It’s strange how one night can turn everything around for someone. And how the action that caused the turnaround, could changed everyone’s life in some way. Most of these actions are later regretted. You feel guilty about what you’ve done, and now, there’s nothing you could do to turn it back.
For instance, I regret being born. I know, that’s a horrible thing to say, but so many things could have been stopped if I wasn’t born. My father wouldn’t have tried to kill himself seven times, and then finally succeeded on the eighth try. I was around 11 when that last one took place. I walked in his office to ask for a ride to a friends when I saw his brains laid out across his desk. The words ‘ I JUST COULDN’T HANDLE IT’ where scribbled in red pen on an old electric bill. I guess minimum wage wasn’t doing much for him.
I also regret not finishing high school. My mother threw a bitch fit about it, but by the time I was sixteen, I was to fed up with my mom crying about Dad every day, that I just quit and moved out. Well, at the time it seemed like a good idea. Of course, I loved my house in Detroit, but I was tired of everything else in Detroit. So I moved to Lutherville, Maryland.
So why Lutherville? Such a small, random place in the whole country, but I had friends there. Or at least one. He was my friend on MySpace at first, and he was a great guy. After a few years of that, we would go on road trips to visit each other. So, when I announced I was moving his way, he invited me to his place. So that’s where I went. I met his other friends, Jack, Zack, and Rian, but Alex Gaskarth was my best friend. Really, the only friend I’ve ever had.
Then I met Nathan Davis. He was so, handsome, you just couldn’t resist someone like him. He had his way with the ladies, I noticed that the first time I went into Karma Coffee, the local coffee shop where pretty much everyone got their morning buzz. He would flirt with the girls that came in every morning, married or not. His blue eyes were enticing, and you couldn’t help blushing when he looked your way.
Then they hired me about a week later. It was great. I mean, I was by myself with no parental supervision, I had a job, and I was working along side Nathan Davis. Life was good.
Then I guess I caught Nathan’s eye, and we started dating. Oh, I was the most envied girl in Lutherville. Alex wasn’t appreciative of it. Actually, none of the guys were. But he loved me. Or at least, that’s what I was told.
I was so convinced, that I got fed up with the guys, and moved in with Nathan. We were happy for a few years, and I barely even spoke to Alex. Maybe on the rare occasion I saw him in the coffee shop or at the mall.
And now, here I am, just a 18 year old girl who drinks to much coffee and doesn’t like to listen to instruction, sitting in the front lawn of my best friends. Alex and the guys were at band practice until seven, so they should be getting home anytime. I was sitting in the cold, wet grass with two duffle bags of stuff, and no way to get inside.
Finally, Alex’s big, blue van pulled up in their driveway. They hurried out of the car and ran over to where I was sitting.
“Macie?” Zack asked, being the first one over to me.
“Yep. That’s my name. Don’t wear it out.” I smiled and winked, then got up off the ground. Alex and the other two finally got over to me.
“What…are you doing here?” Rian asked.
“Oh, you know, teaching my Llama how to break dance. The usual.” The all smiled--execpt Alex.
“Seriously, did Nathan kick you out or something?” Jack said, grabbing my two duffle bags.
“Yep. That’s why I’m here. I kind of need your help. Well, Alex’s more than anyone’s.” Alex looked up from whatever he was looking at on the ground.
“M-me?”
“Yes, you. Can I come inside so I’m not sitting on wet grass? My ass itches like crazy now.” They all laughed, and we headed inside. We all sat down in the living room. Alex sat beside me.
“So what do you need my help with?” He asked, starting to get his voice back.
“Well, first off, I’m sorry, to all of you really, about not listening to you about Nathan.” I sighed, and continued on. “Well, I came home today with some news for Nathan. I thought he was going to be thrilled, to be honest, with being together for almost two years and all, but he wasn’t.” I could feel myself starting to cry a little. I could tell Alex was wanting to hold my hand to calm me down, but was hesitant in doing so. I so grabbed his hand for him, and held on tight.
“And right now, I’m really, really scared, and I don’t know what to do and..” I was starting to talk really fast, and I was getting nervous.
“Hey, hey, Macie, calm down. Just tell us.” Zack said, putting his hand on my knee.
“Well, I’m pregnant.” They guys just stared at me in awe.
“Wait, for real?” Rian said.
“No, Rian, I’m making this shit up. I’m dead on serious. And Nathan kicked me out when I told him.” I was crying more now. Alex was still holding onto my hand.
“So, what does this have to do with me?” Alex asked.
“Well, I was wondering, if you would help me take care of it. You know, like it’s father? But…not biologically?” He stared at me for what seemed like forever. All of them did, really.
“Why me?” He finally asked.
“You’re my best friend. Really, you were my only friend for the longest time. And I don’t want this baby to go without a dad. It’s not fun.” I was starting to calm down a little, even then, I was still crying. Alex realized I was still upset, and pulled me into a hug. He ran his hand through my hair, and whispered into my ear,
“Macie, darling, I will help you with all that you need. I’m here for you. All of us are.” I couldn’t help but cry more. So that’s what I did.
So, we do regret things. Right now, I regret being with Nathan. So now, I’m stuck with this baby, but I have one of the most terrific people in the world to help me with everything. Maybe, I don’t regret being born.
