At the door, they both paused. Then David opened the door and led her inside.
The house was quiet, as usual. The very opposite of the DeSaria home.
"Mom? Dad?" David called out, shutting the door behind them.
Mrs. Haynes came around the corner, wearing a winter white wool dress. Her auburn hair had been drawn back in a tight bun. She looked thinner than the last time Lauren had seen her, and older.
Lauren could understand why. In the past weeks, shed learned how life could mark a person. "Hello, Mrs. Haynes," she said, moving forward.
Mrs. Haynes looked at her. A sadness tugged ever so slightly at her painted lips. "Hello, Lauren. How are you feeling?"
"Fine. "
"Thank you for agreeing to come today. David has told us its difficult for you. "
David squeezed her hand.
Lauren knew this was the time to say something, maybe state her opinion, but when she tried, nothing came out. She nodded instead.
Just then Mr. Haynes walked into the room. Dressed in a navy blue double-breasted suit and pale yellow shirt, he looked every bit the power player who was used to getting his way in the boardroom. Beside him was a heavyset man in a black suit.
"Hello, Lauren," Mr. Haynes said, not bothering to smile. He didnt look at his son. "Id like you to meet Stuart Phillips. Hes a well-respected attorney who specializes in adoption. "
That was all it took, just the word being spoken aloud, and Lauren started to cry.
Mrs. Haynes was beside her instantly, handing her a tissue, murmuring something about everything being okay.
But it wasnt okay.
Lauren wiped her eyes, muttered, "Sorry," and let herself be led into the living room. There, they all sat down on the expensive cream-colored furniture. She worried that her tears would stain the fabric.
There was a moment of awkward silence before the lawyer started to talk.
Lauren listened, or at least she tried to. Her heart was beating so loudly that sometimes she couldnt hear anything else. Bits and pieces drifted toward her, sticking like flotsam in the net of her mind.
best decision for the child
another family/another mother
better able to parent
termination of rights
college is best for you now
too young
When it was over and the lawyer had said everything hed come to say, he sat back in his chair and smiled easily, as if those words had been sounds and breath, nothing more. "Do you have any questions, Lauren?"
She looked around the room.
Mrs. Haynes looked ready to burst into tears and David was pale. His blue eyes were narrowed with worry. Mr. Haynes was tapping his armrest.
"You all think I should do this," Lauren said slowly.
"Youre too young to be parents," Mr. Haynes said. "David cant remember to feed the dog or make his bed, for Gods sake. "
Mrs. Haynes shot her husband a withering look, then smiled at Lauren. It was sad, that smile, and full of knowing. "Theres no easy answer here, Lauren. We know that. But you and David are good kids. You deserve a chance in life. Parenthood is hard work. You need to think about the baby, too. You want to give your child every opportunity. I tried to discuss all this with your mother, but she didnt return my calls. "