A Tribe United Again

Chapter 27

Sebastian walked up to Mari's table at Karen's party. He had thought very dearly about how he felt and what he wanted. He now knew what he wanted her to know.

She sat up straight when she noticed him walking towards her. His face was blank so she was unsure of his emotional state.

He stopped behind a chair and put his hand on it. "May I sit?"

She nodded quickly.

He sat down and looked at her.

Silence stretched on until she couldn't take it. "I'm so sorry, Seb! I'm such a bad girlfriend! I took you for granted and treated you shabbily. I only thought about what I wanted when it should have been about what we needed. I was wrong. So wrong. I understand if you hate me now but please don't stop loving the kids. They shouldn't pay for my poor decisions."

He frowned, trying to take in all her words. "They?"

Her gaze dropped.

He reached across the table and took her hand. "They?"

"I'm pregnant." She mumbled.

He rolled it through his head. "Things have to change."

"I know."

"Do you?"

"Yes. I have to treat you better. Stop being so selfish. I hope we can co-parent better than I've been in this relationship. Are you safe where you are?"

He peered at her bent head. "Yes."

"I'm so sorry I ruined your life. I never should have tricked you into becoming a father. I was wrong. I think I knew I was wrong but I didn't examine it closely for fear of my conscience getting to me. You didn't deserve that.

But you're a great father and Mea loves you. This new baby will love you. I love you." She whispered that last part.

He just looked at her until lifting her chin. "Mari, I love you."

"But?"

"No buts. I love you. I've loved you since sixth grade. All I've ever wanted was to be with you. But you haven't shown me the love you claim you have for me.

I don't know if I can trust you."

Tears leapt into her eyes. "You're right to doubt me. I haven't been good to you. I'm so sorry."

"Why?" He was confused. "Why do you keep tricking me into getting you pregnant?"

She swallowed hard. "I've loved you since the fourth grade. You're all I've ever wanted. A future with you. A family with you.

Marcy had her babies and I want babies. I've always wanted to be like my mom and have a pack of kids with my one true love. Marcy was getting started and I felt behind.

I knew if anyone could help us get together, it was her and so I lied and plotted." She swiped at a tear. "I didn't care how anyone else felt. Then Karen and I got pregnant at the same time and I was really happy.

Me and my friends were all pregnant at the same time and we were all in love and with our soulmates. It was perfect. Then Marcy and Karen had their dreams-"

"Dreams?" He interrupted.

"In their cultures, dreams mean things. They both were having dreams about having more kids. I also have something similar in my country but I wasn't having dreams. Not about more babies. I was jealous and felt left behind.

So I figured I could make it happen but for three months, nothing was happening. I thought that maybe it wasn't going to happen and I think I took it out on you. I was wrong for that and so much more.