Tears pouring down her face, she sat out on the balcony. Going over everything she just said to Derwin, trying to find a bit of hope.
The baby kicked.
"I'm sorry little one. I know this is affecting you too."
The baby kicked again.
Melanie giggled and placed her hands lovingly on her growing stomach.
"I said sorry, now cut it out."
She looked out and thought to herself. She chanced a glance over her shoulder, and saw that Derwin looked very distraught.
"God, please let everything be alright." She uttered.
A war then began to wage inside of her.
"Should I go to him and offer my arms and my ears? Or should I stay here and pretend like I have no clue that something is going on? Is it my position to care anymore? No. No, I'll stay here and mind my own. It's for the best." Melanie said under her breath.
Now Derwin was walking towards the balcony. He opened the door. On his face was . . . fear.
"Dj is in the hospital." He said.
"WHAT? What happened?"
"Car accident, Janey's fine. But baby boy has a broken arm."
"Go to him Derwin."
"Will you come with me?"
Melanie thought about it. She'd like to see little D herself one last time. Plus she could say her goodbyes and get the closure she needed.
"Yes."
RAL
At the hospital a few days later:
"Hey Squirt." Melanie said as she got in the bed with Dj. Derwin had just dragged Janey somewhere because she failed to mention how bruised and battered Dj was.
He let out a huge smile and giggled.
"Apparently you missed me as much as I missed you." She said then gave him a kiss on his cheek. "You know you're truly amazing little booger. And I am going to miss you." Tears formed in her eyes.
Dj reached up with his good arm and put his hand on her face. Something he only did with her, since the first time she held him. And with tears falling down her face, she responded just as she always did, she mirrored him.
And just as she mirrored him, his tears mirrored hers.
"Okay, squirt. I'll come visit when your baby sister is born, I promise."
"No, go." He said.
Melanie gasped.
"Squirt, you trickster. When did you start talking?" She smiled.
She wiped her tears and his and played thumb-o-war, well the minced down version with him. Then a nurse came in and said visiting hours were just about over.
"Oh, alright. Well can you stay with him while I go find his parents?" Then without waiting for an answer, ignoring Dj calling out "no go!" She exited the room and took the path she saw the parents take a while ago.
After turning what felt like a million corners she finally heard Derwins voice.
"I am. I am going to be there for you and for our son. I am sorry I wasn't here when it happened, but I am here now. Don't hold it against me J."
Mel rounded the corner and took in the situation that was before her.
Janey in Derwin's arms, breaking down. Derwin looking down at her with care and concern.
"I am sorry." Mel tried, but had to stop and clear her throat. Then she tried again. "I'm sorry to interrupt but they're saying visiting hours are almost over. I thought you'd both like a few minutes with Dj."
Janey cut her eyes at Melanie and tightly said, "Thanks."
The baby kicked.
Mel placed a protective hand over her stomach.
"No problem." She said then continued on past them.
"Mel." Derwin called after her.
But she kept walking.
"MEL!" He tried louder.
Shaking her head and letting her tears fall she kept walking. She saw Dj, that's what she came for. And she got her answer.
It was truly over. Derwin already had a family. She was a fool to even think. . . that he could handle a second one. As much as she loved him, she had her answer.
RAL
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Hello Tasha Mac." Mel let out a bitter smile.
"Oh right hello, now, where the hell have you been?"
"Tasha."
"And when were you going to tell me I'm going to be a godmommy?"
"Tasha I'm"
"You know how much I've missed you, trick?"
"Tasha I'm leaving."
"But you just got here, crazy girl."
"No, Tasha. I'm leaving for good."
"Wait what?"
"Derwin has what he has here. I've got to go and make a place of my own."
"He loves you Melanie, are you crazy?"
"He may love me T, but he doesn't know what he wants. And it's not just me I've got to worry about anymore. I'm . . ." Melanie began to cry.
"Aw, c'mon Mel don't cry."
"I'm sorry." Melanie stood. "I just came to say I miss you already and I love you. And thank you for everything. And I promise to let you know when you become a godmommy."
"Call me Mel, you know if you need to talk" Tasha just let it linger, she knew Mel knew the rest of the statement.
"I know. I'll let myself out."
As Melanie shut the door Tasha mumbled out "Damn Derwin, how'd you manage to let your heart run away. . .again?"
She shook her head.
"I need a glass of wine."