The Perfect Mix

Twenty-three. The Perfect Mix of Apples and Miracles

As I stand here in front of a glass mirror separating Bryce and I, I couldn’t help but imagine his resemblance to her mother. Those eyelashes, his lips and the way he soundly sleeps all resembles his mother. It was two days ago when Bryce came to this world, Monday, exactly two days after Tam woke up.

We never really expected her to give birth that early. In fact, these past few days, most things we did not expect to happen, happened.

Saturday

Tam woke up from her slumber. When she did, she immediately saw her dad, her mom and Claire. She immediately looked at Claire and told her…. “Where’s Red?”. So she came around looking for me, she found me in the chapel praying for Tam. My prayers were answered.

When I got inside the room, the doctor was already there, asking her a few questions.

“RED!” She shouted as I immediately approached her and held her hand.

Her dad was quiet, her mom was quiet and even the doctor had to stop his questioning. But eventually he did continue asking. Tam was particularly hesitant in answering.

“We’re you doing heavy tasks or lifting heavy things?” The doctor asked.

“Uhm… no…” She answered.

“Have you taken any supplements or any medicine?”

“Uhm… no…” She answered.

“Doctor, she’s with me for the last 5 months, I think I can attest to that” I answered

“How about in the first two months of her pregnancy?”

“She was still living in her apartment. And then her family?” I answered.

“Yes, she has.” Claire answered.

“Well, we’ll be doing more tests as soon as possible anyway, so we’ll have more answers”

Tam remained particularly quiet.

“Tam, what’s wrong?”  I asked.

“No, nothing…”

“Are you sure? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I’m just tired… and scared.”

“Everything will be okay.”

For the rest of the day, Tam underwent a lot more tests. They didn’t reveal all the results right away. But they did reveal one that Tam is having a baby boy.

I think Tam’s parents were okay with me staying inside the room, though her father and I do not talk at all. Claire said it’s best if I was there to provide emotional support for Tam. I never left Tam’s side during the tests and during her stay in room 407.

That night, when all tests were over and we were all in the room trying to get some rest. My hand was still on Tam’s hand. Tam looked really tired.

“Red?” She whispered.

“Yes?”

“Come closer, I have something to tell you.” She said so I followed.

“Can you think of a name for the baby?”

“Why? I thought you wanted to put the baby for adoption?”

“No, not anymore…”

“Really? Why?”

“Because I want him to grow up as kind-hearted as you are”

                “Shhh… you’re just tired” I whispered and I kissed her forehead.