A Normal Life

Will lost his cool for a moment when Hazel told him about the pregnancy. That had been exactly what he didn't want, for some of the same reasons she feared.

A baby. He had never once thought he would actually have one.

But Hazel had made him promise he would be a good father and, more importantly, a good influence. He didn't think that was possible considering the influences he'd had in his life. Charlie, Jean, and Alfonzo weren't exactly role models.

She said she wouldn't allow the baby to end up like him or Charlie. Will couldn't even be offended by that because of how deeply he had hurt her with his deception. That hurt was clear as day despite her best attempts to be normal.

Hazel was listening to music while working on her comic and tugged on the sleeve of his coat. "Will, I'm thirsty. Can you go buy me a water bottle?"