Forgiven by J. B. McGee Read Free Book Online Page A

do you mean?” I ask, barely able to breathe.
    “I’m bleeding. Lots of blood.” Her voice fades and the sobs continue.
    I glance back to my mother trying to decide how to handle this situation. “Where are you?”
    “Cal is taking me to Emory.”
    “Why didn’t you call an ambulance?” I feel like a dick as soon as I ask her that. I know my response should be that I’ll be right there.
    “I’m so sorry. Lots of blood, Bradley. I think I’m losing the baby.”
    I glance back to my mother and she appears terrified. There is nothing that I can do to relieve her. I’m terrified, myself. I realize that even though I have been adamant that the baby isn’t mine, subconsciously I have tried to get myself right with the possibility. The thought of losing a child that I haven’t even been able to meet makes me feel like I’m being punched in the stomach by a bully on the playground over and over again. The anguish in Veronica’s voice is horrific. No matter what I think about her, I wouldn’t wish this pain on any mother.
    “Don’t worry. I’m sure everything you and the baby will be okay. I’m on my way.”
    “You don’t know that,” she cries, her breathing is labored, and I can tell she’s getting weaker by the second.
    “Listen. I’m on my way. You sit tight.” I need her to be the strong, in control woman I know she is. Our baby is depending on her to be strong. Thinking our baby just seems odd. Up until now, I have never accepted that this child is mine. I’ve always thought it just had to be Ian’s. I realize in this moment, it really doesn’t matter whose child it is. I don’t love Veronica, but I would never wish this on anyone. She could die. They both could die. I choke the tears that I feel at the backs of my eyes and clear my throat. “Please just rest until you get to the hospital. I’ll see you in a few.”
    I grab my cell phone, keys, and my coat. “Mom, I’m so sorry. I have to go. I’ll explain everything later.”
    “Son, I couldn’t help overhearing. Is this baby yours?”
    I shake my head. What would make her immediately assume the baby is mine? It’s not like I don’t have friends. I don’t have time for this. “I don’t know. If you want to ride with me, I can explain on the way.”
    “What about this food?”
    I shrug my shoulders and holler for Sharon.
    The door opens. “Yes sir?”
    “There’s an emergency. Cancel my day.” I motion to the wonderful meal my mother prepared with sadness at how my life just turned into an even bigger mess than I could have ever imagined in a split second. “And please clean this up. If Gabby calls, please tell her I’m at Emory with Veronica.” I have started walking with my head bowed to the elevator and pressed the down button. Mom is at my side.
    “Absolutely. Anything else?”
    I glance back to her. “No, just prayers please.”
    I’ve never mentioned religion to Sharon before. I’m pretty sure she’s a Christian, but it’s not appropriate to discuss at work. She stares at me like I have two heads. “I’ll start a prayer chain with my church if you’d like.”
    I can’t talk anymore. Emotion is consuming me. I just nod my head. I was raised Baptist. I know my mother has been disappointed that I don’t go to church regularly anymore. I glance at her and call it a mother’s intuition, but she knows what I need because she responds for me. “Please, that would be appreciated, Sharon.”
    Mom puts her arm on my shoulder and whispers, “Do you want to wait until we’re in the car to tell me what exactly is happening?”
    I glance at her as I loosen my tie and unbutton the top buttons of my shirt. “Before Gabby, Veronica was my...companion...” I shake my head in frustration with myself. How in the world did I manage to get myself into this position? “She’s pregnant.”
    The elevator reaches the parking garage. I press the fob to unlock the doors. The alarm beeps off, and I open the door for mom before