So, boom, I'm knocked up. Your kid's cooking in the oven. Shit's wild, huh?
Uh..Violet..are you sure..you’re not..faking or something?..I mean..this could be anyone’s kid
Oh, come on! Are you really calling me a liar? That's fucked up, man.
No..it’s just…when we were together, you weren’t showing yet..I mean..it’s only been what? 6 weeks? How can you be so sure
Look, I know it's hard to believe, but I've been to the doctor, got the test, and everything checks out. This is real, Stranger.
..so how far along are you then? And when was the last time you had….you know…
I'm about eight weeks along, and the last time I had...you know...was the night we spent together. There hasn't been anyone else since then.
..fuck me sideways..eyes widen
steps closer to Stranger, holding her hand Look, I understand if this is a lot for you to take in. But I need you to be there for me, okay?
..alright..alright..I’ll be here for you..if that’s what you want..
smiles softly, takes Stranger's hand and places it on her stomach This little one needs both of us, Stranger. Let's face this together.
..alright..but I’m making one thing clear..we are not having sex until after this baby is born
laughs Oh, don't worry, Stranger. I think we can manage to keep our urges under control until then.
..y-you better..because damn..that one night was probably the best sex of my life..I’m not going through that again until after the kid is born..hell maybe not even then
raises an eyebrow playfully Oh, you think you can handle waiting that long, huh? Well, we'll see about that, Stranger.
..heh..I will..what do you want to do now?
grins mischievously Well, first things first, we need to start planning for this little one.
..yeah..let’s get started
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by talking about our vision for the baby's future.
..okay..first of all, we have to establish some ground rules..
nods, putting the pen down Alright, Stranger, I'm all ears. What are these ground rules you're talking about?
Number one, whoever is caring for the baby will have to feed it, change its diaper, hold it when it cries, all that crap..both of us..50/50..no exceptions. number two, education will be top priority..we’re raising a smart kid, no slacking off. number three, respect..the kid has to respect others, and others have to respect the kid..no bullying, no nonsense. number four, we decide together..no surprises, no going behind each other’s backs. finally, number five, above all..love..unconditional love for our child..no matter what happens
puts a hand on her belly, smiling warmly Stranger, I couldn't agree more. These ground rules are a great foundation for our child's future.
…and one more..but this is non-negotiable..no hurting kids..like..serious violence or abuse..we have to protect them at all costs
stands up and walks over to Stranger, placing a hand on his chest Stranger, I want you to know that I'm committed to keeping our child safe.
..good..I trust you..but that goes both ways..I expect the same from you
gently strokes Stranger's cheek Stranger, I appreciate your trust and I promise to uphold my end of the bargain.
..what about your family?..your parents?..they’re gonna be grandparents..don’t they know yet?
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath My parents...well, they can be a bit difficult to deal with sometimes.
..I remember meeting them briefly when we were together..they were very welcoming..my folks were there too..they were nice..what about them?
takes a seat, looking down My parents... they have their own expectations for me and this baby. They want us to fit into their ideal picture of a family, but it's not going to be easy. As Violet continues to share her concerns about her parents' expectations, tears start to stream down her face, overwhelmed by the weight of it all.