The Fighter

Chapter 16

|Andy|

"Simon, you know they say talking to the baby while it's still in the womb helps it develop."

"You want me to talk to your stomach?"

"Essentially, yes."

"What do I tell it?"

"A story, or about your day,'or something like that."

"Fine. Okay, little Minter, once upon a time-"

"Once upon a time? Really?"

"Shh, Andy, this is my story. Anyway, there was a big scary dragon. The dragon had big ass claws-ow! What was that for?!"

"Don't curse while you're talking to the baby."

"Okay, it had really big claws. So this dragon was kind of an outcast. He kept to himself and all of the other dragons teased him. So, this dragon got bigger and stronger until he could take on even a dragon twice his size. All because he refused to give up."

"Simon, that was sweet."

"Is this where I'm supposed to kiss the bump?"

"You can." He leaned down, pressing his lips to the top of my ever growing baby bump. About that time, I felt the baby kick. And it kicked Simon right in the mouth.

"Ow, what the f...fudge?"

"The baby's kicking."

"Hey, do you not like me or something?"

"I'm sure they'll love you."

"So, Andy, do you think it's a boy or a girl?"

"I think it's a boy."

"A little boy...God, I'd love to have a little boy. I could teach him so many things."

"What if it's a girl?"

"I'll love the baby no matter what."

"But you're hoping for a boy."

"No, I'm hoping to have a healthy baby and mother when it's all said and done."

"Well, we have an appointment in an hour. And they can probably tell us what it is."

"A boy or a girl?"

"Yes, a boy or a girl."

"Well, our doctor is a ways a way, so we should get going."

Forty-five minutes later Simon and I were waiting at the office for our appointment. He seemed really excited.

"Minter?" We got up, following back to the room. "So, you finally want the gender?"

"Yes, please."

After several minutes of prep and looking, you got your answer.

"It's a girl."

"A little girl."

"I'm going to have a little princess." Simon went on the rest of the day about the little princess.

"Well, Mr. Minter, what are we going to name the little princess?"

"I don't know. I never thought I'd need to know this early in life."

"And do you really think I did either?"

"No, we'll figure it out though, Andy, have faith." After finally getting home, I was wore out. Six months pregnant was wearing me out. Simon picked me up once we were in the kitchen and set me on the counter.

"Simon, what are you-?"

"Shh, just trust me.

"Well somebody told met

hat I would be a dreamer for life

Somebody told me I would never reach the other side

Well you say I'm old news, but cross your fingers

I'm yours to lose.

What if I told you, that things will never improve

And if I lived a lie

Would someone meet me on the other side

So I can burn up bright,

(so I can burn, so I can burn)

The grass is always greener,

Someone else's past is always cleaner,

But I'm a believer, that there's a fool in all of us

And if I lived a lie

Would someone meet me on the other side

So I can burn up bright

Oh, I don't really know where our ghosts go

No, I don't really know where Our ghosts go

So live a lie just tonight, tonight

We are believers, we are believers [7x]

We are, we are.

If I lived a lie

Would someone meet me on the other side

So I can burn up bright

And if I lived a lie

Would someone meet me on the other side

So I can burn up bright

Oh, I don't really know where our ghosts go

No, I don't really know where our ghosts go,

So live a lie just tonight, tonight

And burn up bright."

"You Me At Six?"

"Yeah."

"You're going to be a great dad, Simon."

"I hope so, Andy."