To Lose One, But Find Another

Part 2

Previously….

“It could be mine.”

Continuing….

I walked over to him, my whole body shaking.

“How could it be yours?” Jose scuffled his shoes, looking down.

“Remember those weekends last month where we got shitfaced drunk and basically fucked anyone that was there...Well, sometimes I woke up next to you….alone.” I covered my mouth, blurry memories I pushed aside coming back with clarity.

“Oh my God.”

“Miks…” Zaida whispered, looking at the both of us.

“I want to make sure.” I said firmly, Jose looked at me, noting the hard set in my jaw.

“You want a paternity test?” I nodded.

“Yes.” Jose ran a hand through his hair again.

“I’ll take you.” Offered Zaida, putting a hoodie on.

“I’ll come too.” Said Jose, grabbing his jacket. I started for the door, letting them follow.

“Fine. Let’s go.” We walked downstairs; Carlos was alone in the living room.

“Where ya all going? It’s 4AM.” He raised an eyebrow. Zaida kissed him softly.

“We’ll be back later. We gotta take care of something.” Carlos nodded.

“Aight.” Zaida went to the car and unlocked the door, getting in. I climbed in the back; Jose scooted in next to me. The car ride was awkward, the clinic was about half an hour away but it felt much longer. Jose tried to break the silence by singing a few bars of “Touch my Body”.

“Who hasn’t?” I snarled at him, crossing my arms and looking away. Jose sighed.

“Just trying to lighten the mood.” I rolled my eyes and ignored him the rest of the way. Zaida parked at the clinic, getting out and looking around.

“You two go in, I’ll wait out here.” She got back in the car. I got out with a huff, feeling abandoned, Jose followed quietly. I went up to the front desk and got the paperwork, trying to block out the way the receptionist was looking at me. Jose stayed by my side as I filled out the multiple pages, waiting to be called. He didn’t even make a sound when we were put in a room, only closing his eyes while the procedure was being carried out.

“Alright Miss, I should have the test results for you in about an hour.” Said the doctor, nodded at us as he walked out, shutting the door.

“I would rather it be mine then his.” Jose said softly, breaking the dark mood I was in. I looked at him, finishing putting my clothes back on. 

“Why?”

“Because better me than that liar Chris.”

“Jose… but what about Domo?” Jose shrugged, looking at me as I sat back on the examination table.

“Domo will be fine. As much as it pains me, Monti takes care of her.” I saw right through his strong act.

“Please don’t settle, even for me. You deserve better.” I held his arm. Jose insisted.

“I can take care of you; I won’t leave you like he would…Unless you think that you’re settling for me?” I looked at him stricken.

“No! God no. I wouldn’t call it settling…” I fell silent. Jose nodded again, staring at the door. We stayed quiet for the next couple minutes, glancing up at eachother until the doctor came back.