-
Beth was sprawled over her queen sized bed, trying to absorb as much cold air as possible. She didn't feel good; her chest was pounding and her head was spinning. She rubbed her eyes hoping the burning tears would go away. Get a hold of yourself, Beth. You don't cry, you're a tough girl. You're going to be on the football team next year, you need to handle yourself better. Go get some water and calm the hell down. She hopped off her bed and shuffled down the hallway and into the kitchen.
"Hey, Beth! Want something for dinner? I could order Chinese? Or make something."
"Sure, I guess. But, mom, I don't feel good. It's my chest. It hurts so bad." Her mom rushed over to her and gathered her into a hug.
"Did you take your inhaler? Do you want me to call your dad? I can call him right now." Shelby went into instant panic mode.
"No...mom, it's different than that. It kind of feels...weird. You know what? Just order the Chinese food and I'll tell you after. I'm starved." She kissed her mom on the cheek. She plopped herself on the plump couch and closed her eyes. I want my real mom and dad. I want to meet them. But how do I tell Mom? It would hurt her so badly. But she always told me she would do anything for me...
"I ordered you the usual, I hope that's okay. It'll be here in a half an hour." She sat carefully in her lounge chair. She nervously ran her hands through her long, dark hair. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"
"Mom, I love you and everything, but I," she paused as her mom's eyes widened in fear. "I want to meet my birth parents."
"Bethie...that's a big step, don't you think? You don't know anything about them."
"Well, whose fault is that? Dammit, mom, I'm 15. I just...I just want to know who I am! I want to know about where I came from! I want to know if I'm anything like them! Please, mom." She felt her lower lip tremble. Beth, keep calm. Don't cry. Damn, she noticed. Oh, crap, mom, don't come over here and rub my back. Or do it anyway, ugh. Doesn't she have telepathy or anything? "Stop it."
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Beth nodded. "I'll see what I can do." Shelby dug into her pocket and handed her a wad of cash. "Use this to pay for the Chinese food. I'm going to go do some research. Hang in there, sweetheart." She stood up.
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for not getting mad. I love you."
"I love you too." She kissed her daughter on the forehead and retreated to her bed. Her head was throbbing. What are you going to do, Shelby? You knew this was going to happen one day...but the kids didn't want an open adoption...still, she deserves to know them. God, I need a glass of wine. Should I wait and talk to David? He'll want to know, probably - her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of her iPhone. "Hello?"
"Is Shelby Corcoran-Smith there?"
"This is she."
"Hi, Shelby. It's Noah Puckerman."
Oh, my God. What is this? Noah Puckerman? As in Beth's dad? Breathe, Shelby, breathe.
"Uh, Shelby? Are you there? It's Noah Puckerman...as in Beth's dad."
"Yes, I'm here Noah...can I help you with anything?"
"Actually, yeah, there is. I don't know if it would be possible, but would I be able to meet Beth someday? Oh, God. That was blunt. I'm sorry, I, I'll just hang up. Sorry for wasting your time Ms. Corcoran."
"No, Noah, don't hang up!" She heard him breathing heavy on the other end. "Are you sure you want to meet her? "
"Yes. 100 percent sure."
"What about tomorrow night? You could come over to our house."
"Gulp. Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow." Her fingers tingled in anticipation as she waited for an answer. "Is that a problem?"
"No, no! It's fine. Uh, wait, where do you live?"
"I'll text you the address."
"Do you want me to bring anything over? Like dinner? Or dessert?"
"Come over at 7 with dessert. Beth likes cupcakes. Also!"
"Got it. I'll see you guys then."
"I guess we will. And, Noah?"
"Yeah?"
"Remember she doesn't know you - she might not be happy with you." Tears welled up in her eyes. "But she wants to meet you too."
"Okay, Shelby. Thanks."
The line went dead. Am I doing the right thing? Should I call Quinn? No, I'll wait. Well, time to break the news. Shelby walked slowly to the kitchen where Beth was putting the Chinese food on plates.
"Dad called me - he said you're line was busy. Anyway, he'll be home late. Emergency surgery."
"Okay...Beth, sit down." Beth obeyed, setting herself in one of the tall, silver and red cushioned bar stools. "Tomorrow," she took a deep breath. "Your birth dad is coming over. His name is Noah Puckerman."
"He is? Here! Oh, my God. When?" Her stomach gurgled in a mixture of hunger, fear, and excitement.
"At seven." She grabbed her daughter's hands. "Are you ready for this?"
"More than I've ever been." She squeezed her mom's hands to prove her strength. "I'm ready, mom. I can do this." She smiled. Beth, you got this! You can do it! "I can do it."