Ben (The Sherwood)

“Oh,” she murmured. “I’m so tired. I thought it was Jeremiah.”

Our son had not been sleeping. Belly aches the doctor called colic had been keeping him up every night this week. I swear I could sleep on my feet. I’m surprised I hadn’t set fire to my pants with a welder.

Asia on the other hand slept like an angel. My brother had not seen her since that night at the hospital and our kids were six weeks old.

She continued to cry. I uncovered my eyes. Jasmine wasn’t getting her. “I’ll go check on her.”

“No, I’ll go.” I pushed Jenny back on the bed. She had gotten up with Jeremiah several times because our baby boy wanted no one, but his momma. Her boob the only thing that would sooth him.

I couldn’t blame him. I loved her boobs too. She rolled her eyes at me when I said that out loud. Jenny didn’t like it, so I didn’t say it out loud often, but I could think it.

She was more beautiful to me now that she was the mother of my son. I loved her more than I ever thought was possible.

I stumbled down the hall to Jazzy’s room. I knocked but she didn’t answer. Then, I called her name. Jasmine still didn’t respond so, I carefully opened the door.

Her bed was made like it had never been slept in. Jasmine wasn’t known for being neat and making beds. The baby was in the crib, next to it. A piece of notebook paper laid across the middle of the bed.

I went to the crib first and picked up Asia. I cradled her against my bare chest until she quieted. My niece was a good baby not like my son who at times was inconsolable. Jen and I were at our wits end with Jeremiah.

My niece was beautiful. Dark, fuzzy hair covered her head. She looked exactly like my brother. Then, I went to the bed. I had to read what was on that letter and face the truth. Jasmine was gone. Beneath the notebook paper was an envelope with Ben’s name on it. I knew this wasn’t going to be good.

I glanced at the child in my arms. I kissed my niece’s forehead. Then, I read the letter.

Elijah and Jenny,

I’m sorry to do this to you. I know I promised to take care of Jeremiah while Jenny went to work but I can’t do this. I’m only twenty. I couldn’t imagine ever hurting my baby or ending my pregnancy like Ben wanted, but he was right I’m not ready to be a mother.

I’m leaving Asia in your care. I hope that Ben will be a father to her since I can’t be her mother. I’ve been so depressed since she was born. I think you’ve realized that even if I couldn’t say anything and you didn’t either. I thought she would fill that void in my life since I left home but I’m not ready for this. Please understand.

I love you guys.

Please take care of her for me if Ben won’t.

Love,

Jasmine

Ben had better be ready to be a father. He was about to get one big surprise. I grabbed up both letters and headed down the hall to our bedroom with Asia tucked securely against my chest. “It’ll be all right baby girl,” I promised my niece.

“Jen, we have a problem,” I said as I opened the door to our room.

She rolled to her back, her hair spilling around her in loose curls. “What?”

“Jasmine left.”

“What do you mean, Jasmine left?” She sat up in the bed then I handed her the letter and I sat beside her while I grabbed my phone. “What are you doing?” She asked glancing at me then the letter in her hand.

“Calling Ben. He’s going to help with his daughter.”

Jenny rubbed her eyes. She snatched my phone out of my hand and snapped, “Wait a minute. Let me read the letter.”

Her eyes scanned the words Jasmine had written then she looked at me. “Do you think we should give her a day or two?”

“For what?” I asked staring at her like she had three heads.

“To come back,” Jen replied. I knew she couldn’t understand Jazzy leaving her baby but no, hell no. We were not waiting on her to return. What if she didn’t? We would have two newborns to care for. A terrifying thought since one of them didn’t know the meaning of sleep.

“No. Hell no, woman. We are having trouble with one six-week-old baby. We will be eaten alive by two of them,” I informed her.