The Irish Teacher ( Colifer story ) #wattys2016

The Perfect Parent

Jens POV

I'm suddenly awoken by a painful knotting sensation across my stomach, I tense shooting up.

Seb, not responding still asleep beside me. I heave.

I dash to the bathroom barely making it to the toilet seat as it spills from my mouth. I cough, my stomach unbearably tensing.

I drop beside the toilet. Heavily breathing.

Colin's POV
I wake up to the sudden ringing of my phone, my eyes blur at the time

2:30am. I stretch pulling it to my ear.

'Hello?' I croak.

'Colin.. it's Jen.'

I strain my eyes at the name ID. I hadn't even noticed it was her.

'Jen.. it's 2 in the morning, if this is about work I-'

'I'm pregnant...'

I stop, lowering the phone away from my ear.

'Colin?'

I pull it back, slowly.

'I.. why you calling me?'

'I.. I don't know.. I just, I-'

'It's ok, forget it. You don't have to explain.'

She suddenly stops, I hear her being sick down the phone.

'Jen?'

'I'm ok.'

'Come to me. I'll send you the address.'

She agrees and hangs up.
Pregnant.. she's pregnant, with him.
I sit up, the room pitch black. I sigh.
I pull myself out of the bed dragging my pants to my hips.
Jennifer, pregnant...

I'm happy for her, of course I am.

***

Three large knocks hit the door, I swing it open to reveal a soaked and cold Jennifer.

'Jen.'

'It's raining.' She smiles.

'You walked here?'

'I just.. I didn't know what to do.'

She cries.

'Hey it's ok.'

'I can't be a mum... I don't know how to..'

She weeps falling to the floor, I'm swiftly at her side.

'Jennifer hey. Look at me.'

She slowly does, I wipe her tears away. My hand cupping her face.

'You will be.. the best mother. This child will be lucky to have you as their mum and don't you ever doubt you're not capable of it because I know you, I know you better than many and I know you're the strongest most caring woman I've ever met.'

'You know what just to say don't you.' She smiles, a tear hitting my finger as it slides down her face.

'I mean it. And deep down, you know you're capable too.'

Suddenly, her lips hit mine. I instinctively push her back, as much as I want that I know now isn't right.

'Jen, you can't do that. You're confused and scared that doesn't go well with rushed actions you'll later regret.'

'I'm.. I'm sorry.'

'You don't have to be sorry, god I can't imagine how you feel Jennifer.'

'I'm happy but I'm so terrified, I didn't have my mum... I don't want to be like her-'