A Second Chance, Round II
The last time I was knocked out about something shocking, it was Shannon telling me about Robby coming into the world. God damn it! Seriously? Holy crap—another kid? With Carmen? Miguel's mother—my student's mother!? Oh man—Robby having a sibling. Damn.
Carmen's been silent the longest here. I just blankly stare at her face and see that she's just as surprised as I am. She still had watery eyes, trying to put together what just happened.
"You're sure?"
She nodded. "I know. I wasn't sure at first, but I took two stick tests," Carmen reached into her bag and pulled out two long white sticks and handed her pissed on stick to me. "Then at work I had one of the sonogram doctors run a test. I'm pregnant."
Why was it that with plus signs they're supposed to be good? Not that this is terrible or bad, or anything. Just exactly the same with Robby; Unexpected and wildly insane. But there it was; two sticks that read the word PREGNANT on them. All of a sudden it clicked to me when this happened. That night. Damn, I really should had checked those condom dates first. I glance back Carmen. "So...Now what?"
Carmen shrugged and got watery eyed again. "I don't know," She sighed. "I don't know what to do." Her voice broke. "I can't afford to have another baby right now."
"You're a nurse and x-ray tech."
"Hospital bills, remember? I still have to pay for Miguel's bills. I'm thankful for his friends and you for pitching together the money, but there is still some that need to get paid off." Time to visit Sid again. Maybe because I love her, but why doesn't that make real sense? "I didn't think I would have a second baby again."
"Ditto."
"So...What is on your mind?" She asked me. Real curious to know. What do I tell her?
"Mind blown." I said. "I mean I wasn't there for Robby." That is a consistent reminder from Robby. "So this would sort of be a new thing for me."
"You're in?"
I can't screw up again with this kid. I'm still trying to reconnect with Robby whether the he wants me there or not. Am I pissed he put Miguel in the hospital? Yeah, I am. Is Robby still my son? Yes, he is. I'll always be here for him whether he wants it or not. I want to be there this time around with mine and Carmen's kid. I love her. My head nodded in her direction.
"I'm in." I said. "I'm all in."
