Whoa, Baby!

3.

Chapter Three
Another Hindrance

As I sat there on my couch, cradling my precious three-week-old daughter Ocean in my arms, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling within me.

Just when I thought the burden of her birth certificate had been lifted, another complication had arisen - and this time, it required Joe's involvement once again.

Apparently, according to the judge, Joe needed to file a petition to Disestablish Paternity with the court, in the circuit court that had jurisdiction over where I lived.

I let out a heavy sigh, dreading having to tell Joe that I needed him to take this next step. "Why is this so complicated?" I asked myself as I pulled out my phone to text him, explaining the situation.

On top of that, I also needed Joe's permission to change Ocean's last name from Anoa'i to Arenas. The nurse who had filled out her birth certificate had made yet another mistake, and I prayed that she never crossed paths with me, or else I might just end up in jail for beating her up.

As a new mother, the last thing I needed was more legal headaches and paperwork. I just wanted to focus on caring for my baby girl and enjoying this precious time. But alas, the bureaucratic red tape continued to ensnare us.

When Joe texted me back, asking me to come to his house so we could discuss our next steps, I knew I had no choice but to face this challenge head-on.

With Ocean securely in her car seat, I made the drive over to Joe's place, my mind racing with all the possible scenarios that could play out.

As I pulled into the driveway, I was struck by the sheer number of cars parked out front - it seemed Joe had quite the entourage waiting for us.

The front door swung open, and a warm, friendly face greeted me. "Hi, I'm Lisa, Joe's mother. He has told us about your situation, and I'm so sorry you're going through this as a new mother," she said, her expression full of empathy.

"Hi," I replied, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious as I followed her into the house. "Joe is in his office. Would you like anything to drink or eat?" Lisa asked.

"I'm fine with whatever you have," I answered, not wanting to impose.

Lisa nodded and led me towards Joe's office, pausing outside the door. "You stick around after your conversation with Joe, okay," she told me, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Oh...okay," I said, unsure of what to make of her request.

Lisa opened the door, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately finding Joe as he looked up from his phone. "Tatiana, hey," he said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He held his hands out, and I carefully placed Ocean into his waiting arms. "Bill, she's here," Joe said, and I realized he must have been on a call with someone.

"Hello, Tatiana," a voice came through the speaker, and I greeted Bill, Joe's lawyer, as they began discussing the situation with Ocean's birth certificate.

For the next half-hour, the three of us delved into the legal intricacies, exploring our options and strategizing the best way to rectify the hospital's mistake.

As the call came to an end, Joe turned his attention to me. "Tatiana, you and Ocean should stay and hang around with my family," he said.

I recalled Lisa's earlier request, and I nodded. "Your mother already told me to stick around," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Joe chuckled. "Of course, she did," he said, shaking his head fondly.

We made our way out of the office, Ocean still cradled in Joe's arms. "She looks just like you," he remarked, his gaze fixed on our daughter's tiny, perfect features.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "You think so? My mom swears she looks like my brother," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice.

"Nah, she's your twin," Joe insisted, and I couldn't help but agree. There was no denying the resemblance between Ocean and myself.

As we entered the living room, Lisa approached us, gently taking Ocean from Joe's arms. "Joe, make her a plate and introduce her to everyone. I'll take care of this little angel. It's nice to have a baby around again," she said, her eyes sparkling with joy as she gazed down at my daughter.

Joe nodded, and I followed him into the kitchen, where two of his cousins, Jonathan and Joshua, were standing with Jonathan's wife, Trinity, and Joshua's ex-wife Takecia. "Tatiana, these are my cousins, Jonathan, Joshua, Trinity, and Takecia," Joe said, gesturing to each of them.

"Nice to meet you," I said, offering a warm smile. Trinity's eyes lit up as she spoke. "Yeah, nice to meet you in person, we follow each other on Instagram," she said, and I nodded, remembering our virtual connection.

Just then, a young girl, whom I assumed was Joe's daughter, Joelle, walked into the kitchen. "Nice to meet you," she said, her tone polite but distant.

"Nice to meet you too," I replied, unsure of how to read her demeanor.

Joelle then turned to Joe, a determined expression on her face. "So I have a non-biologically related baby sister that I'm praying stays an Anoa'i so I can have her," she said, her words catching me off guard.

Joe shook his head, a resigned look on his face. "Ignore her," he told me, and I couldn't help but feel a bit bewildered by Joelle's statement.

"I'm so serious, like she's my little sister, and I don't want you to keep her from me," Joelle continued, her voice laced with a touch of desperation.

The rest of the group erupted into laughter, and Joshua chimed in, "Being the only girl has clearly caused some brain damage."

Lisa returned to the kitchen, Ocean cradled in her arms. "Joelle, come help me with the baby," she said, and Joelle eagerly followed, her previous intensity seemingly forgotten.

"That's their baby now," Takecia said, smiling at me.

I glanced around the room, suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who seemed invested in my daughter's life.

"Around here, everyone always has your kid but you," Takecia added, her words both amusing and slightly unsettling.

"Yeah, it's a village," Trinity chimed in, and I couldn't help but nod in agreement.

This family dynamic was certainly unlike anything I had ever experienced. As Joe prepared a plate of food for me, I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and nervousness. I was touched by the warmth and welcoming nature of his family, but on the other, I couldn't help but wonder how this would all play out.

As we sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily, with everyone asking me questions about my pregnancy, my delivery, and my life as a new mom. I did my best to engage, but there was a part of me that felt a bit overwhelmed by the attention. I wasn't used to having so many people involved in the intimate details of my life, and I couldn't help but worry that this might complicate things further down the line.

Throughout the meal, Lisa and Joelle doted on Ocean, cooing over her and taking turns holding her. I had to admit, it was nice to have an extra set of hands to help out, especially as a new mom. But a part of me also felt a twinge of guilt, as if I were somehow failing as a parent by not being the one to constantly hold and care for my own child.

As the afternoon wore on, I found myself being pulled in different directions, with various members of Joe's family vying for my attention and time. They were all incredibly kind and welcoming, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping in. It seemed like everyone had an opinion and was eager to share it.

When it was finally time for us to leave, I felt a mix of relief and reluctance. On one hand, I was eager to have some quiet time with Ocean, away from the bustling household. But on the other, I couldn't deny the sense of comfort and support that Joe's family had provided. As Lisa hugged me goodbye and pressed a large package of leftovers into my hands, I felt a genuine appreciation for their kindness.

As Joe and I walked out to the car, with Ocean dozing peacefully in her car seat, I couldn't help but voice my concerns. "Joe, I'm grateful for your family's support, but your family is a lot."

Joe nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand, Tatiana. My family can be a lot, but they mean well."