Under My Enemy's Roof - Under Him

For a moment, he just stood there. He rubbed his face and stared off into the distance. Suddenly, he sighed, nodded and dropped his hands. Slowly, he walked out of the room. I think he just needed some time to process.

After he left the room, Daphene hugged me. She took my hands and Phil’s and smiled.

“I’m happy for you both,” she smiled. “Give your dad some time, he’ll come around. He’s a man that’s more set in his ways.”

“Thanks for your support, mom,” Phil said.

“You always have it, Sweetie. I’m happy for the both of you,” she smiled. “But we will have to discuss how to…explain this to people. I don’t want them to get the wrong impression.”

“Well, the truth seems to work,” Phil replied. “It worked with you guys.”

“Yes, I suppose,” she agreed. “Although maybe there’s a way to ease people into it before we tell them you’re expecting and getting married.”

“I don’t think it will be that complicated,” dismissed Phil. “It’s not like Tracianne and I grew up together as brother and sister.”

“And when you think about it, it makes sense,” I noted. “You were attracted to Richard for his qualities, Phil is attracted to my qualities for similar reasons.”EpiloguePhil

Six Months LaterI was in the clinic, standing behind the glass window, looking at the baby. We had thought of so many different names, but it was time to pick one. It was going to be tough. So many names that kids make fun of in school, right?

A noise behind me caused me to turn around, it was Richard walking into the hall. After he had walked out of the room that day, he didn’t really talk to us much. He and Tracianne had a few more blowups. He had a lot of trouble accepting us as a couple.

“Is it okay if I come in and look?” he asked humbly.

“Of course,” I said. “Third basinet from the right, top row.”

“Wow,” he said looking. “I remember looking at Tracianne this way. Congrats, buddy.”

We shook hands. I knew he’d come around eventually. Daughters always have a way of getting their way with their dads.

“How is she?” he asked.

“Doing great,” I responded. “She’s healthy. No complications. How about you?”

“I feel like an ass,” he admitted. “I, uh, let this go too far. My pride or whatever. I just don’t know what got into me. I guess you both just surprised me.”

“Look, if it’s any consolation, the first time Tracianne and I kissed--- It was weird and shocking to me,” I confessed. “I ran through the same thoughts in my head, ya know? Who would accept us? What would people think and all.”

“Then you realize, who cares what people think,” Richard said. “It took me a while, but I got there. I’m glad you two are happy.”

He started to leave.

“Where you going? Tracianne’s room is that way,” I pointed.

“Oh, I probably shouldn’t right now,” he said, still embarrassed.

“C’mon,” I said, taking him by the arm. “Let’s start fresh.”

“You’re sure.”

“If the pandemic taught me one thing, it’s the power of the present,” I said. “Besides, mom’s already in there. We should be a family again.”

“Hey,” I said, entering the room ahead of Richard. “I have a visitor who wants to see you.”

Richard came in. His body language was a bit sheepish.

“Hey princess,” he greeted. “Look, I just want to say, I’m sorry. I’ve been stubborn through this whole thing and--- Well, I took it too far.”

“Daddy, it’s fine,” she assured him tearfully. “I just want a hug.”

They hugged and cried. Mom cried too, so I gave her a hug. We were one big happy family again. All was forgiven. In Richard’s defense, he didn’t have much to be sorry for. I mean, he never tried to stop us, just moped around for six months.

And things were looking hopeful on the virus front too. Our doctor had mentioned they were close to a vaccine and all the riots and bad news had finally settled. People were regaining their senses and life was returning to normal.

The new normal for me and Tracianne was going to be life with the baby. Since we moved out, we had been prepping our apartment. I was killing myself working and going to school, but it was all worth it.

Family’s always worth it.Tracianne

Three Months LaterThankfully, the vaccine for the Corona virus was not only created, but everyone had it readily available. Phil’s job at the radio station as a presenter was more than paying our bills. He got home one night while I was watching Terry sleeping.

“Hey,” he whispered through his mask. “How’s the little guy?”

“Tuckered out,” I whispered. “Don’t wake him.”

He took off his mask and grabbed me by the hand, pulling me to my feet.

“What are you doing?” I mildly objected. “You haven’t sanitized.”

“Ooo, I’m dirty. Perhaps I need to get clean,” he said playfully. “Care to join me?”