~ Accidents will occur in the best regulated families. ~ Charles Dickens

This story ties into my Making God Laugh fic, but I think you can read this on its own, especially since I haven't revealed too much about Angela and Billy yet. This is just one glimpse into their story.

So, I'm pregnant. Again. Well, not again, seeing as how the first time was a false alarm, but the bind I'm in sure is familiar.

And it's the worst time it could happen. I've just gotten a job I like, got back in school with a bunch of 'last chance' lectures, and my brothers are MIA on me. Curly is really MIA to everybody, but that's down to Tim playing travel agent and sending him to Canada. Tim is locked up, and for a long time too, so he ain't here to help me out, and it's down to me to handle it.

First and foremost, I'm trying to keep it under wraps, but it's only a matter of time before the doctor I went to sends the bill to the house. That means it's only a matter of time before Ma sees it. I figure I've got a few days before she kicks me out, for good this go around.

Anyway, I'm thinking I should tell the father. I've got no idea what I want from him, or what he'll do, but I'm not optimistic. Hard to hold out much hope seeing as how he's been avoiding me since we hooked up, but maybe he'll stick around long enough to hear what I've gotta say.

His name is Billy Gage, and just thinking about him makes me cringe, not because I don't like him, but because he's not my usual type. He's nice, his family's nice, and he's got money. I know how this will sound to him, how it'll look, and it makes me sick to my stomach. They're a cool bunch, even if they are socy, and now I'm gonna have to add them to my list of enemies.

To make matters worse, he's my boss's son. His mom owns the little clothing shop where I work. It's a cute place, and I actually enjoy being there, so that's one more good thing I'm gonna lose when I spill the beans on my situation. Guess I should start looking at the classifieds again.

I met Billy at the shop. He can sew, something he tries to keep secret because some of the guys at school already accuse of being queer just 'cause he's a nerd and quiet and not into sports. Even so, sometimes he helps his mom out with tailoring some of the outfits. He's real good too, even better than the old lady who usually does the alterations, and he's been teaching me some stitches. That is, he was, but then we ended up alone, ended up doing the deed, and he's been 'away' ever since.

I can only hope my boss doesn't already know. Maybe I can collect one last paycheck before Mrs. Gage fires me for having sullied her son. She's already been looking out the corner of her eye at me, and I wonder if she's guessed at my predicament.

I try to stop wondering as I knock on their door. The house is intimidating, not because it's big or anything, but because it's neat and clean and pretty. It's a middle-class neighborhood, which throws me, because Billy's family is well off enough to be in a more upscale place. I guess this saves money though.

"Angela?" Billy says questioningly, surprised to see me.

He looks awful. For starters, he's super skinny. I mean, he's naturally thin, but he looks like he dropped ten pounds in as many days. His cheeks are hollow, making his black framed glasses seem huge on his face, but at least they help to cover up the circles under his eyes.

"Hi," I say, trying not to lose my nerve, because my thoughts are running wild about why he's looking worse off than me. Maybe he's been worried I'd come to his door and have this conversation. Or maybe he's worried about something else and hasn't spared me a single thought since he got what he wanted. I'm not sure which would be worse.

"Can we talk?" I find myself asking, hating how small I sound, how small I feel.

He steps aside to let me in. "Yeah, sure."

I'm led to the kitchen, and he gestures for me to have a seat at a cute breakfast table in the corner. There's a clutter of envelopes and a box of tissues spread out. Billy is reaching for one of the tissues as we sit.

"I've not been well," he says apologetically, and I wonder if he's sorry for blowing snot out of his nose or for ditching me.

"That why you ain't been around lately?" I ask, and I know I'm being antagonistic, but hell if I'm gonna let myself fall apart in front of him.

Billy flinches. "Angela, I…"

He trails off, but from his tone, I can finish that sentence for him.

"Angela, I already have a girlfriend."

"Angela, I had a good time, but it doesn't make you my girlfriend. You're not the girlfriend type."

"Angela, I got what I wanted, so leave me alone. Not my fault you're easy."

"Angela, I like banging you, but your brothers will kill me if they find out."

I could write a book over every 'Angela, I…' sentence I've been subjected to at some point or another, and maybe it is my fault, but that doesn't mean I gotta like it.

"I'm pregnant," I blurt out before I can stop myself.

"W-what?" Even to my own ears, I sound dumbfounded, and I would laugh if this was happening to anyone else.

"I'm pregnant," Angela repeats, slower this time, like it's sinking in for her too. Then she's crying, and she's embarrassed about it, but she can't seem to stop. All in all, I think she has a right to cry.

"What do you want?" I ask, reaching to hand her a tissue.

She stands abruptly. "Nothing, I just… You just deserved to know, is all. But I don't want anything, and I'll get out of your hair, and you'll never have to see me again, okay?"

I furrow my eyebrows together, confused at her reaction, and then I spot my wallet just out of reach. I try not to take offense at the fact that she thought I was trying to pay her to go away. My hand wraps around the tissue box.

"I only meant, what do you want to do about this?"

"Oh." she takes the offered tissue, and I'm sure we're both feeling a little stupid. "I dunno."

I nod, my mind working fast, because Lord knows this seems like deja vu. "Well, I know what I want. Wanna hear me out?"

She's probably thinking I'm gonna offer her a place she can go to have the kid and give it away. Or maybe she assumes I could know a special doctor or something.

I think I throw her for a loop when I say, "I want to be a part of this kid's life."

She blinks. "Huh?"

"Easiest way for that to happen is for us to get married," I continue like I haven't heard her. "Now, I have issues I'm working through, but I would take care of you and our baby." Then I remember she's rather independent and hurriedly add, "Not that you need a man to take care of you or anything, but, Angela, you would want for nothing."

"Your parents would never let you marry me," she whispers disbelievingly.

I can't help but laugh. "My parents don't have much of a leg to stand on. I know they won't like that I was careless, but they won't disown me either. Besides, they like you."

It's true too. Mom is always gushing about what a good worker Angela is, because she can sell just about anything to anyone. And even though dad has never met her, he's only heard good things. I know Angela can be blunt and even cruel, but she's got a charm to her that draws a person in and makes them glad to know her.

"I was married before," she tells me, and I fight to keep my face blank, because I really don't wanna know about that.

"And you're not anymore?" I ask.

she shakes her head.

I force a shrug. "Then the rest is your business."

I can tell she's about to argue more when the door opens and Mom calls out a greeting. She and Dad shuffle into the kitchen and come upon Angela and me staring at each other.

"Oh, hello, Angela," Mom says, polite but confused about her presence.

"Hey, Mom," I say, "Angela and I are getting married."

Mom smiles like I just told her I'd joined the debate club. "Oh, congratulations. Do you need help with the wedding?"

Angela looks stunned, and I wish I had a camera, because I doubt she's often lost for words.

"Hold on a minute," Dad says, and Angela fidgets like she's expecting to be run out of the house.

Only, Mom kisses his cheek and says, "Let's not be the pot calling the kettle black, dear."

Dad's shoulders slump, and he's looking worried, but he nods and musters up a smile. "Well, did you give her the family ring, Bill?"

I shake my head. "To be honest, she hasn't accepted yet."

All eyes turn to Angela, and I can see her weighing all the options through her head. I might not know her as well as I ought to, but I know she'll say yes, because this is her best choice, but she's scared, and I can't blame her. I'm pretty terrified myself. What if this goes south, what if it's like last time, what if I lose my shit again?

"Yes," she squeaks eventually.

In spite of my fears, the smile I give her is genuine. "Good. Now, stay right here and give me a sec."

The ring is still in my room. Dad gave it to me what feels like ages ago. It's really only been a year. No, almost two.

I tried to give the damn thing back, but he refused. Said I'd have occasion to use it, even if it didn't seem like it at the time. Guess he was right, although I doubt he foresaw this particular set of circumstances. I know I didn't, but maybe I should've.

Anyway, I have the ring, and I put it on Angela's finger. It's a perfect fit, and I try not to read too much into that. I'm not big on symbolism.

"You want me with you when you tell your family?" I ask her gently.

That sets her off crying again, and I wonder if I've said something wrong. Mom just gives Angela a hug, telling her that hormones are awful and not to feel bad about the tears.

Really sorry if this feels ooc for Angela, but she's been through a lot, and she's kinda in shock. Billy's and his parents' unusual behavior will be explained in more glimpses, if my muses are willing. Anyway, I feel like I've come back to life here. It's been far too long since I wrote anything, and I can't tell you how happy I am right now. Hope y'all enjoy!