Page 39 of The Omega's Secret Baby
“Physical fights?”
“Yeah. Fists flying and all. The first time he did this was actually the day we ran into you at the park. He'd promised me not to do it again, but his school called me today at work because apparently he just couldn't keep that promise.”
I grimaced. “He has too much energy.” And I remembered exactly what that felt like, although it hadn't been an issue for me until my teenage years.
“I only wish he'd find other ways to release it. I've tried talking to him, but he won't listen. So yeah, he's grounded. He also got himself suspended from school for the next two days. And they won't let him take part in the play anymore either.”
“That's too bad. I got the feeling he was really looking forward to that.”
“He was.” Eli sighed again. “But I do agree with that decision. He's got to learn that his actions have consequences.” And in a smaller voice he added, “Imagine if we had learned that before getting together.”
His words gave me pause. “Are you saying you'd rather we'd never met?”
“No!” he said quickly. “I mean, I don't know.” He seemed to struggle with how to go on while I waited with bated breath. “You have to admit we didn't exactly... we weren't smart about what we were doing.”
“Yeah, you're right about that part.” I ran a hand through my hair. Hewasright. Not much I'd done when I was with him had been smart. I liked to think of myself as a somewhat intelligent person, but when I was around Eli, especially when I'd been younger, rational thought tended to fly out the window.
“I enjoyed our time together,” Eli said. “I really did, so... I don't know. I'll be honest with you. There have been moments when I thought that it would all be better if I'd never met you. Like, when I first found out that I was pregnant. Or when Jake was a baby and he wouldn't go to sleep and I was tired and I couldn't find a job.”
“I'm sorry.” It was all I could think to say.
“Don't be. I should have just... let you know about all this a lot earlier. And I... don't regret any of it. I don't regret us. I wouldn't want to lose those memories. And I couldn't imagine losing Jake. Even when I'm mad at him like I am right now.” He gave a tiny laugh that made me smile.
“I'm glad.” I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking of the days I used to sneak out of this house to be with Eli. “I wouldn't want to lose those memories either. Not a single one.”
“I still remember every day,” Eli said softly.
“Me too.” I looked to the sky again, and for a minute or two, neither of us said a word, lost in memories. I wasn't lying to Eli. I did remember it all. I still do.
“Do you still want to come over?” Eli asked after a moment.
Did I? People werealreadytalking about us. If I went to Eli's place now, the second night in a row...
I huffed, annoyed with myself. If Eli wanted to see me, I had to go to him, and maybe I could help. “I would love to come over.”
* * *
When I enteredEli's place, I was greeted by an enthusiastic dog at the door. “Hey, Fiona.” I dropped to one knee to ruffle her soft fur. “I've missed you too!” I'd thought about getting a dog once or twice, but Danielle wasn't a big fan, and I spent too much time at work anyway.
“Maybe we should go into the living room,” Eli suggested. “Once Fiona lets go of you, I mean.”
I gave him a smile. “Oh, I already have plans for when Fiona lets go of me.”
He shot me a quizzical look. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I grinned at him and freed myself from the dog, getting up. Taking a step toward Eli, I pulled him into a kiss. He made a small sound of surprise, but leaned into me after another second like it was the natural thing to do. When I let him go again, he smiled at me.
“That was your plan?” he asked.
“Yeah. Giving you a proper greeting.”
He licked his lips. “I could get used to that.”
“You should.” And my eyes were stuck to his lips. I wanted to take him upstairs and extend this greeting a bit, but then I remembered who else was probably upstairs and why I'd come here. “Is Jake still in his room?” I asked.
“Yeah.” Eli glanced at the stairs. “I don't think he's going to come out of there anytime soon. He might be only seven, but he's stubborn.” Eli shook his head. “It's impossible to deal with him when he gets like this until he snaps out of it.”
“Do you think I could talk to him?”
