A Night We'll Never Remember

Chapter 11

The day I signed the divorce papers in Regina's  classroom was the last time I saw her until she contacted me 2 months later. When I walked out of that room I dropped out of college and I didn't leave my apartment for months. My parents didn't know what to do. They were so concerned about me but I couldn't tell them why I was a complete mess. Ruby knew but I made her promise not to tell anyone or I would tell Granny about her having sex with Leroy on the counter.  I still can't believe she had sex with him but whatever it kept her mouth closed. My relationship with Ruby isn't what it used to be mostly because I never leave the apartment. I got a few text messages from Regina but I didn't answer them.  She says she's worried about me but I don't care.  She's no longer my wife so she has no right be be worried. As I'm laying in bed I hear a knock on my door. I don't say anything because I don't want to talk to anyone. There is another knock and the door opens. "Hey Ems it's me can I come in?"   "I'm not in the mood to talk Ruby".  "Well then just listen. Everyone is worried about you Em. I'm really sorry things didn't work out with you and Regina but she wanted me to come and talk to you. She said she's been trying to contact you but you won't respond".   "I don't need to talk to her. Everything is done now there is nothing that needs to be said".  "Emma she says it's really important that you call her or even text her. She looked upset when she came into the diner this morning I think something could be wrong. Please just call her Emma".  "I'll think about Ruby. Thanks for stopping by".  "I hope you find a way to get past this Emma because I really miss my best friend". Her voice cracked as she spoke and then she turned around to leave. I didn't say anything I just let her go. A few hours later I sent Regina a text message. "Ruby said you needed to talk to me, what is it?"   She immediately texted back. "Could we meet somewhere please? It would better to talk about this in person".  "I guess so if that's what you want. When?"   "As soon as possible".  "Fine Granny's, one hour".  "I'll be there. Thank you".  I get up and take a shower. When I go downstairs my parents are surprised to see me. "Emma oh my goodness. Your dressed. Are you going out?"  "Yeah mom. I won't be to long. Someone just needs to talk to me".  "Ok Emma. I'm just glad your getting out of the house for a little bit".   "I'll see you guys later".  I drive over to Granny's and I see Regina is already there sitting in a booth. I walk over and sit across from her.  "I'm here so what do you need?"   "Emma hi. Thank you for coming. You look nice".  "Is that why you needed to see me so bad because I don't have time for this".   "I'm sorry I'm just nervous. I want to start off by apologize to you. I shouldn't have shut you out like I did. I was just scared".   "Ok thanks for the apology but I don't hate you. So you can live your life worry free now". I stand to leave and she blurts out. "Emma I'm pregnant". I'm frozen in my spot. "Please don't leave we have to talk about this".  I sit back down because I feel dizzy. "Wh...what?"   "I'm pregnant Emma and it's yours. I haven't been with anyone in over a year".  "Wow. Ok. I guess this means we really had sex that night".  "Yes it would seem so".   Just then Ruby comes over. "Hey Ems. Can I get you anything?"   "Just an ice water please".   "That's it?"  I nod without looking at her. "Would you like any thing Regina now that Emma is here?"   "I'll have a water also thank you".  Ruby leaves and Regina and I are quiet till after she comes back to give us our waters. "I'm sorry I just told you the way I did. I didn't know how else to tell you and I was afraid you'd leave before I could".  "It's ok. So ahh how long have you known?"   "I found out the day after we signed the divorce papers".  "Oh".  I look down at the table. "Why did you wait so long to tell me?"   "At first I didn't know how to and I was scared. I didn't know what to say. Then when I finally got the nerve to tell you I tried to call and text but you never answered me back. After a few weeks I didn't know what else to do so I came to ask Ruby for help".  I nod and look over at the counter and Ruby is looking at us. "Does she know that your pregnant?"   "Yes I'm sorry I told her but she said she wouldn't help me because of how withdrawn you've been and she didn't want to make it worse. So I had to tell her".   "It's ok Regina. I'm not upset that you told her.  So what are you planning?"   "I'm having the baby if that's what you mean".   "That's fine but I meant what are you thinking about as far as me in the kids life".   "I'm not telling you this to put any pressure on you Emma. I just wanted you to know. It's your choice weather you want to be a part of their life or not".   "You said this child is mine so I'd like to be there Regina in every way I can. I will support you and this child if you'd let me".  "Of course you can be there for the baby but I'm not asking for money from you Emma".   "I understand but it's only fair that we do this 50/50. I wouldn't feel right other wise".   "That's fine Emma. I would like very much for you to be involved in every way".  She reaches into her purse and takes out a small square photo looking thing. "Here this is a ultrasound picture of our baby. I got it the other day at my appointment".  I take it and look at it. I see a tiny body. "Oh my god. This is our baby?"   I ask as tears start to fill my eyes.  "Yes that's our baby".  She says with a smile. "Do you know what the gender is yet?"   "No not yet. The doctor said I can find out soon though, possibly at my next appointment. Your welcome to join me for that so you can see everything".  "Thank you. I'd definitely like to go".   "The doctor said everything looks wonderful as far as the baby is concerned. He or she seems to be growing perfectly".   "Wow this is really great Regina. Thank you for telling me. I'm sorry I didn't return any of your calls or texts. I'll never do that again. You can call me day or night and I'll be right there for you whatever you need or want. If you get a craving in the middle of the night I'll get it for you".  She laughs a little. "Thank you Emma. I may have to take you up on that in a few months".  I smile and hand her back the picture. "No dear you can keep that. I have another copy for myself".  "Thanks. I love it". I look at it again.  "Wow I can't believe it. We're having a baby. You know for months I closed myself off from everyone and everything but I feel alive now and it's all because of this". I motion to the picture.  "Thank you Regina for letting me be apart of this. I promise to be the best parent I can and I'll do anything to make you and our child happy".  Tears start to fall. "Emma please don't cry. I've got so many hormones running around inside of me I'll start crying".  We both laugh at that. I wipe my face dry. "Emma there is something else I should tell you".  I nod for her to continue.  "I never gave my lawyer the divorce papers to file with the courts".  "Why didn't you, I thought that's what you wanted?"  "When my lawyer called me and said what we need to do I had so much going through my mind and then when we signed the papers I found out I was pregnant I had more going on in my mind. I didn't know what to do with anything in my life at that time. I took some time off from working especially after you never came back to class. I needed time to work everything out. I had so many feelings for you and I still do and I couldn't just end us like that because I needed to tell you about the baby and my feelings for you. I don't care anymore about what people think or say. I'm not returning to the university so if we're together it doesn't matter what they think".  "Regina your just throwing it all out there today. I don't really know what to say".  "You can say that it's not to late, that maybe there is still a chance for us". I move my hands across the table and hold onto hers. I give them a gentle squeeze and say. "I don't think it's to late for us but I think we should take it slow. You know go on a few dates really get to know each other, not only for us but for our kid".  She smiles and blushes. "So since we've talk about all this can we get something to eat I'm starving".  She laughs and says. "Yes definitely. I find that I'm hungry a lot more often since I've become pregnant".  I laugh and call Ruby over so we can order some dinner.