My Magnolia Summer

by Victoria Benton Frank

something inside me snapped. I decided that I had had it with him not being ready. I felt like I was always pushing him. I pushed him to move in, to buy a house, to get serious. He had dragged his feet at every life-changing event. It was exhausting. I didn’t want a man who had to be convinced about me or this life we had built together. If he didn’t want to be a part of it, fine. I could deal with him shortchanging me, but not me and the baby growing inside of me. It was clear at that point that I wasn’t making decisions for myself anymore. It was for both of us. Me and the baby. “You know what, Chris? I’m done,” I blurted. “What do you mean you’re done?” he said. “I’m done with you! This is over,” I said. “How can you say that, Violet? We love each other!” “Yes, we do. But love isn’t enough, Chris. We need commitment. Full commitment. I am pregnant and I need you on board right now . . . and you’re not there. It was one thing about marriage, but now it’s marriage and a baby, and you will be away for months! I’m tired, Chris. I don’t want to be with someone I have to keep convincing to stay and move on to the next level. I want to build a life with you, but it’s time we stop pretending that that’s what you want, too.” “I do want that . . . just not now.” “Well, what am I meant to do with that? We can’t undo this!” I gestured to my stomach.