Either You Do...Or You Don't

Chapter 3-

Allison’s POV

I found myself buzzing up to Melanie’s apartment. She and Sidney had split up for good and she got a place of her own. After a few minutes, Melanie let me up into her apartment. Before I could even knock, she answered.

“He didn’t take it well?” she asked

I shook my head, “No…not really…he’s for sure that the baby isn’t his because he and I had used protection…”

Melanie’s eyes widened, “Oh. Well, there’s still a chance…”

“Very slight.”

“But still. There is a chance…”

“Melanie…be realistic. This baby isn’t James’. Can I stay here tonight? I just can’t go home with him…”

“Sure. Do you need anything?”

I nodded, “Can you go get some things for me?”

Melanie smiled, “Sure. Make a list.”

I jotted down a couple of items on a scrap of paper and handed it to Melanie. She grabbed her keys and headed for the door. “Thanks, Mel.”

“No problem. I’ll be back in a minute.”

James’ POV:

I laid back on the couch and flipped another channel…over 600 channels and not a damn thing on. I sat up and turned the TV so I could play Xbox. Just before I could put in a game, my doorbell rang.

I sighed, “Pauly, I am not in the mood for…oh, Melanie…”

“Hi.” she said with a smile. “Were you expecting Paul?”

“He usually comes by to check on me…can I help you? thought we had agreed not to see each other again…”

“This has nothing to do with that…I came for Allison. She came over to my place.”

“Is she okay?”

“She’s okay. Upset, but okay.”

“I didn’t mean to yell at her. I just…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, James. Listen, I have to grab her things and go…I don’t want her to get suspicious.”

“Alright, Mel…She’s been staying in the guest room. You should find what you need in there.” I sat back down on the couch and Melanie went into the room for a few minutes, before returning with a duffle bag of Allison’s clothes. “Melanie…”

“What, James?” she asked

“You didn’t tell her about us…did you?”

“No. “

I nodded, “Okay.”

Allison’s POV:

I sighed as I looked around Melanie’s place. It was pretty big for an apartment. Some of her boxes were still unpacked in the smaller room. Her bedroom was set up much like the one she had in the apartment we shared.

I headed back to the living room just as Melanie was returning. “Is he OK?” I asked
“Uh…I guess. He wasn’t shit-face wasted yet, if that’s what you meant.” Melanie said, handing me my bag of things

“He’s been trying to cut back on drinking…”

“Yeah…sure. I bet that will last long.” she replied sarcastically

“Thanks for getting my stuff.” I said trying to change the subject. James’ drinking problem wasn’t something I wanted to discuss…he’d been getting better about it since Lyvia was born. He’d be getting the kids in the morning too, so being hung-over wouldn’t be smart on his half.

"No problem...I'm heading to bed. Good night."

"Night, Mel..."

Notes