Colliding With Fate

by A.E. Valdez

Quinn and I, we collided with fate. Fell, crashed, and fucking burned. But we fell together, crashed together, and we fucking burned together. Nothing is perfect. But me and her, us–we’re perfect for each other. When our son asks me if I believe in fate, I’m going to tell him the story of us… of how we came to be. How we collided with fate.

“You’re already doing it,” he says softly, “and you’re doing fucking amazing.” He reassures me. “You’re just–” another contraction washes over me.

“You’re bringing our son into the world, Quinn. You’ve been keeping him safe, nourished, and helping him grow for the past nine months. You already know him better than anyone.” He pulls away slightly to look at me and wipes the tears from my cheeks. “You got this, Mama.”

“I mean… you’ve never been inside you before. I wouldn’t want to leave either.” He says nonchalantly.

“I can’t believe we made you. Well, I believe mommy did. She makes anything she’s a part of beautiful.” He says, and I smile at his words. “Actually… her singing kinda sucks. Alright, to be honest, it’s absolutely terrible.”

Now I understand what he said about me being his life’s greatest gift. That’s what you and mommy are to me.” He kisses the top of Jasiel’s head. I feel the sting of tears in my eyes as I listen to him tell our son stories about his dad.

“All worth it cause he’s cute.” I say, looking at Jasiel. “He is. Thank God. Imagine having an ugly kid?”

“I don’t know why you’re acting like a saint. You show me your friend’s ugly babies all the time.”

“I know I’ve said it fifteen billion times,” he cups my face in his hand, “but I love you. Thank you for giving me everything I only dreamt of.”