(Derek POV)
I could hear Chloe's small, careful steps, leading towards the kitchen were I sat. Continuing to stare at my floating cereal, I stopped listening for her. 'She's an adult, she knows how to take care of herself.'
"Derek, you okay?" I looked up to see Chloe's tiny form peering around the door. From her chest down was being blocked by the wall. 'Why are you hiding it, Chloe? I know exactly why you wont let me near you anymore.' I returned to staring at my breakfast, without answering her. It shocked me when I felt her small hand on my shoulder. I turned my head slightly to look at her. She had her concerned face on.
"Derek?" worry filled every element of her voice.
"I'm fine, Chloe." I growled under my breath, when she didn't move.
"Liar." she said boldly. I spun in my chair to look at her. She was wearing a long baggy shirt and a pair of khaki shorts. She humped over to hide the small roundness of her stomach. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"What?" she asked, flinging her hand on her hip. I shook my head.
"Whatever." she mumbled, heading to the cabinets. I watched as she reach high on her tip toes and her shirt slid up over her growing belly. Forgetting the cereal she was after, she dropped off her tip-toes and wrapped her arms around her waist and stared at the ground. I starred at her trembling figure until the salt of her tears filled my nose. Without thinking, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around her. Chloe buried her face in my chest and sobbed until nothing else came out.
"Chloe, why are so upset about it?" I said, smoothing her hair, which made her cry more.
"I don't know what to do, Derek. I'm scared." she sobbed into my shirt.
"Don't worry about it. I'm here. I don't know why you keep pushing me away. It was not your fault." I tried to sooth her.
"I thought you would be angry with me." she confessed. I picked her up bridal style and sat in the chair, her in my lap.
"Chloe, Chloe….no I could never be mad at you. Not ever. Especially over something like this." I lightly tapped her stomach with my finger. "It was all my fault, anyway. If I hadn't left you at that store, then Liam never would have…" a growl rumbled up from my chest and Chloe pushed both her tiny hands against my mouth.
"Shut up." she said stubbornly. I dropped my head, and she laid her head on mine.
"D, what do I, sorry, we do about….." She trailed off suggestively staring at her stomach.
" Well, first you should tell Tori. She will be dying to throw you a baby shower." I chuckled at her mock terrified expression. "and Simon. He likes kids."
Chloe looked at me softly, but her eyes were serious.
"And what about you? Do you like kids? Are you willing to help me here?" she quirked her eyebrow at me. I thought seriously about it, and nodded at her.
"Chloe, anything you need I will be here for you. I promise."
" Well, right now I need your extra height to get my cereal." Chloe giggled, sliding into the chair beside me. I reach effortlessly and grabbed the cereal box.