The Party: The Complete Series

Chapter Three- A baby is born

~~Anissa~~

~Present day~

I've gone back to my office. I sit at my desk and cry. I'm not upset. I'm extremely happy. Mama and Pops are going to flip their shit.

I do feel like I am going to disappoint them.

I am going to keep it quiet as long as possible.

~~Age Sixteen~~

I've been at their house for a week. It amazes me how we became an instant family. I love them both to pieces; I've gotten used to Chase too; he's around a lot, Rhys and Chase are best friends.

Marco has four daughters. They moved directly across the hall from us. I absolutely love them; they accepted me and didn't treat me any differently; they took me shopping and, in the process, gave me a makeover. I look different, but a lot of that has a lot to do with being happy.

Clere comes to my office. Yes, my office. I was coming with them and had been doing odds and ends. Rhys said he was happy with how I picked up on things, and he gave me a job. I work in payroll. I was honest with them and told them that I hadn't been to school after my Mom's death. They've never questioned me. They just accept me.

LeClere: "Are you ready?"

Anissa: "I am."

I don't move.

No. I don't want to do this. This makes it real.

LeClere: "Care to share what's on your mind?"

She picks up so easily on things. She is going to be a great mom.

Anissa: "I know that I need to do this. I'm thankful that you and Rhys are helping me. I still feel bad that I don't want this baby."

I don't want it because it's Earl's. It's a constant reminder of the control he had of me.

LeClere: "That's understandable. We aren't trying to force you to keep it. We want to make sure that YOU are healthy enough to give someone else a healthy baby."

I'm excited about court. Chase has worked really hard. He's a great guy, and I like him a lot. He's in love with Clere, but he doesn't act on it.

Anissa: "Is it sad that I'm more nervous about this than court?"

LeClere: "Not at all. You know that we want you. We know you want to be with us. The baby is an unknown, uncomfortable, and uncertain situation."1

She's half right. I know they want me. I know that they will do anything for me and fight to protect me. I NEED THEM. I just don't want them.

Rhys: "Everything ok in here?"

LeClere: "Yes."

Rhys: "We need to get going."

All the way to the car, I feel like I'm going to puke. We get in Clere sits in the back with me. She catches me off guard by grabbing my hand.

Anissa: "This brings me lots of anxiety."

LeClere: "I can feel it."

I take a deep breath. I'm going to lose my cookies if I don't get it out. I'm very conflicted and confused.

Anissa: "A child that looks like Earl calling me mommy plays over and over in my head. What stresses me out even more, is that I can't see handing my child over to CPS."