Independent Together

7

Tucker was obsessing over the situation. His thoughts were consumed by Miranda and their unborn child. He couldn't believe how everything had spiraled out of control. Losing Miranda had been a blow, but knowing she was carrying his baby made it even harder to accept. The idea Miranda didn't want anything to do with him was intolerable.

Tucker paced around his apartment, replaying their last conversation in his head. He had to find a way to get her back. He had to regain control of the situation. His mind raced with plans and strategies, each one more desperate than the last.

He picked up his phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing Miranda's number. It rang several times before going to voicemail. "Miranda. We need to talk. Please, call me back. We can work this out. I still love you, and we can be a family. Think about our baby," he pleaded into the phone, his voice a mix of determination and desperation.

Hanging up, Tucker stared at the phone, hoping for a response. He knew he had to be more strategic. "I have to get her back," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists. "I can't let this end like this."

Tucker thought back to the times they had shared, the good moments before everything fell apart. He convinced himself that if he could just get Miranda to see reason, she might forgive him. She had to, for the sake of their child.

His new girlfriend, Karen, walked in, noticing his troubled expression. "Tucker, what's wrong?" she asked, concern in her voice.

Tucker sighed, putting his phone down. "It's Miranda," he admitted. "I can't stop thinking about her and the baby."

Karen's face fell, a mix of hurt and anger flashing in her eyes. "You're still seeing me, Tucker," she reminded him. "What do you expect to happen?"

Tucker sighed, feeling the weight of his conflicted emotions. "I don't know," he confessed. "I just know I can't lose her, not now. She's having my baby, and I need to be a part of their lives."

Karen crossed her arms, her voice cold. "You should have thought about that before you cheated on her," she snapped. "You can't have it both ways, Tucker. Either you're with me, or you try to fix things with Miranda."

Tucker looked away, guilt gnawing at him. "I know," he said quietly. "But it's not that simple. I still care about you, but Miranda... she's my wife."

Karen shook her head, clearly frustrated. "Not anymore," she said sharply. "You need to figure out what you really want, Tucker. You can't keep stringing me along while you chase after her."

Tucker nodded, knowing she was right but feeling trapped by his own mistakes. "I need time to think," he said, his voice weary.

"She made your choice for you Tucker" Karen sighed "She said she didn't want you anything to do with you. She made that very clear. She's not just going to change her mind because there's a baby. Get that in your head" Karen she poked his head and walked out of the room, leaving Tucker alone with his thoughts. He knew she was right but he still wanted to try for the sake of his baby. 

After thinking it over he decided he was going to surprise her during her next shift at the hospital. And when the time came he stood in the hospital parking lot, clutching a bouquet of flowers nervously in his hand. He had mustered up the courage to ask Miranda to lunch, hoping to reconcile and possibly mend their fractured relationship. As he approached, his heart sank at the sight of Miranda kissing another man.

Anger and jealousy surged within him, and without thinking, he rushed over to them, the bouquet of flowers slipping from his hand and scattering on the ground.

"What the hell is going on?" Tucker demanded, his voice tinged with hurt and frustration.

Miranda turned to face him, her expression firm yet calm. "Tucker, calm down," she said evenly. "This is Ben, my boyfriend."