Chapter song: "The Reason" by Hoobastank

"I've found the reason for me. To change who I used to be. A reason to start over new. And the reason is you."

Just when I thought everything seem to have improved between Henry and I, Victoria's words drifted through my mind.

"I wouldn't want you to get fooled again."

What if Henry hadn't changed? What if he is only being nice to me because of Baby Kale? And if there was no Baby Kale, would he behave like this to begin with - constantly being by my side and offering his help? I found myself fighting internally with these pestering thoughts that wouldn't disappear.

But people could change people. And so could love.

Does Henry love me enough to change into a new person for Baby Kale and me? Does he even love me at all, even if it was for a small moment?

He had never uttered those three words throughout the times we were together. Somehow I thought he did, but I was mistaken and fooled before. And maybe that was why I couldn't trust Henry...because I didn't truly know if he even love me one bit.

Henry stayed over the weekend at Nancy's place, keeping me companied and making sure I had everything. Even though he sat in the couch working on his laptop, every time I walked by, he would asked if I needed anything or if I felt uncomfortable.

But I didn't need to trust Henry...Maybe I needed to trust myself first. Trust that I'd make the right decision and that I wouldn't get myself hurt.

.....

As I made my way out through the Horizon doors after work on Monday, Henry was already waiting in the driveway.

"How was work?" he asked as I buckled up.

"It was good just like any normal day. Umm...I forgot to tell you not to pick me up today. I'm not going home yet."

"Then where were you planning to go?"

"I'm going to Sally's Place tonight. I made arrangements with Juliet last week to visit the shelter, " I replied. Henry's jubilant expression turned somber as he gaze at me. I hoped he realized I wasn't going to the shelter for the reason he might be thinking about. "I just wanted to go see the kids and visit a friend. I'm not going there because of ..."

"How do you know what I'm thinking about?"

"Well...the look on your face..."

"Ally, that's not it," Henry said with a slight smile. "Alright, then I'm coming with you."

"Henry, you don't--"

"Ally, I want to...For you."

The presence of the golden retrievers easily lifted the children's spirits at the shelter today. Even though some of the kids had bruises and sadness apparent on their faces, they still found the courage to smile and laugh for a moment; it was a warming and rare sight to see.

Juliet and I watched from afar as Henry approached a little girl who looked to be about eight years old. As she pet the golden retriever, she seemed shy around Henry, hardly looking up at him. With a bashful adorable look, she kept her eyes on the dog as Henry spoke with her.

"I'm glad that Henry could join us today, Ally," Juliet said, turning to me. "Did you know, Henry's one of our highest donors. We really appreciate the help he can offer us."

"Really? I didn't know that about Henry. He never talked about his charity work with me."

"He makes many contributions throughout the year to charities and foundations across the nation. He may look strong and assertive on the outside, but he's a really generous person not many people know about." At this moment, Henry had made the little girl laugh. "Isn't he amazing around children?"

I nodded at her words. "Yes, I know. He is just naturally great around them."

"I know you two just recently got married last year, but have you and Henry thought about having kids?"

Juliet doesn't know about the baby yet and I didn't want to let her know until Nana finds out. I felt thankful I wore a sweater today. "No, we haven't had a chance to yet. Henry's been busy caught up with his work and schedule."

My gaze turned towards Henry and the little girl. This made me remember one reason I came here today. I scan the room for a familiar face, but didn't find one. "Juliet, where is the little girl last time I was here with Nick? I think her name was Violet."

"Oh, Violet? Right, I remember her," Juliet spoke, thinking through her thoughts. "She left the shelter with her mother a few days ago. The staff and I advised them to stay here longer under our protection for a longer period, but they insisted they needed to leave. From the news I heard, I think they are staying with some relatives at the moment."

"They left already? I was hoping to see her one more time."

"I'm sorry you guys didn't get a chance to see each other. I'm sure Violet will be very happy to know you asked for her. If I see her again, I'll let her know."

I thanked Juliet and walked wistfully over to Henry and the girl.

"Is this your girlfriend?"

"No, she's not. She's my wife," Henry said, smiling at her and then he looked up at me. "Her name is Ally. Why don't you say hi to her, Emma? She's a very nice person."

The girl peered up shyly at me as I bent to sit down next to her. "Hello, Ally."

"Hello, Emma. Are you having a fun time?" I asked. I reached out and pet the retriever.

"Yes, I am. I like the dogs very much. They make me very happy," Emma replied, keeping her eyes on the dog.

"He's also very happy to see you too."

She turned to me and managed a smile. "You seemed a little sad."

"I wanted to see an old friend, but I heard she's not here anymore. Her name was Violet."

"Violet? She was my friend too. I'm also sad she isn't here anymore. I don't know where she went, but I hope she is okay."

"I hoped so too."

.....

As we walked towards Nancy's front door, I debated on asking Henry a question, but I didn't know if he was going to be okay with it.

I fiddled with my bag as we approached the steps. "Henry?"

"Hmm?" He stopped and turned his attention words me. "Yes, Ally? What is it?"

With a surge of courage, I said, "I'm going to visit Chris tomorrow. I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I wanted to know if you wanted to...visit him with me?"

From the blank look appearing on Henry's face, I knew I shouldn't have asked such a request from him. He pondered over the question for a few seconds too long.

Now that the question was out, it was too early to ask him, I thought. "It's alright though if you don't want to. You don't have to say yes. I would understand if you didn't."

"It's not that, Ally," Henry began. He stepped closer to me and took both my hands into his. "I wouldn't be able to make it anyway tomorrow. I been wanting to tell you that I'll be out of town on a trip to London this week and will be returning Saturday."

Oh...Henry was going to be away...again?

I nodded. "I understand. Work comes first."

"No, you and the baby come first now," Henry responded as he gently placed his warm hand on left side of my head. "I promise this will be the last time, and I'm coming back to your and the baby's side, okay?"

"Okay."

"I'll meet you at Nana's birthday party this Saturday. I'll arranged for Larry to pick you up to the party since I won't arrive in time."

"No, you don't have to asked Larry. Nancy and I will go there together. Don't worry about me."

"Alright then." Henry's gaze remained on me while he began to speak again. "I...I..."

I waited as he struggle with his words.

"I have to go now. Wait for me, Ally."

I smiled faintly and nodded, slightly disappointed. Henry leaned in and placed a kiss on my forehead.

As I watched him turned around and walked down the steps, I wanted to say something - anything that would halt his footsteps and make him look my way. I bit my bottom lip and balled my hand into a fist as I fought back the urge to call out to him.

If felt like we left many important things unsaid. What was he going to say? I wondered.

.....

Why did I ask Henry to accompany me today? I thought as I waited for the guards to bring Chris into the room. I wasn't even sure what I wanted to achieve with their meeting. I only knew I didn't want to be in the middle of this situation over and over again - between my brother and Henry.

"Hey, Ally. Finally you're here!" Chris exclaimed happily as he gave me a quick hug before we sat down. "I was beginning to think you didn't come because you were mad at me."

"Chris, why would I be mad at you? I have just been a little busy lately. I'm sorry. I should have made some time to visit you."

"Don't worry about it. You're here and that's all that matters to me," Chris said. He eyed me up and down, studying me intently. "You looked different, Ally. Are you well?"

"You noticed," I said. I smiled at him. "It's a little early to tell, but you should probably know."

"What is it? Is there something wrong?" he asked, concern etching on his face. "Tell me, Ally. I can try to help."

"I wanted to let you know that you're going to be an uncle again."

Chris's face light up just as I expected. He took a couple deep breaths staring at the table before looking at me again. "Really? You're not joking with me, are you?"

"When have I lied to you? It's really happening."

"That's wonderful news. I'm so happy for two!" Chris exclaimed. The big smile on Chris' face prove to me it was the right decision to tell him.

"I'm sorry Henry couldn't be here to share it with you. He is out of town at the moment on business."

"He is a busy man and it is okay with me. We still have plenty of time to get to know one another down the road," Chris said. "I can't believe you're pregnant. I already know you're going to become a wonderful mother, Ally."

"You really think so?" I asked.

"Of course, I do. There's no doubt about it."

I didn't know what else to reply to my brother. It made me feel uneasy, betraying him and his trust. All I could do was put on a smile to hide the truth and my feelings deep down. Chris was so happy at the moment already. I didn't want to be the reason to take that away from him.

It was the only happiness he had.

Later that evening, I checked my phone and noticed a voicemail from Henry. I placed my phone on vibrate at work, causing me to missed his call.

"Hi, Ally. I'm calling to check how you and Baby Kale are doing. I hoped you two are well.  Anyways, remember what we spoke two weeks ago about you coming home. I'll be waiting for your answer when I get back Saturday. Goodbye, Henry."

I did remembered the conversation, but hadn't made a decision yet. Two weeks was not enough time, but to Henry, he must had been waiting a long time. I placed a hand on my belly, hoping Baby Kale could helped mommy decide on an answer for daddy.

.....

Since Henry left, it rained every day of the week. Everything seemed gloomy with these early April showers.

On Friday afternoon, Adam and I went to O'Hare to send Lily off on her Europe trip. It was a bitter feeling to say goodbye to Lily. She, Adam, and I always went on trips together ever since we became roommates and this was the first time we weren't.

But I knew Lily would have an awesome trip without us. She talked about this trip for a long time now and she worked so hard to make it a reality. She really did deserve it.

"Take care of yourself, Lily," I said.

"You as well, Al," Lily responded. "Eat a lot as you're going to need your strength for the next couple of weeks."

"Don't worry, I will."

"I'm excited to see how big you will be when I return back in a few weeks."

I laughed. "I can't wait till you get back then."

Lily pulled me into a long hug before turning to Adam. "Look after Ally for me, alright? Or you'll get it when I come back."

We all laughed at Lily's joke.

"Yes, Lil," Adam replied obediently with a smile and Lily gave him a hug. "Take care of yourself out there, girlfriend."

Adam and I watched as Lily bid goodbye to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Perez, who were both here as well to send their daughter off.

Watching their family somehow made me think of Henry.

Is it possible for us to have that - to be a family? Can Henry and I start over new? Should I forgive him? And should I forget the past?

While Adam drove out of the airport, I observed the airplanes landing and taking off. This time tomorrow, Henry will be coming home on one of those planes. I will finally get to see him and he'll be waiting to hear my answer.

After coming home and setting my purse on the bedroom dresser, I realized what gift would be perfect for Nana. It wasn't anything expensive or extravagant, but I knew to Nana, it would mean much more than something from the store. I picked up the gift and look at it.

Yes...maybe for Baby Kale to have a father by his side...maybe for this reason...I can try to forgive Henry.