Family at Booknook
by Brenda Humphrey Meisels-Awakening
“Remember me?” Although the woman smiled, her eyes did not.
“Yes.” Sparrow’s heart pounded.
“You had a healthy baby. You did well.” She smiled that dead-eyed smile again. “Remember what we talked about?”
The social worker continued. “The important thing is to give the baby a good home. Then you can get on with your life. I’ve brought the form.” She pulled a document out of her briefcase and handed it to Sparrow. “This is where you sign.”
“I don’t know. I’m not so sure.” Sparrow let the paper fall from her hand.
Miss Dunston picked it up. “What do you mean? You said you would give up the baby.” The woman’s mouth seemed gigantic, her tone accusatory.
“I don’t remember.”
“But you did. You said you would do what was best.”
“No.”
“It’s not unusual to have these little twinges, but it’s best to get it over with, get on with your life. This is where you sign.” The social worker held out the paper.
A voice in Sparrow, an unfamiliar one, cried out, “Not now!”
“But I have a good home for her. A family who can give her so much.”
Dave, standing in the doorway, spoke. “She said ‘Not now.’”
Miss Dunston turned to him. “But it’s so much better for the mother and the baby to do it quickly.”
“She said, ‘Not now!’ Come back tomorrow.”
The social worker shrugged, put the paper in her briefcase and handed Sparrow a card. “If you change your mind, just call this number.” She closed the door behind her.
Dave crossed the room. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I just lost my insides. Tired, and…and weird.”
“Well, you had a baby.”
“Did you see her?”
“Sure did. She’s a cute little mite. Did you?”
“Yeah, I stole her from the nursery. I held her. She was so sweet…and mine…. I feel like I just woke up from a long sleep.”
“You’re having second thoughts?”
“I guess I’m finally thinking. It all seemed like a dream, like I was watching it happen to someone else. I haven’t thought about anything ’til now. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“It’d be pretty rough bringing up a baby on your own.”
“But I took care of Robin and Jay when they were little. I’m good with kids.”
“Sure, but raising one by yourself is different.” Dave cleared his throat. “How are you going to earn a living?” He turned away, his voice a mumble. “You haven’t even graduated from high school yet.” He sat down in the chair next to the bed.
Sparrow’s eyes met his. “Couldn’t we just stay at the bookstore and work for you?”