2.2 Baby Shower for Talia

"She's coming," Michelle whispers to the room. All of the guests crouch down. Talia walks into the dance studio, trailing Rick behind her. He is smiling from ear-to-ear and she is absolutely glowing. Melanie hits the lights and everyone jumps out.

They all yell out in unison, "Surprise!" and she almost falls over with excitement. Michelle runs over to greet her best friend.
"Ahhhhh!" They both squeal as they take each others' hands and spin into a tight hug, a little awkwardly because of Talia's pregnancy.

"You did this for me?" Talia asks.

"Of course! What are best friends for?" Michelle beams. "Happy baby shower Talia." Talia holds up her hands and announces, "Thank you all so much. This means so much to us." She takes Rick's hands and they stand side-by-side. They kiss gently and quickly.

…

Later in the night, Michelle helps Talia pack up all of the presents.

"This was so nice, Michelle. You know, we're still four months from the due date."
"Yeah, but Rick gave me a tip that you may not be near by for a shower later." Michelle winks at Talia.
"You're right. I wasn't going to tell you yet, but we're moving to the East coast. He has family there, and you know my sister lives in Virginia. It'll be better."

"Talia…" Michelle starts, but Talia interrupts, "I know you think he's too old. I know you don't think I have a future with Rick, but I have never had a better life. Plus, he said I could fly out here to see you anytime, and…"

"Talia," Michelle interjects, "I was actually going to say that I am so happy for you. I am a widow after a record-short marriage, and you know I don't want you to have the same problems as me, but I love you and I love that you're happy." Talia can't speak. She just smiles as wide as she can and gives Michelle a bear hug. "I love you. You'll find happiness."

Just then, Boo comes flying around the corner and thrusts baby Emma into Michelle's arms.
"Michelle, please take her, I have to find my brother. I don't know where he got off to!"
"Anytime, Boo," Michelle laughs. She nuzzles her nose against the baby's. "God, she's getting so big."

"Huh," Talia sighs.
"What?" Michelle smiles.
"Look at you. You're a natural. It's like that baby is yours." Michelle shakes her head and then thinks for a second.
"She's my goddaughter. Say hi to Talia," she waves the sleepy girl's hand in Talia's direction. "You know, I've been thinking about something for the past two months." She pauses, looks into Talia's eyes, and slowly continues, worried her friend will think she's crazy. "The day Emma was born, Fanny told me that Hubbell donated to a sperm bank and there's a chance that his…"

"Sperm?" Talia blurts out.
"Yes… yes, Talia. His sperm…" They both giggle like schoolgirls, breaking the nervous tension.

Michelle divulges, "There's a chance that they haven't used it, and that I could become a mom. I could be a mom to Hubbell's baby."
"Well, if you ask me," Talia says, pressing on her stomach, "I think you would surprise yourself."

"But what if I want to go back to performing? You know I still have big dreams."

Talia stops on one spot and takes Michelle's free hand. She places it on the spot and Michelle feels the baby kick inside Talia. She smiles and looks at her friend's happy face.

As if on cue, little Emma starts to wail, breaking the sweet moment. Michelle panics a little. She changes position and tries to bounce Emma a little. It doesn't seem to help. She turns her around, facing her, and makes a crazy face. The little baby isn't amused, and she promptly spits up right on the front of Michelle's dress. Some even gets in her hair.
"Thank you for reminding me why I always said no to this," Michelle says to the crying baby. She rocks Emma back and forth. After about five minutes of dancing around in a small circle, the baby is calm again.
"Here, please take her. I need to go clean up… and maybe burn this shirt."

As Michelle leaves, Nanette sees her and says, "She got you again?"

"Never fails," Michelle laughs uneasily.

"Isn't it great being a godmother?" Nanette says sarcastically.

"Actually, it's surprised me…" Michelle says as she exits the studio.

…

Michelle comes back to the couch Talia is sitting on. She takes the baby back. Thankfully she's fallen asleep.

Talia says to her, "You know, just because you're a mom, it doesn't mean you can't perform. Yes, it will be hard, but what isn't? You have Fanny to help you. Do you think it would make you happy?"
"A year ago I would've laughed at you if you mentioned it, but you know, I think it would fill something missing in my life. And if it were a boy I could name him after Hubbell." She smiles stupidly thinking about that. Talia sees her looking off into the distance and snaps in her face to get her attention.
"With that look, and that dumb grin, I'd say you should do it."
"It might not even happen, Talia. Who knows if they still have his sperm, and maybe I can't even get pregnant."
"Don't say that," Talia cuts in.
"We've talked about it before. You know there were times when I so should've been. So many things that should've been close calls, but nothing. I always considered it a blessing, but I never thought I would want to do this."

"You weren't ready before, so maybe your body just knew that. Save the worry for later. Tonight, let's party!"

"I got mocktails for you!"

"Ugh, that's the only downer… I so wish I could have real booze. Promise me next year?"

"Of course! I already started planning your birthday." The girls get up, hug, and go to the drink table. Rick comes up to them, cautiously, and Michelle sees him. She lets go of Talia's hand and gives it to Rick. She places her hand on top, and then lets go. Rick knows he has her blessing now, and Talia whispers Thank you as Michelle leaves to give Nanette the baby back.