Joe couldn’t sleep that night. The feel of his baby gentle kicks was still on his mind. Despite his vow to stay emotionally distance from Ariel and the baby…it was already to late. Joe sighed and leaned his head against the bed board. Three more months left…that was all the time he has with them. For the past weeks Joe couldn’t stop thinking about what it would be like to be a real father, to raise his daughter…
He knew he was being selfish, that was not the agreement he had with Ariel. He felt heavy hearted thinking about Ariel, the baby and Tiffany. Joe dialed Tiffany’s cell numbers. The phone rang a couple of times but she did not answer. Joe dialed the number again and this time she answered.
“Joe? Why are you calling so late?”
“Tiff, I need to talk to you.”
“Joe, it’s past midnight, let’s talk tomorrow.” Tiffany said with a yawn and proceeded to hang up but stopped when she heard Joe whispered,
“I don’t want to lose them…I…”
“What do you mean?”
“Tiff, I want to raise my daughter. I want to be a part of her life.”
Silence.
The sound of Tiffany’s breathing could be heard over the phone but she remained silent.
“Tiff?”
“Did you fall in love with her?”
“What?”
“Remember that day…when you first moved in with her, you made me a promise…do you remember?”
“I remember.”
“Tell me the truth…have you fallen in love with her?”
Joe paused a few seconds before he answered,
“I…no.”
Tiffany felt tears welled up in her eyes, Joe’s hesitation indicate he was unsure about his feelings. She tried to hide her jealousy, she tried to keep a smile on her face whenever Joe had to take Ariel to the hospital but everything was becoming too much for her.
“Joe…why did you change your mind about the baby?” Tiffany asked concern about her place in Joe’s heart. If he somehow fell in love with Ariel, and now wants to raise his daughter…where does that leave her? Tiffany has always been first since the day she was born…she knew she was being arrogant and selfish, but she refused to take second place even when it comes to his daughter.
“I saw her ultrasound pictures today. She was so beautiful Tiff, I counted her toes and hands and they’re…”
Joe went on and on about his ultrasound experience his voice filled with excitement. This Joe was someone she did not recognize. Who is this person on the phone? Tiffany wondered. Joe...you've changed, I don't know when or how but you've changed.
Joe continued talking, waiting and hoping that she showed some interest, but Tiffany did not say anything. After a while Joe realized Tiffany was either purposely not answering. or she was upset.
“Tiff?”
“It’s that girl isn’t it? She’s in love with you that‘s why she got pregnant in the first place! Are you feeling guilty? What did she do to you? Did she brainwash you into falling in love with her ?”
Joe frowned a little taken aback by Tiffany’s sudden outburst.
“This has nothing to do with Ariel and everything to do with me….
………Tiff,I need you to listen to me...how do you feel about being a step mother?”
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“Tiff?”
…………………………..
“You can’t be serious Joe. Call me tomorrow when you’re sane.” Tiffany slammed the phone. It was obvious she was no longer first in Joe's heart. How do I become first again? She wondered...the thought of being second was not pleasant at all.
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The click on the other line spoke louder than words. Joe knew Tiffany was not ready to be a mother…and why should she be put in that position? It was really unfair to her. You have to decide Joe…what is it that you want? He lay flat on his bed and groaned out loud. Forcing his eyes shut he tried to sleep but was interrupted by an incoming call on his cell phone. He glanced at his wrist watch, 3pm, who in their right mind is calling this late? Joe wondered as he flipped his phone open.
“Hello?”
He heard heavy breathing as if the person was in a lot of pain.
“Help me….” A soft voice gasped.
“Mrs. Lin?”
“Help me…don’t tell Ariel…”
“Mrs. Lin? Mrs. Lin? Hello?” no answer. Joe jumped out of bed his heart pounding.. It sounded like Mrs. Lin was hurt.
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The sound of sirens echoed down the hallway as Joe paced back and forth in the hospital lobby. Mrs. Lin’s bruised face and broken bones was enough for the police to put out a warrant for Mr. Lin’s arrest for attempted murder. Before she was rush to the emergency room, Mrs. Lin told Joe Ariel’s father was looking for her. When he heard those words Joe felt a fear he’d never felt before. He ran out of the hospital heading toward his car, all the while praying to god to keep Ariel and the baby safe. He wanted to make sure with his own eyes Ariel was home sleeping safe and sound.
“Have you fallen in love with her?”
He pressed the gas pedal cursing at the slow traffic.
“Have you fallen in love with her?”
The smile on Ariel’s face when he cooked her breakfast in the morning. The pout she tried to hide whenever she was disappointed or upset with him…Ariel laughing, Ariel smiling, Ariel crying…flashes through his head.
“Have you fallen in love with her?” Tiffany’s words repeated over and over in his head.
“I think....I’ve fallen in love with her.” Joe whispered.
