on your choice, Erin.”
I bite my lip so as to stop myself bursting out
crying, but Patrick puts his hands on my shoulders
and squeezes, letting me feel his nearness and his
warmth.
And I fall apart, I start crying like a baby
because I feel the shame hit me and the uncertainty
about the future hits me full on.
So Patrick turns me towards him and holds me
in his arms, gently kissing my forehead. He
brushes my hair and tells me it’s all going to be
okay and that he’s with me.
“So that’s how it is, huh? You got my daughter
pregnant?”
“We’re expecting a baby,” Patrick corrects him.
We’re waiting.
Oh my goodness. His words fill me with
security. Suddenly I’m not alone or helpless or
intimidated by my father. I feel strong, sure and
fortunate. Because there is a life growing in me
and because Patrick is saying that in his way he
wants to be part of my life.
Of us.
I lift my head from his chest and dry my tears. I
look at him for a moment before taking his hand
and squeezing it hard in mine. He let’s out his
breath and gives me a big smile and I return it right
back.
Then, I turn to my father, feeling proud and with
my head held high. I tell him: “We’re expecting a
