Based on a True Story>>The gift of life

Chapter 4: Coping

"Hey, babe you still want to go to the mall? Get some of that coffee you like and get those things for sale you wanted?" Angel leaned her head against the car seat. "No, please let's go home I want to see our kids." "We haven't ate lunch yet sweetheart." "It's fine." James drove through Gainesville traffic. He looked over at the mall. He knew what his wife wanted. She would appreciate a meal from her favorite restaurant Chick-fil-A. James pulled up and parked. "What are you doing? I told you I don't want to go the mall James." "I know babe, I want to feed you before we go home..you are eating for two now remember?" Angel nodded. "Well, yes..but." "But nothing..hang tight..you like number one right? With unsweet tea correct?" "Yes, but James..I'm not." He shut the door and rushed inside. Angel leaned back in her chair and she reached for her cellphone. She called her cousin Anna. Anna and her were like sisters. They looked after each other and told each other their problems big or small. Angel felt her lip quiver when she said. "Anna, guess what?" "What's that?" "I am pregnant!" "What? Angel that is wonderful! How far along are you?" "I'm five months.." "do you know the gender yet? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I didn't know until today..me and James just found out." "Wow! Congrats cousin! For Kayla's sake..I hope it's a girl." "You and James both...um Anna, there is something else." "What's that? They..found.. stage four cancer in both my breasts..and..and it spread to my back." "WHAT? No, Angel please tell me this is a lie!" "No, it is real Anna." "Honey, you call me  as soon as you get back and I am going to come and see you." "Okay, yes..I will do that. Bye now." James knocked on the window as he tapped on her window. With her food in hand, he grabbed a Diet Coke for himself. He placed it on the car roof. Angel grabbed the food..staring at it for a second. Then waited for James to get in and start driving back into main traffic. Angel stared at the food then out the window. Watching the cars beside them coasting about minding their own business. Angel wandered about their lives. Did anyone of them feel or see the conflict she held within herself. One moment of grief then the next with excitement. She never considered herself bipolar. But at this point she didn't know. She bite her lip and stared down at her meal again. "Well, eat up babe while it's hot." Angel looked at the food, then began eating on the fries. "Hon, did you get anything?" "Me? Nah, I'm fine..you go ahead." "James, huh? Here." "No thanks, Ange..seriously eat. I'm warning you..I won't let that good food go to waste." Angel began nibbling on the fries. Her stomach turned. She then felt her stomach for movement. Nothing. She noticed she gained weight but thought it was from her last pregnancy with Dylan. She massaged her stomach gently, from side to side. "Angel, baby..come on now." Angel tried nibbling at the rest of her food. "James, how are we going to tell them?" "Tell who?" "The kids?" "Angel, we won't worry about that now..we got to get through the shock ourselves cause you know they are gonna ask questions we aren't ready for yet." "Right..but what about the baby?" "Again, we will talk to the doctor next week then we can tell them." Angel took a breath. She just went for a back check up, now all of this..not what she expected or no one did for that matter.