Michael.

eight

"Well, Michael and I were talking, and we decided to try to have a relationship that is more than friends," Jackie explained as her parents sat across the table.
"What about the babies? Will he raise them as his own?" my mom asked, and I glanced towards Jackie. We hadn't talked about how the babies will view me, whether as just "their mom's boyfriend" or "father".
"I hadn't thought about that," Jackie said, looking towards me.
"I would love to raise them as my own," I spoke up, looking directly towards Jackie.
"And what about the living situation? Will Jackie still live with us or will she move into the city?" Her father asked.
"She can still live with you all, or I can look for a larger apartment in the city," I said.
"I don't know if I want to move in with you quite yet," she said.
"Well, I can drive out here for the weekends. It's only an hour or so, it's not too far," I said. We stopped, glancing toward her parents for approval.
"I don't think you two are ready," her father said, "there are so many things you haven't even thought of."
"We can think of these things as we get to them," Jackie said, "right now we are working on us, then we will determine how the babies will be raised and where we will live."
"Jackie, sweetie," her mother said, "what about last relationship? It has only been six months."
"I found someone who wants to treat me differently," Jackie said.
"She deserves more than how he treated her, and I want to be that for her."
"I don't think you can be that for her," her father said, "it's about time she relies on her parents. You're not quite ready for a relationship, yet alone a relationship with someone like Jackie."
"Someone like Jackie?" Jackie spoke up, "I'm still a human no matter what happened. I deserve just as much as the rest of you."
"Sweetie, it's not offensive to you. He's not mature enough for a relationship like that," her father explained. I felt a little taken aback. I could understand why her parents felt I wasn't ready for a relationship after everything she has been through. They only wanted to protect their youngest daughter, but she is an adult. She can make her own decisions and her parent's opinion doesn't make or break our relationship.
"You have to accept him," Jackie finally said, "your opinion doesn't change my opinion on him."
"And what if we don't? As long as you live with us, he won't be coming anywhere near you or those babies," her mother said. These words felt like a slap to my face. I wanted to be there for them. I wanted nothing more than to be their rock in times of weariness and instability.
"Mom, you can't be serious. You accepted Kyle and he was terrible! What's so wrong about Michael?" Jackie said. Her eyes welled with tears, standing and marching into the next room.
"Michael, I think it's a good time for you to leave. Don't bother staying for dinner," her father said as her mom rushed to comfort her. I didn't bother fighting, yet it took every ounce of my strength to not go into that room to see Jackie. I went out to my car, driving to John's apartment.
"I don't know what to do," I said as I sat on John's couch, "what did I do wrong? Did I say something? Did I do something?"
"Man, you didn't do anything," John said, "just give them time. If she needs, I'll let her stay here to be closer to you."
"But Jackie said they were quick to accept Kyle, and he was way more forward that I am," I said, "why don't they like me?"
"It's just because of what happened," John said, "other than that, they would be more accepting."
"What should I do?" I asked.
"Take them out for dinner somewhere, but don't bring Jackie. Just let it be you and the two of them," John said, "talk to them. Tell them how you feel. There's no way they wouldn't want you if you're honest with them."
"I guess," I said slowly.
"But if you ever hurt her, i won't hesitate to kick you ass," John said, and I laughed.
"I would never," I said.
The next week, I met her parents at a five star restaurant. I had on black slacks and a white dress shirt with a black tie. It wasn't too dressy or casual. I got a table a few minutes earlier than when we would have met so I could be waiting. I sat down at a dimly lit booth, fiddling with my fingers. I was nervous. This could very well be my last chance to prove myself to the two of them. I had to do this to be there for Jackie and the twins. Ellen and Elliot needed a father figure more than anything else, and if nobody else was determined to step up, I was. I saw them walk in, so I stood.
"Hey," I said with a warm smile, "I hope the drive was okay." I tried to find a restaurant halfway between our homes.
"Oh, it was fine," her mother said, "I'm glad we could sit down to meet."
"Yeah, I am too. Sorry for coming off so sudden earlier. I'd really like to talk to you about what I plan on for our relationship," I said.
"Shoot," her father said, leaning back easily in the booth.
"Well, I always liked Jackie even while she was with Kyle. I couldn't tell her because of him, and then I didn't want to stress her out with another relationship after the rape, but I keep making excuses and I finally told her just two weeks ago," I said, "I love her. I've never loved someone like her, and I am determined to protect her and those little babies no matter what it takes. I want them to live without fear of their father, even if that means I have to raise the two as my own."
"I don't know how Jackie would like that," her mother said.
"She told me she would like it," I said, "I don't want to rush her, but whenever she's ready, I want her to move into my apartment. I'll buy a bigger place if she does, and the twins can have their own rooms and Jackie and I can grow old together."
"It's not a fairytale, Michael," her father said, "how do you plan to support them?"
"I went to college, I will get a better job. My parents can help us out, too," I said.
"She has been through so much, do you realize that? She is never going to be the same as before," her mother said.
"I am determined to make her as comfortable as possible," I said, "I know she will never be the same but I can still try. I'll do anything for the three of them."
"Do you want to marry her eventually?" Her father asked.
"In the future," I said honestly, "i want to go as slow as she wants."
"If you decide to raise those babies," her mother said, "you will raise them until they are adults? I will not tolerate you getting up and leaving one day."
"God, no," I said, "I love the three of them, even though Ellen and Elliot are not born."
"Whose name will they take? East or Kidd?" Her mother asked.
"It's up to Jackie," I said, "I would love for them to take my name, but it's her decision. They can always change their names later in life."
"Listen," her father said, "I like you. You seem like a genuine kid and I think you have the potential to be a great father and husband eventually, but I want you to slow down. Listen to her thoughts. Help her when she needs it. Love her like you've never loved before."
"And those grand babies," her mother said, "they deserve a father and I think you would be great. But do you want to raise two kids? It isn't cheap and it isn't easy."
"I have a degree," I said, "I'll get s better job to help with money."
The night continued, and by the time we finished dessert, they were smitten with the idea of us as a couple. I had to admit that I was relieved. It was one less burden off the shoulders of Jackie and I, and I was happy. In just a couple months, Jackie and I would welcome a baby girl and baby boy. Ellen and Elliot wouldn't have a care in the world and soon, neither would Jackie.