On My Doorstep [Editing]

Chapter 5

"Could you help me assemble something?" I asked.

"What?"

"A crib."

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FAWN

He looked at me for a while, thinking over what I'd just asked. Well, said? Whatever. Then he started to laugh. "I'm sorry, did I hear you correctly? You want me to assemble a crib?" He asked, as though it was the most preposterous thing anyone could ever suggest. I nodded, "Yes. I do. Would you be a gentleman and help me?" I asked.

"Actually, I just remembered I have somewhere to be. See ya." He said, and then bolted out the door. "Hey-" I went into the hall to look for him, but he was already gone. "What an ass." I said to myself. I realized that I just swore and realized that Ami was inside. Good. I'd seem like a terrible mother.

******

"A single mothers support group?" I asked my sister, looking at the brochure she handed me. She was smiling with pure delight on her face. "Yes! I have a friend that-" "You mean Tania?" I asked. She seemed surprised, "How'd you know?" I couldn't help but smirk. "You mentioned her when you handed me this thing. Plus-" Just then, Ami started crying in the other room. I got up and sighed, "Plus, I remember her. She's the only single mom I actually know." I said as I went to get Ami.

I picked her up from the bed and pretty much just held her. "You've already been fed and," I checked her diaper, "I must have changed you not too long ago. So, you just want attention now. Come on." I carried her into the living room, where Talia was using her phone.

I sat down on the sofa next to her and looked over at her phone. "Who're you texting?" I asked, startling her. She sighed, putting her hand to her heart, "You scared me, Fawn!" I rolled my eyes, "I noticed. Anyway, when's the first meeting?" I asked her. She looked at me blankly, confused. "What are you talking about?" "The single mom mumbo jumbo." I replied.

"It is not mumbo jumbo. It's a support group-. Wait, you're going?" She asked. I don't know why she seemed so surprised. "Why not? We can bring our babies right?" I asked. "Yes, if you have any. It's at the leader's house. And, you do realize not all kids are babies, right?" She asked in return. "Oh. My. God. You know, I just assumed we were some abnormally large newborns." I told her. She kissed her teeth, "I don't appreciate the sarcasm, Fawn." "That's why I use it."

******

"Hello ladies, and welcome!" A red-headed woman with a gaudy scarf and large, flowing skirt exclaimed. So, I guess she was the leader of the group, considering she spoke first.

"So, I'd first like to start off by welcoming any new members..." She looked around the room and, eventually her eyes landed on me.

"Well, I don't believe I've ever seen you here before." She said with enthusiasm.

Well you haven't...

"I am Maria Levine. Why don't you introduce yourself?" She asked but, it was obviously more of an order.

"My name is Fawn Tessa. I work at a publishing company. I'm 23 years old. And this little one is my daughter, Ami." I told everyone, receiving welcomes and awwes.

"It is very nice to meet you. Please, feel free to express yourself here. I'm sure you'll feel comfortable in no time." Maria said to me, and I responded with a smile.