"I forgave him, Mom. Why can't you?"
"He left you! But you seem to have forgotten that."
"I still remember. How could I not? In his defense, he didn't even know. He just found out. When he came back!"
"Why are you defending him?"
"Because I love him. Because I need him. Because I can't do this without him. He's everything to me." I feel tears coming in the back of my eyes and I wipe them away. Even if my mom can't see the tears through the phone I don't want anyone to see my weakness.
"You know what that's fine if you really love him, but I still don't trust him."
"I understand, Mom. I don't fully trust him myself, but I want to try."
"Alright. I've got to go. I love you, Max."
"I love you too, Mom. Bye." As soon as I hung up I started crying. I barely heard Fang walk up before I felt his strong arms wrap around me. The arms that would keep me safe. The arms protecting me and my baby.
That's when I felt it. The tiny little movement from within me. I just started crying harder. I was feeling a mixture of emotions. Happiness, sadness and fear.
Fang bent down and whispered in my ear, "What is it, Max? What's wrong?"
"I just felt the baby move, Fang. I'm just so overwhelmed right now. Especially with hormones in the mix. I feel so weak."
"You're Max. You're never weak. You're strong, incredibly strong. Stronger than I could ever dream of being. I hide from my feelings, but you face them. That's really brave. You keep going even when you're scared, even when you just want to quit. You're the bravest and strongest person I know and I love you for it."
"Fang, I love you. Sometimes you can be a real pain like when you won't talk to me, but then there are times like this, when you amaze me with how loving and supportive you can be. You'll be a great dad. I know it."
"I hope so. I really don't want to screw this up. I mean what if I'm horrible? What if I'm the worst dad in the history of dads?"
"That would be Jeb. You can't be worse than him. It's not possible. You already care this much which is good. It's a sign that you'll be a great dad. Just don't ever leave."
"I'll stay right here. I promise."
