Baby

fourteen

Two days later, my man came home. He was sloppy and hungover and smelt like a keg. I wasn't happy about it but I still forced him into the shower and made him breakfast afterwards.

When he was nearly done eating, I couldn't wait anymore.

"Where the hell have you been?"

A deep scowl set into his features, and he mumbled something into his food.

"Speak up then! Where have you been?!"

"Out running that fucking business you hate so much!"

His voice was loud, but that didn't deter me. I could scream too.

I laugh, cynically, at his statement. "Where from? The dingy brothel that your brother owns? Is that where you've been running your business from, dear husband?"

"Stay out of it Baby. I'm warning -"

"Why should I?! You think this only affects you? That its only your business? Fuck you. I'm getting my degree in a year, and having this child. If you don't pull your shit together, I will leave you. Don't be mistaken, I will walk out and never come back!"

The plate before him went crashing to the ground. Eggs and bacon and bread crumbs scattering everywhere. "Don't you talk to me like that!"

"What are you going to do? Beat me? Beat your pregnant wife?!"

He stepped closer, boots crunching the ceramic underfoot. I felt myself shrink back, but my anger burned bright.

"Don't forget who put this roof over your head, Baby. You didn't have a problem with my business then, don't start this bullshit now."

Scowling, I shoved him back and walked out of the kitchen. I couldn't bare being that close to him. Not like this, not when my feelings were confused.

He followed me into the living room, keeping a distance this time.

"Before you weren't going to be a father! What will I tell our child when one day their daddy doesn't come home? Will I tell them that their daddy is a lying thieving bastard?!"

Hot tears were pouring down my face, and my man's composure fell away. He slumped his strong shoulders and embraced me.

"Shh. Shh, Baby. It's going to be okay. I'm going to be okay."

I sobbed hard into his embrace. My face becoming red and puffy no doubt.

He held my cheeks in his hands, and looked me in the eyes. "I will be okay, Baby. I promise you."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead and I felt my mood still to a translucent calm.

The eye of the storm, it appeared, was right over us now.