Against the Odds

14

Miranda walked into the house and sat the grocery bags down and Mia with the other hand. She watched as she toddled off to Ben.

"Hey, cupcake." Ben grinned, lifting her high in the air. "Why didn't you call me? I would have helped you with the bags."

"It's only 4 bags and I figured I could handle it." She replied, walking over to him. Miranda leaned down and kissed his lips twice.

"How was her checkup?"

"She had to get two shots today." Miranda pouted.

"And you cried right with her." He concluded.

"I did. She's my baby and that hurt my heart. The doctor was laughing "Talking about mom it's ok." It was definitely not ok."

Ben laughed loudly, looking at his wife's face.

"But anyway She is 2 and a half feet tall and 22 pounds. They did an eye and tooth exam, listened to her heart and lungs, and also her motor skills and behavior. Everything was good."

"Great."

"Did you know that the doctor's office will Pierce her ears?"

"No, I didn't."

"Yeah me either. They told me today and I could have got it done today, but I didn't want to make that decision without you."

"You could have got them done. We should have done it when she was a newborn. It will be harder now. She's going to start pulling at her ears while they are healing."

"You're right about that. What do you want for dinner tonight? I bought stuff for fajitas and chicken stir fry."

"Miranda we still got party food from my graduation."

"I'm through with that. I can't eat that anymore. You can either take it for lunch or I'm throwing it out."

"You can't throw out all that good food."

"I can and I will. It's been a week."

"When you get done with dinner can you help me with the essays on my med school applications?" He questioned, pointing to all the applications he had on his desk.

"You're applying?"

"Yeah. What do you mean "your applying" Ben asked confused.

"I just don't think it's a good idea if the both of us are in medical school at the same time. You know how hard it is for me now. I'm studying every moment of the day that I'm not in school. You need to do it when it's your only focus. And how can we support our family if both of us are in school."

"I have been the only one supporting our family," Ben remarked before he could even think about what came out of his mouth.

Miranda's eyes widened and she looked at him with a hurt expression. "It takes more than finances to support a family,"

"I don't even want to argue Miranda. I didn't mean to come off as insensitive. I just thought that it was my turn now, but don't worry about it. It's not and I won't apply." Ben voiced getting up from the computer with their daughter and walking towards the stairs.

"Ben," Miranda called after him but he was already gone.

"Shit," Miranda whispered feeling bad. She hurriedly followed Ben upstairs. She caught up to him before he could shut the door.

"Benjamin, wait," she pleaded, her voice softening. "I didn't mean to sound selfish, hurt you, or dismiss your dreams. I know you've been supporting us, and I appreciate it more than words can say."