Future Holds || Bob's Burgers

6- Vivienne

Presley

"Are you sure you're ready?" Papa asks.

I smile and nod. "So ready."

We step into the cafe where Vivienne agreed to meet us. And I know exactly who she is when I enter.

"Vivienne...It's been...well, almost sixteen years." Papa says.

"Oh...oh my goodness...this is...oh my...I can't believe you're right in front of me." She tears up.

"C-Can I hug you?" She asks.

I nod. She envelopes me in a warm hug that instantly makes me cry. "It's good to meet you."

We sit, Dad with us as well. After catching up on each other's lives, Papa speaks up.

"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" He questions.

"I was scared. I mean, we had one night together. I didn't think you'd want to see me after that. And I had just moved away when I found out. You were so excited about your music that I...I didn't want to take that away." Vivienne explains.

He nods slowly. "I understand. But I wish I could've gotten to raise her before now."

"When did you adopt her?" Vivienne asks.

"She was four." Dad replies.

She doesn't mind the fact that I was raised by two men. She's not homophobic.

"Four...God, I'm so sorry it took that long for you to be adopted, sweetheart." Vivienne apologizes.

"It's okay. I found my home. My first four years weren't very eventful anyways. Just foster homes. Some better than others, but I don't remember much." I reply.

Vivienne wipes away tears. "I'm sorry I'm so emotional it's just...a lot to take in. I'm so glad you went to a good home. And Gene...I'm so sorry I didn't tell you about my pregnancy. I just...I wasn't in the headspace to have a child. I was dealing with a lot at the time."

Papa smiles in understanding. "I get it. And hey, the adoption agency said you named her Presley at birth?"

Vivienne laughs. "Don't you remember your horrible attempt at wooing me by playing Can't Help Falling In Love, and when that didn't impress me, you played Jailhouse Rock, and then Hound Dog?"

Papa chuckles. "That's right. And my attempt was NOT horrible!"

"You mean I was named after Elvis Presley because of my Papa's serenade to you?" I ask, giggling.

Vivienne laughs. My laugh. It's so insane to hear it come from her mouth. We look very alike.

The only thing I got from my papa is personality. My mom is African American, so my skin ended up dark like hers.

I didn't know I was mixed. But without even meaning to, I've found both of my parents in one because fate decided I belong with my father. My biological father.

Dad is amazing too. The one not related to me. He's funny and supportive, and let's me have ice cream whenever I want!

I'm close to both of them, and telling Vivienne of my childhood seems to bring her lots of joy.

She tells me about my half brother, Trey. He's ten years old, and enjoys comic books. He wants to be an illustrator when he's older.

As much as I would've loved to know Vivienne and her family before now, I wouldn't change how things ended up.

Because then I wouldn't have my dads. And my siblings. Though we don't share blood, we are closer than most siblings.

Hearing about how amazing both our lives turned out, it makes me wonder if my child will be this lucky. And that we'll connect later on.

Family is just so important to me that I can't decide what I truly want. Grammy Lin is way too excited, and Amelia has expressed her interest in being called an Auntie as well.

I look Vivienne in the eyes. She takes my hand. "Did you ever wonder how I was doing? After all this time?"

"Every day." Vivienne admits. "But...I made the decision I had to make at the time."

"If you had the support, would you have kept me?" I ask.

"I'd like to say I wouldn't because...then I wouldn't have Trey...but maybe I would and in that case...yes, I would have kept you. But I'm so happy your papa and your dad adopted you." She replies honestly.

"What do you think I should do?" I gesture to my stomach.

"I can't make that decision for you. But I believe that you have the support no matter what you choose. And if you'll allow it, I'd like to be in your life too. And my grandchild's life if you do keep them." Vivienne says.

I hug all three of my parents, forever grateful for how things turned out. I'm lucky.

We agree to talk often, and I get into the car with my dads to go back home.

I smile thinking about all I've learned.

Papa looks at me in the rear view mirror. "What are you thinking?"

"About how happy I am. And how lucky." I reply.

Dad grins. "We love you, Presley. And we're so glad you told us about all of this."

"Though I do wish you'd told us sooner." Papa adds.

"Yeah...I was just nervous. But I won't keep you guys in the dark anymore. I swear." I promise the two of them.

"Good. Have you come any closer to a decision? No rush, of course." Dad questions.

"I have." I say.

"And?"

"I want to keep it. That's what feels right for me. I know I'm young but I promise I'll step up and get a job. And I'll change every diaper! And school won't be a problem I swear I-" I blabber.

"Presley, slow down. We know. We trust you. It's a big responsibility, but if it's truly what you want, we will support you fully. And when you're at school, we'll babysit. Just take it easy, kiddo." Dad laughs.

I giggle. "Sorry. I think I'm just...excited."

"Tell me if you're still excited when the baby starts crying at 2am." Papa jokes.

I call Amelia to tell her, and she literally screams with joy.

Calling Grammy Lin was just as crazy. She shrieks and claps, yelling "Alright!!!" As soon as I tell her.

It's safe to say I'm supported in this decision. And no matter how hard it will be, I believe it's worth it. For family.

Don't get me wrong, teen pregnancy isn't going to be glamorous. And becoming a mom at such a young age will indeed stress me out and turn my life upside down.

But that's my kid. And I already love them.