Page 58 of Fight for Me

“Whoa, girl. There’s a lot to unpack here. Start from the beginning please because I feel like I’ve missed something,” Amelia says and sits on an overturned bucket getting comfortable before she puts one next to her and pats it. “Sit.”

I take a seat and reluctantly recount everything that took place, starting with my car breaking down in the rain and finishing with Brody telling me to get lost.

“So, now I miss him like hell, and dream about getting back together with him, but at the same time I know my stance would be the same.” I groan and tap my forehead.

“You know. I broke up with Mark right after I found out I was pregnant,” Amelia tells me casually, and I snap my head up to look at her.

“Yep. You heard right.” She laughs. “You remember how I used to be. Scared of my own shadow. Unable to function. When I met Mark, it was all so new, and scary. The thought of ruining his life by being... well, me, was unbearable. And you know what my ex did to me. I didn’t think I could function in a relationship. I thought it was happening too soon.”

“So, what did you do?”

“I stayed,” she states with a nod.

I tilt my head to the side and parrot, “Stayed?”

“Yes. I owed it to myself to try. For me, for Mark, and for our baby,” she says with a soft smile.

“But you see, that’s the thing. You’re both perfect. You create this perfect couple, and it comes to you so easy. I don’t know the first thing about a healthy relationship.”

This time, Amelia snorts, and I look at her in surprise. “Jenny, there’s no such thing as perfect. Let’s get that out of the way. And it doesn’t come easy. Not at all. We have our ups and downs. All people do. And I didn’t know what a relationship is supposed to look like either. Maybe even less than you do. But what I found out is that there’s no special formula to make a good relationship. There’s nothing to know. It’s not a test you come prepared for. All it takes is a man that cares for you and respects you, and for you to reciprocate that. That’s all. That’s the big secret that most people search for.”

“But he could have anyone,” I protest weakly.

“Exactly. No offense.” She waves a hand when I squint at her. “Yet he chose you. The why is really not important. He clearly cares about you deeply, Jenny. Sure, maybe he shouldn’t jump on you with all of this after one week, and he sure shouldn’t kick you out rather than talk this through to understand your perspective. But I came to know Damon pretty well, and the one thing I can say about the man is that he doesn’t believe in half measures. If he’s in, he's all in. If he’s out, there will be no coming back.”

“Yeah, I kind of got that last part,” I grouse, and sigh. “I guess him not showing up today is a pretty good indicator of where his head’s at.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Maybe he does need time to cool off, but he wouldn’t lie to Ruth about the reason he’s absent, and I heard them talking yesterday about some troubles with the house he's been working on.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize,” I mutter, feeling stupid for making assumptions that it’s all about me. And, I guess that’s a good reminder that I don’t have the monopoly on everyday struggles in life.

“Come on, help me up. My legs went to sleep in this position,” Amelia whines as she tries to lift herself from the bucket, and I jump to my feet to help her.

“I think Henry and I will head out soon. I’ll continue to be a shitty company for today’s evening, anyway. And, honestly, maybe I should chew over everything in peace.” We exit the storage room and move toward the staircase. “I’m still mad at Brody, but I may have been in the wrong too about this whole relationship thing.”

“You think?” Amelia teases as we start to descend the stairs. “We’ll probably hit the road soon too. This baby of mine is eating away at every last bit of my energy supplies. I swear all I could do is sleep. And the girls need to get ready for school tomorrow.”

We walk into the kitchen just as Ruth puts two Tupperware containers full of food on the table and turns to me with a sugary sweet smile. “Oh, there you are. Jenny, I have a big favor to ask.”

“What is it?” I ask tentatively, and then suspiciously eye the older woman when her smile stretches even further before her face changes into one of fake concern.

“Would you be so kind to deliver this to Damon?” She waves at the prepared containers. “My poor boy has been so busy this week with work, I worry about his bad eating habits. He’s probably living on fast food, or God forbid, those dreadful frozen pizzas. I would be forever grateful if you would do that for me.” She clasps her hands in a praying gesture, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. Ruth’s many things, but she's not winning an Oscar for the best actress anytime soon.

“What about Mark and Amelia? Don’t they live closer to that part of the city?” I motion at the couple and notice the look Ruth throws their way.

Mark clears his throat, and steps forward. “I’m afraid, we can’t.” He glances at Amelia and nods. “She’s dead on her feet. It’s probably best if we drive straight home.”

I look toward the ceiling with hands on my hips and exhale loudly, before focusing back on Ruth. “Okay. I’ll bring Brody the food but know that you aren’t being sleek. Neither are you.” I point at Mark, who smirks.

“Oh, I don’t know what you mean by that comment, but I’m glad for your help.” Aunt Ruth smiles.

“Uh-huh. Let me just grab Henry’s things then and I’ll be on my way.”

Ruth stops me in my tracks before I can reach the bag, and says, “No need, dear. I would love for him to stay if you’ll allow it.” When I look up at her with uncertainty written on my face, she comes closer and pleads, looking sincere. “I know you’re very protective of him, but I swear I would be so happy to watch him for a while. I had so much fun with the girls last night, it reminded me of how much I missed because I couldn’t have children of my own...”

I don’t know if she’s serious or if I’m being played, but I guess I can’t say no after that confession.

“Fine. But I’ll be back for him soon,” I say with conviction, and then laugh when the woman jumps happily and squeezes my middle with surprising strength.

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