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Snapping back to the present , Teresa had already cleaned up the mess on the floor and put the coffee beans back in the cabinet . She was petting th hang of housework now . She was no longer the pushover she used to be .
From memories to reality , she felt wide awake . It was another night like this , but she wasn’t alone anymore . Jonathan was gone , replaced by a little version of him , keeping her company .
Teresa gently tucked the blanket around Michael and sat by his bedside , gazing at his tiny face . She couldn’t help but think of how trene used to nag her about not having children , completely overlooking Michael , Jonathan’s own flesh and blood .
After kissing Michael’s cheek , Teresa watched him quietly for a long moment before tiptoeing out of the room .
Fast asleep , Michael mumbled in his sweet , sleepy voice , “ Daddy , do you want some custard ? Mommy bought the really yummy kind . ”
The next day , Jennifer got in touch with Teresa .
She’d made up her mind . She was going to have an abortion at a hospital in Chesburg . She would use visiting Bradley’s and Natalie’s graves as an excuse .
Teresa rubbed her temples . “ Funny , I dreamt about Bradley and Natalie last night . They were making ravioli and brought it all the way over for me . I was home alone , like always .
“ In my dream , Jonathan and I weren’t divorced yet . You showed up , too . Bradley and Natalie recognized you right away as Hannah . They told us all to
take care of ourselves . ”
Jennifer smirked . “ See ? You’re always so stubborn and never listen to me . Bradley and Natalie had to show up in your dreams just to set you straight . ”
Teresa dropped her hand . “ Are you nuts ? It’s way too early for this . I really don’t want to argue with you right now . ”
Jennifer got back to the point . “ I’m still going through with it . Come with me to Chesburg . ”
Teresa sighed . “ Whatever . It’s your kid . If you can be that heartless , then do what you want . I was planning to go to Chesburg anyway to light some candles at Bradley’s and Natalie’s graves . But don’t get it twisted . I’m not going just for you . ”
Then she hung up the phone .
The weather was gloomy today . Jennifer sat in the passenger seat , her hand resting on her belly , caught between hesitation and determination .
Teresa let out a cold laugh . “ If you can’t go through with it , then don’t . Or just give yourself a few more days to think . Why rush into a decision ? ”
Jennifer sighed . “ Do you remember Rebecca from Everport ? The one who did your prenatal checkups ? She’s my alumnae .”
“ Yeah , I remember , ” Teresa replied , her voice flat .
Jennifer continued , “ She told me about a girl from our school , my junior . She was brilliant , doing her PhD at Northern University , with a bright future ahead . But she fell for a guy and insisted on having his baby , no matter what .
“ And now ? She gave up a million – dollar job at a big company to be a stay – at – home mom . Every holiday , she brings gifts and tries to visit Ms. Nelson back in her small town , but Ms. Nelson won’t see her
“ Ms. Nelson even scolded the girl for disgracing the people surnamed Nelson , saying she never would’ve paid for her education if she’d known . ”
“ I don’t want to end up like that , ” Jennifer said softly . “ If I did , I’d be too ashamed to show my face . I wouldn’t even have the coue to face Ms. Nelson again . ”
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Teresa sighed a bit helplessly . “ A PhD from Northern University with such amazing credentials . It’s a real shame to waste that kind of talents but you different . You already have a successful career and a great salary . No one’s asking you to give that up . ”
But Jennifer shook her head . “ You keep saying my ex – husband pulled strings for me , but i want to prove I can do it on my own . I want to earn my promotions and raises based on my own merit , not through connections . ”
Teresa fell silent , her hands tightening on the steering wheel . “ Just remember this . Once you make your choice , there’s no turning back
AD