Chapter 22: In Other News

In the midst of all my personal drama, good things have been happening in the family. Joy asked me to bake a birthday cake for Ava. I mean, before I could even get finish lighting the candles the girl was blowing them out! We didn’t even get a chance to celebrate with her. As long as she’s happy, I guess.

She’s grown to be quite a clumsy thing, always laughing at herself. I don’t understand. How does she laugh at herself, but she gets embarrassed when other people do? Teenage girls, man. I tell ya. I better be having a son because I don’t have the energy to deal with girls! I don’t know for sure, but I think the kids may be making fun of her size because ever since her birthday, she’s been having Avery mentor her in her workouts. To each his own, I guess.

Also, I think this little triangle with me, Adalyn, and Mabel is turning out positive. Previously, we had a mostly emotionally charged, passion filled, physical relationship. But with the baby on the way and the drama, we spent a lot more time talking and getting to know one another. I know…I should have done that before I married her. Lust makes you do stupid things, but it worked out. I can truly say that I know her, and she is truly my best friend.

We’re still working through some challenges though–mostly about the baby. I’m not 100% sure what I think about it yet or even if I want this. Whether I want it or not, it’s going to happen.

“Donnie! The baby is kicking! Put your hand right–”

“I don’t wanna feel the baby! Why are you always trying to make me feel the baby?!”

“I just…you should…don’t you want to connect with your child?”

“I MADE the child! That’s all the connection he’s going to get!”

“Donnie! How could you?!”

We had that same fight over and over and over. I know what she’s doing. She’s being persistent thinking that one of these days I’m going to respond differently, but it’s not going to work that way sorry to say. She can’t change me!

The next day was D day. She said delivery day, I said doomsday. Her brother Grant came by to see about her and await the arrival of his soon-to-be (better-be) nephew.

When the labor pains started, it didn’t matter whether I wanted the baby or not. I didn’t like seeing my wife in pain!

“Ok, baby, just breathe. I’m gonna be with you the whole time. I promise.”

“You are?! Oh, Donnie! Thank you!”

Just like I promised, I was in the room with her when she delivered, but I never said I’d watch!

“Hey there, my little chocolate drop! You get that from your grandma. Yes you do!”

“Is it a boy?”

“Yes, Donnie! You have a son!”

That’s all I needed to know. I left her and the baby in the room and went to start dinner. Of course, everyone else started filing in the room to feast their eyes on…I didn’t even bother to give the boy a name! I’m sure she named him something nice.

“Yo! What up little dude! I’m uncle Grant, but you can just call me G.”

“Babe,” she called out to me in the kitchen. “I named him after me, kinda. Do you like the name Aiden?”

[silence]

“Don’t you want to come look at your son?”

[silence]