Jane covered her mouth in surprise. “She said it was mine, but she said nothing while I was away, telling me she wanted it to be a surprise. The day I came back, I was so happy. We had talked about having children and even though we said we would wait; I was excited about the addition to our family. I knew pregnancy lasted about nine months, but when she kept lying about her due date and telling me different things, I grew suspicious. She never let me go to appointments until one day I showed up, surprising her. She freaked out, saying I couldn’t be there, but the nurse contradicted her, putting us in a room. I knew something was definitely wrong. They confirmed my suspicions when the doctor asked, ‘How was thirty-one weeks of pregnancy going?’ There was no way I was the father, and it devastated me.” I didn’t realize I was clenching my fists so hard until Jane pried them open, laying hers on top of mine. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

“Jane, don’t waste your tears on me.” I held her hands.

“I can’t believe she did that to you,” she whispered.

“I hated her for a long time, but I can admit that taking that tour wasn’t the best idea. I was running away from our problems, and I thought space would be good for us. That’s why when I saw you with Lucio, I was instantly furious because I thought you had gone there with him.”

Jane opened her mouth to say something, but I held up a hand to stop her.

“I know it’s stupid. Call it PTSD or I don’t know. Seeing you with him just triggered me because it has been a long time since I’ve cared for someone.” I looked down, not wanting to see the rejection in her expression, hating how unsure I felt. I was used to being in control and Jane was tearing down my confidence until I felt like a high school kid.

“Thank you for telling me,” Jane said, grabbing my hands again. I felt the sting of rejection, as she didn’t return my sentiments. “I think that’s why everything you guys did hurt so much. I’ve grown to care for all of you.” She looked up at me with agony in her eyes.