Chapter 35: Chapter 35

You really need to get your hair cropped. While we are driving to Abby and Charlie's house for dinner, I remark something completely out of the blue.

Mark interjects with, "What?"

You really need to get your hair cropped. I repeat. "You have a few wings to your name." To touch them is what I mean.

My hand was repelled by his push. "Do not attempt to distract the driver." When we are pulling up to their apartment complex, I can't help but let out a chuckle.

We approach their flat and knock on their door. Abby has a response. "Very lovely to see you all." She then gives us a hug and invites us inside the house.

"You look lovely." I suggest touching her pregnant belly that is seven months along. "Thank you. It seems like the only thing I can put on is gowns made of legging material or one of Charlie's baggy T-shirts." She replies as she shows me the way to the couch. "Enough with the focus on myself. How are you doing right now? She inquires.

"I have another chemotherapy session scheduled for Monday." I say sighing. "It's just been four months, but I'm already sick of it," the speaker said.

"I truly apologize." Abby says, taking my hand.

"Here I am rambling on, and you're the one who's expecting a child. So, have you given any names any thought at all? I ask.

"No, no, no! No telling her. I don't want anyone to know about it." Charlie says while he's standing in the kitchen. Mark and I both have grins on our faces.

"And what can I say about you? You will no longer have cancer in the future. Are children on your mind at this time?" She lowers her voice.

I'm stuck. I have always wanted children, and my partner and I have agreed that we must have at least one child over the next five (now four) years. "Oh, maybe one or two when this is all done," I said to myself. I am talking about the chemotherapy. For my part, I'd like to have four or five children. I have no idea how things are going to turn out with that. My father is going to be pleased when he sees all of his grandchildren. I have no idea what Mark is looking for.

"I believe that you and Mark would be able to have extremely adorable children." Abby lowers her voice. a sigh is audible as you turn your gaze back to Mark.

"Are you ready for dinner?" The call comes from the boys in the kitchen. I assist Abby in getting from the couch and then walk her over to the dining table.

Throughout the course of supper, we discuss a variety of unrelated topics. The work that Mark does incorporates some of the work that Charlie does. I found out that the management promoted him to a higher position. He receives an increase of $1.50 an hour as of now. As it should be, he takes a great deal of pride in accomplishing it.

Abigail works as a receptionist at a primary school in the neighborhood. In reality, she does her work with Maddy or Miss Kay. In the process of becoming Mrs. Romero. Indeed, you read that correctly; my dad and Maddy are going to get married. I'm overjoyed for both of them.

They stated that all they desire is a handful of close friends and family members. Maddy's parents have passed away, and my grandparents have indicated that it is impractical for them to make the trip because they have other commitments. It doesn't bother me at all, and neither does my father. We never developed a very close relationship with them. Only around seven times in my entire life have we ever crossed paths with each other. Abby, Charlie, and perhaps even their unborn child, as well as Mark and I, John if he is able, and a couple of Maddy's friends will all be going together. That sums it up nicely.

"Are you looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday next week?" Charlie asks.

"Yeah. Are you guys planning on going to my father's as well?" I ask.

They concur with a nod. It is my hope that there is sufficient food. I've got enough food for two." Abby repeats this while bending her back and putting her hand on her stomach.

"There will be a significant number of individuals present." I'm going to take a little bit of this meal here. "Who?" Mark asks.

I point at Mark and say what I think he should hear: "My dad, Maddy, me, and you." That group of three. This is in reference to Abby, Charlie, and their new child. Will, Sophie, and Hannah, along with my mum. And your dad if he decides to come. Hence, there are eleven or twelve in total." I'll count with my fingers to illustrate.

"Really? You sure your dad doesn't mind that your mum is there? Abby has a question.

"Yeah. That issue is now moot because it has been resolved. But Will can't help but be envious of how well they get along with one another. I say. That has absolutely nothing to do with how my father is currently feeling.

"Yeah. At the wedding, I witnessed them dancing on multiple occasions. They were reminiscing and laughing as they caught up. Charlie is saying this as he stands up to put away his dish. Everyone else does as well, and then we all make our way over to the couches to watch the movie together.

Their flat is just furnished with a chair and a loveseat, so Mark and I decided to give them the latter piece of furniture. When I first sit on his lap, I am uncomfortable, but as the movie goes on and I get more fatigued, I find that I can let go of my self-consciousness and enjoy myself more. I don't even come close to finishing the movie since I end up falling asleep halfway through.

I am being hoisted up by arms, but they are not Mark's arms. I believe that they must be Charlies since I'm about to be given to the arms that I remember Charlie using to carry me to the car after the wedding and when he drove my truck. I'm very sure that those arms belong to Charlie. I suppose we'll start here. When we reach to the automobile, I become aware that he carries me quite a distance. It does not bother me in the least. I don't believe that he believes it either. He was more than capable of rousing me from sleep and getting me moving. I don't actually wake up from my pretend sleep; rather, I simply go back asleep and allow him to carry me once more.

I get up and get dressed first thing on Sunday mornings. Take special care not to rouse Mark. I get up and head into the kitchen, where I quickly prepare a bowl of cereal and some bread. When I'm finished, Mark hasn't started his day yet, so I head over to the couch and watch something completely unrelated.

A short while later, I hear the phone in our room start to ring before it abruptly stops. It's about time that Mark got up. I can make out a mumbled voice on the other side of the door, but it's very faint. I return to my show and wait for him to emerge from the backstage area. When he does, he comes over and sits down next to me.

"What?" I ask this based on the expression on his face.

"I have an obligation to make a journey for work tomorrow." He lets out a sigh before laying his head on my shoulder and sighing again.