Chapter Four

Since Simone was still mad at me, thinking I had leaked out our private business I was spending more time in the library, and it turns out so was ginger. She was trying to write a paper for her English class which included a lot of research of different authors she was interested in.

The next day I was in the library after school when I saw her she was sitting at a table facing the window outside.

I was walking by when I noticed her sitting alone. "Hi again, you sure are spending a lot of time here lately."

"Not really just working on my English paper. I have to do research about authors I like and find similarities and differences and if that's why I like them." She replied.

"Oh wow, sounds boring to be honest." I replied smiling.

"I know you would, you aren't big on reading are you?" She said laughing.

"I am into reading just not for reports and researching authors sounds sooo boring."

Ginger smiled and shook her head and I put my head down smiling.

Then I heard a familiar male voice, "Hey baby, what's going on?"

Ginger Jumped out of her chair as I looked up to see who had spoken. "Orion! I am so glad to see you!" She gushed as she flung herself into Orion's arms.

I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I got up and walked out. I didn't know what else to do. I walked out of the library and went outside to the bike rack. I unlocked my bike and rode home.

When I got home I stopped in front of ginger's old house. It was quiet. I was used to the yelling and random noises from the dog house Carl played it, which he has taken down. I was used to climbing up the terrace to Ginger's room, which the new owners had taken down. I was with Simone, and ginger with Orion. I was going to be a dad. A lot had changed in the last year. More than I wish it had. I wish we could go back to junior high and be happy like we were then, especially since Ginger and I would be together and I would never break up with her.

I know I was stuck in my relationship with Simone. My parents and I had already talked about it. Since I told them the news about Simone having a baby I have been very honest and open with them, especially with my feelings which most guys don't do, let alone open up about it to their parents.

When I parked my bike in the garage, and walked into the kitchen my parents were there. My mom was making dinner and my dad was at the table reading the paper.

"Hey son, how's it going?" my dad asked.

"Good I was in the library today and saw Ginger, but then Orion came and she was happy so I slipped out." I replied sitting across from him at our square table that seats eight.

"Darren, I know you two are talking and I know you miss her and want to be friends again, but you have Simone to think about. Do you think she'll like it when she hears you're spending time with Ginger instead of her?" My mom said stirring something in a pot in the stove.

I sighed, "I know you're right, I just really miss her. Like I think I made a mistake dumping her. Don't get me wrong some things I really like about Simone, but some things… I just miss about ginger."

I got up and looked in the fridge to get something to drink. I decided on milk and poured myself a tall glass and sat down at the table again this time grabbing the rolls and butter from off the counter nest to the stove. I began to butter them for my mom.

"Darren I know you don't understand this ET sweetie but your first real relationship is hard to forget. I know I did when your father and I broke up after high school, and I didn't see him again until almost five years later. It was easier not seeing or talking to him through and I really think maybe not talking to Ginger is better for you.' My mom said.
"I have to agree. You're going to be a father Darren, your priority is that baby and Simone. You can't leave a child and not be in that child's life. And it is better for the child to have parents that are together. No shared custody or resentment of a parent for never being there. Even if you end up not working things out with Simone in the future you're still going to be very close. Closer than you want." My dad explained setting his paper in the table and folding his hands over it.

I sighed, we had this conversation before and I wasn't too thrilled to hear it again. I wasn't planning on leave Simone or the baby I just wanted my best friend back. I finished buttering the rolls and called my brother down for dinner.