Chapter 45: Matthew’s POV
Chapter 45: Matthew’s POV
It had been hours since I’d been forcibly taken from my job, charged and arrested. The officers gave a list of serious charges and told me that an anonymous tip had been placed, leading them to search my apartment and find my “stash“. But I had no stash. I could never do drugs after seeing first–hand of it did to pops. The man went from father of the year to a doped–up junkie in the span of three months. He had become a zombie version of himself with nothing to look forward to
other than his next fix.
I may have had a bad gambling rep but I had finally gotten my life together. I paid my debts off and decided to get a good job with decent pay. I moved into a cozy one bedroom apartment and I even met someone: Starla. I wasn’t well–off by any means but I was happy. I had finally pulled myself out of the trenches and I felt good about it. I was able to finally be present.
And now, I’ve been framed. Back to the trenches I go.
I call Claire and beg for her help. I knew she’d believe me. Claire knows about our hardships growing up. She knows I would never touch drugs. Right now, she’s the only person I can trust.
I’m grateful when I see that Leonardo had immediately put money on my books so that I could make calls. I dial Starla’s number and wait for her to pick up
“Hello?” She seems confused which is understandable being that this is a prison collect call.
“Hey, it’s Matthew.” I say as I bow my head shamefully.
“Oh my god! What happened? Why are you in jail?” It pained me to have to tell her.
“Starla, I’ve been framed. They found drugs in my apartment and I didn’t put them there. I swear to you.. I just wanted to hear the news from me.” I say defeatedly. Starla was a good woman, I don’t expect
her to believe or wait for me.
“This is horrible! What can I do to help?” She’s not leaving?
“Just be patient with me. My sister is going to try to help me. Her husband, too. I don’t know how long it’ll take but they’ll find a way. I’m sorry I can’t be there, Starla.” I wait as the line is silent. My heart is descending to the floor when I hear a response.
“Promise me, you’ll call and write every day. I want updates as soon as possible.” I could tell by her tone that she was crying.
“I promise.”
“Good. But Matthew, you have to hurry.
“I know.”
“No, I planned on telling you over dinner tomorrow, I’m pregnant.” My whole body tenses. My mind races and I quickly respond.
“We’re having a baby? How far along are you?”
“12 weeks tomorrow.” She chuckles as she shares the news. Truthfully, I had just started to figure out my life and now I was going to be a father. I don’t know what that future will look like until it comes but I’m excited. Until I realize I’m stuck in here with no way out.
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Chapter 45: Matthew’s POV
“12 weeks. You’ve made me the happiest man. I promise I’ll do everything I can to get back to you as soon as possible. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hear the clock of line cutting off and sink into my chair. I’m really going to be a father.
Desperation starts to set in. Leonardo and Claire are my only hope of walking out of here and ever meeting my child.
