Chapter 54

AJ had thought about going home while Taya and Allison were shopping, but he was so excited about the engagement that he knew he would just be stir crazy at the house alone. He wanted to tell someone! Share this happy news with someone close to him. Because the two closest to him were off shopping together and one of them already knew, while the other one would be told at a family dinner tomorrow, he was left to search for someone else to tell.

It didn't take him long to make his choice and he pulled up at the Galindez residence a few minutes later. AJ had to remind himself every time that he pulled up at the house that Bud and Harriett had shared, that Bud would never answer that door again. While AJ was glad that Harriett had found someone to love and care for her just as Bud had, and even though he liked and respected Victor, it was still hard at times to picture Harriett with anyone else but Bud.

Victor was on the front lawn with all five children and they were playing something that seemed to require a lot of running, screaming, and laughing. As AJ got out of the Escalade, he saw that Harriett was not with them. Victor waved and smiled, but called out that he couldn't leave the game. He did however; ask if AJ wanted to join in.

With a laugh, AJ declined and asked where Harriett was. Victor reported that she had gone into the house a short time ago. As AJ entered the house and called out her name, Harriett came out of the downstairs bathroom with tears on her face and wiping her mouth with a towel. "Harriett what's wrong?" AJ asked, concerned.

"Oh AJ…hi…" she said and then going into his arms, she whimpered, "I think I'm pregnant."

He was about to offer congratulations when it dawned on him these were not happy tears soaking into his shirt. "I take it this doesn't come as good news?" he asked softly.

"No, it isn't. With Rosie finally turning five and going off to school this fall I thought that at last I would have some time outside the home. I even thought of getting a part time job, but if this is true then that won't happen for another five years now!" she cried quietly.

Hating the thought that entered his head, but also hating to see his good friend so distressed, he felt that he should at least mention the option, "Harriett, have you ever thought of…."

When he hesitated, she looked up and saw what he was trying to say in his face. "Oh no AJ! I would never consider an abortion! Victor is Catholic and I couldn't do that to a child! It's not the baby's fault that the timing stinks!"

"How does Victor feel about the possibility?" he asked, but when she didn't answer right away, he further inquired, "He does know, doesn't he?"

"No, not yet. I wanted to be sure before I told anyone, you just happened to arrive at a weak moment," she sighed, and then went on, "We were taking precautions, but nothing is full proof even today."

"I'll have to remember that," he half muttered under his breath, but Harriett, being Harriett didn't miss it.

"So things are progressing well with this new lady in your life?" she asked wiping away her tears. She would deal with her own problems later; she now wanted to hear some good news.

"Harriett, are you sure that you don't want to talk to someone about this? You know my shoulder is always here for you to lean on."

"Thank you AJ and I do know that. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and once I'm sure whether or not I'm pregnant then I will tell Victor. I'm sure I can trust you to keep my secret till then?"

"You know I will," he assured her.

"So now tell me what is going on in your life?" she insisted as she started to make a pot of coffee.

To be continued…..