If I Live

16.

Five months later

I knew from the first time I saw baby Fitz on the screen I was in love.

He should be coming any day now. He is a week overdue.

The question is - what should we name him?

We think that we should do something that has to do with books.

I want him to be named Atticus, but Ezra thinks that Benvolio is a cooler name because Shakespeare.

I think I can get him to like Atticus better.

Atticus is a cooler name. And it has a little more meaning, so that may get him on board.

Aw crap a cramp.

"How is Benny doing?" Ezra asks.

"Benny doesn't exist." I tease. "But Atticus is doing lovely."

"Why do you like the name Atticus so much?" Ezra asks.

"Why do you like Benvolio so much?" I tease.

"I asked you a question." He teases back.

"On our first day of school that you taught, we read To Kill A Mockingbird."

I cringe from a cramp.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so." I say.

"I did teach that."

"And Atticus was one of the main characters. Atticus in To Kill A Mockingbird is what I want our son to be like when he grows up. So why do you like Benvolio?"

"Because there are similarities between our families and Romeo and Juliet."

"Explain." I say.

"Two households, both alike in dignity, or being proud."

"That is it?" I ask.

"Our love was forbidden."

Why do I keep getting cramps? Is this normal?

It is probably those Braxton Hicks. The doctor said that those are common.

"So?" I say.

"The idea behind the name Atticus was pretty sweet though. How did you remember that?"

"To Kill a Mockingbird is only one of my favorite books ever." I say. "I remember all of the times I have read it."

"Really? I wish I could do that."

"I remember all the books I like. It is crazy information."

I feel a slight pressure and a leaking.

"Ezra. I think my water broke."

"Wait- really?" He stutters.

"Yes. Come on, let's go." I say.

Ezra runs and grabs the bag.

I start to waddle toward the car.

It will be tough to wait and meet baby.

"Want to call anyone?" Ezra asks.