His Broken Promise

Chapter 3

Sandi, Rosie's mother, had organized a VBS for our congregation months later. Smithfield had never had one before-we never had enough kids. But I was eager to see what was in store for us. Sandi had decorations all over the place; dinosaur cut outs, scrolls, plastic coins...everything was planned out perfectly. Greg didn't come with us to worship much, so I didn't expect him to show up. When the first day of VBS came, it was an adventure. We didn't have any visitors at all. And the only one who seemed fit for all the activities was Zachary, the youngest boy there. The rest of us were too old to fully participate, but the teens pitched in to help make Zachary's experience worth it all. At the end of the week, we took a group picture. Someone hung it up out in the foyer for everyone to see, so when I walked in Sunday morning, I saw Greg in front of it. I had invited him before, but I assumed Lauren pressured him into coming. I walked over to him and he wrapped his arms around my neck. "You look so beautiful", he whispered. I backed away and blushed. My insecurities had always been trouble for me; I didn't take compliments very well at all. He noticed my rejection to his compliment and he put his hands on my shoulders and brought me closer. "I'm serious. Your friends have nothing on you". I smiled and went looking for them immediately. In my head, that was incredibly rude to them. I held them very high on my priority list, and I knew for a fact they were all more attractive than I was, by far. I knew they were beautiful and I wanted everyone to know that. They appeared perfect in my eyes. I didn't realize then how my thoughts for them were very similar to Greg's thoughts for me.

​April 2011. Lauren and Greg came into our house one night by surprise. I was used to seeing them come all the time, but for some reason; this was different. I followed them into the living room and we all sat down together. Lauren looked like she was hiding something, but Greg eased the tension and spoke. "So we've got some news...and you'll see it in 9 months." My parents were speechless. Being young, I was trying to think of anything but a baby. Lauren looked over at me. "What takes 9 months, Mads?" I stared blankly ahead. I knew what they wanted me to say but I couldn't find the strength to say it. Cameron was giddy and seemed to be more excited than they were! "It's a baby isn't it?" He smiled really big and hugged them. Lauren was nervous to be telling my parents but we all knew they didn't take surprises too well. My dad cleared his throat and thanked them both for the news. As they were getting ready to leave, I hugged Lauren and told her I was happy for them. She smiled and took Greg by the hand as she walked out the door. I walked hastily to my window and watched them leave. Greg had his eyes on me the whole time. I waved and closed the blinds. I still had the shock in me, but I really was happy for them. I daydreamed about how he or she might look, and I smiled. Both Greg and Lauren had beauty in them. I wasn't worried how the baby might turn out. All I could think about was becoming an aunt. The next few days, I thought how much attention the little one would get if we brought him to church. I knew the girls at Smithfield were very good with kids. Sometimes I would get jealous because of their talent with them. Which wasn't a good idea, but I was anxious to show them my abilities with the baby.

​December 2nd, 2011. 6:15am. My mom came yelling down the hallways trying to wake us up. It was a Friday, so I expected we'd be going to school. My band class was going to take a field trip to different elementary schools to play Christmas songs for the kids. I was excited- I had always wanted to do that. My mom opened my door and I sprung out of bed so I wouldn't get in trouble. She had her cell phone in her hand as she walked in. "Lauren's at the hospital and her water broke. Do you want to go with us to see the baby or be dropped off at school?" I was frozen. "I'll get dressed. I'll go to the hospital." I barely got my words out before she was out of my room. We had been anxious for months. Lauren had been getting a bigger and I could tell she was scared. I wanted to be there for her, but I was scared too. She was my sister; I didn't want to lose her or her child. I got dressed quickly and we headed out the door. When we arrived at the hospital, we were informed she was already in labor. I remember shaking in the lobby. It wasn't too long until we were able to see her. Greg's parents and my family gathered around outside her room door. We heard muffled talking and then the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. We all clutched our hearts as we listened to the baby cry. Greg's mother was getting impatient. We all wanted to see them but I didn't want to overwhelm Lauren or her child. A few minutes passed and we were given permission to enter. Greg was by Lauren's bedside. She looked really worn out. Greg smiled and said "His name is Ashton Lucas Aaron Lea." The mothers cooed as they saw little Ashton in his bed. He was under a lamp in the corner of the room. Cameron and I whipped out our phones and took pictures of him. He was so beautiful. I was shocked at how tiny he was. I had never seen a newborn this small before. He was a month premature. He looked around at the world around him and I couldn't help but tear up. I said a quick prayer in my head thanking God for keeping them safe during the birth. I was so hyped up on getting to hold him. After the nurse gave him his shots and cleaned his eye lids, she gave him to Lauren, who had been sleeping for a good 15 minutes. Greg put his arm around Lauren and kissed her head. Ashton fell asleep in his mother's arms for a little while. Cameron and I sat on the couch nearby and watched all the friends and families come in and out. My mother had been holding him for about 10 minutes before I asked for him. Greg got up from Lauren's bed and gently placed him in my arms. I became vulnerable as I stared into his eyes. Someone so small had so much power over me, it was almost insane. I wiped away my tears as Greg took him to Cameron. "I have a nephew", I whispered as I walked out of the hospital. "I...wow...I have a nephew".