A Good Kind of Different

Chapter 3

'Thank you, I'd never thought about it like that before. I think you're right. Maybe we could try something. Okay, I'm listening now. Go on...'

'Right, thanks. First off, I don't hate you. I wasn't crying because I was mad. I was sad, shocked, scared and felt kind of helpless, like a reminder that I can't protect little guy from everything. You do Know that you don't have to do what's best for me, I can make my own choices. I don't operate on pity or obligation. If I want to do something, I will, and if I don't, I won't. If I didn't want you involved, I wouldn't have asked. Look, I didn't keep it from you for so long to be cruel. I thought I could, should, do it by myself. But, during lockdown, I really enjoyed e-mailing you, I got to know you, and wanted to know you better. I don't know if this will work out, god knows none of my other relationships have, but what I do know is that I'm willing to give something a go. I think you'd be a great dad, from what I know so far. But I need to know, are you in or out, because I can't deal with you just leaving if it gets too much. I don't need to be protected and I'm not just saying this stuff for the sake of it. I've always lived by this Tennyson quote; it is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all. So, disregarding that, and ruining the kid's life, because I assure you that you won't, what do you want, really?'

'So, here goes nothing, I guess. I would definitely like to be a part of my child's life and perhaps yours too? You know, as more than friends, unless I've misinterpreted something. I don't think we should plunge into anything too fast though, so we can stay on better terms if it doesn't work. I mean, we have to at least stay civil for the next 18 years, unless, well, you know. I really like where we were a few weeks ago, near the end of lockdown, pretty good friends, right. So, d'you reckon we could be a thing, given a month or two? But, first, I want my friend back.'

'I don't think you've misinterpreted anything, but I reckon you might have a point about the time thing. I forgive you for shutting me out, but it isn't quite forgotten yet, and I reckon the same goes for you, with me hiding my pregnancy. But... whatever. I'm glad to have you back.' They both share a shy smile, before Fenisha checks the time, and they realise that they should probably get back.

On the car journey back, Ethan turned to Fenisha with a mildly puzzled expression.

'One thing that I still don't get is how that waiter managed to get over so fast, it was like he was just waiting for trouble.'

'Oh, Jeff? I had him prepared for a double D.'

'A what?'

'Disaster date. Not that that was a date, and I didn't expect it to be a disaster, but same protocol applies. I used to work there part time when I was training, and we had a system worked out. If it looked like a date that may go wrong, or an argument was brewing, we'd pop DD on the order, so everyone would know to keep an eye. It's always better to get them out with minimum fuss, so we keep the check handy, and always keep the boxes in stock. Jeff slipped them to me on the way in.'

'Now, that is genius.'

'thanks. It was my idea. Take the next left, and here we are. Thanks. This evening was... interesting. Glad we did it though.'

'yeah, thanks for reacting so well. I've been really worried about this. See you tomorrow?'

'Yep, see you.'