‘I knew because I guessed and I didn’t say anything because it’s your body and your choice,’ he said, covering up Violetta’s revelation to him.
Carlotta stood and crossed her arms. ‘I don’t expect anything from you. Not marriage, not money, nothing. You can be as involved as you like.’
Chris nodded. ‘What if I want more?’
‘Well, we can work out a custody arrangement, I guess.’ Carlotta turned from him to try to hide her tears.
Chris walked over to her. ‘Carlotta, you are as stubborn as a mule,’ he laughed. ‘It’s you I want.’
She turned to look at him. ‘Really? You know I’m crazy, right?’ she said, tears falling down her face.
‘I know,’ said Chris, ‘but I’m twice as mad.’
‘Lucky we have Alexia,’ they both said at the same time, and burst into laughter.
Chris pulled her to him and kissed her and Carlotta felt herself relax for the first time since she had found out she was pregnant.
‘I love you, you crazy woman,’ said Chris. ‘I don’t need to be married to tell you that but if you want to be married then we can be.’
Carlotta laughed. ‘I love you too, Chris, and thank you for saying that. I don’t really want to be married at this point but I do want to be with you and Alexia.’
‘So, we don’t but we do?’
‘Yes, that’s exactly right. We don’t right now, but we might one day. I have to sit down,’ Carlotta said quickly, the dizziness returning.
‘Sure, sure, you OK?’ he asked. ‘Water?’
‘Thanks.’
Chris returned with a glass of water and sat beside her. He rubbed her back as she sipped. ‘How far gone are you?’
‘Five weeks. Don’t worry, it’s yours,’ she said defensively.
‘I never doubted it for a minute, I was just asking.’
‘Sorry.’
‘It’s OK,’ he smiled.
Carlotta rubbed her temples. ‘Leon’s dead,’ she said.
‘What the fuck?’
‘I know. It’s crazy. Matthew lit a fire and pretended to rescue him but his plan didn’t work and now he been charged with murder,’ she said tiredly.
Chris shook his head in disbelief. ‘Your family is insane.’
‘I know. You really should run far away from me,’ she said, and lay back in the chair, her shoulders sagging.
Chris lay back next to her and put his arm around her. ‘But it’s fucking fun!’ he said.
They laughed until they cried. And then went to meet Alexia after school.
Alexia cried on Chris’s shoulder when he told her. ‘Are you OK, sweetie?’ he whispered.
‘I wished for this, Dad, I wished so hard. I wished harder than when I wish that I could walk again.’
Chris held her and Alexia reached out for Carlotta’s hand.
