Nathan,

Tells,

You,

Everything.

You can’t believe,

That he’s been on the streets,

And that now he’s in a group home.

You can’t believe,

That he doesn’t know where his Mom is,

Or when Mark will be adopted.

You can’t believe,

That he went through this,

Without you.

It’s the most you’ve ever talked,

And the most he will ever tell you.

You both know the chances,

Of him being adopted at this age were low.

But you tell him you’re so sorry.

He shrugs,

And takes your hand.

Don’t be sorry for me.

His eyes meet yours.

You need to worry about your baby.

You smile at him,

But for once,

The baby isn’t on your mind.

Instead,

It’s Katie.

She hasn’t come to school the past few days,

And when you’ve seen her,

She hasn’t been eating.

Aiden doesn’t sit at your table either,

And you’re worried about him.

You know how much he means to Katie,

And something is seriously wrong.

But you aren’t the person to help him,

Only Katie can do that.

You have a feeling,

That she’s already tried.

What are you going to do,

After the baby is born?

You really have no idea.

You know you will have to,

Give up,

Being a teenager.

Give up,

Sleep filled nights.

Give up,

Fitting in.

But you didn’t care about fitting in,

Having your old friends back,

Or even Jake.

They were just players,

In the game of popularity.

You,

Flinch.

What’s wrong?

Nathan asks,

Worried,

Scared.

You take his hand,

And press it to your stomach.

The,

Baby,

Is,

Kicking.

When Nathan feels it,

His mouth falls open,

Then curls in a smile.

For a moment,

You imagine Jake in his position.

But you shake the thought away.

You’re glad,

That you get to share this experience,

With Nathan,

Not Jake.

And as Nathan leans down,

And kisses your baby,

You,

Wish,

He’s,

It’s,

Dad.