a's

you have

upper body bowed downward, perhaps

?" "Did you finally s

just fou

ped, "H

ome business." The baby bag slumps off my shoulder including the thin strap purse. I pas

nto the counter chair and swaying Marisa back and forth. Su

n the pillow and started telling her about my day and my dramatic exit from the

ace on the single couch, she sat on top of my buttocks. "I wishe

ream, banging my hands against the couch's edge. W

you going

aps get married to another man and stay with him

." "Aren't you going to take

e me her child despite meeting her only twice. Mind

ke milk, and the last time I checked, you coul

Marisa. "There is a milk bot-" I sighed into the

why I mention

only done it on

't believe you gave him your virginity and he

ckson, much to my surprise, invited me. I went to the party with Lilly but ended up leaving with Sam. I don't remember anythi

as kept very private and beneath the radar, so only a few people knew we were married. Sam was suppos

chuckle. He probably wouldn'

ith a-" Before she can

ation tomorrow," I exhale

y began

clared as she gathered all the books from the counter and dashed into the bedroom. I

ontinued

ith her a

eded milk from my upstairs neighbor. Mrs.Orien had a baby no

pregnant when

my floor, then scoff, "Me? With a child? Do people fail to notice this body? How is it possible for this bo

undry?" I inquired of the strange m

onds, his voice deeper than I thought

by a crazy lady." I walked out

ered, his lips curling into a smile as the elevator door clos

f the milk on my wrist before giving it to Marisa. "Your mom better come soon before I

the light slammed against my eyes as I curled up next to Marisa on t

h shit!" before item crashing down followed. I curl closer to the bla

earing the same clothing she wore the night before. She grabbed an energy bar and dashed out the front doo

didn't jump from the second floor or crush

phone ring. I stretch my arm lazily, scratching the cof

oment for me to recognize her

y can arrest me? That is the most illogical thing you can th

muttering and papers ruffling. "I'm g

my arm. Marisa's small hands wrap around my

troducing new possibilities? "We have this internship, and you can

just gro

o respond calmly, but i

ai

rdo

next week. There's also a childcare

l eyes slowly. "I got the job!" I squealed and leaned in for a brief hug. I grabbed her and dashed to the kitchen

paint to splatter. "Shut up! This is far

he pronounced my

bably not something you should do to a newborn. "I got it

, a genuine sm

relishing the amazing moment. "Wai

e occasion. However, I need to go somewhere first. I keep walking b

station. Bob arrived not long after with a full pledge grimace

he payment box

a. When the bus came to a stop, I peeked through the

she walked onto the bus, purple-blue bruises all over her face. She lim

so long." Marisa, her voice cracked, and I handed her b

s relieved that there were

end," Lisa sniffed. I make the decision to l

happened

and kind of-" she pauses, swallowing the weighty words down her throat. That explains Lisa's e

s streamed down her cheeks pouring all over Marisa's face. "Mommy fina

ror every now and again as his grip on the steerin

chanting nons

ot d

ot d

ot d

led when the knob was turned. "Why are you knocking when you-" her voi

if Lisa stays h