The Sand Canyon Review
“A girl came in about half an hour ago with abdominal pains,” he said softly. “She’s fifteen and matches the possible description. She lives on the other side of the resort from you, too. Melissa is with her now they’re checking things over.” “So you think it’s her?” Ti asked. Rob nodded, “We’re pretty sure.” “What will happen to the mother?” “This a case of child abandonment,” Rob said. “She’ll go to a correctional facility.” “We don’t want that,” I said, standing up in defense. “Of course not,” Rob shook his head. “I don’t want that for her either. But the state’s involved now. There’s a CPS agent downstairs, waiting for confirmation from the doctors. She’ll be up here soon, too, to check on the baby. She’s already seen the charts and report.” Now it was Ti’s turn to sigh, and he did so very loudly. “What happens to the baby?” “Well,” he answered, “if the girl’s mom is up for it, she can keep it. If not, it becomes a part of the system.” “God,” Ti said, running a hand through his hair. “Can we put our names at the top of the list for her then?” “Sure,” Rob said. “I’m sure CPS will be able to go over all of this with you. Anyway, I just thought I would let you know what’s going on.” “Thanks,” I said as he left. I fell at Ti’s feet, burying my head in his lap. “What are we going to do?” It was muffled, but I didn’t care. “Give her back,” he said softly, fingers tangling in my hair. “I want you to know, whether we get to keep her or not, that I love you very much.” “I love you,” I said, looking up at him. Brea cooed again, her eyes rolling in my direction. I stayed there, on the incredibly germy floor of the hospital with my husband and the baby. * * * They took her back. The young girl’s mother decided it was her duty to keep Brea, now named Megan. Ana, the baby’s mother, was taken
106