“No, she deserves to have a father who is not abusive or disrespectful towards her mother. How do we know he won’t treat Janelle the same? And let’s be honest, we all know he didn’t want a baby. That’s why you found out so late because he was hoping this baby would go away. How does someone who didn’t want to be a father deserves to be a father?” Quel said. I couldn’t believe the way my family was taking up for me.
“I hear everything you’re saying, but it’s really up to Bre.”
“Bre, who is a minor.”
“I’m sorry, Bre!” Jemar shouted. He walked over to me, Wayne and Eric looked at him like he was crazy. “I’m not going to do anything to her. I wouldn’t, and I’m sorry I did. I know I don’t deserve to be in Janelle’s life or even be here after how I treated Bre. I’m sorry, I was taking my anger out in the wrong way, and she didn’t deserve that. Janelle doesn’t even deserve me as a father, that’s why I’m here because I want to change for her. Yes, indeed, I didn’t want to be a father now in my life, but I never wanted to hurt Bre and my child. I was a coward. I was a bitch ass nigga and there are not enough apologies out there to make this better. However, my love for Bre was real, and at one point, I was happy with the idea of her having my child. And I know that having a relationship with Janelle means also having one with Bre. I know you are done with me, but I hope you would allow me to be in Janelle’s life and we can work on our relationship as co-parents for the sake of Janelle.” He said with tears in his eyes. This was the first time I saw him cry, and that made me tear up. Jemar was always like this; hot and cold, but it seemed like he really meant it. Maybe he was really sorry and wanted to be in Janelle’s life. But like I said, that would be up to him and not me.
“Hey, visiting hours are almost over, and I know your family wanted to see Janelle before they left. She was also getting hungry, so I just brought her up. She just woke up and is a little fussy. What’s in your milk, girl?” My nurse asked as she walked in, pushing Jenelle’s bed in with her. This was actually perfect timing. I looked around the room since everybody was waiting for me to say something. I honestly didn’t know. I didn’t trust Jemar or his mother that I was now meeting. However, it wasn’t about me. I reached my arms out as the nurse came close with my baby. She placed her in my arms, and I just gazed at her.
“Nelle. I’ve gotten used to the idea of it being just us. I was prepared to be a single mom and thug it out for you on my own. I was willing to sacrifice everything for you because I knew you deserved it. You didn’t ask to be a part of this drama or have us as your parents, but I made it my mission to give you a good life regardless of whether your dad was around. But I always told myself that I would never keep you from your dad and that if you didn’t have a relationship with him, it would be because of him and not me. I can’t see into the future and tell you what will happen, which scares me because I want to protect you from everything that may come your way. I look around this room and see that you have plenty of father figures in your life that you probably won’t even miss your dad. I don’t know if he’ll always be there for you, but I should give him a chance to try. I don’t want to, to be honest, but that’s not fair to you.” I kissed her cheek then looked at Jemar as he looked confused. I handed her off to him, and he grabbed her, unsure of how to hold her.
“Like this,” I said to him as I tried to position his arms into the right position.
“Bre, you don’t have to rush to give these people an answer. Take your time.” My mother said.
“It’s fine, ma. Everybody deserves forgiveness. We both know that, and like I said, this is for Janelle, not me.”
“We support whatever you do, baby.” My dad said as he kissed my forehead.
“Thanks, Bre. I’m going to be better and do better for y’all.” Jemar said as he looked down at Janelle.
“Not for me, for her. One day you’ll have to answer for all that has happened.” I said. He just nodded and focused back on Janelle, who was looking right at him.
31. Chianne
I know I was supposed to go back to see Bre, but I had my own dilemma. I stared down at the papers before me and was beyond stressed. I didn’t need this at all and really didn’t have many options.
“Chi, dinner is ready.” My dad said as he just barged into my room without knocking first. I told him he had to stop that. If it was up to him, my door would stay open, but I had to explain to him that I was a girl and needed my privacy. He got home about
