Fall For You - Chapter 3
"What about this one?"
"Laurena, I'm not even three months. Why are we baby shopping?" I groaned. She had been dragging me around for hours.
"Because I love babies! And.. And I love shopping." She laughed. I couldn't help but smile. Laurena is one of those people who just has that natural motherly trait. I looked around at all the baby clothes, sighing softly. I've gotten so much support from my friend. Everyone was happy for me. The few family members I had left were ecstatic to be receiving a new niece or nephew. But for some reason, I wasn't happy. Well, at least not yet. I don't know why, I'm just not excited. Ben told me he was happy, but whenever I talked about the baby, all I can see is annoyance plastered on his face, which is what I was initially afraid of. Laurena looked over at the boy's section with a huge smile on her face. "Ooh! How cute is /this/?!"
"How do you know it's a boy, Laur? We're going to see it for the first time today."
"How exciting! Oh my, I can't wait!" She squealed. I nodded my head in agreement.
"Let's go look at something other than clothes. It's too early for this."
…
I walked around the kitchen, looking out the window frequently. He was late. He knew what we were doing today, of all days to be late. I sat down on the kitchen counter, eating my now soggy bowl of cereal. He came home forty minutes later, greeting me with a rough and harsh kiss. He seemed pissed, so I gave in. He plopped down on the couch, kicked off his shoes, and turned on the television.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh, relaxing," he replied, lighting a cigarette. "What's your problem?"
"Are you forgetting that we have to go to the doctor?"
"Man, why do I have to go? Just check if the thing's good, and tell me!"
"This is your baby too, y'know! You could show a little interest in me and your child!"
"He simply rolled his eyes and took a long drag off his cigarette. "Whatever, man."
I was hurt beyond belief. This is what I had been worried about. I've had enough. I stood in front of the TV and plucked the cigarette from his large hands.
"No. You listen to me, /man/. I'm sick of you taking advantage of me. Look at us. Whether you like it or not, there is a child coming into this world, and it's not just /my/ responsibility. It's yours, too. If you're not going to act like a parent, then get the fuck out now, because I'm not having you in and out of this child's life."
He looked at me with a slight grimace on his face. I glared at him to show how serious I was. He sighed deeply and stood up off the couch, slowly making his way towards me. He raised his hand, causing me to flinch. Just as I thought he would strike me, he placed his hand on my cheek, rubbing it gingerly. He put his free hand on my stomach before kneeling down, resting his forehead against it. I could hear his raspy voice, whispering.
"I'm sorry, baby.. You know dad is happy you're coming.." He pressed his lips against my shirt, rubbing my stomach gently. He got back up on his feet and ran his thumb over my bottom lip. "I love you, Ash. You /know/ I love you."
"Well, you have an odd way of showing it.."
"I know, I know I do.. I've never be good at.. Showing affection. I'm sorry I made you upset, okay?"
I nodded my head softly, accepting his apology. He smirked and placed a soft kiss on my lips.
"Now, let's go see our baby, Miss Rossi.."