- No Second Chance
- No Second Chance
Annie
s time to go home. It’s been ten days since Angelito was born and my doctor has cleared me to travel. I can’t keep my parents here any longer, knowing they have obligations they’ve postponed to be with me.
“Everything is ready in the car. Shall we go?” I nod with a smile. Aaron hasn’t left my side; on the contrary, he dedicates a lot of time to me. I tell him to start thinking about what he will do, but he says he has everything
fettled.
“He takes my arm and helps me down. Mom is downstairs with Angelito in her arms. As we leave this house, I
feel some fear for the future that is approaching, but I also have a lot of hope that everything will be fine.
Soon we are back in our city. This is Aaron’s first time here, and he says he really likes it.
“Yeah, doll, I could get used to living here.” I watch him smile and I like it.
With his affection and attention, he has gradually won me over. I can’t say at this point that I’m madly in love with him, but I can think about the possibility of us being together
Mom told me to go slow, since it hasn’t been long since my heart.
but I’m not afraid.
I was in love for years with a man who never loved me back, and in the end he caused me great pain. Of course, I always tell everyone that I’m not blameless, but it taught me that just because you know someone for a long time, it’s not their duty to love you. No. I understood it late, but I don’t regret it, because from that foolishness of mine, the little love of my life was born.
“A dollar for your thoughts.” I see him and he smiles sweetly. Yes, I could get used to this. Maybe it’s my n
chance to love.
new
When we get home, we are greeted by my siblings, who run to meet us at the entrance. Everything is laughter and happiness. My poor baby looks like a ball being passed from arm to arm, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He knows that right now he’s the star of four families and he’s acting like a celebrity.
We enter the house and I see that almost everyone is there. My Aunt Tanya almost runs to take the baby from Rocío, but my Aunt Susan steps forward and manages to keep the precious loot. We all smile. This is a moment of joy and happiness for everyone. As we chat, time passes cheerfully. We move to the table for dinner, and at the end, we hear the doorbell ring. The maid goes to open it and while we continue chatting, a person approaches and greets us.
“Good evening. Sorry to come unannounced, but I heard you were coming back today and I wanted to see my
son if possible.”
The good mood fades a bit, but to lighten the tension, I’m the one who greets him.
“Hi Liam. Come in. Let’s go into the living room. Would you like to join us?‘ He’s surprised by my invitation and smiles. He accepts immediately.
“If I’m not bothering you, I’d love to.” My Aunt Susan hands the baby to his father, who looks very comfortable in his arms. I see the great love he feels for his son and that makes me very happy. No. I wouldn’t have been able to take my child away from his dad.
The atmosphere becomes very festive again, as it was before his arrival. From time to time I catch him
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- No Second Chance
looking at me and it unsettles me a bit, but I try not to pay attention to him.
Everyone laughs at Aaron’s antics. Yes, this man has already won them all over. My little brother follows him with adoration while my father treats him like another member of the family.
A little later, everyone begins to leave. Even my lazy baby yawns incessantly. When it’s time for Liam to hand him over to me, he pauses for a moment, his hands lingering on mine, but I withdraw them immediately.
“Okay, I got him.” I give him an awkward smile and he just watches me.
“Yes, you do.” We are alone, as everyone went to see off those who are leaving. It’s just him and me in the living room, because I asked him to talk before he left.
Well, forgive me for holding you up, but I wanted to talk to you about the baby’s rights. I imagine you’ll be paying child support.” He nods and waits for me to continue. “Well, for now, as young as he is, I’d like you to see him at Aunt Susan’s house. I wouldn’t want you to take him to your apartment with your wife. I don’t trust her. Not before and certainly not now.” He looks at me without saying anything, so I continue. “I would feel more comfortable if it was your parents who came to pick him up. When he’s older, we can plan his vacations and the holidays that correspond to you. I just ask that we try to make him a happy child. Even if we’re not together, I think he can have a good childhood. What do you
I wait for him to speak. I need to know if he agrees with this. But as long as he’s a baby, I don’t plan on making many concessions. After all, the child was born out of wedlock, so I don’t think he can put up much of a fight. And I can’t imagine Maria being a doting stepmother.
“I accept whatever you want to give me.” A sad smile appears on his face. “And yes, you’re right. We can raise a happy child.”
I give him a smile. He looks at me intently, so I have to ask him.
“Is something wrong?” I say and he just shakes his head. He lowers his face and smiles slightly.
“No, nothing’s wrong. It’s just that it’s strange, but it seems that motherhood has given you a glow that I can’t explain. You’ve always shone, but now you’re enveloped in a halo, forget it, you wouldn’t understand.” He falls silent, and doesn’t say anything else.
“I understand. I also see that halo you mentioned. From the first time I saw her, it seemed to me that something special covered her. It’s like a halo of light.” Aaron approaches and speaks to Liam.
“Hahaha, what are you guys talking about? It’s not like I was talking about an angel. Please, doctors, be serious, we are people of science.” I try to lighten the moment. I see that Liam remains silent, while Aaron
observes me.
“Are you a doctor too?” he asks, to which my friend confirms.
“That’s right. I’m a trauma surgeon. Also known as Dr. Bones by my doll.” Silly Aaron looks like a male marking his territory, because he sits next to me, holding my hand. Liam watches our interaction silently. “Well… I have to go. So, shall we arrange for Mom to come get the baby or can I come see him here?” I sense some impatience in his voice.
“I think for the first month, it would be ideal if you visited him here. After that time, my uncles will come to pick him up.” Liam gets up and approaches me to kiss Angel. The baby stirs a little and seems to want to cry. “He knows I’m leaving and he doesn’t want me to.” I see my baby’s little face and doubt his words, but I don’t
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53 No Second Chance say anything else.
As soon as he says goodbye and walks out the door, I see that my friend is a little serious.
I
“Is something wrong?” Aaron shakes his head, but I know he doesn’t want to tell me, so I press him.
“Your ex is in love with you.” That’s all he says and it makes me want to laugh out loud.
“What are you talking about? Do you remember that he’s the same man who rejected me in front of everyone?” He remains silent and still doesn’t speak. When he does, he first lets out a big sigh of frustration. “Yes, I know who he is. But he’s realizing he made a mistake and I have a feeling he’s going to want you back soon. Would you take him back? You have a child together and he probably still loves you. Would you give him another chance?” His look tells me he’s not kidding.
“No. We don’t have another chance. We are two paths that joined for a short time, and gave a beautiful fruit, but separated again. No, there is no other chance for us.”
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