The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Four ~ Same Childish Ways

It's the same old, same old. Disgruntled expressions. Disgusted as well as disapproving stares. Sorry to break it to you but it's 2013 everyone. Teenagers have kids. Get with the picture.  Everytime I step out of my house or into the supermarket- whispers begin.

Today was no different. Pushing little man through the store, a lady steps in front of us; stopping us dead in our tracks.

                             "You should be ashamed. Babies having babies is wrong. A sin. You're going to hell. Your life is over young lady."

Gripping the stroller's handle tightly, I glare angrily at this lady. I wanted to put her in her place. He's the best thing to have happened to me. I still have feelings lady! Ugh, shut up!

Without acknowledging her, I continue to stroll down the aisles. Suddenly fingers laced around my waist as a familiar scent engulfs me. Twisting around, I see John and smile. After what just happened,  I was glad to see him despite everything.

Shaking his hold off, I pause what I'm doing and glared at him. He looks miserable. 

                                 "Rosie? I  miss you. I screwed up. Last eight days have been gut-wrenching. Rosie?"pleas John as his baby blues lock down on me.

                                 "I-I haven't given us a thought to be honest. Not my priority."

                                  "I can't focus anymore."

A laugh ambushes me escaping from my mouth. His eyes glaze over as he looks away from me. 

                                   "Seriously?"  Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I peer up at the ceiling and then push my hand off of my face. Shaking my head, I try to hold my laughter. Then I bend down and put the pacifier back into Jack's mouth to prevent him from wailing. 

                                    "Hold up. Are you calling me a liar? Rosie, I cannot sleep. My head hurts. Hardly eat food. I - I miss you. This is agonizing." begs John as he takes a step forward before I intercept and push him back.

                                     "No. I can't keep up with the John Manning show. One second you're practically perfect and the next you're a jack-ass! Leave before you make things worse." I breathlessly beg as I blink back the waterworks. I wanted him. Maybe I was in love with the idea of John Manning?

Pursing his lips together, he tries to figure out what to say next. "What about Jack? He's my son too. You can't keep me from seeing him - we signed an agreement!" boasted John as his demeanor changes. Protectively I block Jack from John's craziness. That was before the security team rushes toward us.

                                        "I know. You're causing a scene John. We'll talk later." I whispered as I reach for his arm.

                                         "Heard that before."

                                          "Leave. Jack shouldn't see this." 

He rips his arm away before I could make contact. "Who the hell do you think you are? Don't dare order me around! We're not dating!"

Rolling my eyes, I spat out sarcastically "And whose fault is that?" Soon the guards were escorting us out of the store with the store manager in tow. 

                                    "We don't allow that kind of conduct in this store. Settle your disputes. You will not be permitted back until all of this is resolved. Have a good day."