To the Point of Shatter

14. Aiden

        It is not long after Abby leaves that Chloe shows up. I knew she was coming. It is true that she's been patient. It is also true that calling her this morning but have felt like a cruel tease and she couldn't resist once she'd seen Abby leave. I brace myself for confrontation.

        She is in a dark blue maternity dress. He belly, one I haven't seen in two months, is evident now, a gentle curve pushing out the flowing fabric of the dress. She looks good: eyes bright, cheeks pink, hair a little longer. She has that famed pregnancy glow. She gazes at me with open need and it makes me soften some. Still, I am not willing to risk losing Abby again by inviting her into the house and dealing with all that may represent to Chloe. I step out onto the porch and shut the door firmly behind me.

        "Hey," I say noncommittally.

        "I know we agreed to meet tonight. And I will be here. But, Aiden. I miss you. I just...can we just talk a little?"

        I sigh. For two months we have completely shut her out. But seeing her now, so clearly pregnant with a child that is probably mine, I haven't the heart to be cold and send her away. I am as guilty as she is, more so. I'm the one that's married. Yet I was allowed a reprieve, back into my life, while we tossed Chloe away. She is not innocent, and is most likely a little nuts, but I can't dismiss her. Her crime is no worse than mine.

        "Okay." I motion to the porch swing. She sits and I lean my butt against the porch railing.

        "How are you?" we both say at once, then laugh awkwardly. I nod at her to speak first.

        "I'm alright. Not as tired now. The baby is healthy. Mostly, I'm lonely. I did so many things all wrong." Her voice cracks.

        "Chloe."

        "No. It's true. I admit it. I never should have threatened to tell Abby that night. I behaved like a bully and look where it's gotten me. It serves me right."

        "Well, I screwed up too. I never should have asked you to keep quiet. In hindsight, it probably would have served us all better if we had just come clean in the beginning. As soon as Abby was well enough."

        "Or not told anyone, ever. I think about it all the time. If I had just stayed with the story I originally intended, both you and Abby would still be my friends. I could use a friend."

        I am wading in guilt. What were we hoping to solve by shutting her out? I would do anything for Abby but a decent relationship between all of us is going to be the best thing for everyone in the long run.

        She wipes her eyes and I feel a tug at my heart. Sighing mightily, I go, sit next to her, put an arm around her. She turns and puts her face against my chest, starting to cry. I soothe as best I can, feeling like a heel.

        "I miss you so much."

        "I'm sorry, Chloe. Really." And I am. Nuts or not, she's a human being. I wouldn't treat a dog with the disregard I've shown her. I vow then and there to somehow find a way to do better.

        She sits back and laughs bleakly.

        "Sorry. I promised myself I wouldn't do that. My hormones are a wreck." I clasp my hands in front of me.

        "It's okay."

        "I don't know if there's any chance that we can all get past this, but I hope with all of my heart for another chance."

        "Abby is coming to terms with it all. Meeting with you tonight is her idea. She's the compass, though. I won't push her into anything she doesn't want to deal with. I think if we tread lightly, things may be salvageable. To a point. It won't ever be like it was, though."