Tyler knew sleep wouldn't come. He'd been laying on his bed for who-knows-how-long and just wasn't tired. As much as he tried counting sheep, drinking warm milk (which actually made him want to throw up more than it made him drowsy), or any of he other "remedies," he just couldn't take his mind off of his situation. Between that and the incredibly full feeling he had in his belly, he was wide-awake.
Laying there, flat on his back, he could do nothing to keep from thinking back. Back to the way things were. Back to when his beautiful girlfriend lay in this same bed cuddled up next to him with her head on his chest. Back to when he could fit into a 32” waist. Back to when he could actually leave the bed.
But that was all gone now. As he eased a hand gingerly onto his belly, he sighed.
It’s all gone now.
The night things changed was still a blur to Tyler. He knew that he went to a party with some work friends, sans girlfriend. He knew that his friends left soon after the party started because they were “to old for this kinda thing.” Tyler remembered that he stayed behind, because his girlfriend Sasha was out of town, and he hadn’t been out alone in awhile.
Why not just enjoy myself for a few hours? he remembered thinking.
There were a lot of people there, and Tyler really didn’t know anyone. But he was sociable and outgoing, so he figured he might make some new friends, friends that he didn’t work with. Friends that didn’t leave 5 minutes into a night out because they were tired and wanted to catch the news before bed.
As he sat on a couch drinking a whiskey sour, he noticed a man sit down next to him. Now, Tyler wasn’t gay by any means, but this was a handsome man. Easily taller than Tyler could ever have hoped to be, muscular without it being over the top, and he had a head of thick, black hair. Tyler swore his hairline was receding and was instantly jealous. The mans eyes were the most unusual color of green, and when he turned his head toward Tyler, it became clear that one was actually dark brown.
Cool, thought Tyler, he’s just like David Bowie!
“Lame party, huh?” the man asked Tyler, breaking a semi-awkward silence.
“Oh, yeah” replied Tyler.
“Can I refill your drink, there?” the man asked.
“Umm..I” stuttered Tyler.
“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m Slade,” the man said offering up his hand.
Tyler looked up at him, and then shook his hand.
“I’m Tyler.”
“Well, Tyler, what are you drinking?”
“Whiskey sours,” he replied.
“Coming right up.”
As Slade walked away, Tyler couldn’t help but wonder if the handsome stranger thought he was gay. He thought about Sasha. He suddenly felt like leaving, but the next thing he knew, Slade was back. Drinks in hand, they sat on the couch and talked about sports, the weather, movies they loved, favorite hotspots in town, family. Turned out, Shaw wasn’t gay, either. His pregnant girlfriend had just left for another man and told him that the baby wasn’t his. Tyler instantly felt terrible for the man, and decided to stay and talk to him for the night.
Maybe he just needs a friend, thought Tyler.
The last thing Tyler rememebered from that long night was the stranger handing him yet another drink.
That was it. _________________
When Tyler woke up, he just felt a bit drowsy and hung-over. He vaguely remembered the night, and of course, wondered why he was in a hotel room. But he figured he just got drunk and Slade was nice enough to get him a room. He looked around and was a little relieved to see that he was alone. Not that he remembered talking to a woman the night before, but he could never be too cautious. He loved his girl, and she loved him. He wasn’t going to mess that up.
Tyler was anxious to get back home, so he quickly took a shower. He didn’t love having to put back on the same clothes he had worn the night before, but who could be picky? He found a note on the desk as he was putting his shoes on.
Hey, man. Last night was fun. Didn’t know you had it in you! Take good care of yourself, okay? No more of last night! Your car is downstairs. Keys are in your jeans pocket.
Later. -Slade
“That’s a pretty weird note,” Tyler thought aloud.
But he was relieved that his car was safe, and with a quick check of his wallet, he left.
Everything went back to normal the following Monday. Tyler went back to work in the IT department of a local hospital. His day-in and day-out was pretty much routine, and he just went through the motions. Sasha came back from her business trip abroad 6 weeks later. She was tired and didn't feel like going out, so the couple sat at home and watched movies. Sasha ordered Chinese food while Tyler took his usual after-work shower. When he got out, he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked into the living room.
"Miss me?" he grinned at his gorgeous girlfriend.
"Of course, baby," Sasha said. "But...."
"What, sweetheart?"
"Well...it's just that I ordered food. Did you want to fool around first? You should have told me..." she trailed off.
"No, baby! It's fine! I'll get dressed, but after we eat, you're mine," he said, winking at the curvy blonde that had eyes only for him.
"Deal!" she exclaimed.
When Tyler came back from the bathroom, the doorbell rang. He opened it to find a punk kid in a backwards Tapout hat carrying a greasy-looking paper bag. Tyler pulled out his wallet and payed the kid, who had said pretty much nothing.
As Tyler shut the door and turned around, he felt a wave of nausea hit him as he smelled the strong odors of the Chinese takeout.
"Oh my God!" he cried and ran to the bathroom, dropping the food on the coffee table on the way through the living room.
"Baby, what's wrong?" He barely heard Sasha's concerned voice, as his head was already in the toilet, throwing up everything he'd ever eaten.
What the hell? he thought. I love Chinese food. Why in the hell am I puking my guts out?
As he finally finished throwing up, he grabbed the edge of the vanity and slowly stood up, careful not to rush it. He brushed his teeth and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
I don't get sick. Must be a flu bug going around, though.
Tyler opened the bathroom door and found himself face-to-face with his girlfriend.
"What's wrong?" she asked, always the intuitive one.
"I don't know, baby. Maybe there's a bug going around. I usually manage to avoid them, though."
"Didn't you get a flu shot like I told you to?" she demanded.
"Of course. I work in a hospital. I'm not a complete moron, you know," he replied, annoyed that he had just puked up his toenails and now, Sasha wanted to argue.
"Okay, but it seems to be that you would have avoided getting the flu if you would have gotten a shot..." she trailed off.
"They're not fool-proof, you know. Thanks for your concern, by the way."
"Welcome! Are you hungry?" she taunted.
Really? Don't even humor her with a response, he thought.
"I'm going to bed," he mumbled.
If she said anything after that, he didn't hear her.
Tyler, ever the stubborn man and the work-a-holic who was in line for a promotion, went to work the next day, despite the fact that he was still throwing up. Around noon, he felt the nausea subside and even managed to have lunch with his best friend, Lily. As they sat outside at the hospital's quad, he began telling his nurse friend about his symptoms, hoping she could tell him if there was something going around. She didn't seem to think so, but the concern in her voice made him long for Sasha to be concerned about him, too.
If only Lily weren't a lesbian, thought Tyler.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Lily smiled at him and said, "I think I know what your problem is, Tyler."
"What?" he asked, intrigued.
Lily leaned in seriously and whispered, "Maybe you're pregnant."
Tyler rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat. He patted his flat belly and said, "Yeah. That's it. Knocked up. That's what the problem is."
He and Lily chuckled and finished eating. Tyler was just relieved that he didn't get sick again.
Another month passed, and things seemed to be getting better with Sasha. His mysterious illness subsided, and she seemed to settle back into their normal life after her business trip to Italy.
She's probably just missing it there, he thought. Maybe I'll make plans to take her back on our next vacation...
The best part about having his girlfriend back was that she had developed a new-found interest in cooking Italian food. Though her vain attempts were mediocre Olive Garden-esque at best, he wasn't complaining. And neither was his waistline, which was expanding ever-so-slowly. His normal 32" inch slacks were feeling so snug lately, Tyler knew he better either ease up on the eating, or stop at Banana Republic on the way home from work.
Probably should do both for good measure, he thought.
His promotion was in negotiation at the moment, and Tyler was so excited. He began to think that maybe, just maybe, if it went through that it might be the right time to start thinking about proposing to Sasha. He knew he could afford the ring now, but he would rather hold out for the big bucks before he made such a commitment. Sasha being a fashion designer needed a flashy ring.
Sasha would want a flashy ring if she worked the Drive-Thru at Taco Bell, Tyler laughed to himself.
It was 3 more months before Tyler's promotion was approved, and he was more than ready. He'd been working hard in the IT department at t hospital, and he was tired of crawling around on his hands and knees setting up equipment and running cables. It wasn't normally a big deal, but he had begun to put on so much weight that it made his knees and back hurt when he to go under a desk. He had tried to cut back on Sasha's cooking, and thought he had done really well, but alas, he was now wearing an almost 40" inch waist.
Sasha had clearly noticed, as well, and was no longer in any hurry to sleep with Tyler. She hadn't said anything, but her lack of interest in intimacy made Tyler ashamed that he couldn't keep his body in check. The part that bothered him most was that the weight had gone straight to his belly. He had a gut, but was trim everywhere else. That really annoyed him, so he began to think about joining a gym.
As the days went on, though, he got so busy with his new title as IT Supervisor that any notions of joining a gym and getting into shape went out the window. Now that he spent most of his day behind a desk instead of under it, his eating habits got worse. He began to crave food all day long, and couldn't control his eating. Tyler also tried to avoid doing any work at all that involved him crawling around, because he didn't want anyone to notice that his belly almost touched the floor.
He also lived in fear that someone would comment on his new gut, or worse, brush up against it. Tyler attributed it to the awesome shape his abs used to be in, but his new gut felt firm instead of flabby like most do. He assumed it was because the muscles behind it were so toned, and figured that would mean it would be easier to whip back into shape once he got into his new routine.
Sitting behind his desk, he looked down at the round belly sitting in his lap. It felt strange to him, as he still wasn't used to it. Tyler realized he could literally hold it in his hands, and this bothered him. He wanted to know why it was so perfectly round and firm, almost like a pregnant womans baby bump. He didn't have time to dwell on this now, because he felt a twinge in his belly, which meant he had to hit the vending machine.
As Tyler slowly stood up and eased down the hallway, he couldn't get over the fact that his sense of gravity was thrown off due to his weight gain. He had to lean back a little further than usual to support his gut, but it seemed to work.
He figured while he was out and about, he'd head up to the maternity ward to see Lily.
They have better vending machines anyway, Tyler chuckled.
Tyler stepped into the elevator and leaned back against the wall. It felt nice to have the weight of his belly temporarily relieved. He was a bit disheartened to look down and realize that he could no longer see his feet, but he was thrilled no one had said anything. Dark-colored button-downs and slightly-baggy sportcoats had helped a little. He figured he was done gaining, though, since Sasha's Italian cooking had began to taper off.
He stepped off the elevator and made his way down the hall toward Lily's office. Tyler passed a heavily pregnant young woman, probably no more than 16 or 17, clearly walking around to try and hurry labor along. She looked miserable in her hospital gown, her belly sticking far out from her body.
Poor kid, Tyler thought. Must be rough.
He didn't know it, but Lily was watching him from her office doorway, and as he arrived, he was surprised as she grabbed his arm and pulled him into her office. Slamming the door and locking it, she half-dragged him over behind her filing cabinets.
"What the..." stammered Tyler.
"Shush, Tyler. Look, this may seem weired to you, but just shut your mouth. Don't say a word. Just go with it," replied Lily.
"What are you...?"
"I said DON'T SAY A WORD!" Lily almost screamed.
Tyler was a bit frightened, but trusted his friend. But the next thing he knew, she pushed him against the wall and placed her hands on his belly.
Crap, thought Tyler , I didn't think she noticed. But big deal. People get fat. Alert the media, Lily.
He looked down to see Lily slowly running her hands along his belly, occassionally poking it.
Hey, she can hold my belly in her hands, too! Wait, that's bad, realized Tyler.
"What are you doing, Lily?" asked Tyler.
She didn't so much as glance at him, but instead began to unbutton his shirt. Stopping just at the top of where his gut started, she placed her cool hands on his hard, round belly. Lily grabbed his hands and pushed him into her desk chair.
Tyler was a little embarassed to look down and see his naked, basketball-sized belly sitting in his lap.
I really let myself go. _________________
Lilly was on her knees in front of him, still feeling his belly. He had to admit, it felt nice. The skin was beginning to get thin from his weight gain, and it was sensitive. God knows Sasha didn't touch any part of him nowadays, especially his belly.
Finally Lily spoke.
"Tyler, when exactly did you develop this...belly?" she asked.
"Umm..I would say I've been packing on the weight for the last few months. Sasha went to Italy and got on this Italian food kick and she..." Tyler didn't get to finish as Lily decided it was her turn.
"Yeah, that's great Tyler. So, weight gain for the last few months. Nausea a few months back. A belly that's firm to the touch and perfectly round. And, oh, did I mention that I just felt something MOVE?!" she shrieked.
"Wait, what?!" exclaimed Tyler.
"I saw you pass that girl in the hallway. She was walking around, leaned back to balance her weight. Her hand was on her lower back for support. When you passed her Tyler, you were walking the same way. Why is that?" Lily asked.
"Come with me. It's getting late, and most of the doctor's have left." Lily said.
"Where are we going?" asked Tyler, frightened.
"You, my best friend who happens to be male, are getting an ultrasound." _________________
Tyler was shaking so badly that Lily had to finish taking his shirt off for him and help him lay down.
"Please relax, sweetheart. I'm trying to help you. I'm your best friend, remember? I love you, and I'm hear for you. And Sasha..." Lily stopped.
"Oh..Sasha," breathed Tyler.
What am I going to tell....
Lily got back to business and began to spread gel on Tyler's distended abdomen.
Good Lord, that's cold, thought Tyler.
"Showtime," said Lily.
Tyler closed his eyes as Lily began to run the wand along his swollen belly, and didn't open them until he realized that Lily hadn't said anything.
Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw that Lily had tears in her eyes.
"What's going on?" he whispered.
"Look, Tyler," said Lily.
Tyler slowly moved his head to look at the monitor. He couldn't believe what he saw. There on the screen, was a fuzzy image of what could only be a baby. His baby. Tyler could feel the color drain from his face, and his breath caught in his throat.
How can this be happening to me...
"Tyler?" began Lily.
He didn't respond. He just stared at the screen and tried to wake himself up from his dream.
"Is this a bad time to tell you that it's twins?" asked Lily.
Tyler's expression didn't change. Lily wasn't sure if he registered what she was saying. Lily wasn't even sure if she registered it. How in the world was Tyler pregnant? She certainly didn't know. But she had to remain calm for Tyler's sake. Maybe if he had time to let it all sink in, he could help her find the explanation.
She took a towel and wiped the gel from Tyler's baby bump. She helped him sit up and put his shirt back on for him, making a mental note that this particular shirt was about to be to small for him.
Do they make paternity clothes? she thought. Somebody better start soon. _________________
Lily led Tyler back to her office, and they sat down. Tyler was snapping out of his trance, and now he was sitting in her office chair, vigorously rubbing his belly. He couldn't believe it.
What in the hell happened? When am I due? What will happen to me and the babies? What will I tell my boss? What will I tell my family? What will I tell Sasha? I was going to propose to her when I lost the weight. How will I give birth? How is this even possible? Who is...the father? How far along am I? How much bigger will I get? Will I be able to work? Will I be able to handle labor?
Luckily, Lily's soft voice snapped him back to reality.
"Tyler, I think we need to go home, and you need to get some rest. We can talk tomorrow, but you need to come to terms with this and help me figure out how it happened. I wouldn't tell anyone but maybe Sasha, but maybe not even her now. This is a crazy situation, and we need to treat it delicately."
Tyler just nodded. Lily helped him put his jacket on, and then walked him to his car.
"Are you sure you don't need a ride?" she asked.
"No, no" Tyler stuttered. "I can drive."
"Okay, love. Be safe." Lily kissed him on the cheek and opened the door to his Z4.
Gonna need a different car in about 4 months, Lily thought. _________________
Tyler wasn't exactly sure how he made it home, but somehow, he was in his garage. He had decided not to tell Sasha that he was pregnant until he knew more about what happened. He looked down and realized his was rubbing his belly, absentmindedly.
If I don't stop that, the whole world will know, he thought.
He carefully eased his heavy pregnant belly out of his sports car and headed into the house. Tyler made sure that his coat was covering most of his pregnancy so that it wasn't totally obvious that his gut was huge.
But tonight, no matter what he did, he couldn't have predicted what would happen next.
When he made it into the house, he saw Sasha sitting on the couch. She was right on the edge, and had a suitcase by her feet.
"Where you going, baby?" Tyler asked nervously. Somehow, he knew.
"Come sit, Tyler," replied Sasha.
With a huge knot in his baby bump, Tyler made his way to the couch, being careful not to support his gut or back with his hands.
But does she already know?
"Tyler," Sasha began. "I think we can both agree that things have changed in our relationship. We're not intimate, we hardly speak to each other, and you're practically married to your job. I feel like that has really taken a toll on things," she said, and he could swear she glanced at his belly.
"Oh.." said Tyler, blindsided. _________________
"I've been thinking about leaving for awhile. Surely this isn't a huge surprise for you. Don't tell me you haven't noticed a change."
Tyler felt like he had back at the hospital, during his ultrasound. He didn't know what to say, and it was all he could do not to rub his belly, which he found strangely comforting.
All he could do was nod as Sasha outlined the reasons that she couldn't stay. She didn't mention his belly outright, but Tyler knew his weight gain wasn't helping things. He could pinpoint when things began to change, and that was right around the time that his pregnancy began to show.
Why is this happening to me, thought Tyler.
"Look," said Sasha, "I didn't want things to end this way, but I don't know what else I can do. It's not working. Goodbye, Tyler."
And with that, she picked up her suitcase, grabbed her car keys, and opened the door.
"I'll be back for the rest of my things tomorrow, Tyler."
As the door slammed behind her, all Tyler could do was stare. His hand immediately came to rest on his belly.
He stood up, walked to the window, and watched his beloved girlfriend put her suitcase in the backseat of her Jeep Liberty, get behind the wheel, and slowly back out of the driveway.
"I'm pregnant, Sasha," Tyler whispered. "I need you." _________________
Tyler threw himself back into his work after Sasha left. Lily had given him a full exam and deemed him to be healthy, and about 5 months along. She felt bad for Tyler, and worse that they couldn't figure out how he had become pregnant. The two decided to keep it between themselves, knowing that Lily could deliver the babies.
No one had to know, thought Tyler.
Over the course of the next month, Tyler hid his belly the best he could, but he knew everyone could tell he was fat. But the roundness is what worried him so much. His belly stuck out from his trim frame, swollen much larger than a basketball. He was growing rapidly, and could barely sit close enough to his desk to get any work done. Tyler was also carrying very low, which made it uncomfortable to walk or sit. He knew his performance was slipping, and wasn't surprised when his boss called him in for a meeting.
Tyler walked into his bosses office, careful not to give away his delicate condition. He knew that he was waddling a bit, and was trying to keep it from being to obvious.
"Sit down, Tyler," his boss said.
Easier said than done, thought Tyler. You try sitting in a hard chair that's far to low to the ground when you have a medicine ball strapped to your abdomen.
Tyler avoided eye contact as he slowly eased himself into the chair. He was a bit nervous, so it was all he could do not to rub his belly, or at least rest his hand on it.
"Tyler, I'll just cut to the chase. Your work has not been of your usual quality lately. I gave you a promotion because you earned it. But I honestly don't think you have what it takes to be a Supervisor. What is going on?" his boss demanded.
Tyler felt a lump form in his throat. He wanted to tell his boss about Sasha, but wondered if it would seem unprofessional.
Just tell him, thought Tyler. That's really all you've got.
"Well, sir," began Tyler, "I'll be honest with you. I was planning on proposing to my girlfriend of 3 years, and she left me. It's been a little over a month, but it's hit me pretty hard. I'm sorry."
"Son, I know it's rough. I figured something was up. Back to the bachelor days, huh? I guess that explains that beer gut you've grown. A little too much pizza and beer, eh?" his boss chuckled, in a lame attempt at lightening the situation.
"Something like that, sir," replied Tyler.
"Well, I wish there was something I could do. But I think the best solution would be for you to take some time off. You've accumulated a lot of vacation time. Why don't you take a trip, get some R&R?" asked his boss.
That's exactly what I need, thought Tyler. I'm nearly 7 months pregnant. Time off would be incredible.
"Okay, sir. If that's what you think is best. I promise I'll come back in top shape," replied Tyler.
With no baby belly, hopefully.
Tyler and his boss shook hands and with that, Tyler was done for the day. _________________
As Tyler headed out to the parking lot, all he could think of is how much he dreaded getting into his Z4. The BMW was gorgeous, but it was killing his back, and he had pushed the seat back as far as it would go, and his belly was mere inches away from touching the steering wheel.
Besides, Tyler thought, Sasha picked that car out. She loved it.
As Tyler eased his swollen bump into the car, he decided to go see about a new car. He was only going to get bigger, so may as well nip this problem in the bud now.
Tyler groaned as he finally got situated behind the wheel. His heavy belly pushed against his back and made him ache. Sighing, he touched his belly lightly and closed his eyes. He always had to take a second and catch his breath after he carried all that weight around.
When he finally felt up to it, he started the car and headed towards the Interstate. He had no idea what kind of car he was looking for, but knew that all the dealerships were packed side-by-side off the exit ramps. He dreaded getting in and out of vehicles and hoped no one would notice that his belly was protruding and he waddled a bit.
I'll just buy the first car I see, he thought.
Tyler drove with one hand on the wheel and the other on top of his belly, gently rubbing it. His twins had been a bit active today, and he was trying to calm them. He couldn't believe how taut and swollen the skin over his belly was becoming. It was so sensitive that he couldn't help but touch it.
The first dealership he came to was a Nissan dealership, so he whipped the Z4 off the Interstate and pulled up. He wanted to get out of the car before a salesman approached, to avoid any potential embarrassment. _________________
Tyler turned the car off, opened the door, and tried to swing his legs out. He felt like he had grown since getting out of the car this morning, and he ended up having to cup his belly in his hands and ease out of the car. Thankfully, he was out and pulling himself together when a salesman came around the corner.
"How you doing, sir? Whatcha lookin' for today?" he said in that pushy way that all car salesman do.
"Umm.." stuttered Tyler.
How do I tell him that I need a bigger car because I can barely fit in my current one, and I'm about to give birth to twins, so I need all the room I can get? worried Tyler.
Thinking quickly, he pulled his blazer closed and said, "My wife and I are having twins. Need something a bit more practical than the Z4," he replied, gesturing to the gorgeous black BMW they were standing in front of.
"Nice looking ride you've got there. I'm Jake," the man said, extending his hand. As he did, he accidentally brushed against Tyler's belly, making Tyler blush. If Jake noticed anything, he didn't say so.
"I'm Tyler."
The two began to walk around the lot, with Tyler dragging his feet every time Jake asked if he would like to test-drive anything. Finally, he spotted a sharp-looking silver Pathfinder, and agreed to get it a spin.
As Jake went inside to make a copy of Tyler's license, Tyler made himself and his twins comfortable inside the roomy SUV. He knew that this was what he would buy before he even drove it. His belly was nowhere near the steering wheel, and the vehicle was high off the ground, thus saving his back from the heaviness of his swollen belly.
After he finished with the test-drive, Jake and Tyler completed the paperwork. After mulling over whether or not he would trade the BMW, Tyler finally decided to let it go.
Can't drive the kids around in a convertible.
Just then, it hit Tyler. Was he really going to keep these babies. Sure, they were growing inside him, for reasons he still wasn't sure of. But how would he explain the twins? He knew then that he wouldn't be able to keep them.
Maybe I should have kept the BMW, he thought.
Finally leaving the dealership, Tyler was surprised that he was 7 months pregnant and this was the first thought he had given to what he would do after the birth of his twins. He was so wrapped up in the pregnancy that he just assumed he would keep them. But he knew that was impossible.
The thought made him sad, that much was for sure. _________________
That night, Lily moved in. They had been discussing it, and figured it only made sense. She was a nurse, and he was a pregnant man who was expanding rapidly and would need help getting around soon. Lily was assuming that he would grow larger than a woman carrying twins, if for no other reason that he was a man, thus had a larger frame.
Sasha had long ago claimed her things, and with the exception of a few things she had left behind, the house left no trace of her ever living there. Tyler wasn't sure if he liked that or not. Sure, she had left him when he needed her most, but he still loved her.
The day Tyler began his 8th month of pregnancy, Lily decided to put him on bedrest, just to be on the safe side. It was just as well. His belly had grown to over 55." Lily had started measuring him when she moved in, and was shocked at how large he got. His belly-button had popped and the skin was so tight, Tyler thought it couldn't stretch anymore. He was always wrong, because it always did. Tyler had long ago given up on trying to rub lotion onto his baby bump. He couldn't reach all the way around it, so Lily had taken up the task. It felt nice to have her rub cream onto his sensitive skin, but everytime she did it, he wished it was Sasha rubbing it in for him. He longed to feel her touch his taut dome, run her delicate hands along the curve of his belly, the tight skin that encased his children. Children that Lily had decided to adopt.
Tyler and Lily had tried to figure out the date of conception, to try and pinpoint what had happened. They could date it back to the time Sasha was on her business trip, so she had nothing to do with it. Somewhere in the back of Tyler's mind was Slade, the handsome stranger that Tyler had talked to at the party. He knew perfectly well that Slade had nothing to do with it, but it was odd that the party had happened right around the date that Lily figured he conceived.
Just some kind of freak thing, thought Tyler. _________________
Tyler was about to begin his 9th month when his hormones had finally had enough. The lack of sex hadn't really bothered him, but when he went on bedrest, he had more time to think. Even if he had a partner, he couldn't do much. He could still get hard, sure. Actually, it sometimes happened when he rubbed his gravid belly. But he had gotten so big, that he was literally pinned to the bed. He had to have Lily help him just to move. He couldn't believe how vulnerable he felt, laying flat on his back in bed, his towering, heavy belly preventing him from so much as moving. He couldn't believe how far his belly rose in the air, his popped belly-button like a cherry on a sundae.
He didn't know it, but one night when Lily was at work, Sasha had come back for a few things. Tyler was sound asleep, but Sasha had come into the bedroom, stunned at what she saw. Her former boyfriend was lying shirtless in their bed, his naked belly rising high into the air, one hand resting on top as if to comfort the lives inside.
She didn't know what to think.
Did Tyler have a tumor? she wondered. Could he be...? No. Though he certainly looked...was Tyler pregnant?
Sasha made a mental note to try and track Lily's schedule so that she could come in and "check" on Tyler.
Why would Lily have moved in if something wasn't going on?" Sasha wondered.
Tyler was getting close to the end of his pregnancy. His belly had surpassed 60," and Tyler was immobile. He was as horny as ever, and almost felt sad that he didn't get to have sex while pregnant. He had long ago come to accept his new form as sexy, knowing that he was so full of life and given such a fantastic opportunity. He wished he had someone to share it with...
Tyler had dozed off, but was startled awake when he heard a door click. He knew Lily was at work, but what could he do? He was so heavily pregnant that he couldn't possibly get up alone.
Tyler nervously began to rub the sides of his gravid bump, faster with each noise he heard. Someone was coming up the stairs....
All of a sudden, the door opened and Tyler was face-to-face with an attractive, dark-haired man.
Slade...
And he was giving Tyler the most devilish grin...
Tyler didn't know what to say, so he said nothing. He just stared as Slade made his way over to the bed.
"Well, hello Tyler," said Slade. "Nice to see you again."
"What's going on?" asked Tyler. Slade was nice enough the one time they had met, but why was he in his house? How did he know where Tyler lived? Who had let him in?
"You tell me, prego."
"What..." Tyler trailed off.
Slade knelt down on the bed next to Tyler. He had a wicked grin on his face, and Tyler knew nothing good was coming from this.
"So, Tyler, you've blossomed quite well. Due any minute now, huh? Hormones must be a bitch," laughed Slade.
"How did you..." stammered Tyler.
"How did I what?" asked Slade. "Know that you were pregnant? Find you? Know when you're due? Guess about the hormones? Of course I knew! Whose babies do you think you're carrying, sexy?"
Tyler couldn't speak. He wanted to know how, why, but the words wouldn't come.
Slade continued.
"I've just come to take what's rightfully mine. Starting with you. You know how they say that sex can help induce labor?" asked Slade.
Tyler tried to nod, but wasn't sure if it happened or not. His mind was spinning so fast that he was going numb.
"Don't tell me you don't want it, Tyler. You wanted it the night I knocked you up, you know. You were begging me for more. By the looks of you, though, I'd say I gave you plenty," Slade bragged.
Tyler still could say nothing.
"Oh, cat got your tongue?" Slade asked. "I'm used to you being loud, screaming for more. Well, you'll get there."
Slade reached into his back pocket for a scarf, which he used to tie Tyler's hands above his head. Now that his arms were bound, Tyler couldn't fight Slade if he tried.
Kneeling next to Tyler, Slade leaned down and kissed him on the lips. "I'll be gentle, baby," he said with a cocky smile.
Finally finding his voice, Tyler wondered aloud, "You...you're straight. Your girlfriend, she was pregnant, and..." he trailed off.
"Ha! If you sympathized with me, I knew my job would be easier. Works every time. Now, shhhh..." whispered Slade. "This will go easier if you relax."
Slade leaned down to kiss Tyler again, and this time, took his large, callused hand and slid it underneath Tyler's shirt. He slowly ran it from where the crease of Tyler's bump met his hips, all the way up to where it began under his pecs. Even Slade was impressed by how firm, warm, and round it was.
Tyler closed his eyes, at first willing this to be over with, but then because he couldn't believe how good it felt. He didn't want Tyler to see, so he tried to focus his thoughts elsewhere.
But then Slade pulled off Tyler's t-shirt, and ran his tongue over the taut bump. Tyler knew he was going to explode at any given time. He could feel himself getting hard and he hoped it would subside before Slade noticed.
Or not. _________________
Slade made his way down Tyler's belly, eventually making it to his waistband. He pulled off the XXXL sweatpants, leaving Tyler naked. Tyler couldn't believe how exposed and vulnerable he felt, pinned to the bed, naked, with his heavy, swollen pregnancy pinning him to the bed. Topped off with his hands tied above his heads, he felt hot all over.
Tyler tried to clear his head, and wonder why Slade was here, and also what would happen if he did go into labor. He needed to call Lily, but Slade was busy licking that sensitive belly-button, and Tyler was seeing stars. As Slade finally made his way down south, Tyler couldn't believe it, but he wanted Slade to make love to him. Evidently, he had done it before.
"Looks like someone is more into this than they care to admit,' said Slade, breaking into Tyler's thoughts.
Tyler just looked up at Slade, who at that point was straddling him just below his gravid belly. Slade looked over at the nightstand, and grabbed a bottle of lotion. Holding it above Tyler's swollen dome, he slowly began to pour the cool lotion onto Tyler's warm, taut skin. As Slade began to rub it in, Tyler knew he couldn't wait any longer.
"Slade...please.." he moaned.
"Oh, does my baby mama want something?" Slade teased.
"Come on, Slade..." Tyler whispered. He couldn't believe what he was saying.
The next thing he knew, Slade was naked and then, in an instant, entered Tyler. As he thrust deep into him, Slade's hands stayed on Tyler's belly. Then, his mouth came down hard over Tyler's belly-button, and that was it. Tyler had enough, and exploded all over the underside of his swollen belly. But Slade was just getting started. He continued to thrust, hard and deep into Tyler. Eventually Tyler was started to feel sore, and asked Slade to stop. Slade just grinned. The more Tyler asked him to stop, the harder and faster Slade thrust.
"These babies have to come out, Tyler," Slade said.
"But...why...I don't...." muttered Tyler.
"These are my babies, Tyler. You were just the oven, so to speak," replied Slade, still thrusting deep into Tyler.
Tyler couldn't believe what he was hearing. He tried to free his hands to push Slade off of him, but it wouldn't have done any good. He was still pinned to the bed by his massive pregnancy, and Slade was still straddling him. Finally, Slade finished, but he didn't move. He just began to talk to Tyler.
"You know, it's crazy. I knew I had to find a suitable "mother" for my children. I didn't know I would score one who was this adorable when he was about to pop. I know you probably have a lot of questions, but I don't really have any answers. Well, I do. Nothing you need to know, though. Just know that these are my twins you're carrying. You're obviously not going into labor now, so you call me when you get ready to pop these kids out. Remember, they're mine."
With that, Slade kissed Tyler's mouth, then his belly, and left. _________________
Tyler was exhausted, and drifted off to sleep. The next thing he knew, he was being shaken awake.
Turning his head, he saw that Lily was standing over him. Glancing at the digital clock, he could see that it was a little after eleven.
"Tyler," Lily began. "Why are your hands tied above your head?"
Tyler filled her in on the whole story. Lily wanted to call the police, but the two knew better. Who would take a man calling 911 to say that the man who had impregnated him had broken in and basically raped him seriously?
Tyler was an emotional wreck, so Lily agreed to help him walk downstairs to the den. He wanted out of that room, and Lily understood.
The twins had dropped so low that Tyler had trouble walking, so Lily put her hands onto his lower back, while Tyler cupped his belly and eased slowly down the stairs. Once in the den, Lily made Tyler a bed on the pull-out sofa. Before he settled in she gave him a quick check-up. His belly measured 67," and he was dilated nearly 4 cm, but had said nothing of pain or contractions. Tyler fell asleep with Lily in the recliner next to him, but was awakened by an intense pain in his belly around 4 AM. Lily was right at his side, timing his contractions. She knew that these babies were coming out, and soon.
Tyler wondered what would happen if Slade found out. He didn't want to call him, because he didn't know what would happen to him or the babies. But Slade would be back, and Tyler wouldn't be pregnant, and there would be no babies. He was afraid for his life, but he was mostly afraid for Lily and the twins, who they had decided to name Mackenzie and Mason.
Tyler decided to just deliver the twins and go from there. The contractions were becoming more regular, but Lily encouraged Tyler to go to sleep. She knew he would need the rest for what was bound to be a painful delivery. While he slept, she got up to make sure the doors were locked. She glanced out the front window and saw a black Chevy Tahoe idling across the road.
That's probably him, she thought.
She double-checked all the locks, and went back to her poor, miserable best friend. Lily watched as Tyler slept, the sheet rising high in the air as he inhaled. She could see his adorable belly-button through the thin material, and this made her smile.
Lily walked over to Tyler and put a damp cloth on his forehead. She kissed the top of his head, and went back to her recliner. _________________
Tyler's contractions had been coming more and more regular, and more and more intensely. They both knew it was about time. Tyler was miserable and losing his strength quickly, so Lily knew they had to work fast.
"Oh...my....GOD!!" Tyler screamed as searing pain ripped through his bulging belly. He leaned his head back into the couch as beads of sweat poured from his forehead.
"It's okay, Tyler," Lily said, trying to sooth him. "Are you ready to push?"
"No!" he cried.
"Come on, Tyler. Please try. The sooner you push, the sooner this is over."
Tyler grimaced as he pushed with all his might. The pain was unbearable, but he wanted this to be over. He pushed until he couldn't anymore, and then collapsed against onto the couch.
"Okay, Tyler, breathe with me," coached Lily.
"I...know..." Tyler panted.
"You're okay, Tyler. You're doing fantastic!" Lily said in a positive tone.
Tyler clenched his jaw as he began to push again, but this time, Lily cried, "I see a head! An adorable top of the head! Just a little bit more, Tyler!"
Tyler leaned forward a bit more as he pushed with everything he had. One more strong push, and he felt relief as he felt the shoulders slide out.
"Good job, Tyler!" exclaimed Lily.
"Oh...God," Tyler stammered, as he relaxed against the couch cushions.
"Let me get him cleaned up, and we'll see about our daughter, Tyler," said Lily as she cut the umbilical cord.
Tyler was panting, dreading birthing his daughter, but in awe that he had a son. He gave Lily a son, and he was about to give her a daughter.
Lily came back from the bathroom, holding Mason, wrapped in a pale blue blanket.
"Would you like to hold our son, Tyler?" Lily asked.
"I...would....love to..." Tyler whispered.
Lily placed the tiny baby into Tyler's arms. Tyler was weak, and had to use his still-massive belly to support Mason. _________________
"Lily...look..at him. He's...perfect."
"I know," confirmed Lily.
Tyler smothered Mason's tiny face in kisses as he tried to regain strength to deliver Mackenzie. Before he knew it it was time.
"Come on, Tyler, push for me!" Lily pleaded.
"Lily...I'm trying..."
"Just 3 good pushes and she'll be here! I can see her head!"
"I..I'm trying...to..." Tyler mumbled.
"Come on, Tyler, man up!" Lily screamed, trying a different tactic.
That did it. Tyler huffed, and in 2 strong pushes, Mackenzie arrived.
Lily whisked her away, and Tyler was out.
When he woke up a few hours later, he felt better. Weak, but better.
Lily was sitting in the recliner, feeding the twins.
"Want to hold them?" she asked.
"I do," replied Tyler. "I can't believe I gave birth to them. They're so beautiful."
Beautiful like Slade, thought Tyler.
"Tyler," began Lily, "I hate to bring this up, but how are we going to raise these children...without Slade coming back into the picture?"
"I don't know, Lily. But I want you to be there guardian, just like we planned. I know a legal adoption would be tricky, but I'll help support you 3. Maybe we can all move away. I'd like to have a house that didn't have "Sasha" written all over it."
"Let's just leave tonight!" Lily exclaimed.
"But..my stuff...our jobs..."
"We'll get new stuff. New jobs. I don't want to risk it, Tyler."
"You're right," replied Tyler. "Let's go."
"Are you sure you're up to it?" asked Lily.
"As long as you drive," answered Tyler. _________________
Starting over had proved easier than the pair thought. Tyler was upset that he still looked pregnant after delivering the twins, but was so in love with them that he couldn't care less. He and Lily had moved to the other side of the state so that Lily's nursing license would still be accepted. They rented a modest home and doted on the twins.
About 2 months into the new beginning, Sasha called Tyler's cell phone. He didn't want to answer it, but Lily encouraged it. "For closure," she had said.
He was polite, but brisk. He didn't have time for her head games. She had called to say she was getting married. Her fiancee, she said, was an attractive man who she would like Tyler to meet.
"When?" Tyler asked, just anxious to get off the phone.
"As soon as he gets home. He went to get his kids."
"He had kids?" Tyler asked.
"Yeah, twins," said Sasha.
How funny, thought Tyler.
"Yeah, Slade's great. He's rich, gorgeous, and loves his kids more than..."
Oh, Tyler was sure that she kept talking, but he wouldn't know it. He was out cold on the floor. _________________
I still love this story...I'm also still wondering if the end is open-ended, or if it will be continued. I kind of like it with the uncertain ending as it is.