Finally

Part 8: The Girl With The Boy Name

I wish we didn't choose the aquarium today.

Right as we had gotten o the very entrance- I knew it was a mistake because there she was.

Just inside the gate, looking just as beautiful as the last day we had seen each other.

Alice Healy.

I had tried so hard for Helen and I to avoid running into her and for the most part I did fine.

Until now.

Now, standing in the tunnel alone with Luna, Alice and Bobbie have come upon us and with it, her excitement to see me.

Quicker than anything, she had pulled me into a tight hug and still, she clings on me.

I don't really see Helen.

She must've went deeper into the dark hallway ahead- but I'm praying to God she doesn't see this.

"Ah!! I've missed seeing you and Luna! How are you doing?! You look great! Not that you didn't look great before—but you know what I mean. And Luna!! Look at her, she's gotten so big and beautiful!" She excitedly says and sways us back and forth- never letting go.

"Thanks...um...Alice..." I want to tell her I'm unavailable before Helen gets back. Last thing I want is for her thinking that I'm interested in Alice still.

"So!! How's it been?! How's the hospital life?" She finally pulls away and I think we both immediately take notice of our missing wedding rings. I inwardly sigh and she seems to as well- but less so out of grief and more so...reluctance.

"Great...I mean. As great as it can be with a pandemic still raging on." I say and she frowns slightly and looks down at the girls who are touching each other's knit hats. "Bobbie sure has gotten tall. Definitely three or four inches than Luna."

"Yeah- she's growing like a weed. Defiant as ever though."

"I bet."

"So...um...I guess... do you... um. Would you like to catch up and get some coffee... or go to Coney Island for a hot dog and some rides? I mean, I don't want to hijack your day from Luna...but...Luna?" She looks down and notices Luna is missing- Bobbie still standing close to her on her backpack leash. "Oh, God! Max! She's gone?!"

I turn and look down the hall and then in the other direction and I don't see her amongst the people.

"Luna?!" I walk towards a huge crowd and start looking for her. "Luna?!"

I look in every direction, on the ground between people and on benches- behind trash cans.

"Luna!" As the crowds disperse, I notice Alice has her...but my stomach quickly turns as I find Helen with her arms crossed- trying to take Luna back. Rushing towards them- I briefly hear the conversation- for they aren't particularly quiet about it. Both very strong headed and motherly woman fighting over my baby and poor Luna just so confused.

"Excuse me, Miss...but that's not your kid." Alice says and Helen shakes her head and politely refutes.

"Well actually..."

"Listen, she wandered off and though you seem nice- she needs to go back to her father so if you could kindly let go of her arm." Alice informs Helen- who gently has a hand on Luna's coat. Luna seems torn between who she wants to go with.

"I think you should rethink..." Helen says and Alice becomes more of a Mama bear.

"No! You should rethink about putting your hands on a child that so obviously doesn't belong to you. This child is...my boyfriends and therefore..." Helen's eyes widen and she shakes her head- jaw opening slightly and the look of shear disgust and anguish written on her face. Fighting through the crowd, I try to get to them- to even call to them- but there's too many people. "You need to let go before I tell the security officer over there that you're trying to kidnap my child."