Marshall

Postpone

You read the last chapter, right? If you did then you know how it ended.
Two young adults living together, in their new home. Everything seemed to be fine, until Charlotte came up with this extreme idea.

- I beg your pardon...
- You heard me babe. Let's make a baby.
- Isn't it a little...early?
- Marshall, we've been together for  3 years. Everything is going smoothly. And we have a place to start a family.
- I know.. but it's still early. We just moved in. You still study and I only began my full time job. Let's give it some time.
- That's so uncool..
- Charlotte please.  I know you want a child  and so do I. But not yet.. Let's have more money. For now the money we have is enough for the two of us. I don't want my child to lack anything.
- Just say you don't want to put a baby in me.
- What? Of course I want but it's early..
- Sure.. Carmen is younger and she's pregnant while she's also in the school. Christine got pregnant in school too. But Lord forbid if I also get pregnant.

There we go. Our first disagreement. I was feeling uncomfortable already.

- Carmen has enough money. Don't forget that her father is rich. And Christine? She put her child to adoption. Why is it so important right now?
- Oh..you're asking a girl why it's important to have a baby? Men. They would never understand.
- And you're right, I don't. So please explain. I want a family, but isn't it important to have stable marital status ?
- Like we're living on the street. But cool.. let's not have a baby. I don't care. I go to sleep.
- Charlotte no. Let's not go to bed in a bad mood. I only want you to understand my point of view.
- Aw. I understand well. You're scared. Be then. I'm not discussing this longer..

She left me no more chance to fix it. I didn't feel bad about my opinion because I know I was right. I just felt bad because she was hurt since I rejected her idea.
It took a few days till she decided not to be mad at me anymore.. We talked meanwhile but she was cold. I had no energy for this. I had two jobs , they drained me down.
There were these news about a sociopath, molesting women and robbing banks. He was on the loose. I was worried everytime Charlotte was out alone. But I couldn't accompany her all the time. And while she was mad at my she even ignored my calls.
She wanted to finish her studies therefore she often stayed in the school till long. There were times when we barely seen each other for days. It was hard. I tried to make it bearable for her. Leaving little gifts, notes, making her favorite meal.
We've been living in the apartment for almost a year, the baby project got delayed for a while. Finally I had some time but Charlotte had to stay in school for extra classes . Just when I planned a date for us. Date got cancelled, so I invited Stephan over. We couldn't meet for a while. He was busy with his classes as well.

- It's been so long since we could hang out together. Are you okay Thunder? You lost weight. Do you eat properly?
- I'm okay , don't worry you're not my dad. I'm just a little stressed lately.
- Classes ? Or relationship problems?
- Some other.. For first, Carmen had a miscarriage a week ago..
- Oh my... Why no one told me?
- She didn't want anyone to know yet. Let her tell you when she's ready.
- Alright..I'm sorry. It must be so hard for her.
- It is. Mr Gordon let her stay away and continue her studies at home for a while.
- Mr Gordon is so nice.
- Isn't he?
- What about you and Isabella? I've seen her in the grocery store.
- What about her?
- Uh...are you guys still together?
- Oh..! Yeah..we..well...she said she's afraid to continue this so yeah...
- Afraid? Why?
- No clue. So I'm on my own . Doesn't matter. She was always scared when we were together.
- That makes no sense but okay.. you'll find someone.
- I doubt I'll ever find someone like her.
- Come on. You're young , protective, handsome and fun. Girls like that.
- Let's drop it please.
- Sorry..

Stephan wasn't his bubbly, smiley self. He was still in love, that was obvious. But you can't forever someone if they want to leave.
We talked some more. About family, old times, our friends.. Dorian too. It was weird how 3 years already passed.

- So you're not coming back to school?
- Maybe I will but I can't yet. Charlotte wants a family. I told her it's early but we got into an argument. It was before but none of us brings it up anymore.
- Maybe try when she's done with her studies too. Sorry to say this but even her half time job pays better than your full time job.
- Sad but true. What about you? Finishing soon?
- No.. I finished. I'm done. I decided it was enough.
- Why?! You wanted to become a literature teacher!
- WANTED. No longer.
- And all the extra lessons you had with Mr Grey??
- Well, he has a woman in his life now.
- So?
- So..I don't want to bother. Ok? Good for him.
- Alright..

Suddenly it felt like people around me got annoyed and wanted to snap on me.. I tried to avoid another misunderstanding and argument. We watched movies, had snacks then he left.

- What had gotten into people...?

I was wondering. Charlotte was still away. She said she'd meet her friend too. I wanted to wait up but my eyes felt so heavy. I'm not sure when she came home, when I woke up, Charlotte was in my arms, cuddling and sniffing me.

- Good morning Cinderella.
- Mm..
- Sorry babe, I got home a while ago and I didn't have the heart to wake you up. You were sleeping so peacefully.
- It's ok. Sorry I couldn't wait for you. I tried.
- Don't apologize.

Things were being normal with her. The baby topic was still sensitive to talk about. But besides  that, we were fine. I cuddled with her some more before we headed to have dinner together.
She was happy and so was I. I only wished my other friends were too.
Charlotte talked about her day as always, though most of time she was too excited and forgot to ask about mine. I didn't care. My days were the same anyway and I was more of a listener. I was hesitating if I should tell her about Carmen or no. I didn't want to talk about pregnancy . Let's pass it for now.

- Do you have some time tomorrow? Or any day the next week? I really want to go on a date.
- Aww I try but I'm not sure.. sorry babe, you know how exams are. But maybe after them, a date would be nice .
- Alright . Let me know if I can help you.

I was blind and naive. But can you blame me? Even if I was an adult I was only 23 .  There were things I didn't notice. And never got the chance to notice. But soon, you'll understand what I'm talking about.