Doctor: We have to do an ultra sound.

Carmen: why I don’t want it.

Doctor: Just procedure.

Carmen looked away from the screen not wanting to see it. Not wanting to acknowledge that it was life inside of her and that she was going to end it. Carmen didn’t like playing God but this was what she had to do. Tears streamed down her face as he applied the cold blue gel to her abdomen and tears came faster as her baby’s heart beat filled this office. She looked over at the monitor and saw her baby. It was real to her now.

Doctor: Ok everything is fine now we can proceed.

Carmen: Stop I can’t.

Carmen hopped off the table and grabbed her stuff quick as lighting. She ran all the way to her car and sobbed for hours. Not moving from the spot she was in until she felt she could cry no more. She heard the heart beat and knew that her baby’s life deserved a chance and that she would raise this child out of love because now it was all hers. Shane didn’t have to know and Carmen wouldn’t tell her but she had to tell Mercedes. She went home that not and stood in front of her mother in the kitchen.

Carmen: Estoy embarazada (I’m pregnant).

Mercedes looked at her daughter and then dismissed her with a hand motion.

Mercedes: imposible (impossible).

Carmen: No es verdad (No it’s true).

Carmen explained to her very religious mother what she had done and what she almost did. Mercedes wept for her child and her grandchild. She was angry at Carmen for her foolishness but she realized that her heart had been in the right place. She wanted a family and so she tried to make one. Mercedes agreed to help Carmen every step of the way. Carmen’s belly grew and it became more apparent that she was really pregnant. She was laying in bed one night and she felt the baby kick. It was a little nudge but it startled her. She ran into Mercedes room and placed her hand on her stomach.

Mercedes:  Mi nieto será muy activo (My grandchild is going to be very active).