Chapter_264
Tyler could feel the tension in the room as Naomi and Darren exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of concern and uncertainty. He could see both of them were genuinely worried about Olivia, but the sudden shift in conversation about her staying with them made him uneasy. Olivia was his responsibility now, and the thought of her being moved around felt unsettling, especially with everything she was already going through.
Naomi, sensing the discomfort in the room, broke the silence. “We’ll support whatever decision Olivia makes, but right now, I think she needs stability. She’s been through so much already. Moving her again might add more stress.”
Darren nodded, though his expression was still filled with concern. “I just feel bad. I don’t want her to think we don’t care. But I understand what you’re saying, Naomi.”
Tyler appreciated Naomi’s perspective. She was always able to see the bigger picture. Olivia needed space to process everything, especially the results of the amniocentesis, which would take time to fully understand. He could tell that both Darren and Naomi were trying to do what they thought was best for Olivia, but in this case, Tyler wasn’t sure if moving her was the right decision.
He turned his attention back to Darren. “Look, I’ll talk to Olivia about it. She’s been through a lot, and I want to make sure she’s okay with any changes. We’ll make a decision together.”
Darren seemed relieved but still uncomfortable. “I just want her to know we’re here for her,” he said quietly.
Tyler gave a small nod. “She knows that. But right now, the priority is her health, and I think she needs some peace of mind.”
The mention of Olivia’s health seemed to bring a shift in the conversation. Darren’s expression softened, and he looked at Naomi. “How is she holding up?”
Naomi hesitated for a moment, clearly thinking over her words carefully. “Olivia’s been really anxious about the results. She hasn’t been herself lately, and she’s been keeping it all inside. It’s hard to see her like this.”
Tyler could sense the growing concern between the two of them. Naomi was trying to balance her role as a mother with the reality of what was happening, and Darren seemed genuinely unsure about how to approach Olivia. But Tyler knew that in moments like this, it was important for Olivia to feel safe and supported, not pulled in different directions.
“We’ll give her some time to rest,” Tyler said, his voice steady. “She’s been through a lot, and she needs to focus on herself right now.”
Darren, looking relieved but still uneasy, nodded in agreement. “You’re right. I’ll talk to her soon, once she’s feeling a bit better.”
Tyler looked at Naomi, who gave him a slight, understanding nod. It was clear they both cared about Olivia, but the dynamic between them was complicated. There was a fine line between offering support and overwhelming her, and Tyler wasn’t sure which side they were walking on at the moment.
As the conversation drew to a close, Tyler excused himself, offering Darren and Naomi a quiet smile before heading back to the car. He wasn’t sure how to feel about what had been discussed, but he knew that Olivia needed him more than ever now. There were so many uncertainties ahead, but he had to make sure she felt like she wasn’t alone.
When Tyler returned to the house, the first thing he did was go straight to Olivia’s room. She was lying down, looking small and fragile beneath the blankets, her face drawn with worry.
“Hey,” he said gently, sitting beside her on the bed. “How are you feeling?”
Olivia glanced up at him, her expression tired and distant. “I don’t know,” she admitted softly. “Everything just feels… heavy. I can’t stop thinking about the test.”
Tyler reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I know. It’s scary, but we’ll get through it together. You’re not alone in this, Olivia. We’ll take it one step at a time.”
She nodded, but her gaze shifted to the window, her mind still racing. Tyler could feel the weight of her anxiety, but all he could do was offer reassurance and hope that the results of the amniocentesis would bring clarity. There was nothing else he could promise her but his unwavering support.
“I’ll stay with you tonight,” he added softly, settling in beside her. “We’ll make sure you get the rest you need. We’ll figure this out together, I promise.”
Olivia turned to him, offering a small, grateful smile. Despite the fear and uncertainty that clouded her thoughts, there was a flicker of comfort in his presence. Maybe that was enough for now.