The Rainbow Effect

Secrets are Never a Good Foundation For a Relationship- Edited

"What is it?" I say, a little worried. The last secret she told me, she had a boyfriend. I stare at her. Waiting for her to tell me. 

"I'm...a...I'm...I...have......" She hesitates. She doesn't feel she can tell me. I watch her, her hesitance clearly visible as she fidgets with her fingers. She starts shaking.

"It's okay baby. Tell me." I say. I place my hand delicately on her shoulder.

"I'm a mother." She says, stress, love, and worry in her eyes. She starts crying. Her tears flooding her face like a waterfall, her mascara looking like smeared, black paint in the rain.

"Okay...didn't expect that one." I say. A kid? Why did she hide this?

"Yea. I have a daughter, her name's Jessie. She's 7. I used to live in New York, but when I moved here, for a new start, she told me she wanted to stay with grandma. I figured that's what would be best." Brittany says. She chokes and sobs, I could see the pain in her eyes.

"Okay. Who's her father?" I say.....a little scared.

"Her father...his name is Ryan Cochran." She says. I had to be curious as to what happened to the father. Did he leave her? Did he pass away? Was he a meaningless one night stand without protection?

"Ok.....got it." I get up and dump my container in the trash. "Want to watch a movie?" I say. Changing the subject.

"Yea. Horror or Comedy?" Brittany says, she's wiping her cheeks.

"Horror. How about Ouija?" I say.

"Sure. Why not?" She says. She gets the blanket and opens up her arms, I fall into them. I'm suddenly very exhausted. She wraps me in her arms. I can smell her fresh pine and cinnamon scent. The movie's on and we're are cuddled up on the couch. But as I tried to concern myself with the movie, I couldn't help but let the thought of Jessie invade my mind. Shouldn't be lying here with her daughter instead of me? Why did she move here? What was so horrific back in New York?

"Oh. Yea. Maybe I shouldn't mention this. But I do have another little secret. It's no big deal anymore." She says. I can hear the stress in her voice. I couldn't possibly think of what she has to say now. Doesn't matter anymore? I swear if she hides another thing from me, I won't be able to be with her anymore.