A Day in Boston
Before they left for New York on the train, Todd and Marty decided to spend one more day in Boston. They visited the park where they used to beg for coins to buy food, the tree beside the little pond where they had slept as youngsters, and the dilapidated apartment building where they had once made their home. Together, they remembered the old times as they gave coins to several poor, homeless children on the street.
"I wish there was something more we could do to help these unfortunate children in need," Marty stated.
"I wish we could help them, too. I know we can't help all of them, but maybe there is more that we could do," Todd replied.
When Marty gave Todd a questioning look, he told her about his visit to the orphanage and the conversation he shared with Michelle. "Marty, have you ever thought about adoption?"
A strange, faraway look settled on Marty's face. She had been thinking about adoption, but it had been her own child that she longed to give away.
"We have so much love to give a little one, so after we leave New York, maybe we could return to Boston. I could take you to meet Michelle. then you and I could consider adopting one of the children in need," Todd suggested.
Hearing Todd's words, Marty felt uneasy. She knew her pregnancy was coming to its end and she had hoped to give the baby a better home in New York. "Todd, I- I don't want to keep the baby," she said. "I haven't changed my mind. When we get to New York, I have to do the right thing. I want to give the- the baby up... to someone who can actually love it."
Todd winced. Marty's words caused his gut to clench. He had been longing for just the opposite. He wanted to keep the baby. He already loved it. In his heart, he was the father of Marty's unborn child.
When they returned to their hotel, both we unusually quiet. They sat down on the bed together as several moments passed. Each of them was lost in a prison of their own torment.
Then Todd wrapped his arms around her and Marty let out a soft little sigh. He pulled her close into the strength of his arms. As he held her, he placed a hand over her enlarged abdomen, feeling the steady kicks of the unborn child.
"Marty, I don't want to give the baby away. I love this baby... and I already think of it as OUR child. I can't tell you what to do, but please reconsider."
Marty pulled away suddenly, jerking out of his arms and staring at the floor. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. In a voice of sorrow she said, "If you can't support my decision, this will cause MAJOR problems in our marriage. I was raped and forced to bear this child. I cannot look at the child day after day and not remember what happened."
"I am sorry. You didn't deserve what happened. What Peter did was awful and it was wrong, but I was there for you, Marty...and I am going to be there for you now, too... whatever you decide. Just promise me you will consider keeping the baby. Please... for me?"
"I can't make you any promises, Todd," she said with a sigh.
Todd nodded as he tugged her back into his arms. "Everything will be alright," he said soothingly. "It has to be. We've been through so much...and we survived. You and I - we're survivors. And we are going to survive this, too."
Marty held him close as he caressed her hair. She was so tired from all the walking and the sights that they had seen. It had been quite the trip and they hadn't even made it into New York yet. "We need to get some sleep."
"Let's get ready for bed."
They changed into their sleeping attire and climbed under the covers. Gazing into Marty's sapphire eyes, Todd whispered how much he loved her. "I am glad we came to Boston, Marty. It's as if we've come full circle."
"Perhaps we have," she said before she blew out the kerosine lamp.
She lay her head on his chest as all was silent. She felt the baby shifting as if it too were trying to get comfortable. A tear slid down her cheek. She had tried so hard to love the tiny intruder that dwelled inside her, but she had failed. Knowing she let Todd down hurt worst of all.