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“Should we go sit down?” Mom asks, gesturing to the living room.
We shuffle to the couches and settle around the blazing fireplace.
Amanda looks uncomfortable in her own skin, like she doesn’t know what to say.
Why would she come here with a child? My chest turns to stone, and I can’t breathe. The room starts to spin around me.
It’s been nine years since I’ve seen her last. Is it possible that this kid could be mine? That could be why she darted off so quickly without an explanation. “How can I help you?” It’s clear she’s in a bad way. If she’s come here to take advantage of me, she’s doing an excellent job of it.
“How old are you?”
“I’m eight.”
“I remember being eight,” I say stupidly. Because all I can think is, what if this kid is mine…
“Hayden”—I put an arm around Jenni’s shoulders—“this is my girlfriend, Jenni.”
Surprise flits across Amanda’s sunken features. “Are you two dating now?”
“Yes, it’s new, but things are going well,” Jenni says.
“I’m happy for you both.” She sounds genuine, which is a relief.
Mom looks to Amanda, then to me, and finally to Hayden. When she looks back at me, she raises her eyebrows. “Do you think…” She gestures to Hayden but then presses her lips together. “We’re glad to have you come stay with us,” she says to Hayden.
“Amanda, you still haven’t told us why you’ve come all this way,” I begin.
She looks at the people surrounding us. “Would it be okay if we spoke privately, Langston?”
“Of course,” I say. “We can go to the conference room.” I get up, and I follow her in that direction. She’s been to my parents’ place many times, so she’s familiar with the house.
When we get to the conference room, I shut the door, and we sit at the table.
“I’m sorry to spring this on you,” she says, twisting her hands in her lap.
“I still don’t understand why you couldn’t just call me instead of coming all this way.” My pulse is racing.
“I wanted you to meet Hayden.”
“Okay… Is there something you need to tell me about him?” I rub my sweaty palms together.
“I have stage four breast cancer, and I’ve been given six months to live,” she blurts, raising her gaze to mine, completely ignoring my question.
You could hear a pin drop in the room. It’s not what I was expecting her to say, but given her frail appearance, it makes sense now. “I’m sorry to hear that,” I finally respond.
“It’s been a tough road.” Amanda sighs. “Hayden has been so strong through all of this.”
“That’s hard, but it still doesn’t explain why you’re here.” My chest hurts from anxiety.
“I was hoping you could help me…” Amanda trails off, looking down at her hands.
Here it comes. She’s looking for money, after all.
“Langston,” Amanda says, meeting my eye. Her hands are fidgeting again. “I—I wasn’t quite clear just now. Hayden is …ourson.”
9
JENNI