Never the Right Time

Chapter 19 Mark POV

I was still reeling from hanging out with Sophia the night before. Too much of life was happening to me and I was struggling to handle it. Rebecca needed my support and I sure as hell was going to do everything to be the best father to that baby, but I also felt Soph slipping through my fingers. Her leaving last night felt like she was saying goodbye. I knew I needed to let her go, she didn't need my drama in her life, but I needed her in my life, even if it was only as a friend. Maybe I was being selfish, but she has always been my rock even if she didn't know it.

I spent the day overthinking everything when I heard Rebecca's voice coming from downstairs. A minute later she was standing in my doorway. Her eyes were red and puffy, she had a green tinge to her complexion and she looked like she hadn't slept in a while.

"I'm sorry about yesterday" she started

"I'm sorry your parents are shitty people."

She just nodded.

"Are you headed back to providence?" I asked

"Yea, I felt like we should try to talk some things out. I want to do what's best for the baby. And as shitty as my parents are they made some good points while yelling at me last night."

"Ok, what did they say?" I asked

"I'm going to transfer to the community college in town. I can get the degree I want for a fraction of the price and be able to put away money for the baby. Mom and Dad said that I could move home. I'll be able to get a job close to home and have my parents for support once the baby is born." She explained.

I hadn't thought of transferring. I went to a private college too and it made zero sense to spend that much on my degree when I could do the same. I nodded and looked at her expectantly.

"I also wanted to talk about where we stand." She started " I know things weren't good at the end, but I think it would be best for the baby if we got back together."

I stared at her wide eyed. "We were shit at the end. You made out with some random guy and we had been fighting for months. It was a miracle that we lasted as long as we did." I tried to point out.

"I know I know, but it'll be different. We will be in the same town and not two hours away from each other." She tried to reason.

"Look I don't think it's a great idea. We were awful. I also know that if things did change and who knows maybe the baby will change that, then we can come back to that idea. I'll also hold off on dating. It's not fair to you and I don't want to involve anyone in our situation until we figure out how to handle everything. Don't for a second that means you have any say in my dating when the time does come. That part of our lives will be separate."

She was softly crying at this point, "No one is going to find me attractive anymore. I'm just going to be a lonely single mom for the rest of my life"

I rubbed her arm softly trying to comfort her, but it was no use.

"Becs, it'll all work out. I'm not saying we are completely off the table, but it might be better for the baby if we try not to be our dysfunctional selfs for him or her."

She sniffled, "you're right. This is all crazy and I know it's a lot to ask you to get back together."

I pulled her into a hug. "I should probably start the drive back." She said after blowing her nose.

" ok," I responded while following her to the door. I pulled it open, "Make sure to text when you get back safely."

She nodded and walked to her car. I felt so relieved watching her pull away. She took the whole not getting back together news a lot better than I expected. I couldn't handle much from anyone anymore and went upstairs to pass out on the bed.