Summer’s Day

Summer’s Day(Robin Pine) It was a nice breezy summer day, on a Saturday afternoon, when Jennifer decided to go to the beach all by herself. Unmindful of the holiday makers all around her, she found a nook near the hut that sold cold drinks and snacks. She put her things on the white sand, then spread her yellow beach towel, lied down and started to put some suntan lotion on. As she was reaching out to apply her back, someone gently took the lotion from her hand. Surprised, she turned her back and saw a man bending towards her, saying “Would you like any help?”

Jennifer turned around and looked at Chris and said “Yes I could use some help, Thank you.” Jennifer felt a ripple of sensation as she felt the warm hand of Chris as he spread the lotion on her back. She had the impression that he seemed so at ease of doing it. At the back of her mind she thought that perhaps he had done it so many times before – to women perhaps.

After he was done Chris looked into Jennifer’s eyes and said “Hi I am Chris and you are?” Jennifer had a little smile on her face and said “Hi I am Jennifer it’s nice to meet you. That felt good, Thank you again.” Chris offered to buy a drink for Jennifer. She accepted. When he came back he sat beside her on her towel. Chris started to talk and he said “lovely afternoon.” She replied, “Yes very nice.” Chris asked “Would you like to go for a swim soon?” She said “Sure, soon we will.” Jennifer couldn’t help but notice the strong well built body of Chris, evident of one who works out and how good he swims.

While they were at the water Chris asked Jennifer out for dinner that night. She was stunned and she didn’t know what to say. But she said “Sure we could go out for dinner.” They were having a real good time in the water when Chris noticed something far in the distance. “Jennifer, what is that way down there, looks like a fin?” Jennifer said “I don’t know Chris.” As it was getting closer Jennifer and Chris realized what it was, then they screamed out loud “Shark! Get out of the water.” Everybody was scared and got out of the water as fast as they could. Chris and Jennifer got out of the water just in time. Still trembling from the incident, they were drying themselves off. Chris said “Are you ok? Here have a drink, handing out to her a canned iced tea. With slightly shaking hands Jennifer sipped her drinks and said “Yes I am fine, Are you ok?” Chris replied “Yes, but I guess we better get going.“ Then as Jennifer was putting her beach towel back into her bag her cell phone rang. It was Amanda, Jennifer’s best friend since their college days. Amanda asked, “Jennifer, what are you doing tonight? Let us go to the movies." Jennifer said softly, “I can’t, I am having dinner with Chris. I met a guy at the beach, his name is Chris and he asked me out for dinner.” Amanda was a little upset and she said “Oh, that’s ok, maybe another night when you are free." Jennifer said “I’m sorry but I’ll call you later with the details, okay?” Amanda was a bit upset because Jennifer seemed to have forgotten about their plans that evening. But then she sensed some sort of excitement from her voice and she got curious. So she said “Okay.”

Jennifer and Chris switched phone numbers before going home. Chris said he would call her as soon as he was ready. so Chris and Jennifer left the beach in separate ways. Chris called Jennifer and told her that he made reservations at the Valley restaurant for seven o’clock. Chris pulled up and Jennifer was walking to the car and Chris opened the door for Jennifer. Jennifer looked at Chris. He looked handsome, quite different from the guy she met at the beach earlier, she thought. He was wearing a suit, white shirt, black jacket, and a blue tie. Jennifer was wearing a nice long dress, the color was a nice red with an open back.

She got into the car and said “Thank you.” Chris said “You’re very welcome.” Chris bought Jennifer a nice red rose and gave it to her in the car. Jennifer had a smile on her face and said “Thank you very much, I love it.” Chris replied “You are welcome.” They pulled up at the Valley restaurant and he parked his car. He got out and opened her door. Jennifer was thinking to herself that maybe Chris is the one for her because all the other men she went out with never made her feel that way.
They went inside and he was talking to the receptionist and said “I made a reservation for two for seven o’clock and my name is Chris.” The reception said “Okay this way please.” So they sat down and Chris said to Jennifer “You look nice tonight” Jennifer said “Thank you, you look handsome.” They ordered some food and while they waited they started to talk and Jennifer said to Chris “I promised my friend Amanda that I was supposed to go out with her tonight but I forgot because you distracted me in a good way.” Chris was so flattered and said “Oh I’m so sorry, and thank you.”

Their dinner came out and they picked up their silverware and started to eat. Jennifer ordered a plate of Alfredo pasta with chicken in it and Chris ordered a hot roast beef sandwich. Chris took a bite of his food and he looked at Jennifer and said “Is the food good?” Jennifer said “Yes very good, it’s my favourite.” Jennifer asked “What do you do, as in a job?” Chris replied “I’m a lawyer, and what do you do?” Jennifer said “I’m a receptionist.” They talked more about their jobs and Jennifer said “You must be very good in the court room.” Chris asked Jennifer about her job and Jennifer replied “Oh it’s really simple I just answer phones, I talk to the people or just transfer the calls.”

As the evening progressed Chris and Jennifer did not notice the two and a half hours they had spent talking. Jennifer said “Wow! That time already, time sure goes fast.” Chris said “Are you in a hurry to go home?” Jennifer said “No not really, I’m enjoying myself with you.” Chris asked Jennifer “Do you want to go for a walk in the park?” Jennifer replied “Sure I guess I can do that.” They left the restaurant and drove off to the park. As they walked in silence along the neon lighted lane, they met a few couples, some holding hands, another wrapped cozily in each others arms. "Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Chris said. "Yes, it is," Jennifer agreed.

They sat on the bench and once again Chris broke the silence by asking, "Do you want to do something else tomorrow?" Jennifer answered, "I'd love to, but I can’t, I promised my friend Amanda to go out with her." "Sure, no problem, you can call me when you have time so we can make plans." Chris said.

Jennifer almost regretted having declined the invitation, for she felt in her heart her longing to spend more time with this guy she had only met less than twenty four hours ago. Yet it seemed that he awakened feelings long suppressed inside her. Jennifer wondered, asked herself "Why do I feel this way?”

As Chris was driving her home, he said, "You're very silent, did you enjoy the night? Startled from her deep thoughts, Jennifer answered, "Oh yes, I did. Thank you." "I had a good time too, you know," he said. "I hope we can do this again." Chris parked outside Jennifer's house and before she went inside, Chris called, "I’ll give you a call tomorrow, okay?" As Jennifer went inside the house, her mind was busy recalling the events of the day. She took off her jacket as she climbed the stairs, changed, then picked up the phone to call Amanda. She was about to dial her number when her eyes caught the time on the wall clock. It was past midnight, too late to call Amanda. Jennifer kept on thinking about Chris. As Jennifer lied in bed that night she kept thinking how nice it was to meet someone like Chris. actually he looked familiar, but she couldn’t recall where she saw him first.

The next morning, Jennifer called Amanda right after having breakfast; they arranged to meet at their favourite salon to have their hair and nails done. It was obvious that Amanda was not in her best mood. She said a few words in the two and a half hours they spent at the salon. So Jennifer was not really surprised when she announced that she was not in the mood to go to the movies. “But, why?” We have been waiting for this movie to come to the theatres, now you want to cancel?” Jennifer asked. “You blew me off last night, because of that Chris,” Amanda said. “Now you think treating me to a movie will make everything okay? Well, you’re wrong. I am not impressed with your cute lawyer." And without waiting for what Jennifer had to say, Amanda walked out on her. Surprised, Jennifer stood motionless, no believing how Amanda had acted. She thought she would be happy for her.

Since they were kids, Amanda had always been in control. She decided whom she could make friends with too. Even when they started dating boys, Amanda has to know first. Jennifer thought “Well, not this time.” Feeling like a rebellious child, Jennifer called Chris. Chris sounded happy to hear from her but noticed something in her voice. “Are you ok?” he asked. “You sound upset.” “Yes I am ok, but I do need a shoulder to cry on,” Jennifer replied. “Well, why don’t you come over, I’ll cheer you up,” were Chris’s comforting words. Once in his apartment Chris offered Jennifer some drinks. Jennifer tried to be calm as she told Chris about her fight with her best friend Amanda. “Don’t you worry, everything will be ok” he assured her. Chris was being so nice and sympathetic, that Jennifer felt so much better. Then he suggested, “Do you maybe want to go to the video story and rent some movies?” “Yes, I’d like that, Jennifer readily agreed. At the store they choose some comedy and romance cds. Back at the apartment, Chris made some popcorn, and later they snuggled up together as they watched their favourite movies. Amanda was so far from Jennifer’s mind.

The movies ended and Chris said “Are you almost ready to go home? I have to go to work in the morning.” Jennifer said “Yes me too, I have an early start.” Jennifer left and got into Chris’s car. As Chris drove her home, Jennifer couldn’t help but admit to herself that she had a real wonderful night in the company of Chris. Jennifer said “I hope I can see you sometime this week?” Chris said “Yes of course.” Jennifer said “It’s just a busy month at the office for me and I won’t get a vacation for a while.” Chris said “Yes same here.” Chris pulled up to Jennifer’s place and they both said goodbye to each other and Chris said “I’ll call you tomorrow.” Jennifer said “Ok.”

The next morning Jennifer was at work and she received a gift basket. She was in shock because she didn’t know who it was. She read the card and it was from Chris. Jennifer had a smile on her face all day. She called Chris and thanked him for the basket. Jennifer said “I’ll call you when I get home.” Chris said “Ok so I’ll talk too you soon.” That day was going too slow in the office for Jennifer, but she kept on doing things to keep her mind off the clock. Chris finished early in court that day and he thought he would surprise Jennifer.

After work Jennifer went downstairs to the lobby and Chris was standing there and he had a rose in his hand. Jennifer smiled and had a little tear coming down. Jennifer said “Now that made my day, thank you.” Chris said “You're welcome.” Chris drove Jennifer home and dropped her off and Chris said “I’ll pick you up in the morning and I’ll drive you to work.” Jennifer said “Sure I’ll love that.” Jennifer got out of the car and went inside of her apartment, then went upstairs and changed her clothes so she could relax. She started dinner for herself. After dinner she sat down and watched some T.V. until it was bedtime.

The next morning Jennifer called Chris to make sure he was coming to pick her up. Chris said “Yes I will be there shortly.” Jennifer said “Ok I’m just getting ready. just knock on the door when you’re here.” Chris said “Okay.” Thirty minutes later Chris got to Jennifer’s apartment. he knocked on the door and Jennifer answered. She always had a smile every time she saw Chris. So she let him in for a few minutes and then they left. Chris dropped her off at the office and she said “Bye, I’ll talk to later on in the afternoon.” Chris said “Yes of course.”

Chris had done his research about the case, so he thought everything would go well during the prosecution. But a few minutes before the hearing, he received a call from his client that their witness had backed off. It seems that he was threatened by the defendant, and had to go out of town for the meantime, his client informed him. Chris had to request for a postponement.

Back at his office Chris decided he called Jennifer and arranged for a dinner at 7:00 that evening.

The next morning Chris had court. he was on the plaintiff side. Chris kept on accusing the defendant of stealing jewellery and killing the man at the store. The court was done in one hour and it was time for that man to go back to jail. The man was mad so he ran to the police officer that was standing in the back and grabbed the gun and started to shoot it in the air, but one bullet hit the ceiling and it came down and it hit Chris in the shoulder blade. The police officer finally took the gun from the prisoner. Chris was bleeding all over the place and his shirt was bloodstained. Chris had to be rushed to the hospital. He told his secretary Nicole to call Jennifer and tell her to come to the hospital right away.

Jennifer got a call from Nicole and Jennifer thought to herself that something was wrong because she had never called her before unless something happened to Chris. Jennifer asked “Is Chris ok?” Nicole said “No Chris has been shot in the shoulder blade and he wants you to come to the hospital.” Jennifer said “Ok thank you Nicole.” Jennifer ran out of her office as fast as she could and in her mind she didn’t know if Chris was going to die or live. Jennifer got to the hospital finally and she asked of the nurses where Chris was. The nurse said “He’s in the emergency room but he’s in surgery so you have to wait.” Jennifer said “Ok thank you.” So she waited and waited. she was getting inpatient she wanted to know what was going on.

Chris was in the surgery and something happened to him. he saw a bright light and he was walking to the light. The doctor came out and saw Jennifer sitting there and he came up to her and said “Sorry ma’am but we have lost Chris.” Jennifer broke down and started to cry and started to say Chris’s name. Then Chris must have heard Jennifer calling out his name and then he turned back. Then another doctor came out and said “No he’s alive, he’s going to be ok.” Jennifer, with a sad and happy look, said “Oh thank you. I’ll be ok.” After the four hour surgery he finally came out of his sleepiness and they were both in his room. Chris saw Jennifer sitting in the chair and said to her “Hi, were you here all night?" She said “Yes I was.” Chris said “Oh well I am happy you’re here. You know what the strangest thing that happened to me was? I had the weirdest dream that I died and you were there and you kept on saying my name.” Then Jennifer started to cry again and said “You did and it scared me. Chris I lost it last night.” Chris said “Oh so your voice made me come back! See, that’s how much I love you.” Jennifer stopped crying and looked at Chris and said “You what? You love me? that's the first time you've said that to me Chris, I love you too.”

Jennifer called her office that afternoon and explained what had happened and said that she was going to take two weeks off. Her boss said that wasn’t a problem. The doctor came in and said to Chris that he needs to stay in the hospital for one more week because they just want to make sure that he can get back on his feet. Chris was in the hospital for that one week.

That Monday finally came when he could go home. Jennifer took him home and she promised to stay with him and take care of him. Chris said to Jennifer “I am so happy you’re going to be with me for one week.” Jennifer said “Yes so am I. But I hate to leave you next week” Chris said “I should be ok by then.” Jennifer said “I am going to come by every night after work and call you every day.” Chris said “I would love that.

Jennifer went back to work the week after and she called Chris that morning and said “I will come by this afternoon for lunch and I will bring something for you.” Chris said “Ok, I will see you soon.” Lunch time came and Jennifer went over to Chris’s. They both sat down and ate lunch. Chris looked at Jennifer. She said “What’s the matter Chris are you ok?” Chris said “Yes I am fine; I’m looking at you because you’re beautiful. I have something to ask you.” Jennifer said “What is it Chris?” Chris said “What would you say if I asked whether you would like to move in with me?” Jennifer looked at him with little tears coming out and said “Chris I would love that, of course.” Chris said “When do you want to start moving in?” Jennifer said “let’s get you better, then we will talk a little more.” Chris said “Ok”.

Jennifer went back to work after she had lunch with Chris. She kept on thinking about the proposal he had made her. The day was going slow for her but she managed to get through it. Work was finally done. Jennifer was so exhausted she went home and called Chris right away. She said “Chris I am so tired so I won’t be coming over”. Chris said “Ok I understand I will see you tomorrow for sure.” Jennifer said “Yes I will see you then.”

The next morning Jennifer was still tired. She forced herself out of bed. She got ready and she left to go to work. Her co-workers asked “Are you okay?” Jennifer said “Yes but a little tired.” Jennifer drank a lot of coffee that morning. Jennifer called Chris to see how he was doing. Chris said “I’m doing well, I can actually walk a little bit. I am using my crutches. Jennifer said “Oh okay, just checking up on you see how you’re doing, and I am glad that you can get up and start walking again.” Chris said “Yes so am I.”

Chris wanted to surprise Jennifer at her office so they could meet for lunch. Chris never told her that he was going to meet her. Jennifer said “I will be coming over in an hour to have lunch with you.” Chris said “Sure ok”.

Jennifer was starting to get ready to go. she picked up her purse and started to walk to the elevator. she got in and went to the lobby. She looked up and saw a familiar figure in front of her and a smile started to spread on her face. she said excitedly “You’re right, you are on your feet. I’m so happy for you.” Chris said “Yes I am, but I am walking very slowly so just bear with me.” Jennifer said “I am here if you need me.” Chris said “Thank you for the help.” Chris and Jennifer went to lunch and Chris asked Jennifer “Have you thought about what I asked you about moving in with me?” Jennifer said “Yes, I want to live with you. I will be giving my superintendent my thirty day notice tonight.” Chris said “That’s perfect.”

Jennifer went back to the office after lunch. She got hold of the superintendent and told her that she was giving her thirty day notice and she was moving out. She said “Ok thank you for letting me know.” Jennifer couldn’t wait to get out of the office and start packing her stuff. She called Chris and told him that she made the phone call and she would be out of her apartment in thirty days. She also told him that she needed help to pack some of her stuff. But she said that she was getting one of her workers to come and help so that Chris didn’t have to lift anything.

That night Jennifer’s friend from the office came and helped her do some packing and drove her to Chris’s place to drop some things off. Chris was happy that she was making this move. She had thirty days so she took her time.

Jennifer moved in with Chris finally and everything was going great. They were happy. Chris went back to work after a month off. Everything was going smooth. He had papers on his desk and it said that he had to go see a client that afternoon. When he was getting ready to go his boss came in. His boss Patrick said to Chris “Welcome back, glad that you’re back on your feet.” Chris said “Thank you sir, I am glad that I am back.” Patrick said “I have bad news for you, it’s not easy for me to say this but I’m going to say it.” Chris said “What is it sir?” Patrick continued and said “Since you got hurt in the courtroom I want you to stay in your office until it’s safe to go back.” Chris wasn’t too happy with what he was asking him to do. Chris had no choice to stay because if he would have left to go to the court him he might get fired so he never took that chance. Chris said “Ok sir, I’m not happy about it but if that’s what I have to do I will.” Patrick said “Sorry,” then he left. Chris called Jennifer and told her what had happened. Jennifer was shocked but she told Chris everything would be ok. Jennifer wasn’t happy after they hung up from each because she was living with him and she would be making the money and he wouldn’t.

Jennifer started to slam drawers and Chris asked her what she was mad about. Jennifer said “Everything. Chris I can’t do this all by myself. I think I made a mistake to move in with you.” Chris said “What? I thought you were happy.” Jennifer said “Yes I was, and then you lost your job. I think we moved too fast Chris.” Jennifer replied. Chris said “I am looking for a side job. I’ll try to get another job. I’ll look tomorrow.” Jennifer said, "No you aren't looking hard enough. You're just going out drinking with your buddies all the time." Jennifer got up from the kitchen table and left the apartment. Chris tried to call her but she wouldn’t answer her cell phone that night. Chris and Jennifer didn’t talk to each other for two weeks. Chris felt that Jennifer was disappointed in him. Jennifer called him one night. they were talking and he asked her to come. He was missing her. But Jennifer refused unless he would at least try to help her with finances. Chris said that he was looking and he had a job interview the next day. Jennifer said that she would come home in a few more days. Chris said that he would call her once he knew if he got the job or not.

The next morning Chris went to the interview and they said that they would call him when they made the decision. After the interview he went back to work at the office. He tried to call Jennifer but she didn’t answer the phone so he left a message on her phone telling her that everything went ok. Jennifer got the message. That afternoon she called Chris back and told him that she was coming home tonight. Chris said that was fine. Chris finished work early so he went home. He checked the phone for messages and there was one and it was the other job he applied to. The job was a janitor for an office. It said that he got the job and he could start anytime or any day. Chris got excited and called them back. He made arrangements for when he could come in.

Jennifer came home that night and Chris made dinner and Jennifer was surprised and said to him “What is going on Chris?” Chris said “I have another job as a janitor.” Jennifer looked at him and said that she was proud.

Jennifer wasn’t feeling well for a few weeks and she told Chris that she was going to lie down for a bit. The next morning Chris got up to go to his work at the office. He asked Jennifer if she was going to get up to go to work but she said that she still wasn’t feeling well. So he left her and said that he would see her after work that night.

Jennifer didn’t get out of bed until seven-thirty that morning. She wasn’t feeling well that morning. She called her office and told them that she wasn’t coming in because she wasn’t feeling well.

A few hours later Chris called Jennifer on her cell phone and said “I called your work and they said that you’re at home, are you ok?” Jennifer said “I am not feeling well this morning Chris.” Chris had noticed that Jennifer has been under the weather lately and it was worrying him. Chris said “You want me to do anything or get you anything?” She said “No I will be fine.”

Later in the afternoon Jennifer went to the doctor’s office and told her doctor what had happened to her. So the doctor did some tests on her and he said that he would be calling her in a few hours. So she went back home and she went to lie down. The phone rang and she picked it up. it was the doctor. The doctor told her that she was pregnant. She was shocked and happy at the same time. She didn’t know how to tell Chris. They never talked about having kids.

Chris got home after another long day at the office. He brought home some soup for her. Jennifer said “That was kind of you Chris.” Chris said “How are you feeling?” She said “Not well Chris, I have something to tell you.” He said “What is it?” Jennifer said “I’m pregnant.” Chris had a shocked look on his face. he didn’t know what to say. He got off the bed and left and he said “I’m going for a walk.” Jennifer was upset that he left and she thought he might never come back.

Chris didn’t go for a walk like he said. he took his car and he kept on driving. He never came home that night. Jennifer went to sleep late because she couldn’t sleep because of Chris being upset with her. Jennifer got up late in the morning. she opened her eyes and she saw Chris sitting on the chair beside the bed. She said “When did you get home?” He said “A little while ago. I had to leave and think what I was going to do with this situation.” Jennifer and Chris had a talk about it. Chris said that he wasn’t ready because he just got bumped from being a lawyer to a janitor and he didn’t know if he could support both of them.

Jennifer told Chris not to worry. "Maybe before the baby arrives you will be back in court", she reassured him. Chris said “Maybe you're right, I am happy that we are having a baby." Jennifer was glad that he said that. She got off the bed and gave him a hug.

Jennifer went back to work after one month off. She told her co-workers that she was pregnant. Everybody was happy for her. That morning she still didn’t feel well but that was just the morning sickness she had. So she went on her day like usual. Chris called her and said “Are you feeling ok?” Jennifer said “Yes but still under the weather.” Chris said “Well hope you feel better, But I have good news to tell you.”

Jennifer said “Yes ok, what is it?” Chris said “I can go back in the court room, I can be a lawyer.” Jennifer said “Wow! That is great news Chris, I’m happy for you. I have to go, it’s busy in here today, ok bye.”

Chris had a client that afternoon he was nervous because it was so long since he had anybody. Everything went great with his new client. He was just happy to be a lawyer again. That day ended and Chris went to pick up Jennifer. She was happy to see him. Jennifer was going to the doctor’s to get an ultrasound. she told the doctor she didn’t want to know the sex right away for the baby, she just wanted to know if the baby was healthy. After everything was done in the doctor’s and the baby was healthy she was happy.

She went clothes shopping for the baby. she picked everything different colors. After the shopping she went home to lay down. she was tired. Chris called Jennifer and said that he was going to be home late because he was going to work overtime.

“Five months has come and gone and four more to come” Jennifer said. Chris and Jennifer were getting excited. Jennifer got the maternity leave and Chris went to work as usual. Chris didn’t mind that he went to work and Jennifer stayed home. Chris called Jennifer and said that he wanted to take her out for lunch. So Jennifer got ready and they both left. But what Jennifer didn’t know is Chris went to Jennifer’s work a week before to plan a baby shower for her. Everybody showed up at their apartment and started to put the decorations up.

Couple hours later, Chris said that he had a surprise at home for her. So they got home and he said “Close your eyes” Jennifer had a smile on her face and she closed her eyes. They walked into the apartment and in the door and Chris said “Okay open them.” And everybody yelled out 'surprise!'. Jennifer was surprised. she said “A baby shower for me, who did this?” Chris said “I did.” Jennifer said “Oh thank you so much this means a lot to me.”

There were a lot of presents and treats. Everything was going great. Jennifer said “Ok everybody it’s time to open the presents and see what everybody got for the baby.” She opened all of the gifts and she thanked everyone.

The party ended that evening and everybody was heading out of the door. Jennifer said again to everybody “Thank you all for coming out.” Then the house went quiet and empty. everybody was gone. Jennifer went to Chris in the kitchen and said “Thank you for planning this, it means a lot to me.” Chris said “You’re very welcome.”

Chris would stay home on the weekends to help Jennifer around the house. He would paint the baby’s room, put up the crib. Jennifer was looking at Chris while he was doing all that. She thought to herself that Chris will be a good father. The baby was ready soon, they were at eight months now and she was starting to have uncomfortable pains. Chris decided to drive her to the hospital to make sure everything was ok.

They got everything ready and headed to the hospital. Chris told the secretary at the hospital that his girlfriend was pregnant and she was having some discomfort. The nurse put Jennifer in a wheelchair and they went into the labour room just in case. They put her on the bed and hooked her up to see if she was okay. She told Chris that she is not ready yet. It would be a long while before she would be going into labour so they made her stay in the hospital to make sure. Jennifer asked the nurse if her baby was ok. The nurse said that the baby is fine.

The next day Jennifer asked Chris to help her to the bathroom. Chris helped her up gently and as soon as she got up her water broke. Chris laid Jennifer back down on the bed and went to get a nurse. The nurse came to the room and saw that it was time. Chris said “Everything will be ok, just breathe. do what we did in Lamaze class.” Finally after nine hours into labour she finally had the baby. It was a baby girl. All of Chris’s friends from work came and Jennifer’s co-workers went to the hospital and said congratulations to them. It was happy day for Chris and Jennifer. Jennifer named the baby Brianna and Chris said that he loved the name.

Jennifer stayed in the hospital for two days. Chris stayed with her. After the two days they went home. They pulled up in the driveway of the apartment. Chris parked his car and they got out. Jennifer was glad that she was home. She walked into Brianna’s room and put her in the crib. Jennifer was bit tired so she told Chris that she was going to lie down for a bit.

The next morning Chris went back to work and Jennifer stayed home with Brianna. Jennifer loved being home. Chris called Jennifer that afternoon to see how things were going. Jennifer said that everything was ok. Chris said that he would see both of them later on that night.

Jennifer went to her work to show everyone Brianna, and how cute she was. After she left Jennifer and Brianna went to do some shopping. She got home and after she was tired so she went to lie down. She got up to check on Brianna to see if she’s ok and she was. Jennifer started to make dinner for Chris so he could have dinner when he gets home from work. Chris never expected anything from Jennifer but she always did things for him.

Brianna was born in April and now it’s November. This will be Brianna’s first Christmas with Jennifer and Chris. Chris and Jennifer went to get some toys for Brianna for Christmas. They thought since it's Brianna’s first Christmas they wanted to spoil her. They were both happy. Chris was in love with Jennifer and he wants to marry her someday. They never talked about it. But Chris thought that he would buy her an engagement ring for Christmas. Chris told Jennifer he forgot something and he will be right back. Jennifer said “Ok.” But he went to a jewellery store instead. After he was done he went back to find Jennifer.

Christmas Eve is here and they invited their friends for dinner. Jennifer and Chris bought some stuff for their friends and they did the same. Everyone was having fun. they talked for a while, then they left because it was getting late. Once everyone left Chris said he would help Jennifer clean up. Jennifer looked at him with a stunned look on her face and she said “Oh, well thank you Chris.” Chris said “No it’s not a problem.”

Jennifer had a feeling something was going on but she never said anything.
The next day, Christmas day, they got up and Brianna was up in her crib. Jennifer lifted Brianna out of the crib and brought her downstairs so she could celebrate Christmas and showed her the lights and the tree. They told Brianna, this is your first Christmas. Jennifer helped Brianna open her presents and Jennifer was showing Brianna how to get excited and she had a cute laugh.

After all the presents were opened they put Brianna to bed. Then Chris had a surprise for Jennifer. He sat her down and surprised her with a ring and asked her to marry him.

She gasped and said nothing for a long time and said “I have to think about it Chris, but it was a nice gesture.” Chris said “Oh, okay I understand, take your time” then they went on their day. Chris then said “Why don’t you want to marry me?” Jennifer said “Because I’m not ready, that’s why.” Chris said “We have a child together don’t you think we should get married?” Jennifer said “Not everybody gets married when they have children.” Chris said “Well then I’ll let you think about it. I’m not going to stay here. call me when you make the decision.”

Chris left and Jennifer was a little upset because now she was alone with Brianna. she doesn’t know what to do. she loves Chris but she just wasn’t ready for marriage. She just had a baby. she has a lot going on, like work, and Brianna to think about too. She knew Chris was hurt but so was Jennifer. They didn’t talk for at least a few weeks. Jennifer finally made up her mind. That morning she went to Chris’s work and went into his office. Chris said “What are you doing here?” Jennifer said “Listen Chris, I just want to thank you for asking me to marry you, and leaving me to think. I needed some space and I got it. But now I just want to say yes.” Chris looked at her and said “Yes to what?” She said “Yes I will marry you.” Chris was happy and they both gave each other a hug and forgave each other and made up. Chris said “We will celebrate later tonight after I am done this shift.” Jennifer said “Ok I’ll get a babysitter for Brianna.”

Six months later, it was a nice breezy Sunday afternoon on a summer’s day when Jennifer went to the beach and spread her beach towel out. She took her suntan lotion out. Then Chris took the lotion out of her hand and asked her “Do you need some help?” Jennifer replied “Sure I could use some help.” As he was starting to apply the lotion they heard a baby crying. they ignored it and started to laugh. Few moments later the cry went louder then before. Jennifer picked up Brianna, hugged her fragile tiny body close to her heart. Chris looked lovingly into her innocent blue eyes, as blue as the eyes of her father, looking back intently as if accusing them for neglecting her. As they enjoyed the sea breeze, summer laughter could be heard by passers-by.

As the summer sun started to set in its golden rays the young family walked back to their car, baby tucked lovingly in her mothers arms. a vision of a happy family.