“He’s gone to stay with family out west,” she said, then closed the door without waiting for me to ask where or for a contact number. Vaughn also blocked me on everything. I was still reeling from the shock when I realized that I’d never hear from him again.
But there, in the dark glow of the ultrasound room, I saw them. Two little heartbeats; side by side like they were holding hands. And something inside me clicked into place, like even if no one else showed up, I would.
I had to. My parents weren’t pleased when they found out that I was pregnant. They were even more ashamed when I told them that I was having twins.
But when my mother saw the sonogram, she cried and promised to give me her full support. When the boys were born, they came out wailing and warm and perfect. Jude first, then Rowan; or maybe it was the other way around.
I was too tired to remember. But I do remember Jude’s tiny fists balled up, like he came into the world ready to fight. And Rowan, much quieter, blinking up at me like he already knew everything he needed to know about the entire universe.
Continue reading…
