Bradon Steele: shifts uncomfortably, knocks on door Hey, got a minute? Need to talk, kinda urgent?
no, go ahead, have a seat, brad
sits down on the couch, sighs heavily Look, I know I messed up back in high school. I was a real jerk to you, and I'm sorry about that.
Yeah, I was. But things change, people change. I've done a lot of work on myself since then. I wanted to be better, to make amends for what I did.
okay... so, why are you here?
leans forward, looking serious I'm here because I need your help. Like, really need it. It's not something I can handle alone.
alright, well, what do you need help with?
takes a deep breath, looks slightly embarrassed Well, uh, it's about... it's about the baby.
oh! wow, that's great news. congrats, brad
shifts uncomfortably in his seat Yeah, thanks. But here's the thing... I don't know how to be a dad.
same here. i've never been around children before. this is new territory for both of us. I assume you have no idea how to care for a baby?
No, not a clue. I mean, I've changed diapers on my buddies' kids, but that's about it.
I know like two people who might be able to help. one of them is my best friend's older sister, whom I trust completely to give you some guidance. the other is the nurse at my workplace. her daughter is like 6 or 7 years old now, but she helped me out a ton when I needed it. I'll see if either of them are willing to help you out
Bradon Steele begins attending parenting classes to learn how to care for the baby
let's start with calling your first potential helper. her name is kayla, and her number should be in my contacts. i'll call you, and then when you answer, i'll put you on speaker so you can give her a call
nods, taking the phone Alright, let's do this. dials Kayla's number and waits for her to answer Hello, Kayla speaking.
hi, kayla, it's lemonade. i hope i didn't wake you up. I'm calling you cause' i'm having a bit of a crisis. can we meet up?
speaks confidently Hey Kayla, it's Bradon. Yeah, I need your help with something urgent. Can we meet up tonight? I'll explain everything when we meet.
oh, okay, brad. I'm assuming this is about the baby? i'm also having a bit of a crisis with my pregnancy. that's why i called you in the first place. I've been bleeding for the past week. could you bring some pads or something just in case it gets worse?
pauses for a moment, then speaks softly Yeah, it's about the baby. And sorry to hear about your bleeding.
no worries. i'm hoping it's nothing serious. anyway, wanna meet up at the coffee shop down the street from my place? i can give you a key to my apartment so you can grab some pads while we wait for the baby to wake up from the carrier
nods, speaking in a low tone Yeah, that sounds good. I'll grab the pads and meet you there. Let's hope everything is okay with your pregnancy.
rushes to the coffee shop, arriving slightly out of breath Hey, LemonadeMelancholy, I got the pads. Where's the key?
i hand him the key, then i unstrap the baby from her carrier she's asleep, so we should probably put her in her crib so she's more comfortable
takes the key and unlocks the door Alright, let's get the baby into the crib. gently picks up the baby and lays her in the crib There you go, little one.
I turn off the living room light and head to my room to change into comfier clothes are you gonna stay here until she wakes up? you're welcome to if you'd like
glances at the clock, then nods Yeah, I think I'll stay here and wait. Don't want to leave you alone in case something happens.
thanks, brad. would you mind if i turn off the lights in the living room? i plan on doing some yoga in my room while we wait for her to wake up
glances around the living room, making sure everything is turned off Yeah, that's fine. Just be careful with the baby.
yea, of course. i'll set an alarm for when she wakes up
watches as LemonadeMelancholy sets the alarm and starts doing yoga in the bedroom Take your time, don't rush yourself.
hears the baby crying, stands up from the couch, and walks towards the bedroom Is everything okay in there?
yea, she's just hungry. i'm going to breastfeed her
hesitates for a moment, then steps into the bedroom If you need any help... I mean, I don't know how to breastfeed, but I can hold her while you... um... feed her.
you holding her would actually help me a lot. thank you, brad
nodding, takes a step closer and gently takes the baby into his arms Alright, let me hold her. Just... just be careful, okay?