Darnell & Leyla

"Because I... I gave her away. You've been the one that's... that's taken care of her, and fed her, and changed her, and made sure she was safe and everything. I haven't done anything."

"But you brought her into this world even though it was so hard on you."

"I did that because I had to though. I never wanted... any of this."

"But you didn't have to though, a lot of girls wouldn't have."

"What do you mean?"

"There are ways to get rid of unwanted pregnancies." I told her "But I don't know any women who intentionally done it"

I stared at her, not knowing what to say. "I... I never could've done that. It wasn't her fault. She didn't do anything wrong. And she has a mom and a dad that love her, and a home and... I... I never could've taken that away from her. Just because... of what he did."

"That's what makes you so special."

"I..." I shook my head. "I'm not special though," I whispered. "I'm not... I'm not anything."

"I know a lot of people who would disagree, Darnell and myself included. We've spoken with Asher before. He says you're very good at insect sounds and bird calls. Right?"

I nodded a little. "Yeah... I guess so. I mean... I used to be. I haven't done it in a long time."

"You should start it back up, I'd love to hear them sometime."

"Really?" I asked and she nodded. "I... I might. I haven't... felt like doing much of anything since I got here."

"That's understandable. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to about anything."

"I... I wouldn't even know what... to say," I said quietly and wrapped my arms around myself.

"Whatever you want."

I shrugged a little and looked back down at the baby. "What... what's her name?" I asked quietly.

"Her name is Emily, are you sure you don't want to hold her?"

"I like that name. It's pretty," I whispered. "I... I don't know. What... what if I drop her?"

"You won't, you can have a seat first if you'd like."

I nodded a little, feeling nervous. "Okay," I said and slowly sat down on the couch.

I went over and placed the baby in her arms "Just support her head."

I nodded a little and held my arms out. She helped me hold her and it felt like my heart stopped for a moment.

Bella

"See? It's not hard...are you alright?"

I nodded a little. "Yeah... yeah, I'm okay. I've just... never... held a baby before. I mean, my sister yeah but... this is... this is different," I whispered.