Brallie Metropolis AU | In This Together

Chapter 96 | Twelve Drummer's Drumming

Em and Colleen were wandering around the tight spaces of the Adams Foster household on Christmas Eve. Brandon, Callie, and the girls always traveled to San Diego because it was easier for them to go, rather than them to come to New York. Plus, it made more sense that way. Everyone was somewhere in California, except for them.

Lena and Stef had decorated their house with a tree, several strands of lights going around every place possible like the stair banisters and the fireplace mantel, items with a Christmas motif, and much more. The walls of the building was fluttered with people and food. Everyone was there for the holidays.

Mariana's bubbly, yet sophisticated, spirit was circling around the other groups of people, drifting from her husband, Mat, every now and then. As far as Callie new, they had gotten through the awkward rut every married couple goes through. Mariana had been known to keep a secret or two now that she could keep her lips sealed shut, thanks to her great lawyer skills. She recently got hired by a celebrity to cover a case...and the rest is history. She was now the unwritten go to lawyer for the stars. Someone's Little Sister did as well people thought they would. They've gotten three record deals so far, sticking to their image and only playing in old dive bars and smaller venues.

Mike was there with his new girlfriend, whose name is Alexa. She was a few years younger than him, but they both seemed very happy. Mike moved up the totem pole on the San Diego Police Department's hierarchy. He was now a detective, same as Stef. He refused to leave the action he craved.

Jesus had shown up earlier that day with a surprising girl around his arm...Emma. They recently rekindled their flame within the past few months, but he decided to keep that secret to himself until this very day. Mariana couldn't help but roll her eyes at the fact they were back together for the hundredth time. She couldn't overlook the fact that the universe continued to draw them together. She then began to proclaim to Callie that they are meant to be. Their chemistry was undeniable, everyone kept seeing it time after time.

Jude and his boyfriend, Noah, socialized around the home as well. They had had a particularly rocky relationship the past few years, taking breaks every now and then. Despite this off and on love, they had kept a solid, steady relationship for the past year and a half. There were only a handful of family members that even liked Noah. Them being Jesus, Mike, Brandon, and Mariana. Callie, Stef, and Lena were not fully on board with a few of Noah's dope habits, but they tried to be as civil as possible. They were cute together though.

Several family members and friends were sprinkled into that mix as well. Some include Stef's mom, Lena's parents, Jenna, Ana, Gabe, and a few others. Stef and Lena had conducted a lively party.

Em and Colleen were clung to each other's hips, avoiding all the questions relatives ask them repeatedly. They had smuggled behind a corner when they started overhearing Mat and Mariana having a discussion about something that seemed way above of the girls' head. Mariana was saying something about the virgin Mary having babies before she high-tailed up the stairs rather quickly. From the little Em and Colleen knew, those two didn't make sense. They had only gotten a simple and brief "where do babies come from" talk a few years ago after Mike said something that raised questions. Although, now that they were in middle school, all the kids were now learning what sex actually is. Misinformation went around with the truth too, leaving contradictory words in their heads about what it is. Some kids thought to make babies, all you do is lie in bed naked.

They marched throughout the house, looking for their parents to confront them about their curiosities. Callie and Brandon were in the middle of a jogging their memory of how to make Lena's house-famous pot roast with her.

Colleen and Em barked their concerns, leaving Callie, Brandon, and Lena speechless. Little pits formed in their stomachs. No parent enjoys this topic with their children. Although, Callie and Brandon had talked with each other before. They wanted an open dialogue with sex, and everything really, just like Stef and Lena had established. If Em and Colleen were old enough to ask, especially ask such specific questions, they were old enough to know. They all assembled up the stairs and sat down in a square formation in Brandon's old room, which was now Stef's office space. It was the only room that had enough chairs for all of them.

About an hour later, they all rejoined the party, but Em and Colleen had horrified looks on their faces. Brandon and Callie told them everything. All down to the nit and gritty. The girls were scarred though. At this time, the dining had plenty of food set up buffet style. There looked to be around 20 dishes in the center of the dinner table, as well as a few other bowls sitting on the china cabinets that were also in the room. It seemed Lena had missed cooking for more than two people after all the birds flew the coop.

Everyone had taken a seat at the table after they filed around the circle to grab a few pieces of food that didn't quite fit on the table. They all had a tight fit, almost elbow to elbow, but they managed. All the guests began to pass around the bowls and plates, making sure everyone got a little of everything if they wanted to. Along with the food, bottles of wine and pitchers of water were also going around. Stef, Lena, and Callie couldn't resist. Jude poured a little in his glass, just to have a sip or two. Jenna didn't pass up either. Brandon didn't care for it though. Once it got to Mariana, she quickly passed it to Mat, declining the booze she loved oh so much.

"C'mon Miss Thang, let's drink together," Stef playfully encouraged while sitting next to her. Even though Mariana had turned 21 years ago, they have yet to legally drink together.

"Eh, no thanks," she shrugged it off right as Mat passed it back around the circle to Mike, who continued to pass it. Callie knows Mariana. There had to be a reason she didn't want to have at least one glass of red wine. "I actually have some news-" As soon as the words rolled off her tongue, Callie had to blurt out and jump to conclusions.

"Oh my god, you're pregnant!"

"Callie!" Mariana whined, slamming her hand on the table. That got everyone's attention. All of the wide eyes were on her, waiting for confirmation.

"Well, are you?" She questioned, speaking for everyone.

"Yes, I am," Mariana couldn't help but smile as she said that. Little did everyone know, her and Mat had been trying for a little less than two years. When that stick said 'pregnant' after peeing on what seemed like hundreds of tests, she broke down in tears. They are so excited.

"Cheers everyone," Lena raised a glass while everyone celebrated and clapped.

"Good luck, Mat," Brandon felt the need to add that to the happiness.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He wondered.

"You'll see," he laughed into his glass while Brandon brought it closer to his lips, sipping his water. Everyone joined in on his giggles.

"So, we're gonna have a niece?" Em asked.

"Or a nephew," Colleen added on.

"Yep," Mariana chirped.

"Cool," they both slurred happily. Callie started laughing lowly to herself, which them Brandon noticed.

"The baby will be good birth control for them," she whispered to him and he nodded right along with her.

"Please, dig in everyone!" Lena encouraged.

And the room was filled with the sounds of silverware clinking on plates.

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A/N- Hello readers! Mariana's having a baby! Cool cool cool! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thank you so so so much for reading! XOXO