Aunt Sophia and Uncle Duane say their goodbyes and leave early the next morning. Mama and daddy decide to hang around another day since Meri doesn’t start high school until Monday. Maybe they’ll still be here when the baby is born. I think that’s sort of what they are hoping will happen.
I stare at myself in the mirror and realize that I don’t see a mother…not yet anyway. I just see someone who woohooed one too many times and got caught up. I hope that I’m enough because this baby is coming soon and will depend on me as a mother, whether I feel I see it in me or not.
I turn to leave the bathroom and wobble my way towards the kitchen in search of food. Pop-pop is sitting at the table, looking well. Having family around has possibly helped make his transition into his new life as a widower a bit easier. Or maybe that’s just my wishful thinking and wanting him to be okay. Who knows what’s really going through his head.
I grab my empty plate and take it to the kitchen. My mind goes to Craig. Who knows what went on between him and his confrontation with daddy. All I know is that if I want to have any hope of him being involved in his child’s life, I need to face him myself.
I head to the research center, knowing this is where I’d most likely find him. Sure enough, he’s exiting the lab just as I approach. He surprises me with a hug when he sees me. I’m glad because it makes being there with him a little easier.
After the hug, Craig steps back and looks down at my protruding belly.
Craig: So it’s true then?
Prosperity: Yep. It’s yours, of course.
Craig: I know. I’m guessing you’re keeping it.
Prosperity: Yes, and before you say anything, I don’t expect you to do anything. But I want to offer you at least a chance to be in our baby’s life.
Craig: A child isn’t something I ever wanted.
Prosperity: Me either, but here we are, with one on the way.
Craig: I’m not in the position to –
Prosperity: *cuts him off* I know. As I said, I don’t expect anything from you, and I’m sorry for whatever my father might have said to you.
Craig: I said some things back that I probably shouldn’t have. He just caught me off guard.
Prosperity: I should have been the one to tell you first.
Craig pauses for a bit.
Craig: I was hoping I’d see you again. I have something for you.
He pulls out a box and holds it out to me
I open the box. There’s money inside…at least §10,000.
Craig: I emptied my savings. That’s almost every simole that I’ve made since I started working here in Sulani. It’s not much. I don’t make much, but if you need more, I might be able to get some from my family. They won’t be happy about it, but I’ll do whatever you need to help you financially.
I get what he’s trying to do, but somehow the money feels like a payout in exchange for him not wanting to be a part of this baby’s life.
Prosperity: Thank you, but bothering your family with this isn’t necessary.
Craig: I’ll continue to send you what I make.
Prosperity: Yeah, okay. I’ll be moving to Britechester soon, to start school. I’ll make sure to keep you updated in case you ever want to meet the baby.
Craig: I uh…
I already know what he’s about to say. He doesn’t want to be involved with raising this child.
Prosperity: It’s okay. I guess that’s it then. Maybe I’ll see you again one day.
I turn to walk away, but he calls out to me.
Craig: Peri…
I stop and turn towards him slightly.
Craig: Just so you know, it wasn’t just woohoo for me. You’re unique and beautiful. Maybe if it were another time, things could have been different.
I turn to face him fully.
Prosperity: Yeah. I feel the same way, but it is what it is. It was fun while it lasted.
It’s time to say goodbye, maybe forever. It’s all up to him.
Prosperity: Have a good life, Craig.
There’s no room for any I’ll miss you’s or any of those types of sentiments. Ours wasn’t that type of relationship. And I guess I’m okay with that. With nothing left to say, I turn to leave.
I step out of the research center and walk over to the water. This baby was made from the most intense passion that I’ve ever felt, and like Craig said, maybe at a different time, we could have found a way to stay together. I stand there and try to soak in the sights, smells, and sounds of the ocean. As I revel in the colors of hope and even joy, which surprises me, I realize that I have no regrets. And it’s here in this beautiful spot that I decide on a name for our child.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
