My heart sank into my stomach as he began to explain the truth. He told me about a girl named Brianna and the pregnancy they had kept secret.
He told me about their baby girl who had been born just twelve days ago. He confessed to all the hospital visits he had hidden from me over the last few months.
He spoke about the vow he had made to himself that he would never run away like Jesse did. Then he looked at me with a desperate plea in his eyes.
“If I have to bring her to the ceremony tonight, will you still be there for me?” he asked. I didn’t sleep a single wink that night, and even though I agreed, I wasn’t prepared for what was coming.
The graduation started with the usual routine of long speeches and polite applause. When it was finally time for the diplomas, Westley suddenly stepped out of the long line of students.
He walked directly toward my seat in the third row. “Mom, it’s time, please give her to me,” he whispered as he reached out his arms.
My hands moved instinctively before my brain could even process the weight of the moment. I lifted the tiny infant and placed her carefully into his steady hands.