I just think it’s funny you expect us to celebrate some stranger’s baby.”
Another contraction gripped me.
I clutched the table.
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Hospital stay packing
Medical record organization
Childbirth preparation class
Dad finally looked up.
“You’re not doing this here.”
“Doing what?”
“Making a scene.”
My water broke beneath the table.
Silence.
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Hospital bag checklist
Postpartum care guide
Parenting advice books
Mom stared at the floor. TrackPregnancy
Then at me.
“Clean that before you leave.”
Something inside me became completely still.
Not shattered.
Finished.
I carefully stood.
“No one is driving me?”
Dad laughed.
“You’re a grown woman.”
I collected my hospital bag from the hallway. FindHospitals
Vanessa called after me, “Maybe call the real father.”
I paused by the door.
For a moment, they all expected tears.
Instead, I smiled.
Three days earlier, my attorney had completed documents removing my parents and Vanessa from every role