Page 19 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“Ay, Christos. I thought you would have learned your lesson the first time you went through with this, Isabella Maria.” Her mother chastised her like she was eighteen, coming home from her first semester of college to tell her parents of her unexpected pregnancy all over again.

“Mama—”

“You better hope that man marries you.”

Isabella saw red. “This is not the nineteen fifties, Mama. I don’t need a man to take care of me. I can raise both of my children by myself if that’s what I want to do.” And I’ll never marry a man again unless it’s for the right reason—love. I won’t settle.

Her mother’s mouth dropped open, her cheeks flushing red, a signal she was well and truly upset.

Isabella softened her voice, some of the anger dissipating, instead replaced with determination. “I’m not a scared teenager this time, Mama. I’m an adult who made a decision. And now I will also deal with the consequences of that decision. I chose to keep this baby. Try to find a way to be happy for me. Because as much as this was unexpected and unplanned, this was also a gift.”

“Of course. Every child is a gift.” Her mother’s eyes watered. She blinked, tears dripping down her cheeks. “I just worry about you. You have so much you’re already dealing with.”

Isabella’s heart ached. She opened her arms and hugged her mother. “I know, Mama. Te quero. And I appreciate all you are doing for us.”

“It will all work out,” her father added.

“I’m going to take a shower and change before dinner,” Isabella said.

“Hurry, it will be ready in twenty minutes,” her mother said.

Isabella turned and headed down the hall, past Eli’s room. God, she needed to find a place. Not even an hour back home and she was ready to leave.

She opened the door to her childhood bedroom. A few boxes were stacked in the corner.

She sat on the bed, her shoulders sinking as she let out a sigh. At least that part was over. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out.

Tessa: Are you safe and sound, all settled in?

She scoffed.

Isabella: Boxes are carried in. Does that count?

Tessa: Wish Roy and I could have driven over to help!

Isabella: There isn’t much room to turn around in this tiny room. You may not have fit! I don’t know how I made it eighteen years in this place without going insane.

Tessa: Well, if you want to move back, you can totally have your job again. This new chick doesn’t know her ass from her elbow.

Isabella: LOL. I just need to find a place to rent. I don’t have the energy to look for a place to buy just yet.

Tessa: When are you gonna tell him?

Her stomach flipped.

Isabella: Soon.

Tessa: I’m here if you need to talk.

Isabella: I appreciate it. I better go. Mama’s making my favorite and I don’t want to be late for dinner.

Tessa: Tell Eli I love him.

Tessa: You got this, babe. Don’t doubt yourself. You’re one of the strongest women I know. I understand your life is chaos right now, and you never expected half the shit you’re dealing with. But I know you’ll get through it. You’re a badass bitch, and don’t you forget it. I’ll even tattoo it on you next time I see you if I have to.

Isabella sniffled, trying to stave off the tears.

Isabella: Love you too. Thank you. I needed to hear that.

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