May 16, 2003, Calgary Alberta
“What do you mean you can’t hang out with us this summer?” said the angry voice of Nathan Chase, 10 years old. Another boy, Tommy, stood in front of Nathan and two girls, Samantha and Clare, 9 and 10 respectively. Tommy had a sad look on him.
“Look, guys,” he whimpered, “I don’t have a choice,”
“Oh,” Nathan bellowed, “is it because we’re not good enough? We’re too boring to be your friends?”
“No,” Tommy said, “I hate saying this to you guys,”
“Then why are you saying it?” Samantha growled. Tommy couldn’t hold the tears in any longer, so he let them fall down his cheeks.
“I’m moving away,” he choked. The group became quiet, the silence broken only by the wind and a murder of crows down the street. Clare began to tremble and felt her heart sink as she saw Tommy at the point of crying. Nathan’s jaw dropped as he slowly walked close to Tommy.
“So,’ he said, “You’re abandoning us?” Tommy shook his head, stunned.
“Of course not,” he assured, “I’ll write you letters,”
“You’re abandoning us!” Samantha yelled, waving her finger.
“But, but, but…” Tommy stuttered, “I don’t want to move. My dad is making me. He's taking me to live in Kelowna and I don't think I'll ever be back”
“Who’s more important?” Nathan said, pushing Tommy, “Us or you dad?” Clare shoved Nathan away from Tommy.
“You leave him alone!” she screamed, “Don’t touch him or talk to him that way.”
“He's abandoning us,” Samantha screamed, “he's bad. He's being mean!”
“He has to,” Clare defended, “His dad is making him! Stop yelling at him!”
“Can I please explain what is going on?” Tommy asked. Nathan settled down and shrugged.
“Alright,” he said, “Why?”
July 6, 1992, Coronado Hotel, San Diego, California
Gerald Wolfe sneaked into his hotel room with a trolley, carrying a gift – covered in a blanket - for his new wife, Elizabeth. She had just changed into her pyjamas and was washing her hands. She felt tense, even though it was her honeymoon.
I need to relax, she thought. She walked out of the bathroom and climbed into bed just as Gerald slipped through the door. He felt as giddy as someone who had on his and Elizabeth’s first date back when they were both in 9th grade in Regina. Elizabeth was surprised when Gerald rolled the trolley next to her, leaving it in front of the night stand.
“Did you order room service?” Elizabeth asked. Gerald chuckled as he placed his hands on the blanket.
“In a way,” he teased.
“But he just ate,” Elizabeth said, nervously. Gerald shook his head.
“I know, I know,” he assured, “But I have a special surprise for you!” He yanked the blanket off the trolley, revealing a bottle of champagne and a large bowl of ice cream. Elizabeth gasped and placed her hand over her heart. Gerald handed her a spoon and began to fiddle with the cork of the bottle. Elizabeth looked at the ice cream, then back at Gerald several times. “Go on,” Gerald insisted, “Dig in!” Elizabeth scooped out some ice cream and placed it in her mouth. She gave a half hearted smile as she swallowed.
“Wow,” she said, “It’s delicious,”
“Just like the dessert on our first date,” Gerald said. Elizabeth sighed and twiddled her thumbs, concerning Gerald a bit. “Is there something wrong?”
“Oh, no, nothing is wrong,” she chuckled nervously. Gerald felt that something was wrong, but was unsure of what to do.
“Are you sure?” he asked. Elizabeth sighed and turned to Gerald.
“Listen, I love you, sweetheart, soooo much.” Gerald felt like his heart stopped beating, anxious about what she was going to say. “So I should be honest with you.”
“Oh god,” Gerald gasped, still fighting with the cork, “You want an annulment.” Elizabeth shook her head.
“No, that’s not it at all,” she said, “It’s just…”
“What? What is it, hun?” Gerald asked, shaking.
“I’m pregnant…” The cork shot out of the bottle and into the wall. Gerald stared, rather shocked by the news.
“Oh,” he said, “Then I guess champagne and rum ice cream wasn’t the best idea.” Gerald placed the bottle back on the trolley and crawled into bed. Elizabeth placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Are you angry or upset?” she asked.
“No, just,” Gerald began, “Just a bit shocked.” There was a long moment of silence as Gerald processed the news in his brain. “How pregnant?”
“2 months,” Elizabeth said, “I’m expecting February,”Gerald nodded and looked forward, his mind scrambled with emotion.”Sweetie, are you ok?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes,” Gerald said, turning his head to face Elizabeth, “I'm just...I feel happy and nervous at the same time.” A smile grew on his face. “I'm mostly happy though. We're going to be parents.” Elizabeth desperately tried not to cry, but her face was showing the tell tale sighs. Gerald stood and faced Elizabeth. “Tell me everything else,” he said, his voice raised, “I want to know what is bothering you about this, because I know you;re not telling me something. So tell me now!” Elizabeth broke down and placed her hands over her face, causing Gerald to slightly panic. His heart raced and he could feel the blood vessels pounding in his ears. Elizabeth wiped her tears and took in a deep breath.
“Gerald, I'm sorry,” she choked. Gerald looked at his wife, holding his breath and bracing himself for whatever else needed to be told. “Please forgive me, but the baby isn’t yours.”
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