As soon as the door flew open, Carrie hurried into the apartment. She turned to her friend, worry written on her face. “What was so urgent that you wanted me to come over immediately? Are you okay? Talk to me, Emma!”
Emma laughed and led her friend to the settee. She placed a hand on her shoulder as she said, “Relax, Carrie, allright? I did not call you over because of something wrong. I called you because I have some good news.”
“Oh? Your granddad finally spoke to you? That’s great!” An excited Carrie said with a clap of her hands.
“Actually, it’s not that,” Emma said more quietly. A little of her cheer was gone with the reminder of her grandfather.
“Well tell me already. Do you want me to die of suspense?”
“John...” Emma started saying.
“What happened to that moron? Cops caught him selling drugs. Serves him right or even better, he was involved in an auto crash?”
“Carrie!” Emma said in a reproachful tone, “He is the father of my child.”
Carrie scoffed, “What a father he is. Well, if nothing of that sort happened to him, are you going to tell me why you mentioned him?”
“Well, we are back together,” Emma said excitedly.
“Tell me another joke. Besides, that one does not work because you both were never a couple in the first place,” Carrie said as she sat back. She was staring at her friend’s face and the moment anxiety crossed her expression, she saw it. Carrie jumped up and glared at her friend, “Are you kidding me, Emma? Why on earth would you get together with John?”
“He is a good guy, Carrie. Okay the truth is, we aren’t getting together because he loves me, but because he wants to beresponsible for our baby. But I think it’s great. Surely in time, he will also learn to love me.”
“A good guy? Heh. Why on earth can you not see that he is all shades of wrong, Emma? He should not be anywhere close to you or the baby! After all he said and did, you are going to forgive him? Just like that?” Carrie fumed.
“Calm down, Carrie. I'm not forgiving him just like that. He explained why he acted the way he did and why he said all he said, and his explanations are justified and...”
“Are you listening to yourself, Emma? So, what did the scumbag say to you to make you forgive him? Tell me! That he was scared to be a father but now he is a changed man? That in time, he will learn to love you. That he cares for the baby?”
“Well, not in those exact words, but… but… I believe him and I know he really does care,” Emma stammered. She was reddening and she had stood up.
“Emma, Emma, Emma, you really are so naive and that is why he is going to take advantage of you and the obvious feelings you have for him! I’m sure he already did, you had sex with him again, didn’t you?”
“I did not have sex with him again, Carrie and no, I am not naive!” Emma said defiantly.
“Then tell me what you are! Gullible? Stupid? Because you chose to fall for his lies, his punch lines hook, line and sinker! Why on earth would you believe that a scumbag like Johnny who ignored you for almost two months and who completely you trashed you and your baby in front of others, is ready to be with you all for the sake of the baby? Tell me!”
“He is the father of my child, and I am not going to shut him out because you think he is a liar!” Emma argued. She was irate now and so was Carrie.
“Every child does not need a father, Emma! Heck, it is better for a child to be without a father than have scum like John as a father, why can’t you see that?”
“It is easy for you to say that when you have a perfect family, Carrie, so very easy for you to say,” Emma said in a calm, decisive tone. She stepped away and headed towards the bathroom. Just before she entered, she turned around and said, “You should leave, Carrie. I don’t want to fight anymore. It is my life and it is my decision. He wants to be with me for our baby and I love him and will give him the chance. In time, he will learn to love me too. I will give my child a complete family.”
She entered the bathroom and slammed the door. Muttering angrily under her breath, Carrie stormed out of the apartment, ensuring to slam the door shut too.
On the other side of the door, inside the bathroom, Emma’s back slid down to the floor. She curled up on the tiled floor and cried bitterly.
Chapter Five
Carrie slammed the front door of the large detached three-story family home. She was still fuming as she threw her car keys on the hall table. She made to climb up the spiral staircase next to the table when she heard her sister’s voice. Helen worked in the next city as a lawyer, but she came home every weekend.
Grumbling, Carrie headed towards the large kitchen where the call came from. Helen was at the island, a large mixing bowl in front of her, and several baking ingredients spread out on the island. Helen raised her head as she stepped in, looking around her as she did.
Helen quirked a blonde eyebrow and asked, “Where is Emma? Weren’t you supposed to return with her? Or did you forget about the dinner invitation?”
“I did,” Carrie said stubbornly as she settled onto one of the bar stools at the island.
Helen eyed Carrie with blue eyes that were similar to hers. Finally, she set the spatula in the bowl and rounded the island to her sister. She shoved a tray of chocolate bars in front of her.
