guarding my angel || "guardian angel" sequel

7

**Soda's POV**

I sit in a small cafe on the greaser side of town, twiddling my fingers.

Sandy's back and she somehow got me to meet with her. I have no idea why, but I agreed. She said it was important, so here I am.

I look up when I hear the bell attached to the door ring, and she stands there, looking around. When she finds me, she walks over and sits down.

"Hello, Soda," she says.

"Hello," I reply.

"Look I know you don't want to talk to me, but you have to do something for me," she says.

I don't speak and let her continue.

"I made a mistake, Soda. One that I can't undo. And I can't deal with it anymore," she says.

"If you're thinking that you can just come back into my life after what you did all those years ago-" I start.

"Soda, that's not what I'm here for. While we were together, we did... things... and I know you heard rumors about me having Curly's baby, but it wasn't his kid, it was yours," she says. I feel my mouth fall open. I've had a child for over 2 years and she didn't tell me sooner!?

"Why wouldn't you have told me this before!?" I yell.

"Because I thought it was Curly's too, until last month when I did one of those DNA test things on it," she explains.

"So why are you telling me this now?" I demand. I'm furious that this poor kid has had to live without knowing his father for this long.

"Because I can't afford to keep the kid. So I figured I'd let you have it, or it'll be sent to a kid's home."

The fact that she refers to the child as an "it" disgusts me.

I think for a second. I feel as if it's my duty as a father to take care of this child. I wouldn't let the poor thing just get sent to a kid's home. But am I actually prepared for something like this? Probably not.

"Can I see the kid?" I ask angrily. She nods and stands.

"I'll go get it, stay here," she instructs. I stay seated and watch her leave the cafe. After a few minutes, she returns holding a rather large bag and a baby carrier. I see her say something to the person behind the counter before handing him the child, the bag, and an envelope. Then, she flees the store.

I immediately stand up. The man who was handed the kid has a weird look on his face and walks in my direction.

"Sodapop Curtis?" he asks me. I nod and he sets the carrier facing away from me on the table and hands me the bag and the envelope.

"Good luck, son," he says and leaves.

I turn the carrier and my heart stops.

She lied. This isn't my kid.

A baby boy who looks no more than 6 months old looks at me with great big eyes and smiles.

I tear into the envelope.

Soda-

This isn't your kid, I know it isn't. But you were my last hope. I couldn't afford to keep him, and I know you wouldn't hurt a fly. He doesn't have a name, so feel free to name him whatever you want. His clothes and toys are in the bag. Please just give him a chance, the last thing that I would want to happen is for him to end up in a boy's home.

-Sandy.

I sigh really hard and look at the baby.

"I'm screwed," I mutter to myself and take the boy from the store.