After writing that email to Justin, I had a fitful night of sleep. Tossing and turning while dreading his response. Dreaming that he would blow us off, never to hear from him again just as I feared. I have no idea what I would tell Livie if that happened, but I know that writing him that email was the right thing to do. I need to protect my little girl at all costs. She is the most important thing in the world to me.

The entire morning was filled with questions from Livie of when she was going to get to see Batman again. I can’t say that I am surprised, but it breaks my heart to know eventually I am going to have to tell her she won’t be able to see him again. Maybe I could let her hang one of the pictures in her room. Thankfully, the questions stop as soon as I let her know it is time to head to preschool. Other than being home with me, that has to be one of her favorite places.

I get her into the car and buckled up, taking the short drive over to Kidology. Once we arrive, I can barely get her unbuckled quickly enough before she hops out of her seat and runs toward the door. I chuckle as I follow; I remember when I used to have to pry her off my leg in order to make it to work on time.

As I enter, I’m greeted by a very angry and pregnant-looking Avery. “Got any food?”

“Well hello to you too. I have a granola bar.” I reach into my bag and grab it. As I stretch my hand in her direction, she snatches it, ripping the wrapper open and takes a bite, moaning in the process.

“Oh my God! So good!”

“You sound like you are in heat out here.” A very pregnant Amber comes waddling around the corner. “Good morning, Becca. How are you doing?”

“Apparently, I just fed the beast.” I giggle. “What are you two doing here so early?”

“We have our last checkup before the babies come. Katie is coming with us, but Emma was running late this morning, so she had to stop here to open up first.”

“That’s strange, Emma is never late,” I say, wondering what would cause Emma to be so late. “I hope everything is alright.”

“That hooker is just fine. She has a case of Old-Man-itics,” Avery says

“What?” I ask.

“Jimmy,” Katie and Amber say in unison as they begin to laugh. I can be dense sometimes. Of course, Emma would be late in order to spend some time with that fine ass man before work, I’m surprised she is coming in at all. Maybe that’s just me.

Just as we all settle down, Emma walks through the door looking well taken care of. This gets us all going again. “What’s so funny?” None of us are able to control our laughter to answer. She just shakes her head and continues to her office.

“Before I forget, you need to be at my house on Saturday. Layla is coming down from Los Angeles to hang out. She hardly has time to visit, so I want to make sure she is able to meet you,” Katie says as she helps Avery stand up. I do not miss being that pregnant.

“Ugh, do we have to see the Ice Queen. Baby Boy, can you please decide to come out, so I don’t have to deal with her? She did try to kill us after all.” Avery coos at her belly as she gently strokes it. Avery is hard as nails, but when it comes to her baby, I can tell she is going to have a softer side.

“Avery, you’re just mad because there is someone in the world that’s a bigger bitch than you,” Katie says.

“Is that even possible!?!” I say in shock as I hold the door open for the three of them to exit.

“It is! She even has put Avery in her place a time or two, it’s an amazing sight to see,” Amber says with a wave as they all head toward Katie’s car.

I head down the hallway to give Olivia a kiss goodbye and give Emma a wave before heading out myself. I can tell that meeting this Layla person is going to be very interesting.

It’s been one hell of a day at work. I knew choosing to work in the emergency room would be a challenge, but I wanted something that would keep me occupied and with somewhat flexible hours. I love my job but being on my feet for almost six hours, with another six to go, is taking its toll on me today. Especially after the little sleep I had last night.

“Girl, you look dead on your feet, go grab some coffee or something.” Shelly taps me on the shoulder as she passes by.

“I still have to check bed five’s IV, and bed ten needs a blood draw,” I say, heading in that direction.

“Don’t stress. I just got back from break, go ahead and take one right now. I’ll let Cynthia know, just come let me know when you get back, so I can give you an update about what is going on.” She gives me a smile before heading off toward the patients I mentioned.

Now being relieved of duty, for the time being, I head toward the break room. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket earlier and have been itching to check it. Emma knows to call the front desk if it is an emergency, so I just know it must be a return email from Justin. Entering the break room, I pour myself a cup of coffee, add cream and sugar, then have a seat. I take a deep breath and then open my email app, sure enough, there is a new email from him waiting.

I lay my head on the break room table, closing my eyes tightly to keep the tears from falling. This man never ceases to amaze me, not just him, the whole group of them. They have welcomed Olivia and I, made us one of their own and know nothing about us other than we are alone. I am not used to anyone being there for me, other than my parents, the sympathetic looks following me everywhere. No one has called me strong or helped me fight for the things I want for Olivia and I in life.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I head back to work. I have no idea what I am going to say to Justin, but I do know that I can’t let him go. I need his strength in my life, for both mine and Olivia’s sake. Running is no longer an option, it’s time that I finally take that leap of faith everyone has been talking about.