This Love Was Out of Control
Raising A Child Is A Big Responsibility
*Vic’s POV*
The moment I held this baby in my arms was literally the moment I forgot about everything around me. She was so cute. Her tiny pink blanket was wrapped around her body like a burrito; I could eat her. Her small hand stuck to my finger, not letting go for one second. This little baby made my heart melt. But is she mine? I don’t want to get my hopes up.
“Do you wanna see her?” I asked Cara.
“No,” she cried, covering her eyes. “Please, I can’t. Take her away from me.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. She gave birth to her first child and doesn’t even want to see her. That’s so heart breaking to me.
I turned my body towards Jaime. “Look,” I smiled.
He stroked her cheek with his index finger. “She’s adorable, Vic.”
“What if she’s not mine?”
“Then we just continue on with our daily lives.”
“But…I want her to be mine.”
“What? You were just complaining yesterday how you don’t want this baby to be yours. Why did you change your mind? Or should I say what made you change your mind?”
I stared at the baby. My eyes widened. “Oh…oh my God, Jaime. Are you seeing this?”
Not only was the baby holding onto my finger, but her eyes opened. I smiled so widely that my jaw was hurting. I can’t believe it.
“Wow, this is amazing!” I cheered.
“We have to go with the pros and cons for this baby,” Jaime suggested. “If she’s yours, what’s gonna happen is we’re all gonna help you take care of her. If she's not-”
“Don’t say that. She is mine.”
“But if she’s not?”
I took a second to stare at her. Her adorable face was pleasantly asleep now. “I don’t know what I’ll do. But I know damn sure that I’m not giving her away to someone else. Cara doesn’t want her and I refuse for the other guy to have her because he wasn’t there.” Well if there was another guy.
~~~
We waited for a half hour to find out the DNA results. Jaime and I stood in front of the window staring at the baby sleeping. I wanted to hold her so badly, to cuddle up next to her, to know she was mine.
“Mr. Preciado-Fuentes?”
“Yes?” both Jaime and I said in unison.
“Well, um, the guy with the baby,” the nurse said.
“That’s me. I’m Vic and this is Jaime.” We both stood up.
“I have the results for the DNA test.”
We waited long enough. I needed to know the answer. Am I the dad or not?
“Your results came back positive. You are officially a father.”
I turned to Jaime and attacked him with a hug. I widened my smile and cried a little.
“Thank you,” I whispered to myself. So I guess Cara was right. She wasn’t telling a lie. Everything that came out of her mouth was the truth. But why did she cheat on me?
“You can take your baby home later today,” the nurse confirmed.
“What’s your name?” I asked her.
“Dr. Stuart.”
"Got a first name?"
"Andi."
“Thanks,” I told her before kissing Jaime and walking to Cara’s room.
I stepped through the door and smiled at her. “Thanks for not lying to me.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you, Vic. I knew she was yours.” She bowed her head down and stared at the covers.
This girl was once the love of my life, now all turned to shattered pieces. It wasn’t worth picking up in the end because I found someone better. I know this isn’t the nicest thing to say, but you can always do better with a girl.
“Listen, Vic, I know you have your whole life ahead of you and probably don’t want the child, but-”
“What? No, I do want the child. I’m taking her home with me.”
She was stunned. “I’m glad to hear that. I know this isn’t probably the best time to say this, but I can see that you’ve moved on and I just want some closure between us.”
I sat on the hospital bed and listened in. She isn’t a fan, but I still have to listen.
“That kiss with Aaron; it never meant to happen. I wish so badly that I could take it back. There’s so many things we had together. I just…I’m so sorry. I’m screwed up. Your love life with your husband is probably absolutely amazing and I’d give anything to be with you again. I still have feelings for you, Vic. But you don’t have them for me anymore because of my mistake.”
To think, she was actually correct. I didn’t want to admit that to her face though.
“All my feelings are in one giant clump in my heart and that space is empty because you left. I just hope that if we ever run into each other again, we won’t have any hard feelings for one another. I know for a fact that we can never start fresh again. The only thing left to say is that I’m sorry for what I did and I hope your life turns out the way you want it to.”
I leaned in and gave her a hug. “Take care of yourself. Find someone and stick with them. And trust me, my life will be filled with memories I’ll never want to forget. Like this one.” I started to walk away from her.
"Hey, Vic?"
"Yeah?"
She paused for a second. "Thanks for taking the baby. I was worried to give her up for adoption to some stranger."
"Trust me, I wouldn't let you give the baby away, even if she wasn't mine."
~~~
There was only one week left here in San Diego for us before we start touring again. And to be honest, my baby is not ready for the tour life.
Everyone came over and saw her, getting up in my face since I was the one holding her. Kellin actually picked out her name because Jaime and I couldn’t agree on one, and then he came up with Copeland, to which we loved it. Jaime was officially the other dad for Copeland. All the papers were filled later that day. Now our baby’s name is Copeland Nicole Preciado-Fuentes.
“Vic, it’s one in the morning. What are you still doing up?” Tony said rubbing his eyes.
I didn’t answer. I just looked at him and then turned my attention back to Copeland.
“You can’t hold her and stare at her the whole night, Vic. You need your sleep too.”
“She’s so adorable when she sleeps in my arms.” I wasn’t gonna lie. My arms were completely numb from holding her the whole day and I was a little tired.
He walked over to me and sat on the couch.
“Let me hold her,” Tony said extending his arms out. “Give her to me.”
I didn’t want Tony to hold the baby. I knew exactly what he was going to do.
“No, I got her. I can do it.”
“Vic, give me the baby.”
“I said I got it,” I raised my voice a little, but not so much to where Jaime and Mike would wake up.
“Vic…”
“.....Tony…I can do it.”
“You’re starting to get heavy bags under your eyes. Let me hold onto her for now.”
I had doubt in my eyes. Tony was right. I was exhausted from today. Everything that happened was all so abrupt. I gently and quietly handed Cope to Tony. Cope? I like that.
"Make sure she's warm enough and don't forget to hold her head."
"I know what I'm doing, Victor."
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Tony said rocking Copeland back and forth in his arms.
I took a quick breath. “What was it like doing everything on your own at a young age?”
“What do you mean?”
“Jaime said you started learning at a young age, since you were 15 I think? You got a job on your own, you took care of yourself, and even helped Jaime through everything. His paper work for jail, the connections you had with his mother, and acting like a real parent to him; how did you do that? How could you possibly manage your time taking care of Jaime, finishing school, having a job, and taking care of yourself? I don’t understand.”
“It was always hard for me from the beginning. My parents cared about me a lot, unlike Jaime’s parents. But the way my parents “showed” me they loved me was not by telling me everyday, but by working their asses off just to put food on the table to obtain a living for their family. Not many people know this, besides Jaime, but I actually have a younger sister that I never get to see. My mother treated her like a princess. She was spoiled to death. But me? I had to work for my first car, pay for my insurance, finish school, and get my own steady job. Everything for me was a complete hassle. I didn’t want Jaime to go through that. His parents never loved him. I was his best friend, and to this day, I still am. I just want him to grow up not regretting anything and to just go with the flow.”
“Wow, that was deep, turtle. You really are a true friend to Jaime. I’m glad you guys were brought up together.”
He smiled like a child at me. “Thanks, man. I know you really love Jaime and I know that he really loves you too. I would be crushed if something ever happened to him. I couldn‘t lose my best friend.”
I couldn‘t lose my best friend. God, I know that feeling. Kellin is my best friend. I couldn’t believe that I actually cried for him when he died in my arms. The pain in his eyes when he tried so hard to hold onto my hand, the agony rushing through my veins when he desparetly tried to keep his eyes open. There was so much blood. There was so much discomfort. Losing my best friend would’ve been crucial and thank God I didn’t, but losing the love of my life would kill me inside. I would literally terminate myself if anything ever happened to him. I couldn’t even imagine what Tony would do if he lost his best friend. He’s known him for so long, longer than I have.
All this talk of death and misery was making me tired. Before I knew it, my eyes were shut and my head started to create images in my head known as dreams.
~~~
I awoke from the sound of crying coming from the kitchen. I didn’t even realize that I was in bed. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep on the couch. I focused my eyes on the clock and it was only 6:30 a.m. God, see this is not what I was prepared for. I have to get my ass up and take care of my child. All of a sudden, the crying stopped. I sat up and noticed Jaime wasn’t in bed. I got up and headed into the kitchen.
There before me, I saw Jaime feeding our daughter. Wait, feeding her what? We don’t have any baby food and I most certainly know that Jaime doesn’t have boobs to feed her with.
I rubbed circles around my eyes from being tired still. “Are you up because of her or because you’re actually awake?” I asked Jaime who rotated his body around.
“I’m actually awake. She woke up at six and I realized that she was hungry. I couldn’t find anything around the house for her to eat.”
“So then what are you feeding her?”
“Don’t get mad, but I couldn’t think of anything else.”
When I noticed what he was feeding her, I laughed in my head. “You’re letting her suck on your finger? Jaime, she needs actual baby food. Like a bottle, you know?”
“Okay, okay, but I was actually trying to get her to sleep again so I could go out later with Tony to get her stuff.”
“You do that.”
~~~
The day felt longer than usual. Jaime and Tony were out buying baby supplies and formula so we could feed Copeland, and Mike was chilling on the couch playing a video game. Video games were never my thing. I like watching movies.
It was only 12:36 in the afternoon and I’m pretty sure Jaime and Tony would be back any minute now. They’ve been out since eleven and I don’t think it takes that long to get baby stuff.
Did I mention that Tony and Jaime are living with Mike and I for the last week here in San Diego? Tony still has his house and all, but they’re living with us for now. I can’t wait until this week is over. We get to go back on the road and travel to more states! We havn’t gone to New Jersery, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and more. The only thing we haven’t discussed is how and what we’re gonna do for Copeland when we’re on stage playing. Who’s gonna watch over her? We need someone else on tour with us to be our nanny. Okay, not really a nanny, but extra help. All I know is that we’re gonna be on tour with three other bands so maybe one of those people wouldn’t mind watching her while I’m on stage, right?
Right. Anywho, I was in my room playing with Copeland when I heard the door bust open. Thank God, Jaime and Tony are back. Cope is hungry and I could tell by the way she was crying. When I meant “playing” I didn’t mean literally because I was trying to make her stop crying by rolling on the ground numerous times to make her laugh. I guess it didn’t work. It just made her cry louder.
I picked her up and walked down stairs. I put her in the high chair when she started pulling my hair.
"Ow, Copeland! No pulling on my hair," I stammered.
“Do you have the stuff to make a bottle? That kid is killing me. I have a headache,” Mike groaned.
“Shut up, Mike. It’s our fault! We weren’t prepared for any of this,” I shouted.
"Our fault?! You're the one who fucked Cara! Not us!"
I ignored him and eyed Jaime.
“I asked a lady in the baby section and she suggests that we just give her warm milk. We bought the stuff to make formula, but that’s gonna take a while for me to figure out.”
“Okay, so lets give her milk. Did you buy a bottle?” I asked Jaime. He pulled it out of the bag and started pouring a large amount of milk into the bottle.
“Make sure when you put it in the microwave, don’t heat it up for too long. We don’t want it to burn her mouth.”
Jaime nodded his head at me.
Copeland was fussing and crying. To be honest, Mike was right. I was beginning to have a headache as well.
“Has she been like this since we left?” Tony asked, putting things away in the fridge.
“Yeah, she’s just hungry, that’s all,” I assured him.
After Jaime was done fixing her a bottle, he put it in the microwave. He walked over to Copeland and picked her up, pacing around and patting her gently on the back. Her head was lying cozily on his shoulder. Her crying began to settle in and she was finally quiet.
I stared at him. “How did you do that?”
“Do what?” Jaime questioned.
“That?! She stopped crying.”
“She just likes me more than you,” he grinned at me.
“Too bad I love her more than I love you,” I stuck my tongue out.
“Take that back,” he scoffed.
“Can’t. She’s my flesh and blood.”
“But I love you.”
“I love you too, Jaime.”
"Ew, can you guys stop talking? Thank you very much," Tony joined in.
A ding sound ended the microwave. I walked over and grabbed the bottle. Jaime sat on the couch while Tony and Mike went to their rooms.
“Do you wanna feed her?” Jaime directed towards me, making himself more comfortable. He rocked Copeland in his arms.
“Maybe I shouldn’t. She likes you more than me, as you say,” I grinned at him.
“I was only kidding but okay, fine. Hand me the bottle.”
I gave him the bottle and stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room?” I pointed up the stairs.
“No, keep me company.”
“Okay, let me use the bathroom first.” I walked away from Jaime. As I unzipped my jeans, I heard soft singing coming from the living room.
♪ But I can't keep my hands to my side
All they wanna do is touch, and my mouth it talks too much
My eyes they see everything...
Like the fact I can't explain the one thing I need to say
So I'll keep it here with me, so I can...
So I can try...
Try to be more obvious, and lie and tell me I'm right again. ♪
I finished my business and stood behind the wall so Jaime wouldn’t see me. It was him. He was the one singing. Wow, it’s beautiful. I’ve only heard him scream in our songs, nothing like his voice right now. I listened in on him singing to Copeland.
♪ Cause I swore that I'll be just fine when you're gone
But my body misses you like the sun
But something inside still feels wrong
Maybe it was you all along. ♪
I stepped away from the wall and sat next to Jaime. Copeland was quiet and drinking her milk.
I stared deeply into Jaime’s eyes. I wanted so badly just to kiss him, but something was holding me back. “Hey,” I told him.
He only smiled at me and eyed Copeland. “Look, I know this isn’t the most perfect time to tell you this, but…I don’t see Copeland in you at all.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She just doesn’t look like you.”
“She’s a baby, Jaime. Give it time. She can’t have all my features. Don’t forget, some things on her will look like Cara.”
“Her eyes are green though.”
“So?”
“Doesn’t Cara have blue eyes?”
He has a point. Cara does have blue eyes. And the baby’s eyes can’t be mine because mine are brown. “Maybe someone in Cara’s family has green eyes. I think her dad does. Just don’t worry too much about it.”
“What’s gonna happen when we’re on tour next week? We can‘t bring Cope on stage with us when we play. And isn‘t loud music bad for a new born?”
“Already ahead of you. When I find out who we’re touring with, I’ll have someone stay in our bus with her when we play on stage.”
“Great idea! I like it.”
The moment I held this baby in my arms was literally the moment I forgot about everything around me. She was so cute. Her tiny pink blanket was wrapped around her body like a burrito; I could eat her. Her small hand stuck to my finger, not letting go for one second. This little baby made my heart melt. But is she mine? I don’t want to get my hopes up.
“Do you wanna see her?” I asked Cara.
“No,” she cried, covering her eyes. “Please, I can’t. Take her away from me.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. She gave birth to her first child and doesn’t even want to see her. That’s so heart breaking to me.
I turned my body towards Jaime. “Look,” I smiled.
He stroked her cheek with his index finger. “She’s adorable, Vic.”
“What if she’s not mine?”
“Then we just continue on with our daily lives.”
“But…I want her to be mine.”
“What? You were just complaining yesterday how you don’t want this baby to be yours. Why did you change your mind? Or should I say what made you change your mind?”
I stared at the baby. My eyes widened. “Oh…oh my God, Jaime. Are you seeing this?”
Not only was the baby holding onto my finger, but her eyes opened. I smiled so widely that my jaw was hurting. I can’t believe it.
“Wow, this is amazing!” I cheered.
“We have to go with the pros and cons for this baby,” Jaime suggested. “If she’s yours, what’s gonna happen is we’re all gonna help you take care of her. If she's not-”
“Don’t say that. She is mine.”
“But if she’s not?”
I took a second to stare at her. Her adorable face was pleasantly asleep now. “I don’t know what I’ll do. But I know damn sure that I’m not giving her away to someone else. Cara doesn’t want her and I refuse for the other guy to have her because he wasn’t there.” Well if there was another guy.
~~~
We waited for a half hour to find out the DNA results. Jaime and I stood in front of the window staring at the baby sleeping. I wanted to hold her so badly, to cuddle up next to her, to know she was mine.
“Mr. Preciado-Fuentes?”
“Yes?” both Jaime and I said in unison.
“Well, um, the guy with the baby,” the nurse said.
“That’s me. I’m Vic and this is Jaime.” We both stood up.
“I have the results for the DNA test.”
We waited long enough. I needed to know the answer. Am I the dad or not?
“Your results came back positive. You are officially a father.”
I turned to Jaime and attacked him with a hug. I widened my smile and cried a little.
“Thank you,” I whispered to myself. So I guess Cara was right. She wasn’t telling a lie. Everything that came out of her mouth was the truth. But why did she cheat on me?
“You can take your baby home later today,” the nurse confirmed.
“What’s your name?” I asked her.
“Dr. Stuart.”
"Got a first name?"
"Andi."
“Thanks,” I told her before kissing Jaime and walking to Cara’s room.
I stepped through the door and smiled at her. “Thanks for not lying to me.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you, Vic. I knew she was yours.” She bowed her head down and stared at the covers.
This girl was once the love of my life, now all turned to shattered pieces. It wasn’t worth picking up in the end because I found someone better. I know this isn’t the nicest thing to say, but you can always do better with a girl.
“Listen, Vic, I know you have your whole life ahead of you and probably don’t want the child, but-”
“What? No, I do want the child. I’m taking her home with me.”
She was stunned. “I’m glad to hear that. I know this isn’t probably the best time to say this, but I can see that you’ve moved on and I just want some closure between us.”
I sat on the hospital bed and listened in. She isn’t a fan, but I still have to listen.
“That kiss with Aaron; it never meant to happen. I wish so badly that I could take it back. There’s so many things we had together. I just…I’m so sorry. I’m screwed up. Your love life with your husband is probably absolutely amazing and I’d give anything to be with you again. I still have feelings for you, Vic. But you don’t have them for me anymore because of my mistake.”
To think, she was actually correct. I didn’t want to admit that to her face though.
“All my feelings are in one giant clump in my heart and that space is empty because you left. I just hope that if we ever run into each other again, we won’t have any hard feelings for one another. I know for a fact that we can never start fresh again. The only thing left to say is that I’m sorry for what I did and I hope your life turns out the way you want it to.”
I leaned in and gave her a hug. “Take care of yourself. Find someone and stick with them. And trust me, my life will be filled with memories I’ll never want to forget. Like this one.” I started to walk away from her.
"Hey, Vic?"
"Yeah?"
She paused for a second. "Thanks for taking the baby. I was worried to give her up for adoption to some stranger."
"Trust me, I wouldn't let you give the baby away, even if she wasn't mine."
~~~
There was only one week left here in San Diego for us before we start touring again. And to be honest, my baby is not ready for the tour life.
Everyone came over and saw her, getting up in my face since I was the one holding her. Kellin actually picked out her name because Jaime and I couldn’t agree on one, and then he came up with Copeland, to which we loved it. Jaime was officially the other dad for Copeland. All the papers were filled later that day. Now our baby’s name is Copeland Nicole Preciado-Fuentes.
“Vic, it’s one in the morning. What are you still doing up?” Tony said rubbing his eyes.
I didn’t answer. I just looked at him and then turned my attention back to Copeland.
“You can’t hold her and stare at her the whole night, Vic. You need your sleep too.”
“She’s so adorable when she sleeps in my arms.” I wasn’t gonna lie. My arms were completely numb from holding her the whole day and I was a little tired.
He walked over to me and sat on the couch.
“Let me hold her,” Tony said extending his arms out. “Give her to me.”
I didn’t want Tony to hold the baby. I knew exactly what he was going to do.
“No, I got her. I can do it.”
“Vic, give me the baby.”
“I said I got it,” I raised my voice a little, but not so much to where Jaime and Mike would wake up.
“Vic…”
“.....Tony…I can do it.”
“You’re starting to get heavy bags under your eyes. Let me hold onto her for now.”
I had doubt in my eyes. Tony was right. I was exhausted from today. Everything that happened was all so abrupt. I gently and quietly handed Cope to Tony. Cope? I like that.
"Make sure she's warm enough and don't forget to hold her head."
"I know what I'm doing, Victor."
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Tony said rocking Copeland back and forth in his arms.
I took a quick breath. “What was it like doing everything on your own at a young age?”
“What do you mean?”
“Jaime said you started learning at a young age, since you were 15 I think? You got a job on your own, you took care of yourself, and even helped Jaime through everything. His paper work for jail, the connections you had with his mother, and acting like a real parent to him; how did you do that? How could you possibly manage your time taking care of Jaime, finishing school, having a job, and taking care of yourself? I don’t understand.”
“It was always hard for me from the beginning. My parents cared about me a lot, unlike Jaime’s parents. But the way my parents “showed” me they loved me was not by telling me everyday, but by working their asses off just to put food on the table to obtain a living for their family. Not many people know this, besides Jaime, but I actually have a younger sister that I never get to see. My mother treated her like a princess. She was spoiled to death. But me? I had to work for my first car, pay for my insurance, finish school, and get my own steady job. Everything for me was a complete hassle. I didn’t want Jaime to go through that. His parents never loved him. I was his best friend, and to this day, I still am. I just want him to grow up not regretting anything and to just go with the flow.”
“Wow, that was deep, turtle. You really are a true friend to Jaime. I’m glad you guys were brought up together.”
He smiled like a child at me. “Thanks, man. I know you really love Jaime and I know that he really loves you too. I would be crushed if something ever happened to him. I couldn‘t lose my best friend.”
I couldn‘t lose my best friend. God, I know that feeling. Kellin is my best friend. I couldn’t believe that I actually cried for him when he died in my arms. The pain in his eyes when he tried so hard to hold onto my hand, the agony rushing through my veins when he desparetly tried to keep his eyes open. There was so much blood. There was so much discomfort. Losing my best friend would’ve been crucial and thank God I didn’t, but losing the love of my life would kill me inside. I would literally terminate myself if anything ever happened to him. I couldn’t even imagine what Tony would do if he lost his best friend. He’s known him for so long, longer than I have.
All this talk of death and misery was making me tired. Before I knew it, my eyes were shut and my head started to create images in my head known as dreams.
~~~
I awoke from the sound of crying coming from the kitchen. I didn’t even realize that I was in bed. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep on the couch. I focused my eyes on the clock and it was only 6:30 a.m. God, see this is not what I was prepared for. I have to get my ass up and take care of my child. All of a sudden, the crying stopped. I sat up and noticed Jaime wasn’t in bed. I got up and headed into the kitchen.
There before me, I saw Jaime feeding our daughter. Wait, feeding her what? We don’t have any baby food and I most certainly know that Jaime doesn’t have boobs to feed her with.
I rubbed circles around my eyes from being tired still. “Are you up because of her or because you’re actually awake?” I asked Jaime who rotated his body around.
“I’m actually awake. She woke up at six and I realized that she was hungry. I couldn’t find anything around the house for her to eat.”
“So then what are you feeding her?”
“Don’t get mad, but I couldn’t think of anything else.”
When I noticed what he was feeding her, I laughed in my head. “You’re letting her suck on your finger? Jaime, she needs actual baby food. Like a bottle, you know?”
“Okay, okay, but I was actually trying to get her to sleep again so I could go out later with Tony to get her stuff.”
“You do that.”
~~~
The day felt longer than usual. Jaime and Tony were out buying baby supplies and formula so we could feed Copeland, and Mike was chilling on the couch playing a video game. Video games were never my thing. I like watching movies.
It was only 12:36 in the afternoon and I’m pretty sure Jaime and Tony would be back any minute now. They’ve been out since eleven and I don’t think it takes that long to get baby stuff.
Did I mention that Tony and Jaime are living with Mike and I for the last week here in San Diego? Tony still has his house and all, but they’re living with us for now. I can’t wait until this week is over. We get to go back on the road and travel to more states! We havn’t gone to New Jersery, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and more. The only thing we haven’t discussed is how and what we’re gonna do for Copeland when we’re on stage playing. Who’s gonna watch over her? We need someone else on tour with us to be our nanny. Okay, not really a nanny, but extra help. All I know is that we’re gonna be on tour with three other bands so maybe one of those people wouldn’t mind watching her while I’m on stage, right?
Right. Anywho, I was in my room playing with Copeland when I heard the door bust open. Thank God, Jaime and Tony are back. Cope is hungry and I could tell by the way she was crying. When I meant “playing” I didn’t mean literally because I was trying to make her stop crying by rolling on the ground numerous times to make her laugh. I guess it didn’t work. It just made her cry louder.
I picked her up and walked down stairs. I put her in the high chair when she started pulling my hair.
"Ow, Copeland! No pulling on my hair," I stammered.
“Do you have the stuff to make a bottle? That kid is killing me. I have a headache,” Mike groaned.
“Shut up, Mike. It’s our fault! We weren’t prepared for any of this,” I shouted.
"Our fault?! You're the one who fucked Cara! Not us!"
I ignored him and eyed Jaime.
“I asked a lady in the baby section and she suggests that we just give her warm milk. We bought the stuff to make formula, but that’s gonna take a while for me to figure out.”
“Okay, so lets give her milk. Did you buy a bottle?” I asked Jaime. He pulled it out of the bag and started pouring a large amount of milk into the bottle.
“Make sure when you put it in the microwave, don’t heat it up for too long. We don’t want it to burn her mouth.”
Jaime nodded his head at me.
Copeland was fussing and crying. To be honest, Mike was right. I was beginning to have a headache as well.
“Has she been like this since we left?” Tony asked, putting things away in the fridge.
“Yeah, she’s just hungry, that’s all,” I assured him.
After Jaime was done fixing her a bottle, he put it in the microwave. He walked over to Copeland and picked her up, pacing around and patting her gently on the back. Her head was lying cozily on his shoulder. Her crying began to settle in and she was finally quiet.
I stared at him. “How did you do that?”
“Do what?” Jaime questioned.
“That?! She stopped crying.”
“She just likes me more than you,” he grinned at me.
“Too bad I love her more than I love you,” I stuck my tongue out.
“Take that back,” he scoffed.
“Can’t. She’s my flesh and blood.”
“But I love you.”
“I love you too, Jaime.”
"Ew, can you guys stop talking? Thank you very much," Tony joined in.
A ding sound ended the microwave. I walked over and grabbed the bottle. Jaime sat on the couch while Tony and Mike went to their rooms.
“Do you wanna feed her?” Jaime directed towards me, making himself more comfortable. He rocked Copeland in his arms.
“Maybe I shouldn’t. She likes you more than me, as you say,” I grinned at him.
“I was only kidding but okay, fine. Hand me the bottle.”
I gave him the bottle and stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room?” I pointed up the stairs.
“No, keep me company.”
“Okay, let me use the bathroom first.” I walked away from Jaime. As I unzipped my jeans, I heard soft singing coming from the living room.
♪ But I can't keep my hands to my side
All they wanna do is touch, and my mouth it talks too much
My eyes they see everything...
Like the fact I can't explain the one thing I need to say
So I'll keep it here with me, so I can...
So I can try...
Try to be more obvious, and lie and tell me I'm right again. ♪
I finished my business and stood behind the wall so Jaime wouldn’t see me. It was him. He was the one singing. Wow, it’s beautiful. I’ve only heard him scream in our songs, nothing like his voice right now. I listened in on him singing to Copeland.
♪ Cause I swore that I'll be just fine when you're gone
But my body misses you like the sun
But something inside still feels wrong
Maybe it was you all along. ♪
I stepped away from the wall and sat next to Jaime. Copeland was quiet and drinking her milk.
I stared deeply into Jaime’s eyes. I wanted so badly just to kiss him, but something was holding me back. “Hey,” I told him.
He only smiled at me and eyed Copeland. “Look, I know this isn’t the most perfect time to tell you this, but…I don’t see Copeland in you at all.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She just doesn’t look like you.”
“She’s a baby, Jaime. Give it time. She can’t have all my features. Don’t forget, some things on her will look like Cara.”
“Her eyes are green though.”
“So?”
“Doesn’t Cara have blue eyes?”
He has a point. Cara does have blue eyes. And the baby’s eyes can’t be mine because mine are brown. “Maybe someone in Cara’s family has green eyes. I think her dad does. Just don’t worry too much about it.”
“What’s gonna happen when we’re on tour next week? We can‘t bring Cope on stage with us when we play. And isn‘t loud music bad for a new born?”
“Already ahead of you. When I find out who we’re touring with, I’ll have someone stay in our bus with her when we play on stage.”
“Great idea! I like it.”
Would really like to see a sequel :)
7/4/15