby girl.

I have started trying to figure out named but to date have come up dry. Mikey has given the choices of Helena, Maria, Adelyn, and April. I must say Adelyn is cute. If I can't pick a good name, I will go with Adelyn.

I drove to school and sat at my sear. I started getting to class earlier than normal. Due to my pregnancy I don't walk. I waddle... At a slow pace. So I get to leave classes 5 mins early to get where I gotta go. I even have an elevator key. I smiled looking at Mr. Riday. "Morning Gerard."

"Hey Mr. Riday." I rubbed my belly as my daughter started to kick.

"How is the baby today?"

"Good. Already trying to kick my butt. She's always so hyper! And my doctor said how the baby acts in the womb can depict how it will act once born. If that is true she will always be awake... I barely get sleep. She's gonna be a pain in my ass." I shifted some and paced the room trying to get her back to sleep.

"That is normal. She normally is awake when ur resting right?" I nodded. "The reason for that is when you're moving around you end up rocking her to sleep. The move of your hips as you walk puts her to sleep. But the minute you sit down she is not being rocked and soon wakes up." He got things ready for class.

I sighed. "Yippee... to think I have 4 more months of this... How will I survive?" I rubbed where I guessed her head is. "Do you have kids Mr. Riday?"

"No. But I have siblings and 13 nieces and nephews." I nodded. Soon enough the bell rang and I got into my seat. The class started to shuffle in. Most them looked like zombies. I chuckled some and rested my hands over the top of my belly. Soon enough attendance was taken and we started practicing songs for our next concert.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I snuck up to Mikey at the end of the day and tickled him. He laughed and screamed. I chuckled releasing him. "GEE!" He turned and looked at me with a smiled on his face. "She asleep?" I nodded knowing he was referring to the baby. "Darn... I wanted to feel her kicking. Oh! And mom wants you to come into the house with me today. She wants to talk. Dad isn't gonna be home til about 9. He has to work really late today. So once we get to the humble home you get to come inside."

I sighed at his excitement. "As long as I can raid the fridge and put my feet up I'm fine." He hugged me tight and giggled. I hugged him and smiled. "Love you brat."

"I am not a brat! I'm a pain in the ass." He smiled at me.

I ruffled his hair. "You're my pain in the ass." He smiled, grabbed his things, and shut his locker. "Ready?"

He nodded and we walked out to my car. "Gee?" I looked at him as we walked. "Can I drive your car?"

"Sorry Mikes. No deal, no driving my car til you have your permit. And you won't get that until you are 17." He growled. "Bite me Mikes." I gasped as he did just that. He took my hand and bit into it. "OW! Little fucker. I didn't mean literally! Jesus Christ!" He giggled and smiled all innocent. "Asshole."

"Hey I'm your asshole." He laughed right after he said that and I joined him. "That so did not sound right!!!"

Once we got to the house mom immediately hugged me. "My baby boy. How are you doing? You look good!"

I smiled. "Thanks mom." She led me to the couch and smiled as I sat. "So what's up? Mikey said you needed to talk to me."

She nodded. "Well I wanted to know if you want any of your old baby things for this angel. I found your old crib. It's still in good condition." I shrugged. "At least look at it before you leave? If you want it I'll use the truck and bring it over since it won't fit in the car." I nodded and stood. "Where you going?"

"Gotta piss. She just kicked my bladder." I waddled off praying I don't piss myself. I made it just in time and was glad for it. It's pretty bad that I now have to sit to piss. I can't see to aim anymore. I cleaned myself up then walked back out to the living room. Mikey walked out with 3 hoagies and handed me one with a bag of Doritos. I gasped and smiled at him. "I love you so, so, so much right now Mikes."

He just chuckled and shook his head. I got mom up to date on my pregnancy and other things. We talked for a few hours. Then around 5 the door opened revealing dad. "Donna I got off early. Boss said things were messed up. So he-" He had seen me. He slammed the door shut. "What the fuck is he doing here?"

"Donald stop. I invited him over. Be nice." She stood and walked over. Mikey helped me off the couch. Our father walked past our mother with anger on his face. "Donald please stop. He is our son no matter what you think."

I looked at him, as he stood right before me. My stomach was a centimeter away from touching his. "What are you doing here fucker?"

"Mom invited me."

"You do not have my permission to be here. I did not allow you in my house. If you say you don't want me near you then stay the hell away from me. That means no coming in this house. I'm in it most of the time. Now get yourself and that piece of shit growing in you off my property. I do not want you here ever again. If I find you here again I will not hesitate hitting you. Am I clear."

I nodded. "Crystal. I hope you rot in hell. Good job and breaking up your family Donald." I grabbed the half-eaten hoagie and left. I got into my car and drove off. The minute I left the road tears flooded my vision and I had to pull over. I cried for a good 10 minute before I drove home. I went into my room and just plopped onto my couch. I sighed thinking about how my life has come to this. I love my daughter but right now, I am wondering if keeping her was a good idea.

~*~*~*~

Month 8 has arrived. It's now June 4th. I graduate in 1 week and 2 days. Graduation is on the 13th. It's a Thursday. I so wished it had been Friday the 13th but I'll survive. I decided to name my daughter Adelyn Valeria Way. It seems fitting. As I pace my English classroom I am glad my teacher told me I can walk around if I need to. I sighed looking at my teacher as she looked at me. I nodded that I was ok and kept pacing to calm Adelyn down. Once she finally  calmed I sat down again.

The rest of the day seemed to go slower than molasses. I felt like 1 second took 5 years to pass by. I soon enough sat at our graduation practice. We sat in order and did all that. The minute the bell rang I went to my car and went home. I was so tired. I fell asleep the minute I laid on my bed putting my head on my pillow.

Graduation went off swimmingly. No problems at all. The sad part was none of my family was there for me. It was just me. My father had refused to let anyone come. I got my diploma afterward and walked off. I got into my car and drove home. I have a month left of my pregnancy before I meet my angel. Kinda exciting.

Now it's July. It's hot out and I want to swim but don't have a pool. I sigh sitting on my couch with 3 fans on me at once. Adelyn is kicking hard as she can just to piss me off. So I tried singing to her.

Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are
I never will be far away

Goodnight my angel, now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an Emerald Bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark and deep inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me

Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart, there will always be a part of me
Someday we'll all be gone, but lullabies go on and on
They never die, that's how you and I will be

Luckily she soon calmed. I sighed leaning back on the couch. My belly took over most of my lap. Sometimes I wonder if I even have a penis anymore. I sighed rubbing the sides of the dome that took over my whole abdomen. The sides of my stomach have sunk in to my ribs ever since she dropped into my pelvis. I sighed as a tiny foot pushed out against the top of my belly. I rubbed at it and smiled. "Someone is hyper today..." I sighed and yawned. "Well Mommy is very tired. So how about you let me nap huh?" I waited for a response like an idiot. When she didn't move I laid on my side and tried to sleep.

I woke god knows how much later feeling weird. I looked around wondering what woke me. I don't feel like I have to piss... Adelyn is sleeping... I don't hear anyone at my door... What woke me? I sat up and yawned. I went to my tiny kitchenette and made a snack. The clock on the microwave says 7 PM. Seems I should make dinner not a snack. I get the defrosted sausage from the fridge and start to cook it.

I got some pasta from the cabinet and started that as well. I was making sausage alfredo. Super nummylicious. I had just flipped the sausage when I felt a super strong cramp in my belly. I dropped the tongs I was holding and clutched the counter for support. I bit my lip and my white hair fell into my eyes. I groaned in actual pin. Was this it? Am I going into labor? The pain ended and I panted before standing straight again. I had to wait to find out if my time had come or not.

As dinner cooked, I experienced 2 more contractions at varying intervals. I called my doctor and told her I had 3 contractions and that my water is still intact. She told me if my contractions start to actually become regular or if my water breaks I need to be admitted to labor and delivery. I agreed then went to eat my dinner in the living room while watching TV.

I sat watching The Nightmare Before Christmas. I had it on DVD and decided to put it on. I sighed eating my food in between contractions that still were irregular. After about 2 hours things started to get very regular. I grabbed my hospital bag and drove myself slowly to the hospital. I called my doctor on the way from the car phone. She said she would prepare a private room just for me.

Once I arrived I'd been in labor for 2 hours and 45 minutes. I walked in and right as I got to the desk had a contraction. I held onto the desk and groaned breathing deep. "Sir? Can I help you?" I groaned. Did the bimbo not notice I was in pain? "Sir? What's wrong?"

I glared at her and growled. "SHUT UP! I'M FIGHTING A DAMN CONTRACTION!" I panted trying to focus again. Finally the contraction ended and I looked at the nurse "My name is Gerard Arthur Way. I called ahead to reserve a private room. My doctor is Maria Turke. Please get me a room before my next contraction so I can sit or lay down." The nurse nodded and another nurse got a wheelchair and took me off with my bag.

Within minutes I was situated and checked. My dilation is only 4. I have a long way to go… Hours slowly passed by. My dilation slowly moved along. After 6 hours I got the option for an epidural but I shut it down. I don't want to be drugged when I deliver. I was already drunk when I conceived. I want to remember one aspect. My water still hasn't broken either.

So 6 AM came along and the doc checks me again. She decided to break my water to speed things along. When my water was broken… That hurt… I am sore in that area already and they are shoving a plastic crochet hook up there. I'm now 8 CM by the way.  So once they snag and break my water I feel like I had the runs as this big amount of water comes out of me.

Maria says there is no meconium which is good. They changed the pee pad under my butt and then left me to labor. I must admit a ton of pressure is now gone. But the contractions are more intense. Each contraction took my breath away. But I knew soon I would hold Adelyn.

Then at noon, I was checked again. Maria said I'm 10 CM. That made my heart sing. I was prepped then told to start pushing. I was told to bend my legs at the knee and hold my hands behind my knees pulling them back as I pushed. MY chin was to be put to my chest and I was to hold my breath for 10 seconds. That is what Maria called pushing.

I did this for what seemed like an eternity. I felt Adelyn slowly moving down farther and farther towards the world. I'd been pushing for an hour and still no Adelyn. I groaned lying back after my latest pushing session. "Why isn't she here yet?"

Maria patted my leg. "It's slow work. Your body is stretching around her with each push Gerard. You need to be patient and have faith in her. She is taking her time. It's normal."

I practically growled. "I hate this!" Soon there was a knock at the door. A nurse ducked her head in.

"Maria? There is someone here to see Gerard. They say it's urgent and won't take no for an answer."  I growl wondering who the hell is here to torture me. Maria nodded to the nurse as if saying let them in. The nurse left and the focus was on me again.

"Ok Gerard. Push!" She counted off as I pushed. Right as I stopped to breathe the door to my private room opened and my name was called. I looked over in shock.

Mom and Mikey were running over to me. I was totally confused and shocked. "H-how? W-who... Who told you?" Mikey hugged me gently. "What am I missing here?"

"Your doctor called us after you called her. We finally got away cause dad went to work. Glad we didn't miss anything." Mikey replied. Mom hugged me then held my left hand. Mikey stood on my right side and held my right hand. I was glad they were there. I felt the urge to push again, they both helped hold my legs, and I pushed hard as I was able. I started to feel a burning and screamed.

"Easy Gerard. Don't push anymore. Her head is coming out and if it comes out too fast you will tear. Just pant." I did as she said to the best of my ability. I clenched the hands of my brother and mother. I winced as her head popped out. I panted. "Her head is out Gerard. Just pant I gotta check for a cord around her neck." I groaned as she checked. "Alright. All clear. Big push Gerard. Push as hard as you can for as long as you can."

I nodded doing as she said. I felt like my brain was gonna explode and smoke would come out of my ears. I screamed as I got my peak. Adelyn slid out and I panted. My ears tuned waiting for the sound of her crying. I was straining to hear her. Then it happened. A loud high pitch scream was heard. I cried tears of joy hearing her.

Soon enough she was laid on my chest. I put my arms around her and kissed her head. "Hi Adelyn. How my pretty girl? Hi. Look at you." I smiled happily." Mikey cut her cord then she was taken for tests as I was cleaned up.

30 minutes later I had my heart stamped on. I was told she needs a blood transfusion due to low blood count and my blood is not compatible. They started searching through donor's. Luckily they found a perfect match and my baby got what she needed. Then I asked to meet the person who saved her.

I looked up when a short kid walked into the room. I was at the moment breastfeeding Adelyn. I gasped recognizing the kid from somewhere but I'm not sure where. "You wanted to see me?" I nodded dumbly. "Um... Why?"

I sobered up some. "The doctors said you saved my baby girl. I want to thank you for that." He nodded. "What is your name?"

"Frank Iero. And you are Gerard Way." I nodded shocked. "We go to school together..."

"Whoa. Well. Thank you Frank." He nodded. HE made a noise of acknowledgement and then it all came flooding back. The boy from that night said it was his birthday. I finally saw a face. It was Frank... He is Adelyn's Father....

We ended up talking for a while getting better acquainted. He told me that he lives alone with his mom. I told him that I live alone period. Soon enough we started to notice we have a lot in common. Not just Adelyn either. So... This is my story. And if not for Frank Way, I would not be the happy mother I am now. I got a job working for an art company. I do commissions and stuff from home. I see Mikey and mom occasionally. Dad... He still refuses to talk to me. But that does not matter to me. I have my husband and I have my daughter. My life is perfect even when full of mystery and mystique.

~FIN~