Welcome Home

Almost three months later, Scarlett knocked on Lebron's door again. This time she hadn't come by car, but had taken the long bus ride. Once again, she waited a long moment until Lebron opened the door.

"Scarlett," he beamed happily.

"Hi Lebron," she said, biting her lower lip.

"Long time no see. How are you? I haven't seen Scott since..."

"I know, but that's not why I'm here."

She shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

"I'm glad to see you," he said, smiling and showing his teeth.

Scarlett looked at the man for the second time in her life, and although she'd had sex with him once, she didn't know him at all and had no idea what he looked like. Only now did she notice the small scar at the corner of her mouth. She looked more closely at the tattoos.

"What brings you here?"

"I..."

Scarlett took several deep breaths before continuing.

"...am pregnant."

Silence from both sides. The summer heat seemed to be getting even worse. She had expected the man she didn't know to get angry or laugh at her, but he did nothing of the sort. He was genuinely happy about the news.

"From me?"

Scarlett could only nod.

"That's great."

"What?"

"It wasn't planned, but it's fabulous news," he said.

"Fabulous? Fabulous? I had to confess to my husband that I'm pregnant by another man... I didn't say who the father is, by the way... but do you know what he did? He kicked me out. No money, no clothes. I have nothing left but the clothes I'm wearing. None of my so-called friends want to help me. I don't know where to go or what to do next."

Scarlett fought back tears and wanted to burst into tears right then and there, but she didn't, because Lebron put his arm around her and hugged her.

"Everything will be fine. I said I'd take care of you if you needed me. I keep my word, and we'll help each other here in the neighborhood. The fact that you're pregnant by me is a wonderful thing. There are worse things in the world than this. Wars, famine. I'm going to be a father. We're having a baby."

"You don't even know me," Scarlett said, pleasantly surprised by his joy and his words.

"You've done a lot for your son and you'll do a lot for our child. That's enough for me for now, and I'll figure out the rest."

"But I won't stay long until I..."

"Yes, yes. Come in first."

Lebron gently but firmly pushed Scarlett through the entrance.

"Welcome home," he said, closing the door.