Chapter 3

Marissa stared at the infant in Theresa's arms. He was beautiful, his dark hair clung wet to his forehead as he sweat in the intense heat. He had been sleeping, but his eyes flickered open and chocolate eyes stared at Marissa, mystified at this new face. For a split second Marissa was lost in those dark innocent pools. Theresa's stammering broke threw Marissa's trance, unwelcome, because she was thrown back to reality.

"Marissa, what are you doing here?" Theresa asked blankly, her eyes searching, trying to think of an excuse to why she was coddling this child.

Marissa stared at Theresa for a moment, before her bloodshot eyes darted back to the little boy. "He's beautiful Theresa, he looks just like you."

Theresa stood back stunned, "He, I mean, how do you know he's mine?"

Marissa sighed, "He looks just like you." She repeated simply. "Why did you lie to Ryan about losing him?" Marissa couldn't believe her own reaction. It was like she had expected this to happen, maybe it was just that Marissa had already gone threw enough shock that evening, or maybe, she never believed they had lost the baby in the first place. All she knew was that she was transfixed by the little round face still starting curiously at her.

Theresa was surprised with Marissa's reaction as well. "I- I" Theresa felt the familiar burning sensation fill her eyes, that she knew all to well. Tears began to fill her eyes, threatening to spill over at any minute. "I couldn't force him to stay here when his heart was somewhere else. He loves you Marissa."

Theresa's words stung Marissa sharply, she knew that he wouldn't love her anymore. After he realized what had happened, he would be back with Theresa and this baby, a family. Her eyes mirrored Theresa's as she was thrown back to the severity of the situation she had put herself in.

Theresa looked worried and embraced Marissa with her one free arm. She ushered her inside, "What happened? Did you guys have a fight or something?"

Marissa shook her head violently and cried out, "It's much worse than that! I've done something terrible!" Marissa sat crumpled onto Theresa's couch and put her face in her hands.

Theresa tenderly put her son in his basinet and put her arm around Marissa in a motherly fashion. "What happened? You guys have always worked through everything, this shouldn't be any different! It's probably not that bad-"

"I shot Trey!" Marissa wailed, surprised that she was able to say the words.

Theresa was in shock, she stopped rubbing Marissa's back abruptly and sat still for a moment. Marissa could almost see the words registering in Theresa's head, and Theresa finally splurted, "What?"

"I shot Trey." Marissa repeated.

"Why!" exclaimed Theresa jumping up.

"He was killing Ryan!" Marissa shouted defensivly.

Theresa sat back down and took a deep breath, "Marissa, start from the beginning."

Marissa also took a deep breath, "Ok, well a few weeks ago, I was hanging out with Trey and we were on the beach at night, and then…" Marissa's voice quivered, but Theresa squeezed her hand and she was able to continue, "He attacked me." Marissa whispered. Theresa wanted to say something, but she didn't know what to say, fortunately, Marissa continued to speak. "He tried to…" Marissa trailed off, and Theresa shook her head in disbelief. "I fought him off eventually, but I was completely terrified of him. The worst part was, was that when I was with Ryan, I only saw Trey. Ryan wanted to know what was going on, but I didn't tell him. I couldn't take Ryan's only family from him. I knew that if Ryan found out, he would go ballistic." Marissa's voice was slowly growing stronger, she found comfort in Theresa.

"Then, early tonight, Summer came over, and wanted to know what was going on with me. I broke down Theresa. I told her everything. She told Seth because she was really worried, and he told Ryan. Ryan went over to Trey's and they were fighting. Summer called me, and when I got to Trey's, Trey had Ryan pinned and he was choking him. Ryan couldn't breathe! I tried to pull Trey off of him, but he was too strong. Just as Trey picked up the phone to hit Ryan over the head with, I saw the gun laying on the floor." Marissa was beginning to lose control now. She began muttering softly, "I didn't know. I'm sorry. Ryan had to be safe. I didn't know. Dead."

Theresa embraced Marissa and whispered in her ear, "It's going to be ok. I would have done the same thing, it was the only thing. It's ok. Come on, lets get you cleaned up. You can stay with me tonight, you must be exausted." Theresa stood up and rummaged through her hall closet and pulled out some blankets and a pillow. She set Marissa up on the couch, and then went to the kitchen to get Marissa a glass of water.

"Theresa?" Marissa called from the couch, managing to talk despite the whimpers that escaped her mouth, "Does your mom care that I'm here?"

Theresa entered the room solemnly, "My mom, she died in March."

Marissa looked up shocked, "How?"

"Breast cancer, by the time they discovered it, it was too late." Theresa smiled sadly, "I'm just sorry she didn't get to know this little one." Theresa said lovingly looking at her baby.

Marissa swallowed, did she dare ask the question that had the answer she feared the most? If the baby was Ryan's, he would return to Theresa. Even if Theresa told him he didn't have to, Ryan would do the right thing, that's why they both loved him so much.

Theresa seemed to read Marissa's mind, and Marissa swallowed as they locked eyes. Theresa looked down at the ground, "He's Eddie's."

Marissa tried to refrain from looking relieved, but then she became worried again, "You're not lying are you? I mean, if it is Ryan's, he has to know."

Theresa shook her head, "I wish he was Ryan's, its just awful that Anthony has to live life without a father."

"Anthony" Marissa repeated.

Theresa nodded, "It means priceless, so I thought it fitting." Theresa cleared her throat, "Ok, well you need some sleep, if that's possible."

Marissa let out one last quivering sigh before she took a sip of water and collapsed onto the pillow. As Marissa pulled the blankets up to her chin, Theresa walked over her. She leaned forward and kissed Marissa on the forehead. This was the most surprising, yet the most comforting thing Theresa could have done. Theresa smiled, and turned off the lights. Marissa fell immediately into a deep sleep.