Learning to Heal Read Online Free PDF

when you announced you were pregnant, I panicked. Then I reacted before I knew what I was doing. However, I won’t take it back. I know you feel like you can do this on your own, and I’m sure you can, but it’s hard.”
    He stops and takes another deep breath. Event though I want to interrupt, I don’t. I told him I’d be quiet and listen and I’m a woman of my word. “My mom raised us on her own and I see the load she carries and the effects of being a single mom. She wasn’t always like that, though. When I was little she was happy, but then my dad was sent overseas and never came back. After that it was just the two of us and she was the sole provider for me. Luckily, the Army was good to us and we were left with a fair amount of life insurance, but Mom still worked and we eventually had to move to Mobile so we could live with her mother.
    “When I was eight she met Grace’s father. After they were married and my sister was born, the fucker emptied the bank account and filed for divorce. Shortly after, my grandmother died and she had no help.” He finally looks at me again and tightens his hold on my hand as my heart squeezes for his family. We’ve never had such a deep conversation before, and I don’t know what to think at the moment. For now I won’t think. I’ll wait until he leaves.
    “I refuse to picture you like that, Jazz. Tired and resentful of the hand life dealt you. So like it or not, I’m going to help you. If you don’t want me to know who the father is I’m cool with that. If you don’t want others to know then I’m willing to be the name you give them instead. As far as I’m concerned, any asshole that leaves someone while she’s pregnant is a complete waste. Especially someone amazing like you.” He whispers the last part so low I’m not sure I heard him correctly. Then I see the pink rise in his cheeks and smile in his direction.
    His story has left me speechless, so I just continue to look at him while I absorb his words. I’m dumbfounded that this guy is willing to sacrifice his life to help me out. Yeah, we’ve become friends, but I can’t let him do this.
    “I understand where you’re coming from because of your mom, but I don’t want you to give up your life. I’m not the only one who’s gone through this, and I definitely won’t be the last.”
    Releasing me, he sits up and places his elbows on his knees while he holds his head. I watch as his Henley stretches across his broad shoulders. He’s not overly built like some guys, but I’m sure he has muscle on his lean frame.
    He continues to sit there for a minute before he concedes. “Fine, tell people what you want. But regardless, I will be here for you. It would just make it easier with you agreeing.”
    I sit up next to him and lay my head on his shoulder. He’s my friend and I’d hate for him to be angry like everyone else. “Let me sleep on it. Okay? I’ll let you know tomorrow.” The offer is tempting, but I’m not sure if I can go through with it.
    He rests his head on top of mine and puts his arms around me and squeezes. Then I feel that unwelcome rolling in my stomach that has occurred more often than I’d like. Morning sickness for me has become all damn day sickness.
    I jump off the bed and feel the top of my head ram into Mason’s chin. I don’t care because I feel like my stomach is going to expel out of my mouth.
    After I grip the toilet, my favorite food becomes my worst enemy. I really enjoyed that burger too. Dang pregnancy had to ruin my bad habit.
    When I’m finally able to lift my head, I see Mason through blurry eyes and feel a cool rag on my forehead. I gulp for air and taste the bile that coats my throat. “Sorry.”
    He squats down and cleans my face for me gently. “See. Having me around might not be so bad after all.” I can’t say anything at the moment because my throat still burns, but he might be right.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    The last three days have been pretty good