Chapter 72

Today is the day of the BBQ. I'm standing in front of my parents doorway to their home with Samuel to my left and Stephanie to my right. I take a deep breath and ring the door bell to my childhood home.

Brittany is the one to answer the door for us. The tension between all of us is thick. She is holding her baby on her hip. The baby that she told Samuel he was the father of. And that was a complete and utter lie.

Brittany looks at all of us and sighs. "Come in." She says and opens the door wider so that we can all get in. Mom and dad are outside in the back yard on the patio and this is where Brittany leads us. The tension is still very thick in the air. I don't know how to make it go away. I don't know if it will ever go away.

"I have a confession to make." Brittany practically yells. Everybody turns to look at her. She is still holding the baby on her hip. She looks like she is shaking. I hold my hands out to take the baby from her. She, slowly, hands me the baby. I can see apprehension in her eyes.

"Samuel's father is the FATHER of my baby!" Brittany spits out. Tears are beginning to stroll down her face. Am I being Punk'd right now? "I knew he was the father, but he didn't want anybody to know and neither did I....so we agreed to tell Samuel it was his baby. "

I look over at Samuel. His face has gone completely ashen. "I need to go." He whispers. "I'm right behind you." I tell him. I hand the baby to my mom without looking her in the eyes. I follow Samuel as he goes through the living room and out into the front yard. I hear Stephanie behind me.

"Well, that was a lovely family get together....we should do it again sometime." Stephanie says as we get into my vehicle.