The next day, Mary Ellen came to school happily.
"What's happening with you?" I asked.
"Mom called the adoption center this morning and she's taking me there after school. She said you still can come with us so you can give us the directions to get there," replied Mary Ellen.
"Okay," I said. "Sounds good to me. They also let you meet a teen or anyone who had given up their babies. I did and that was when I knew adoption was the right choice for me. That was when you pick a couple that is right for your baby. Then, you can meet them."
"That sounds easy," said Mary Ellen.
"It is. I did an open adoption so the child can meet me when he or she turns 18 if they want. My secret is that they're getting a girl. I didn't tell anyone to keep this a surprise at birth," I said.
"Good idea," said Mary Ellen.
"I know," I agreed.
"I'll do an open adoption myself," said Mary Ellen.
"There's two different types. The other is closed. That means the agent picks the couple and they keep it a secret. Some women worry that reuniting wouldn't work out in the future," I said.
"I rather do open," said Mary Ellen.
"Me, too," I said. "I can't imagine doing closed adoption."
"Yeah. It's easier for the child to meet us in the future," said Mary Ellen.
"Exactly," I agreed. "Aren't you going to find out how far you are and due to tell an adopted couple when they get picked?"
"Mom scheduled it for Friday," replied Mary Ellen.
"It's always a good thing to be prepared," I said.
"I agree with you," said Mary Ellen.
After school, I suspected Eliza is jealous of me because she asked me why I was spending time with Mary Ellen. I didn't even tell Eliza what was going on because she didn't support my decision from the beginning until I made her understand. And, I am sure she'd do the same to Mary Ellen and I didn't want her to be tough. They even don't know each other. I bet she'd ignore her remarks. So, I just told Eliza that I was just showing Mary Ellen around town since she's new.
"Can I come, too?" asked Eliza.
"No, she wants to be alone with me right now," I replied. "Don't forget you and I can hang-out anytime."
"Yeah, we're just having girls' day," said Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen and I went to our lockers as we went outside when her mom was. Then, we took off to the adoption center. I showed them where to go. Mary Ellen talked to an agent and he arranged her to meet a teen next week after school at around 4:00 pm. That way he can make sure adoption is the right choice. It's good that they don't pressure you at all.
After we left, we went home.
"Do you want me to come with you when you come here to meet up the teen?" I asked.
"Yes, please," replied Mary Ellen.
"Okay," I said. "If you want to talk to her in private, I'll just wait for you. The other one and I were in a room when we talked. That was when I knew adoption was the right option for me and the baby."
"Alright, sounds good," said Mary Ellen with a grin.
When I got home, Dad was waiting for me because we were going out. He knew where I would be anyway.
"How did it go?" asked Dad.
"Very good. Mary Ellen would be meeting a teen next week," I said. "She asked me to go with her."
"Good," said Dad.
"I know," I agreed. "At least I knew what she was going through."
"It's good to be supportive," said Miranda.
"I agree. Eliza should take lessons from me. She suspected on what was going on, but I didn't bother telling her because I know she might not like the idea of Mary Ellen's plan like she was from the start," I said.
"I don't blame you," said Stephanie. "I wouldn't either."
On Friday, after school had ended for the weekend, I was at the doctor's office with Mary Ellen and her mom. I offered to go with her. She learned she was only ten weeks and she would be due in September. This would help her to be prepared when it's time for her to pick the right couple for her baby. We were in the waiting room. Her mom would meet us there.
"I feel nervous about meeting this teen," said Mary Ellen.
"That's normal," I said. "You're not alone. Some teen mothers can feel the same way."
"Did you feel that way?" asked Mary Ellen.
"No because I knew I would make out fine," I replied. "I know you would do fine, too."
"Thanks," said Mary Ellen with a grin.
"Not a problem," I smiled back.
"This choice is better than doing abortion," said Mary Ellen.
"I agree with you," I said.
"Are you girls ready to leave?" asked Hillary, who came from the restroom.
"Yes, we're just chatting," said Mary Ellen.
"I just have to get ready to spend the weekend with my mom. Dad's working and Stephanie loves spends at my mom with me," I said.
"Okay," said Hillary.
At home, I went to Stephanie who was ready to leave for Mom with me.
"Perfect timing," said Stephanie.
"I know," I said.
"How far is Mary Ellen?" asked Stephanie.
"She's about ten weeks and she's due in September after we go back to school," I replied.
"That's good," said Stephanie.
"This would help her get ready when she's ready to select an adoptive couple for her baby," I said. "She says she's getting nervous about meeting the teen, but I told her she's not alone since most teen mothers can feel the same way. I added that I wasn't like that because I did it just fine and I know she would be fine, too. She was glad."
"Good," said Stephanie as we left the house to Mom's.
"Yeah," I said. "Glad I told Mom I'd be late."
"That was the smart move," said Stephanie.
Mom knew what was going on and she was fine with it. When we went to Mom's, she was cooking dinner.
"Smells good," said Stephanie.
"I'm making chicken tenders and mashed potatoes," said Mom.
"Okay," I said.
Supper was served about ten minutes later and it was great. She's a great cook like Dad and Miranda.
"I'll be going out with someone next weekend," said Mom.
"Wow. Good for you," I said.
"I told him I'd think about it because I wanted to focus on being a Mom and he didn't have a problem, so we're taking our time," said Mom. "I also told him that you and I had just gotten reunited."
"I don't mind you going out," I said.
"Are you sure you're okay with that?" asked Mom.
"Yes. I liked Miranda since she was friends with Dad for many years. Plus, I have a stepsister, whom I love very much," I said.
"He has a daughter who is your age. He's divorced and his daughter is struggling with that," said Mom.
"I believe that. I was like that at first, but then, I realized my parents got along much better after they got divorced," said Stephanie. "Divorce isn't an easy thing to deal with."
"What's your new boyfriend's name?" I asked.
"His name is Albert Brooks," replied Mom.
"Isn't his daughter is Melissa?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Mom.
"I know who she is. She goes to our school. She's in one of my classes," I said. "Does she know that her life might change?"
"No," replied Mom. "Albert hasn't told her yet because she wasn't sure on how she would take it."
Stephanie and I just stared at each other. We also understood.
"She lives with her mom full-time and visits her father on weekends," continued Mom.
"I did realize her grades started going down, but hasn't told the teachers what was bothering her. I don't think she's ready to tell anyone yet," I said.
"I noticed that, too," said Stephanie. "I have her in some of my classes, too."
"It's a shame," I said.
"How long were her parents divorced?" asked Stephanie.
"Back in February. It happened during Winter Vacation," said Mom.
"That must have ruined her school vacation," I said. "I know I'd be miserable if that was me."
"I think she'd be glad that you girls would help her," said Mom.
"I think so, too," I said.
After dinner, Mom said Albert would be coming over tomorrow.
"You can meet him then," said Mom.
"Okay," I said.
"In fact, he's coming for lunch," added Mom.
"Sounds good," said Stephanie.
"And, um, when time comes for you both to be remarried, how would Melissa spend weekends here? We only have two rooms and our room only has twin beds," I said.
"You got a good point. I'm sure we can talk about it when time comes," said my mom.
"We have time to decide," said Stephanie.
"Yeah, I know. I think I have a plan. Isn't our room big enough to have another bed?" I asked.
"I think so," said Stephanie.
"We could add a bunk bed," I said.
"That would be a good solution," said Stephanie.
"Too bad the house isn't big enough," I said.
"I know," said Stephanie.
The next day, Albert came over before 11:00 am.
"Girls, this is Mr. Albert Brooks. Al, this is my daughter, Rebecca and her friend, Stephanie. They just recently became stepsisters," said Mom.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you," said Albert.
"Hi. We know your daughter, Melissa, we go to the same high school," I said.
"That's right," said Albert.
"We have her in some of our classes," said Stephanie.
"How is she making out these days?" I asked.
"She's still having a hard time to accept the divorce," said Albert.
"I bet," I said.
"I know the feeling," said Stephanie. "My parents got divorced not long ago. I took it hard, but I knew they got along much better. I still visited him on weekends in California where I grew up. My father recently passed away of a broken heart."
She didn't want to mention that he killed himself to anyone. She would make up a story saying he died of a broken heart. I didn't blame her for that. She told me she didn't want to give that idea to Melissa about killing herself last night. I agreed with her.
Albert took us out to lunch. He didn't have Melissa with him anyway. She only visits him every other weekend. That was perfect for him.
"How will you have the time to go out with Mom if you have Melissa with you next weekend?" I asked.
"We picked Sundays because that's when she goes back home to her mom before dinner," answered Albert. "I bring her home by 5:00 pm, so we didn't have to worry about that."
"That's a good idea. I go home to my father on Sundays after lunch anyway. I live with him full-time," I said.
"That's good," said Albert.
"I know," agreed Stephanie.
We went to Cheesecake Factory and it was good.
"This is one of my favorite restaurants," I said.
"Mine, too," said Albert.
I liked him right away and I think he'd be a great stepfather if that happens. Stephanie thinks so, too.
After lunch, we went through the mall for a bit before we left for home. Albert brought us home before he went home.
"Thanks for everything," I said.
"Not a problem," said Albert. "It was nice meeting you and Stephanie."
"Same here. We had a fun time," said Stephanie while we went inside with Mom.
"What did you think of him?" asked Mom.
"We liked him," I replied.
"Yes, indeed. He's very nice," said Stephanie.
"Good," said Mom.
That night, I started sneezing a bit. I knew what that means. I was catching a cold. Thank god I was going home tomorrow anyway. I decided to sleep on the couch so I can rest and that was the best way so that Stephanie won't catch it from me. That's what we decided to do since we don't have extra rooms here or Dad's.
"I think I'll go home early tomorrow if that's okay," I said.
"That's fine," said Mom.
My nose was red by the time we went to bed.
"Is there anything you can take during your pregnancy with your cold?" asked Mom.
"I don't think I can take meds. It tells you not to take anything during pregnancy because of birth defects and I don't want to take that chance to give the couple my baby with birth defects," I replied. "I'll just rest."
"Okay. I don't blame you," agreed Mom.
"I'm going to call Dad and tell him," I said. "He's already up by this time to get ready for work."
That's what he did and he said he can have Miranda gets us while he sleeps. I told him that's fine. He added she'll get us by 9:00 in the morning. That works. I can rest in bed during that time.
In the middle of the night, I didn't sleep too much because of my cold. Luckily, I got up to get some orange juice. I was also coughing most of the time. I didn't get up when morning came around until Miranda arrived.
"Becky, Mom's here," said Stephanie.
"Oh, good," I said while losing my voice.
"Are you losing your voice this morning?" asked Stephanie.
"I am," I replied. "I'm not going to talk much so I can rest my voice."
"Good idea," agreed Stephanie.
At home, I went to my room and crawled into bed.
"She's quiet," said Miranda.
"She lost her voice this morning. She decided not to talk too much so she can rest her voice," said Stephanie.
"Oh, I get it," said Miranda.
"She just got that cold last night," continued Stephanie. "She was afraid to take meds that could cause a birth defect."
"I don't blame her," said Miranda.
"Me, either," said Stephanie.
"And, this will be Robert's final time to work the third shift. He decided to switch it to the first shift during the weekend, but keep the last shift for weekends," said Miranda.
"That's good. I bet he can't wait so he can catch on his sleep," said Stephanie.
"Yes. He wants to spend time with us especially when you girls get home from school," said Miranda. "He said it didn't matter since he still spends time with us when he works the last shift. He just wants to take a break from that for a bit."
A few hours later, I was sleeping while Dad got up at 11:00 am.
"Mom was telling us this would be last night to work the final shift," said Stephanie.
"Yes. Keeping that on weekends is perfect while you girls are with her mother," said Dad. "I just wanted to work the first shift while you girls are in school so we can have more family fun especially at night when I didn't have to rush to come home to sleep before work."
"That's good," said Stephanie.
"How's Becky?" asked Dad.
"She's in bed. She also lost her voice when Mom came for us," said Stephanie. "She wanted to rest her voice."
"Okay," said my father. "I bet she's glad to come home early today."
"She is," said Stephanie. "It would give her time to rest up."
I didn't get my voice back until later that night and I was glad to have it back. But I still have that cold. I didn't go to school for the next two days until it went away. It felt great to be back in school. I was able to get some work done while I was in bed although it was tricky since I kept sneezing, so I saved it the night I got better and did it for the following day. I was all caught up after all that.