“This house is perfect for you two, a lot of room to grow into,” Skylar says while she rubs Micah’s back. Both of his parents are commenting how much they love the house.

The house has three bedrooms in all, entirely decorated in neutral tones. I love it, not a thing I would change.

“We only need furniture to fill this house,” I say not to anyone in particular.

“Oh honey, we will help with that,” Skylar says mentioning all the furniture she is going to donate to us. My head is swimming with how fast this is all going.

We spend the next hour walking around, talking all about the things Micah would change. I’m beaming with excitement, and nodding with my agreement. Of course I don’t care what he does with it, leave me alone in the kitchen, and I’ll be golden. Still can’t believe we will be living here…as a couple. It’s all so unbelievable, if this is a dream…do not wake me up.

His parents walk us out to Micah’s car saying our good-byes. I thank them profusely for all they have done, but they keep telling me it’s no big deal. Micah is happy, and that is the only thing they care about. It’s then I find out we are having dinner at their house. Grimacing, I know what I’m in for…questions. Oh boy, time to relive it again as the day has come for the talk of their long-lost grandchild. I’ve avoided seeing them since I got back together with Micah. I know I can’t avoid them any longer so we just need to get it over with. The sooner we do, the sooner we can all learn to cope.

WE ALL GATHER in the living room after dinner. At least I got to eat before the acquisition begins. Time to take some deep breaths and just answer them as honestly as I can, not sure what else they could want from me. I brought my picture of him to show his grandparents. They have a right to see it.

All eyes settle on me, and my mind is playing out worst-case scenarios. My irrational mind worries they will end up hating me. It's all I can think about and replaying the events that cause my heart to palpitate. Letting my eyes settle on each of theirs, I’m silently seeking reassurance that they will understand I only did what I was forced to do.

I start the conversation, fingering my necklace and shifting, unable to get comfortable. “I found out I was pregnant shortly after Micah left…not why or where he went. Not knowing how he felt, it never crossed my mind to come to you all.” I say looking at his parents finally letting my eyes settle on Matt.

Mostly the question and answer part of the night went off with no yelling or shouting. They listened, cried and put themselves in my shoes. It shocked me, if I’m honest because Micah had a totally different reaction when he found out. Tears were shed, and regrets were shared, but we made it through. The picture of him is what caused his mom and dad to break down, and it tears my heart apart once again. Matt’s face is just as shocked, only this time he is more agitated after seeing his nephew’s picture.

“I want to find him, I have a right to find him,” Matt exclaims.

The room goes silent. All eyes shift my way.

“I don’t know the first thing about trying to find him, Matt. My parents, as you know, set it up, the only thing I know is Catholic Charities was the agency. Beyond that, nothing.” My eyes widen and my shoulders sag.

Dave then spoke up. “What city did you give birth in, Elsa? You mentioned you gave birth while staying with your aunt, right?”

Nodding. “Yeah, I was in Waterloo.”

“Then that is where we start. I know people who can help.” Matt says while pulling out his phone. “I’ll just text him to call me when he can, he does this sort of stuff.”

“You mean Tyler?” Micah asks.

“Yep,” Matt says while still texting, Micah just nodded his head.

“Should we ask my parents for any documents, they have to have something?” I cringe even saying it. My parents are the last people I want anything from.

Skylar says unashamed, “I don’t want a thing from those people, they have done enough to hurt my family. I’m sorry Elsa, but your parents piss me off. They should have told us…FIRST.”

Can’t argue with her there. I keep my mouth shut and just nod my head to agree.

Micah’s rubbing my shoulders. “Ready, baby? Let’s get you home.”

Hell to the yes, I need to get out of here. Enough reminiscing about my past for one night. Great if Matt’s friend can help, but I’m not fully convinced he can. Micah’s been quiet on the subject of finding Michael, and I’m afraid to ask him what he thinks. I’m not even sure of my feelings. I’ve never even considered trying to find him.

Lying in bed at Micah’s, neither one of us want to be alone. We need each other. We both work early tomorrow, but tonight is about holding onto one another. Micah cradles me under his chin, nuzzled up against his warm chest, his breathing calms my own. “Pretty girl, get some rest. You are beyond tired, and I know our evening was not easy for you. Hell, it wasn’t easy on any of us. How do you really feel about Matt trying to find him?”

“I’m not sure, scared I guess.”

“A part of me is scared shitless. I want to see him, but what scares me the most is that it won’t change a damn thing. I don’t have a right ever to get him back… is it better not to find him?” His voice softens to a whisper.

With a deep sigh. “Oh Micah, it’s not a bad thing and I’m not sure myself. Are we better to just let it go? If we see him, we’ll want him back, and that’s most likely not possible. My heart breaks either way.”

He gives me a gentle kiss and hugs me tight. A way to reassure me... or comfort me, either way it’s nice.

“Will it ever get easier? Micah, sometimes I’m scared our damaged past will always come between us. We’ve both lost so much.”

He lightly laughs, kissing the top of my head. “Were not damaged baby, we just have history. Some parts will always hurt, but we get to make our future. We will do it right.”

Falling asleep, I’m praying he’s right.

MY LAST DAY AT the dental office came and went. It was also my last day of living with Liza, she stayed away from most of the moving. Just when Micah, Matt and I were getting the last of the few boxes, Liza and Nick walk in together. We all pause, looking at one another. It’s obvious no one wants to be the first to speak. So I do.

“Hey guys, just getting the last of my things and I’ll be out of your hair.” I say in a cheerful tone. Swallowing down how awkward this really is.

Liza merely nodded. “Um, okay. You do know I’ll miss you, right?” Her voice is soft, and she’s avoiding to look me in the eyes.

I’m a bit surprised, so I smile and give her a hug. “Yeah, I know. I’ll miss you too, and when you’re ready, if ever… we can do lunch.”

“Do I get to come to lunch, or am I off limits to you, now that you are being back with him?” Nick chimes in, saying it in a not so friendly tone while he points his finger at Micah.

Standing in between them, I hold up my hand to Nick. “Stop it. I’m always going to be your friend, unless you don’t want to be my friend anymore.” It’s not the time for Nick to go off, I’m sure Micah will no doubt respond.

Turning my head to Micah, I see he’s fighting all of his urges. A bulging vein is pulsing in his neck. Good Lord, he’s pissed.

Standing up taller, Micah inches closer. “Nick, do not give her shit. If you can’t support us, stay the hell away. Simple as that.” Micah and Matt share a look, both ready to beat his ass if need be.

“Do you speak for her now too, Micah? Should I just ask you for permission before I talk to her?”

“Fuck off, man.” Micah’s close to losing it with the way his fists are balled up. Just to keep the peace, Matt reminds Micah to chill.