Rightfully Mine

Chapter 11

The story was, John's aunt Meg broke her leg and needed someone to come stay with her for at least six months. Possibly seven or eight, to be sure. While I was "visiting", a young couple that Meg had known and loved for years, would have a tragic accident, leaving their newborn baby in need of parents. And of course, since John and Jenny didn't have children of their own yet, and since John loved his aunt so much, he would gladly adopt the baby that she wanted but wouldn't be able to care for.

It sounded completely plausible and it broke my heart every time I thought about it. But that was only one story I had to keep up with.

I wasn't sure if I was more relieved or hurt that Jenny believed the story about Brent being the father. On the one hand, I was glad that she didn't suspect the truth. On the other, it hurt to know how little she thought of me to believe I was capable of that. That she didn't know me well enough to know I wouldn't do something so disgraceful. But I supposed I deserved it. Were my actions so much better?

Still, there was another story I told to everyone I met while staying with Meg. My husband, who had been like a son to Meg, was killed in the fire that took our house, making it necessary for me to stay here, at least until the baby was born.

Trying to remember which story I was supposed to be living at the time and keeping up with it all was exhausting and felt detestable.

It wasn't quite as bad with the people I met while staying with Meg, although that didn't feel great either. But it was awful lying to Jenny, Julia, and everyone back home that I'd known my whole life. And it wouldn't end once the baby was born. This charade would have to continue for the rest of my life. I would have to hand over my baby, who I already loved so much, and just walk away, assuming the role of an aunt.

I knew that when John said he wanted me to have a normal life, he had Andrew in mind, but I didn't know if I'd be able to do it. I didn't want to lie to him, but he couldn't know the truth. And if he didn't know the truth, I'd have to deceive him for the rest of our lives. Not to mention, if I was going to be with Andrew, it wouldn't be at home. He had a whole new life now and he would expect me to join him in it. I'd have to leave my baby completely, only seeing him once or twice a year.

He'd have a good life. John would love him and take care of him, but I wouldn't be in the picture at all, and I didn't know if I could survive that. Truthfully, I wondered if being alone for the rest of my life was preferable if it meant that I could stay close by.

But at least I didn't have to worry about all of that just yet. I could make those heart-wrenching decisions later. For now, this baby was all mine. I would cherish having him for as long as I did. Each tiny kick was a treasure.

"How about some tea, Dear," Meg suggested as she hefted herself out of her chair.

"No, I'm fine," I said, holding my stomach, trying to feel the baby some more. "Thank you."

Meg had been far more accepting than I had any right to expect. John let me decide how much to tell her. Not wanting to have to constantly live another lie, I told her the truth. I expected her to treat me... well, like the husband-stealing tramp that I was, but she didn't. She didn't scold me or even look at me with disapproval. She didn't condone what John and I had done, but as predicted, Meg was understanding. I was glad that I chose to tell her the truth because she said that she respected people who owned up to their mistakes, but couldn't abide being lied to. Which I thought was interesting, considering how willing she was to help me. But I guess like John said, she was a little crazy.

Meg had lived alone all her life. She could have married if she'd wanted to, but said she never saw the need. Her parents hadn't been happy and being stuck in a loveless marriage was the last thing she wanted.