Author's note: Again with the thanking people! This time, I want to thank all of you who are reading this and enjoying it.
Mimi held Roger for almost ten minutes, while Roger composed his thoughts. Finally Roger faced Mimi. She took his hand. "Whatever it is, baby, you can tell me. I'm here for you."
Roger looked her in the eyes. "You say that now," he muttered. He squeezed her hand. "Meems, you're always pestering me about my mother. Why I never call her, or write to her. Or even why I never talk to her. Normally, I just laugh it off, change the subject, or walk away. But it's not fair to you. And with you being pregnant…well, I'm not going to leave you wondering." He looked away. "My mother and I didn't have the best of relationships when I was growing up."
"Well, lots of people fight with their parents. That's…"
"When she was around, we fought. She wasn't around much. And in high school, the fights got physical."
"But…"
Roger held up a hand to silence her. "I'm not talking stupid things like her losing control and slapping me, then apologizing later, Meems. I'm talking full-on fistfights. And sometimes more."
He pulled off his shirt, revealing to Mimi a series of scars on his chest. He motioned to one running the left side of his collarbone, and a jagged one that split the upper part of his chest in half. "My sophomore year, I spent three weeks in the hospital because of these. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I do remember that my mother attacked me. With a knife. And then, she left me to die. I nearly did. If Mark and Collins hadn't arrived when they did…" He looked away.
Mimi threw her arms around him. "Baby! Why didn't you tell me?"
Roger leaned against her. "I guess…well, because I was afraid of your reaction. I didn't want to lose you."
Mimi pulled him close. "Never! I'd never leave you for that!" She frowned, her hand gently brushing an ugly weal. Roger winced. Mimi looked at him. "What happened there?"
"That?" Roger looked at the spot. "That was my own damn fault. I jumped into a fire senior year."
Mimi giggled. "Why would you do something so stupid? Were you high?"
Roger rolled his eyes. "Before my drug days, Meems. And I did it to save Mark and April."
Mimi grinned, rubbing his back gently. "I'm sorry for what you had to put up with, but I'm glad you trust me enough to tell me. And you're a stronger person because of it."
Roger nodded, resting his head on her shoulder. He yawned. "We should get some sleep. You need to take care of yourself."
Mimi nodded. "You're right. Goodnight."