Page 2 of Despite It All
That bitch of a double pink line popped up immediately.
Now, being a mom has always been something I wanted in my life. However, I’m not entirely sure this was how I wanted it to go. You know that other part you need to have a baby? Yeah… well, I met mine roughly five years ago in a bar in Tennessee with the rule of one night only.
I really should have thought it through more. Between my sisters and I, I’m the one who is always careful, always prepared, and never forgetful… except for that night. I wasn’t on any effective birth control at the time because I was switching brands, and while we used condoms for the first few rounds, we said “fuck it” on the last one.
Now you may be wondering, how did my one-nighter take it? Well, that’s the best part. All I know is my baby’s father’s name is Jett. That’s it. No last name. No phone number. No personal information to even begin to find him, other than the fact we met in Nashville.
I did go back to Nashville one weekend a couple months before I had Stevie with the sole purpose of finding Jett, but I came back to my small town in South Carolina with nothing but swollen ankles.
After getting Stevie ready, I load her into her car seat in record time. I would love to go back in time and tell the old me to enjoy the simple things, such as simply grabbing your bag and jumping in the car. Getting Stevie to walk to the car with no meltdowns and no distractions is an act of God.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my life. Being a single mom who’s practically made motherhood her personality is just not how I pictured it. And yeah, it would be a lie to say I didn’t dream about Jett coming in on a white horse to be father of the year, but that’s really all it will ever be. A dream.
Now granted, I also have a huge fear of finding Jett. It’s been me and my girl for four years now. The thought that someone could take her from me scares the hell out of me. Even with it being nearly five years later, I still can’t help but think about what would have happened if I had stayed that morning.
I pull into Crossroads and Stevie cheers. “Woohoo, muffin time!”
I chuckle to myself and unload her from the car. “Remember, we’re in a parking lot, so what do we do?”
“Hold hands.”
“That’s right.” I take her small hand in mine. “Now, let’s get you that muffin.”
We walk inside, and once Stevie sees Winry, it’s game over. “Winnie!” Stevie lets go of my hand and races, arms wide, to my sister.
“Oh, my Evie Girl is here.” Winry bends down and nearly falls backward when Stevie crashes into her.
“Stevie, easy, baby.”
“Oh, it’s okay, Evie. I love your hugs.” Winry squeezes and picks her up. “What can I get you today?”
“Banana chocolate chip muffin, please.”
“Yeah, that’s my girl. Coming right up. What about you, Wyla? Your usual?”
“Yes, please.” I reach for Stevie to set her back down, so Winry can get our stuff. “How are you feeling?”
“Um, alright, I’m still sick as a dog. I thought this time around would be easier, or that the second trimester would be at least… but noooo, this little girl wants to be difficult.” Winry sighs as she leans over to grab the muffins out of the glass container. “Even still, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to have the little one here.”
“I know, Win, we’re so happy for you and Graham.” While everything went well with her first baby Georgia, Winry suffered a miscarriage this past September. I couldn’t even begin to understand the pain she feels around that loss, but other than sickness, this pregnancy seems to be going well.
“Thank you.” Winry takes a deep breath. I can tell she is battling different emotions right now. “I’m good, sorry… Here we are. One banana chocolate chip muffin, an iced white mocha latte with strawberry cold foam, and a strawberry muffin.”
I take our things and glance at the clock hanging on the wall. “Thanks, Win. Stevie, blow Winnie a kiss. We’ve got to get you to Mamaw’s, so Mommy can get to work.”
Stevie places her tiny little hand over her mouth then swings it wide. “Mwah, I love you, Winnie.”
“I love you too, Evie Girl.” Winry blows a kiss back. “I’ve got to go help Ivy finish up those cupcakes for your party tomorrow.”
Stevie bounces up and down and squeals. “Chocolate ones, Winnie. Make them chocolate!”
Winry gives her a small salute. “You got it, Evie.”
After dropping Stevie off with my mom, I head into work at the animal hospital in town. Getting my Veterinary Technician license with a newborn was quite the experience, but I did it and have been working at Aster Creek Animal Hospital ever since.
It’s not a huge facility but we do it all from well visits to boarding to emergency surgeries. Walking in the back entrance, I put my bag and my coat in my cubby then clock in on the computer in ourpharmacy area.
“Good morning, Wyla,” Matt, another vet tech, greets me.
