Mistake

The b***h cuddled the infant in her arms, rocking the cooing tragedy to and fro. The father awkwardly gazed at his own creation. The love in his eyes, daggers, penetrated the young woman's heart. She stifled her breathing, uncertain whether the love was directed towards the infant or the b***h. Jealousy seethed in the depth of her heart. Hatred bubbled in her brain. Yet, she stood hoping no one could see the sorrow on her face.

"Would you like to hold the baby?" The infant's mother inquired softly. Julissa, the b***h, stretched her arms toward the father, the baby reminiscent to an offering. The little brown creature wiggling beneath the hospital blanket. The lights in the room blinding everyone beneath its glare. Anika stepped backwards once, then again.

Why am I here? Everything is so screwed up. I wanted to support him as a friend. I wanted to be her for him, but now all I want to do is run away. It's his baby not mine. So, why do I feel regretful. He slept with the b***h, not me.

Jeremy lifted the miniature human. His eyes surveyed the baby.

"Hey baby girl, hey Lisa." He nudged the baby's fingers with his own large flat finger. Her soft skin rippled at his touch. Anika's sorrow was temporarily calmed by the intimate scene.

"She looks just like her daddy." Jezebel beamed gleefully. She patted Jeremy's arm and Anika could have punched her. Jeremy remained oblivious to her melancholy.

I feel out of place. I'm his friend, but nothing more. Why does he need me here? This is his moment to shine. Watching this scene is making me sick.

Her stomach, head, and chest pained her. The breath in her lungs refused to rise. Air stuck in her throat like gum on a shoe. During the 9 months of pregnancy denial had been her middle name, Julissa and Jeremy's mistake an impossibility. Now, as she stared at the product of the mistake firsthand, her mind and body separated. Her mind still believing the past lies she told herself. Her body faced a gruesome reality, a scenario which left her emotionally, physically, and mentally wounded.

How can he be proud of something that should have never been?