I went to leave. Mitch started yelling again and I was getting really tired of being yelled at today.
"YOU ACT LIKE THIS IS YOUR HOLE WORLD! LIKE TAKING HIM DOWN IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT BEING IN LOVE WITH ME!"
"Mitch,"
"FORGET IT! I'M OUTTA HERE! MY STUFF WILL BE GONE BY THE TIME YOU GET HOME."
He rushed out. Dad walked up to me.
"If he only knew, dad. If he only knew that he's going to be a father."
Dad turned me around to face him.
"He doesn't know?"
I shook my head.
"I'm sure if you told him, that he would come back."
"Yeah. He would come back straight out of pity and I don't want that. What am I going to do? I don't know if I can take care of this on my own."
"Don't you worry about that Jennisyn. You and this baby will always be taken care of."
I hugged him and whispered in his ear.
"Thank you, dad."
"You're welcome, sweetie."
I pulled away.
"So, have you thought of any names?"
"For a girl I'd like Karron for the first name and Rose for the middle name in honor of Grandma Rose."
"I'm sure she would like that."
"and for a boy, I'd like Spencer for the first name and Lee for the middle name."
"That sounds really cool."
"I thought you'd say that. I always wanted my kids to have really cool names. I'm going to take off. Grandma Rose said she wanted me to stop by sometime this week."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
I went out to the parking garage, got in my black SUV, and drove to Grandma Rose's bar.
"Hey Grandma."
"Hello Jennisyn, sweetie. How are you feeling?"
"Really crappy. Mitch left me today."
"I'm sorry."
"He said that I thought taking Fred down was more important than being in love with him. Nothing is further from the truth than that. I love Mitch so much."
"Sweetie, you and this baby are going to be taken care of with or without Mitch."
"I know."
"I have some stuff for you."
Rose pulled a box of stuff from under the counter.
"Are these what I think they are, grandma?"
"Yep. Those are pictures of when your father and Uncle Michael were little. There's some other stuff in there too."
There were pictures, and a couple of stuffed animals in the box.
"The bear was your fathers, and the dog was Uncle Michaels."
"and so was this."
Uncle Mikey came up behind us.
"Hey Uncle Mikey."
"This blanket has been passed down through generations of Boscorelli kids and I thought it was time to pass it down to the next generation."
"Thank you."
"This squirt is going to be so spoiled."
"I have to get back. Thanks Grandma."
"You're welcome. Take care of yourself, sweetheart."
"I will. Bye guys!"
"Bye."
I got in my car and drove. I had no idea where I was driving and I really didn't care at the moment. I ended up back at the hospial. I went up to the floor mom was on.
"Hey sweetie. What did ma want?"
"to give me some stuff that you and uncle mikey had as babies. Like pictures and your bear."
"She still had that?"
"Yeah. Uncle Mikey gave me the Boscorelli blanket."
"Man, I figured Michael would've got rid of that by now."
"He said it was passed down by generations and that he thought it was time to pass it on to the new generation. I'm going to go talk to ma."
"Okay. Take the kids with you."
I went over, got the kids, and we went into ma's room. Mitch walked into the waiting room. Sully, Ty, and Lieu were still there.
"Where's Jennisyn, Bosco?"
Dad pushed him up against a wall with his forearm against his neck.
"You hurt her one too many times! I will not see my daughter get hurt again."
"I just came to tell her that all of my stuff was gone."
Sully came and got me and we went back out to the waiting room.
"What do you want Mr. Brimfield?"
"I wanted to tell you my stuff was gone. I heard you were going to be taking some time off."
"What? You been checking up on me now? Let me tell you this. I don't need you and I sure as hell don't need you checking up on me!"
"I wasn't checking up on you! Damn! You always jump to conclusions!"
"No. This time I was actually following my instincts. By the way, I want your key back."
He handed me his key to the apartment.
"Answer me this, Jennisyn. Why are you taking the time off?"
"Because I can. Now leave me alone!"
I ran out to my car and left. I drove to this spot by the water. It was this cement thing that had been around for awhile. I would climb up to the top and look. You could see over the water to the city. I was crying. I thought about when I first found out that I was pregnant. I was so happy. It wasn't that long ago. I just found out 3 weeks ago that I was 2 months pregnant. The first person that I told was my dad. I wanted to wait until Mitch's birthday to tell him since his birthday is a week from now but I can't since he's gone now.
"Damn it! Why does this happen to me? Huh? Why?"
I put my hand on my stomach.
"Hey down there. You stay strong for me, okay? Everything is so screwed up right now but I'll make it better. I promise."
I got back in my car and drove to Mitch and I's apartment. The couch was gone.
"What in the hell does he think he's pulling?"
I went into the bedroom. The bed was gone too. He was making sure that I couldn't stay here if he couldn't. I slid to the floor and cried. Why did everything have to be so screwed up? Couldn't I just live a normal life or was I asking too much? The phone rung so I answered it.
"Hello?"
"You okay, sweetie?"
"I don't know anymore, Ma."
"Well, what happened?"
"Mitch is being an ass. He took the couch and Bed so I have no where to sleep. He figures if I won't let him stay here, that he won't let me either."
"He is being an ass."
"Can I stay at your house until I get my check so I can buy a new bed?"
"Sure. Sweetie, you can always stay at our house."
"Thanks. Mom?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. I was just a little mad."
"I understand sweetie. We all get that way sometimes."
"I just....I just don't know what I'm going to do. Here I am. Pregnant, no husband or fiance, no bed and I have to figure out how to take care of my baby."
"Sweetheart, everything will work out okay. I promise."
"I know but why does everything have to be so screwed up? Can't I just have one little piece of a normal life for once?"
"Nothing every works out that way. You should know that by now."
"Listen, I gotta go so I can take some clothes over to you and dads place."
"Okay. Remember, me and your father, we love you."
"I love you too. Bye."
"Bye."
I packed a couple of duffle bags full of stuff and wrote a note for that asshole that I used to call my love. It read as follows,
Mitch,
Thanks. I know that sounds stupid.
You left me and now I'm learning how
to support myself and for that I'm
thankful.
Thanks
Jennisyn Boscorelli
I loaded the duffle bags into my car. By the time, I got to mom and dads house, they were already home. The doctors had let mom out early. I walkled up the front porch stairs and knocked on the door. Mom answered.
"Hi Ma."
"Come on in, Sweetie. Let me take your bags."
We went inside, upstairs, and into my old room. It still looked the exact same. My computer on a desk by the window, my bed smack dab in the middle, and my dresser on the right side of the room. My walls were white with hard wood floors. My bedspred was a sky blue and my curtains were blue. Mom sat my bags on the floor. We sat on the bed.
"How are you doing, Jennisyn?"
"Really horrible. How are you?"
"Not horrible but not great either. Come on. I'm hungry and I'm sure the kids would be glad to see you."
"Yeah."
We went downstairs and into the backyard where dad was barbequing.
"Jennisyn!"
"Jenni!"
"Jenni!"
All three kids ran up to me at once. I picked up Amelia and Emily and Charlie hugged me from the side.
"Hey guys!"
I put them down and walked over to dad. I hugged him.
"How ya doin' Kid?"
"Not so great but I'll be okay."
"Good."
I sat at the picnic table.
"What are ya making me?"
"Hamburgers and/or steak."
"Uh, give me a hamburger."
Mom nudged my shoulder and whispered in my ear.
"Tell the kids about the baby."
"Okay. Guys?"
"Yeah Jen?"
"What would you say if I told you that you'd be having a baby niece or nephew?"
"I'd be happy and start crying."
"I'd scream 'yes!Finally someone to teach stuff too!"
"Nice one Charlie. What would you say Mia?"
"I would be happy."
"Well, you all are going to have a baby niece or nephew in 6 or 7 months."
"Really?"
"Yep!"
They all ran over to me and hugged me."
"Congratulations Jennisyn."
"Thank you, Emily."
"Congrats, Jenni."
"Yeah Congrats."
"Thank you Charlie and Amelia."
"Have you thought about names?"
"Well, for a girl I was thinking Karron Rose and for a boy, I was thinking Spencer Lee, but I want to here what you guys think."
"You're really going to let us help you pick the baby's name out?"
"Yep. This is going to be your niece or nephew too."
"For a girl, I like Karron Rose. For a boy, I like Jordan Alexander."
"I like Jordan Alexander too."
"Me three."
"I think that settles it. If this baby is a boy, it's name will be Jordan Alexander Boscorelli."
"Why don't you use Mitch's last name? Is he not going to be coming around?"
"Emily, Mitch and I, we had a really big fight and aren't going to be married."
"What does that mean, Jenni?"
"Well, Mia, it means that Mitch won't be coming around anymore."
"Was it the baby?"
"Mitch doesn't know about the baby,sweetie,and it has to stay that way, okay? This can be our little secret for now."
"Yeah! I like secrets."
"Let's eat! Remember, I am eating for two."
We ate and talked mostly about how the kids were doing and things like that. One rule that we always had growing up in our house, was never discuss work at the table and to this day, we have never discussed work. When we finished, I helped clean up then went to my room. I heard Mom calling my name, so I went downstairs.
"Mitch is here to see you and refuses to go away until you tell him what's going on."
I stepped out on the front porch. It was getting a bit chilly.
"Well, what do you want Mitch?"
"I just want to know what's going on. There's something you aren't telling me and it's really starting to bug me."
"It's none of your concern."
"Please tell me."
"Why? So you can hold that against me too?"
"I'm sorry. For whatever I did, I'm sorry. Please, I just want to help you."
"With what? Help me with what, Mitch?"
"Whatever's bugging you. Please, I love you and I'm sorry."
I felt a cry coming on and my voice was getting shaky."
"I can't. I just can't."
I ran inside and closed the door. I slid down to the floor with my back against it. Ma and everyone was listening from the living room.
"Jennisyn, please. Jennisyn, open the door. Please."
"Just...Just leave, Mitch. It'll make things easier on all of us. Please just go."
"I'll,uh, I'll call you later."
"Fine."
He left. I went into the bathroom and threw up. Ah. The later effects of pregnancy, the morning sickness. Mom came in and held my hair back. When I finished, I leaned against the wall. Mom got me a wet cloth.
"Here put this on your forehead."
I did.
"Morning sickness already. Man."
"Yeah."
"I don't know how much longer that I'll be able to hide this."
"I don't know what to tell you, sweetie."
I got up.
"Try getting some sleep. That usually helps it pass faster."
"Okay. 'night."
"Goodnight, baby."
I went into my bedroom, crawled under the blankets and went to sleep. I woke up at about 4:30 am to the sound of a doorbell. I put a wool robe over my pajamas and walked downstairs to open the door. I saw Mitch standing there. I went out on the front porch to talk. I wasn't going to let him inside of my parents home.
"Mitch, what in the hell are you doing? It's 4:30 in the morning."
"I can't sleep without you."
"Well, I'm trying to sleep. Tell me what you want or get the hell out of here."
"Please just stop this and come home."
"My parent and my brother and sisters are trying to sleep. Keep in mind that this is not my house anymore. This is their home. I would be at mine but you took the couch and bed."
"I'm sorry. Just come home."
"I can't, now stop coming here at 4:30."
I closed the door, went back upstairs, and went back to sleep. I had a great dream. I dreamt that Mitch and I were married and that he was holding my hand while I was delivering my baby. That was a good dream. I woke up at 7:30 and I got out of bed. I took a shower, changed into a pair of jeans and an airbrushed shirt that said, Angel for life, on it. I made my bed and went downstairs. Everyone was already at the table."
"Good morning, Jennisyn."
I sat and began to eat.
"This is really good."
"Thank you. I had to make it for my home ec class."
"They teach home ec in eighth grade now? Weird. They used to only allow high schoolers to take that class."
I finished eating.
"I'm going in to work to file for maternity leave."
"Bye."
I drove to work to file for maternity leave. I was at the front desk.
"You really pregnant, Jennisyn. Congrats."
"Thanks Lieu. Please don't tell anyone though."
"I won't. Your secret is safe with me."
Mitch was behind us the entire time and heard everything.
"YOU ACT LIKE THIS IS YOUR HOLE WORLD! LIKE TAKING HIM DOWN IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT BEING IN LOVE WITH ME!"
"Mitch,"
"FORGET IT! I'M OUTTA HERE! MY STUFF WILL BE GONE BY THE TIME YOU GET HOME."
He rushed out. Dad walked up to me.
"If he only knew, dad. If he only knew that he's going to be a father."
Dad turned me around to face him.
"He doesn't know?"
I shook my head.
"I'm sure if you told him, that he would come back."
"Yeah. He would come back straight out of pity and I don't want that. What am I going to do? I don't know if I can take care of this on my own."
"Don't you worry about that Jennisyn. You and this baby will always be taken care of."
I hugged him and whispered in his ear.
"Thank you, dad."
"You're welcome, sweetie."
I pulled away.
"So, have you thought of any names?"
"For a girl I'd like Karron for the first name and Rose for the middle name in honor of Grandma Rose."
"I'm sure she would like that."
"and for a boy, I'd like Spencer for the first name and Lee for the middle name."
"That sounds really cool."
"I thought you'd say that. I always wanted my kids to have really cool names. I'm going to take off. Grandma Rose said she wanted me to stop by sometime this week."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
I went out to the parking garage, got in my black SUV, and drove to Grandma Rose's bar.
"Hey Grandma."
"Hello Jennisyn, sweetie. How are you feeling?"
"Really crappy. Mitch left me today."
"I'm sorry."
"He said that I thought taking Fred down was more important than being in love with him. Nothing is further from the truth than that. I love Mitch so much."
"Sweetie, you and this baby are going to be taken care of with or without Mitch."
"I know."
"I have some stuff for you."
Rose pulled a box of stuff from under the counter.
"Are these what I think they are, grandma?"
"Yep. Those are pictures of when your father and Uncle Michael were little. There's some other stuff in there too."
There were pictures, and a couple of stuffed animals in the box.
"The bear was your fathers, and the dog was Uncle Michaels."
"and so was this."
Uncle Mikey came up behind us.
"Hey Uncle Mikey."
"This blanket has been passed down through generations of Boscorelli kids and I thought it was time to pass it down to the next generation."
"Thank you."
"This squirt is going to be so spoiled."
"I have to get back. Thanks Grandma."
"You're welcome. Take care of yourself, sweetheart."
"I will. Bye guys!"
"Bye."
I got in my car and drove. I had no idea where I was driving and I really didn't care at the moment. I ended up back at the hospial. I went up to the floor mom was on.
"Hey sweetie. What did ma want?"
"to give me some stuff that you and uncle mikey had as babies. Like pictures and your bear."
"She still had that?"
"Yeah. Uncle Mikey gave me the Boscorelli blanket."
"Man, I figured Michael would've got rid of that by now."
"He said it was passed down by generations and that he thought it was time to pass it on to the new generation. I'm going to go talk to ma."
"Okay. Take the kids with you."
I went over, got the kids, and we went into ma's room. Mitch walked into the waiting room. Sully, Ty, and Lieu were still there.
"Where's Jennisyn, Bosco?"
Dad pushed him up against a wall with his forearm against his neck.
"You hurt her one too many times! I will not see my daughter get hurt again."
"I just came to tell her that all of my stuff was gone."
Sully came and got me and we went back out to the waiting room.
"What do you want Mr. Brimfield?"
"I wanted to tell you my stuff was gone. I heard you were going to be taking some time off."
"What? You been checking up on me now? Let me tell you this. I don't need you and I sure as hell don't need you checking up on me!"
"I wasn't checking up on you! Damn! You always jump to conclusions!"
"No. This time I was actually following my instincts. By the way, I want your key back."
He handed me his key to the apartment.
"Answer me this, Jennisyn. Why are you taking the time off?"
"Because I can. Now leave me alone!"
I ran out to my car and left. I drove to this spot by the water. It was this cement thing that had been around for awhile. I would climb up to the top and look. You could see over the water to the city. I was crying. I thought about when I first found out that I was pregnant. I was so happy. It wasn't that long ago. I just found out 3 weeks ago that I was 2 months pregnant. The first person that I told was my dad. I wanted to wait until Mitch's birthday to tell him since his birthday is a week from now but I can't since he's gone now.
"Damn it! Why does this happen to me? Huh? Why?"
I put my hand on my stomach.
"Hey down there. You stay strong for me, okay? Everything is so screwed up right now but I'll make it better. I promise."
I got back in my car and drove to Mitch and I's apartment. The couch was gone.
"What in the hell does he think he's pulling?"
I went into the bedroom. The bed was gone too. He was making sure that I couldn't stay here if he couldn't. I slid to the floor and cried. Why did everything have to be so screwed up? Couldn't I just live a normal life or was I asking too much? The phone rung so I answered it.
"Hello?"
"You okay, sweetie?"
"I don't know anymore, Ma."
"Well, what happened?"
"Mitch is being an ass. He took the couch and Bed so I have no where to sleep. He figures if I won't let him stay here, that he won't let me either."
"He is being an ass."
"Can I stay at your house until I get my check so I can buy a new bed?"
"Sure. Sweetie, you can always stay at our house."
"Thanks. Mom?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. I was just a little mad."
"I understand sweetie. We all get that way sometimes."
"I just....I just don't know what I'm going to do. Here I am. Pregnant, no husband or fiance, no bed and I have to figure out how to take care of my baby."
"Sweetheart, everything will work out okay. I promise."
"I know but why does everything have to be so screwed up? Can't I just have one little piece of a normal life for once?"
"Nothing every works out that way. You should know that by now."
"Listen, I gotta go so I can take some clothes over to you and dads place."
"Okay. Remember, me and your father, we love you."
"I love you too. Bye."
"Bye."
I packed a couple of duffle bags full of stuff and wrote a note for that asshole that I used to call my love. It read as follows,
Mitch,
Thanks. I know that sounds stupid.
You left me and now I'm learning how
to support myself and for that I'm
thankful.
Thanks
Jennisyn Boscorelli
I loaded the duffle bags into my car. By the time, I got to mom and dads house, they were already home. The doctors had let mom out early. I walkled up the front porch stairs and knocked on the door. Mom answered.
"Hi Ma."
"Come on in, Sweetie. Let me take your bags."
We went inside, upstairs, and into my old room. It still looked the exact same. My computer on a desk by the window, my bed smack dab in the middle, and my dresser on the right side of the room. My walls were white with hard wood floors. My bedspred was a sky blue and my curtains were blue. Mom sat my bags on the floor. We sat on the bed.
"How are you doing, Jennisyn?"
"Really horrible. How are you?"
"Not horrible but not great either. Come on. I'm hungry and I'm sure the kids would be glad to see you."
"Yeah."
We went downstairs and into the backyard where dad was barbequing.
"Jennisyn!"
"Jenni!"
"Jenni!"
All three kids ran up to me at once. I picked up Amelia and Emily and Charlie hugged me from the side.
"Hey guys!"
I put them down and walked over to dad. I hugged him.
"How ya doin' Kid?"
"Not so great but I'll be okay."
"Good."
I sat at the picnic table.
"What are ya making me?"
"Hamburgers and/or steak."
"Uh, give me a hamburger."
Mom nudged my shoulder and whispered in my ear.
"Tell the kids about the baby."
"Okay. Guys?"
"Yeah Jen?"
"What would you say if I told you that you'd be having a baby niece or nephew?"
"I'd be happy and start crying."
"I'd scream 'yes!Finally someone to teach stuff too!"
"Nice one Charlie. What would you say Mia?"
"I would be happy."
"Well, you all are going to have a baby niece or nephew in 6 or 7 months."
"Really?"
"Yep!"
They all ran over to me and hugged me."
"Congratulations Jennisyn."
"Thank you, Emily."
"Congrats, Jenni."
"Yeah Congrats."
"Thank you Charlie and Amelia."
"Have you thought about names?"
"Well, for a girl I was thinking Karron Rose and for a boy, I was thinking Spencer Lee, but I want to here what you guys think."
"You're really going to let us help you pick the baby's name out?"
"Yep. This is going to be your niece or nephew too."
"For a girl, I like Karron Rose. For a boy, I like Jordan Alexander."
"I like Jordan Alexander too."
"Me three."
"I think that settles it. If this baby is a boy, it's name will be Jordan Alexander Boscorelli."
"Why don't you use Mitch's last name? Is he not going to be coming around?"
"Emily, Mitch and I, we had a really big fight and aren't going to be married."
"What does that mean, Jenni?"
"Well, Mia, it means that Mitch won't be coming around anymore."
"Was it the baby?"
"Mitch doesn't know about the baby,sweetie,and it has to stay that way, okay? This can be our little secret for now."
"Yeah! I like secrets."
"Let's eat! Remember, I am eating for two."
We ate and talked mostly about how the kids were doing and things like that. One rule that we always had growing up in our house, was never discuss work at the table and to this day, we have never discussed work. When we finished, I helped clean up then went to my room. I heard Mom calling my name, so I went downstairs.
"Mitch is here to see you and refuses to go away until you tell him what's going on."
I stepped out on the front porch. It was getting a bit chilly.
"Well, what do you want Mitch?"
"I just want to know what's going on. There's something you aren't telling me and it's really starting to bug me."
"It's none of your concern."
"Please tell me."
"Why? So you can hold that against me too?"
"I'm sorry. For whatever I did, I'm sorry. Please, I just want to help you."
"With what? Help me with what, Mitch?"
"Whatever's bugging you. Please, I love you and I'm sorry."
I felt a cry coming on and my voice was getting shaky."
"I can't. I just can't."
I ran inside and closed the door. I slid down to the floor with my back against it. Ma and everyone was listening from the living room.
"Jennisyn, please. Jennisyn, open the door. Please."
"Just...Just leave, Mitch. It'll make things easier on all of us. Please just go."
"I'll,uh, I'll call you later."
"Fine."
He left. I went into the bathroom and threw up. Ah. The later effects of pregnancy, the morning sickness. Mom came in and held my hair back. When I finished, I leaned against the wall. Mom got me a wet cloth.
"Here put this on your forehead."
I did.
"Morning sickness already. Man."
"Yeah."
"I don't know how much longer that I'll be able to hide this."
"I don't know what to tell you, sweetie."
I got up.
"Try getting some sleep. That usually helps it pass faster."
"Okay. 'night."
"Goodnight, baby."
I went into my bedroom, crawled under the blankets and went to sleep. I woke up at about 4:30 am to the sound of a doorbell. I put a wool robe over my pajamas and walked downstairs to open the door. I saw Mitch standing there. I went out on the front porch to talk. I wasn't going to let him inside of my parents home.
"Mitch, what in the hell are you doing? It's 4:30 in the morning."
"I can't sleep without you."
"Well, I'm trying to sleep. Tell me what you want or get the hell out of here."
"Please just stop this and come home."
"My parent and my brother and sisters are trying to sleep. Keep in mind that this is not my house anymore. This is their home. I would be at mine but you took the couch and bed."
"I'm sorry. Just come home."
"I can't, now stop coming here at 4:30."
I closed the door, went back upstairs, and went back to sleep. I had a great dream. I dreamt that Mitch and I were married and that he was holding my hand while I was delivering my baby. That was a good dream. I woke up at 7:30 and I got out of bed. I took a shower, changed into a pair of jeans and an airbrushed shirt that said, Angel for life, on it. I made my bed and went downstairs. Everyone was already at the table."
"Good morning, Jennisyn."
I sat and began to eat.
"This is really good."
"Thank you. I had to make it for my home ec class."
"They teach home ec in eighth grade now? Weird. They used to only allow high schoolers to take that class."
I finished eating.
"I'm going in to work to file for maternity leave."
"Bye."
I drove to work to file for maternity leave. I was at the front desk.
"You really pregnant, Jennisyn. Congrats."
"Thanks Lieu. Please don't tell anyone though."
"I won't. Your secret is safe with me."
Mitch was behind us the entire time and heard everything.