Page 24 of The Baby Twist
“So let me get this straight. You’re a genius, have a degree from M.I.T., and were working as a secretary making practically nothing? And you’re homeless?”
“The pay wasn’t all that bad. And actually, I have two degrees from M.I.T.”
“Okay. Wait a minute.” I set down my fork, got up from my seat, and poured myself a much-needed drink. “What the hell are you doing? Why aren’t you using your true potential to make something more of yourself? Do you have any idea the money you could be making and the lifestyle you could be living?”
“People treat you differently when you’re a genius. Some are ass-kissers and users, and some are just pure evil and jealous. I’ve dealt with it my entire life. That’s why I don’t tell anyone about myself, and that’s also why I choose to live a simple life. It’s not about money for me, Lucas. It’s about people and the relationships I form.”
“And what about your parents? You said they disowned you? Why?”
“I was nothing more than a trophy they showed off. Everything revolved around my superior brain. When we’d meet people, they would introduce me as their ‘little genius.’ Not their daughter or by my name. Everything in my life was a competition, even if I didn’t want it to be. I had to be better than all the other ‘geniuses.’ Science competitions, math competitions, physics competitions, and swimming competitions. Every damn competition out there I was signed up for against my will. I just wanted to be normal. But I was robbed of a normal childhood. All I wanted to do was play outside with the other kids in the neighborhood. But I was forced to sit inside, studying and reading because that’s what ‘geniuses’ did. I wanted to attend a regular school where the normal kids went. But that was out of the question because what kind of parents would they be if they sent their genius child to school with the unintelligent and mediocre kids.”
“I’m sorry, Jenna. I had no idea.”
“I didn’t ask for this kind of intelligence, and it sent me to some pretty dark places when I was younger. I was depressed, anxious, and practically suicidal at one point. My parents sentme to a therapist, and I really liked her. I felt a connection with her. But when she mentioned to my parents that they were the cause of my issues, they ensured I never saw her again. After graduating from M.I.T., I told my parents I needed a break and wanted to take a couple of months off and travel around Europe with the money I had saved up. They didn’t like the idea, but they knew they couldn’t stop me. I needed that time alone to reflect on my life and figure out who I was behind the ‘genius.’ A couple of months turned into a year. It was when I was in Italy that I met Bri. Her grandma lived there, and she was spending the summer with her. It was at the tail end of my travels, so I flew back to New York with her, rented a car, and drove home to Massachusetts. I’d missed three interviews with large companies with a yearly starting salary of $200,000. My parents were livid, and my father told me I was stupid. A parent should never tell their child they’re stupid, but to me, it was the best thing he’d ever said to me. After that, I packed my things, and they told me if I walked out their door, I was never welcomed back, and they would cut me off.”
“When was the last time you spoke to them?”
“A year and a half ago.”
“After I left, I drove to Florida and stayed there for about six months and got a job working in the billing department of a car dealership. I wasn’t really happy there, and that’s when Bri told me she was moving out of her parent’s house and asked if I’d consider moving to New York and sharing an apartment with her. So, I sold my car to the dealership, hopped on a plane, and here I am.”
“Do you like it here in New York?” I asked her.
“I do. I really like it. And It’s time for me to start adulting now that I’m having a baby.”
“I can help you financially, Jenna, but honestly, I’m not ready to be a father.” I downed my scotch.
“I know you’re not ready to be a father, and I don’t want your money, Lucas. I’m going to get a job. A real job with a company will pay me a lot of money where I will utilize my talents.”
“But that’s my kid too, and I need to help you out, at least monetary-wise.”
“You know, after discovering I was pregnant, I went to an abortion clinic. As I was sitting there on the table waiting for the doctor to come into the room, I really questioned what I was doing. I was taking this child’s life before it began, making me no better than my parents. The day they learned about my genius abilities, they took my life away from me. How could I do that to this baby? I’m going to have someone who’s going to love me regardless. Someone who will still love me even when I make mistakes.”
I gave her a small smile from across the table.
“Listen, Lucas. We’ve already established you’re a selfish person, and your work will always come before family.”
“Really, Jenna?” I cocked my head at her.
“Yeah. Remember that conversation we had the night this little one was conceived?” She placed her hand on her belly as a smirk crossed her lips. “Anyway, I kind of like that you don’t want to be involved. A child doesn’t have to have two parents to be raised right. One of them would end up screwing the kid up.”
“I don’t think that’s true.” I furrowed my brows at her.
“True or not.” She shrugged. “I’m perfectly happy raising this baby alone. Besides, I’m a genius. How hard can it be? Anyway, thanks for dinner. I’m happy we talked and got everything out. I’m in some pain and exhausted, so I’m going to head to bed.”
“Okay.” I gave her a small smile. “I’ll clean up. Good night, Jenna. And thanks again for your help. You have no idea how much it means to me.”
“Good night, Lucas. You’re welcome. I’m happy it worked.”
Chapter Twelve
Lucas
I didn’t know what to think. Based on our conversations, I knew she was smart, but I had no idea she was on a genius level. This posed a problem for me because she was exactly whom I needed to work for me. But I wasn’t sure if that was such a good idea.
After cleaning up from dinner, I decided to go to the club and talk to Danny. Before I left, I went to see if Jenna was awake.
“You’re up?” I asked as I poked my head through the door and saw her sitting up in bed watching TV.
