'You can stay here, Bloomer.' Goku told me when we got back to the ceremony. 'I can take care of Vegan, and I'll bring back Trunks.'

'Where have you been?!' My mother asked as she and the others approached.

'We've been worried sick.' Chi Chi announced.

'Vegan is sick.' Goku said quickly.

'Hope she's okay.' Dr. Briefs said.

'We took her home; Trunks is with her now. I was just telling Bloomer that I can go back so that he can stay here.'

He's been acting weird all night, especially when Vegan was around. He didn't want us to talk to one another without him.

'It's fine.' I said firmly.

'I don't mind.' He insisted.

'No, Goku, I got it. She's my problem anyway.'

He threw me an irritated look. 'Well, I care about her, so she's not a problem for me.'

I turned to him; what was he implying? 'What's that supposed to mean?'

'I don't want you-' he stopped. 'You shouldn't feel obligated to be there if you don't want to.'

'She's the mother of my child-'

'Exactly, I get it. You worry for Trunks' sake, but she needs someone who actually cares.'

'I actually care!'

'Someone who wants to care about her, not because their kid fell out of her.'

'Where the hell-'

'I can look after Vegan.' Eighteen said quickly. 'She's just nervous about being here.'

It's like they think I don't care about her.

'I can-'

'It's fine.' Eighteen shook her. 'I'll probably get more out of her than you will.'

'Eighteen-' Goku began.

'I think you both should stay here,' she threw both Goku and me scornful looks. 'Stay here with your mates.'

We stared at one another for an eternity before she took it from me.

'Are you having a baby?' I asked.

'I don't know.' She exhaled. 'I took the test 25 minutes ago.'

'How long does it take?'

'30 minutes.'

'Only five more.'

'Yes.'

'Is that we never meet here?' I asked. 'Because of...?'

'No.'

'Does he live with you?'

'No.'

'Can I meet him? Or am I not good enough?'

'I could never love any man, including my father and yours, more than I love you. He's not worthy of an audience with you.'

I know it's wrong, but I was pleased that she loved me more than my dad.

I was her heir; no matter how vile I behaved, she would strive to win me back.

Before, at least.

'I don't want you to have a baby.'

She stiffened at my remark. 'If I am, it can not be undone.'

'Does dad know?'

'No, and I'd appreciate it if you kept between us until the test is finished.'

'Do you want another baby?'

'Yes.'

I didn't like that.

'Why? Aren't I enough?'

'This isn't about you.'

'Is this about dad?'

'No, this is about me and what I want.'

'What do you want?'

'To be happy.'

'Don't I make you happy?'

'Yes, when you're around, you aren't always with me.'

'I could be.'

'I want another shot at being a mother.'

'Are you going to marry him if you are?'

'He won't ask.'

'Why not?'

'I wouldn't say yes, not with the way things now.'

'How do you know he won't ask?'

'Just know.'

'If circumstances were different, would you say yes?'

'I don't know, maybe.' She sighed. 'I don't want to burden another man, but it would be nice to the Mrs.'

'Vegan.'

Eighteen walked into the room; I wonder if she knew.

'Eighteen.'

'You okay?'

'Yeah, I'm just-'

'Mom might be pregnant.'

'What?'

'Didn't I say-'

'The test should be ready.'

Mom opened her bag and pulled out the little white stick.

'What does it say?'

'Not pregnant, two lines mean pregnant. There's only one.'

She sounded disappointed.

'That's good, right?' Eighteen asked.

'I guess.' She opens the pink stuff and downs it in one gulp.

'Let's get back.'