Page 5 of Confined Space

Is it time to let Marco and Calysta go? It’s only been three years since her death, and I know he still struggles. He moved back to New York afterward, leaving me in Texas to pack up the house we shared. He couldn't do it, and I understood, but losing her hurt me too. She was such a sweet girl, and the fact they were expecting their first baby together was another blow. I wish he and I could talk without it always ending up like we are ignoring the ghost that’s between us. I doubt I’ll ever find a love like what he had or what my parents had.

Well, the good thing I can tell my mother is there are no women who interest me. So, until that happens, I'll just keep living my life. Working, hanging with Blu, playing baseball, and that's it. I haven't been with a woman in several months, not that Lance or my mom needed to know. I know, and that's all that matters.

Chapter Three

CORAL

We’ve been in Prominence Point for five weeks. Archer and I are settling in really well. I'm so happy I made the decision to move here. I love my job and have been mostly working days. Georgia and I have gotten closer. She has me come over regularly for dinner, and we’ve gotten to know each other. I still haven’t told her much of my past because I keep that all to myself. I finally gave in and am letting her watch Archer for me starting today. I'm moving to my new swing shift schedule of three in the afternoon to three in the morning.

Georgia will take Archer for me in the evenings after the daycare closes. I can tell she’s frustrated that I won’t tell her more about my past, and she’s pushing me right now.

"Coral, did you hear me? I asked if Archer's father is paying you child support." She knows that Archer's father isn't in our lives. I can't tell her the complete truth. Like how he had legal documents sent to me after I told him I was pregnant. One of them being a non-disclosure agreement.

"No, he doesn't. I told you he signed off his rights, that means he doesn't pay. I do it on my own. Okay?" My voice cracks from anger. My fists clench at my sides. I dig my fingernails into my palms as I try to hold back the memories. I can’t focus on them right now. I turn my back on her and move toward the door to head to work.

"I'm not trying to pry, but it could help with some of your bills. I hate to see you struggle, sweetie." She comes up behind me and pats my shoulder. It takes everything in me not to cringe away. Because of the memories fighting to break free, touch is too much for me right now.

"We are doing okay." I don’t tell her that if I’m not careful, I could lose everything.

"It could help you get a new car or at least get yours fixed."

My car is getting worse. It’s barely making it. I'm hoping I can squeeze some extra money out of this next paycheck with the shift differentials to have it fixed. When I tried to access my trust from the online portal, it wouldn't let me. I'm going to have to go to a local branch and see if they can help. I just haven't had the time. I'm hoping my mother didn't find a way to lock me out of it like she threatened, but I'll deal with that on my next day off.

"Are you still going to be able to pick up Archer and watch him until I get off at three in the morning? I've pumped and have some milk in the freezer for him." I turn to look at her as she smiles at my son in her arms.

"Of course, I can pick him up. I have the new car seat I bought for him already installed in my car. Archer and I will have lots of fun tonight. I’m just concerned for you, Coral. You work so hard." I reach for him, and she hands him over to me.

"I know, Georgia. It's just that all I have is me, and I'll do anything so Archer can have a better life.” I pause for a moment, holding my tears back. “He'll have his backpack at daycare, and you are on the list to pick him up." I change the subject.

"Okay. Well, you better get going so you're not late." She follows me out.

I head down the stairs to my car and click Archer into the car seat base in the back. I set his diaper bag down next to him and then throw my bag into the front passenger seat. I’ll change into my scrubs when I get to work. In the meantime, I'm dressed in a pair of cutoff shorts that expose my tanned legs, a white fringe half shirt, and cowboy boots. I've worn these boots so much they are perfectly soft and comfortable. My auburn hair that hangs just past my shoulders is up in a bun at the back of my head. I have chunky bangs that need a trim. I won’t be able to afford to spend money on myself for another couple of paychecks. My next paycheck is already set to be spent on a crib for Archer and new clothes for him. He’s growing like a weed. Hopefully, enough will be left over to fix my car.

Archer has been sleeping with me or in his little bassinet. Pretty soon he's going to be too big though. In the five weeks we've been here, he's gained another full pound. He now weighs over eight pounds. He's nineteen inches long and growing out of the preemie size clothes and needs newborn size. At three months old, he's progressing to the size of a normal three-month-old baby.

My car doesn't disappoint me today and starts right up. I pull out of the apartment complex and head to the daycare on the hospital campus. I'm just about to turn into the campus when my car is jolted to the side. The sound of metal crunching and grinding fills the air. Glass shatters around me. The tires squeal. Archer screams as my head slams into the driver's door window so hard I see stars. I cry out Archer's name, and he cries harder, wanting me.

My brain feels foggy, and my vision is blurry. I can’t move, and I feel blood dripping down my face. But I’m more worried about Archer.

"Ma'am, I've called the police and paramedics. Don't move," a voice says. It sounds like it's coming through a tunnel and breaks through Archer's cries.

"My son." I moan as I try to turn and reach for him. Everything hurts. My head, my left arm, my whole body.

"He looks okay, but don't move. You have blood coming from your head and your arm looks twisted. Paramedics will be here soon." I'm able to determine the soft voice belongs to a woman. It comes from behind me. I can't turn to see her.

"But my baby," I say again. "He's crying." Archer's cries are getting louder.

"Calm down. I don't want you to hurt yourself any further. What's your name?"

"Coral. Is my son, Archer, okay?"

He quiets and panic overtakes me. I start to struggle again until the pain takes over and I scream.

"Coral, I just gave him his binky. He’s okay. I don't see a scratch on him. I'm JoAnna. My son is a paramedic firefighter, and I know you need to calm down. For your baby, please calm down. I know you're scared, but I won't leave you. I promise, sweetheart."

"Okay. What happened?" Her voice calms me. It has a motherly quality to it I haven't heard since my grandmother was alive.

I move my eyes around and see the hood of my car is destroyed. I shift my head slightly and see the grill of a large vehicle against the passenger side. I move my focus to my side and see a pole out of the corner of my eye. I cry out again.

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