Decision made in a second.

Ann drove back to the hospital. The information, and offer she received was a big one, she needed time. How could she make this decision for someone else. Angela was her little girl she always wanted. How could she ask her to give up her whole family. Her brothers, sisters, Mom and dad.

What about her other son? Could she justify leaving him in this world all alone?

Could she set Angela up for an abduction and have a triple funeral? How would she explain that to her family? This situation was a crappy one.

Did she just let Reese go and know that her grandchild would never know it's father? Make the decision for her, she would never know. Would she abandon Reese and refuse him the comfort of his own family.

There was no right answer. There was no easy solution, unlike the last two times. She wished that she didn't hold this burden. It didn't get any easier. She couldn't pretend there was no choice, because then she would be making a choice. She couldn't make a choice, and know it was the right one. Could she just leave Troy? Leaving Troy to care for his sister in law. Picking Reese and be his someone? Could she convene Reese she made the right choice when she didn't even know. How could a mother pick between her sons? How could she abandon a child, and keep on living?

This was a decision that could destroy a person, from the inside out. All this decision where swimming through her head. The rain was the only thing that pulled her back into reality. She was already half way back to the hospital. She was a little grateful that it gave her something else to concentrate on. The rhythm gave her a soothing comfort.

Ann's phone range, it scared her a little from her concentrating on everything so hard. Ann answered it keeping her eyes on the road. It was Angela. Reese has been transferred and Troy is going with him. At that second a rod of pain hit her chest. She didn't even have time to save Troy or to say goodbye to Reese. Ann then had to ask Angela the question. She had less time then she thought. She already knew the answer for herself but she couldn't make it for someone else. How could she word it to not give too much away. She just said it.

If you had to choose between your childhood family and Reese which one would you choose? Angela was shocked, she took a moment to answer. She knew her mother in law well, she knew her heart was pure. Never would she play a "would you rather game". Especially not at a moment like this. Ann's voice was strong, Angela had the feeling that this answer, would change her life. No matter what she said.

Angela cleared her voice and recalled something that Reese told her long ago. My mom always wants, what is best for us. She remembered the way Reese caught eye contact with her. The intensity of his eyes, the way his face constructed the words. She has given up so much in our behalf. It was as if secret was spilling from his lips. With that being said, there is something off about her sometimes. She isn't crazy or anything it is just a coldness i feel. I want to warn you, i don't think it will ever happen. I don't even know for sure it did, but just in case it does. I want you to know. I also don't ask about my dad. She becomes distant and it is weird when i would ask questions about him. I thought it was grief for year and maybe it is my imagination.

One time she asked me a question a "what if" kind of question. I answered it and it came true. It involved my father. I was really young maybe four, but i never saw him again. He was very busy and would leave for long periods of time. So at first i thought nothing of it. If she ever asks you that kind of question never take it lightly. I only say this because you are my one and only, i don't mean to scare you. Or in any way be afraid of my mom or think she is crazy. I am just saying there is something there. I have never told anyone except you, not even Troy. I want there to be nothing between us. I have a feeling she asked Troy as well. The reason i say that is because he never talks about dad. It is almost like he just vanished or something.

In that moment Angela knew what she was asking. She didn't know how or why. She just knew she was choosing her old life, or a new one with Reese. Angela reached down and rubbed her growing belly. It wasn't just about her anymore. It was about the two of them. She had prepared to raise this child alone. Even the option for Reese to be there was just a breathtaking to think of. Angela loved her parents and siblings very much. One of the reasons she loved Reese so much was simple. It was pure acceptance. Reese knew that those who struggle in life know they struggle. They know that their mistakes are being made and yet they still do them. Reese understood most of all that it isn't your responsibility to fix it. Accepting others is accepting that we are all navigating through this world together. They are simply them.

In that moment Angela knew what was happening. Her body felt more solid and true. Yet she felt like she was talking without thinking. She felt like her heart had highjacked her mouth and her brain. Her response was simply and sweet. If there was a way that I Reese could be together in this world with our child. I would take it even if I had to give up everything and everyone i know.

Ann heard the response from the receiver run clear. There was no misunderstanding the conversation. Not only in the words but the message was clear.