The Rainbow Effect

Decisions and Daughters

Being home in Lila's arms is more than I could ever ask for. My wife held me close, with her arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I leaned back, my head resting on her shoulder.

My eyes felt heavy, and I started to drift off into sleep. Lila has her head in the crook of my neck, ner steady breathing keeping me calm. I let my eyelids drop, coating my eyes in darkness. It was mid-afternoon on a Sunday, not more than 2 weeks after our wedding. I had been feeling the worse of cancer recently, my boobs were hurting more than ever. They were swollen, sore, and red. I kept thinking about what I should do about the surgery.

But I have finally come to a decision, I'm going to go through with the surgery. There is no guarantee that I will leave that surgical room, and there is no way to tell how long I will last after the surgery if I make it out.

I couldn't help but wonder how Lila was going to react. I mean, of course she's going to be happy that I'm going through with the surgery, but she might be nervous. And what about the doctors appointment? We're going to go get her impregnated tomorrow. If I agree to go along with the surgery, then that appointment will be in a month. Meaning she would be a month pregnant if I died, what happens then? She wants children, and that's okay. I will let her have that gift, but she needs to understand I could possibly not be here for much longer. I closed my eyes, snuggling deeper into Lila's grasp. I suddenly became extremely tired, fading away into a world of slumber.

------

The next day, I woke up to a ringing noise. I squinted at my brightscreen, inspecting the time. 10:43. I slept almost 24 hours. Wow. I looked all the callers ID. Blocked.

I answered. "Hello?" I murmered.

"Jasmine?"

"Jerry?"

"It's dad to you." He scoffed.

"I can call you what I please. What do you want?" I replied.

"So I heard about your cancer..." He mumbled.

"And?" I asked.

"I wanted to tell you something before you leave." He stuttered.

"The operation isn't for another month." I said.

"Still. It's something you have to know." He sounded eager.

"Why should I care?" I spat.

"Because it's about Brittany." He urged.

"And?" I asked again.

"She's my daughter." He responded.

"What?" I questioned.

"I found out I'm her dad. I boned her mom awhile ago." He muttered.

"She's 24." I stated.

"Yeah."

"And I'm 29." I said.

"Yeah."

"You were still with mom when I was 5." I realized.

"Yeah."

"Goodbye." I spat into the phone, before ending the call. I got up, and started going on about my day before another thing could ruin it. The appointment was at noon, meaning I have to get Lila up soon. I woke her, shaking her slightly. She looked up at me with tired eyes. "Hey babe." She murmered.

"I have something to tell you." I said, looking her in the eyes. She'll never believe it.

-----

"Okay miss-"

"Mrs. King." Lila corrected, holding my hand.

"Ah, yes. Mrs. King. Are you ready for your operation?" The doctor said.

"Yes, I am."

"Have chosen a sperm donor you'd like?" He questioned.

"Yes."

"Alright ma'am. Lean back. Relax. It'll be over in no time." He instructed.

And Lila leaned back, I held her hand tight, careful to not let tears fall from my cheeks.