With Me by Gabbie S. Duran Page A

should buy her one of those things if this is the end result.”
    I laugh along with her, remembering how much Josephina loved dancing around to the music. “Technically I did buy it for her, so it’s hers to keep.”
    “Joseph, I wanted to talk to you about that. I don't like the idea that you bought it solely because we were coming over,” she tells me, sounding distraught.
    “Kasey, it doesn’t matter. Seeing how happy it made Josephina made it worth buying. That’s all that matters,” I tell her, trying to defuse her unhappiness. “I’m going to drop it off before I leave, that way she’ll have something to wear her out every night while you’re working.”
    “No Joseph, you don’t have to do that. Mark looked like he enjoyed himself as well. I’d hate for you to take it from his house. I’ll figure out a way to buy her one,” she answers, making me chuckle as I remember Mark playing with the game system. Although he did enjoy himself, I had bought it for Josephina, not Mark.
    “I’m pretty sure Ashley wouldn’t like it very much if Mark got hooked on video games, especially with the baby coming soon. She’ll probably insist I take the thing to you anyway,” I tell her, hoping my insistence will change her mind.
    It’s then I realize Kasey hasn’t changed from the girl I grew up with. She’s always been selfless, always thinking of other people first, even back then.
    The line grows quiet. I know she’s considering my offer. Closing my eyes, I remember what Kasey looked like when she knows you’ve proven your point to her. When she was no longer able to argue any further, she’d always take her bottom lip with her teeth, nervously chewing on it. Her eyes would dart back and forth to avoid locking eyes with you. Within a couple of seconds she’d sigh in defeat when she knew she’d lost.
    “Thank you. Josephina would really like that,” she quietly says, making me smile as I open my eyes.
    My smile just as quickly turns into a frown when I remember what it was I wanted to discuss with her. “Kasey, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. Do you plan on telling Josephina I’m her father, or did you want to keep it from her?” I ask, bracing myself as I wait for her answer. I’m practically holding my breath at this point, not knowing what her response will be.
    “Of course I plan on telling her, but I’m scared of how she’ll react to the truth. You live in San Diego, Joseph. In a couple of days you’ll be going back. Imagine the disappointment she’ll be feeling when you leave,” she points out, her reaction telling me she doesn’t plan on telling Josephina.
    I feel angry. I want to tell Josephina. She has every right to know the truth, but deep down inside I don’t have the courage to say it. I might be Josephina’s father, but I’ve been the absent father who only showed up a couple of days ago. Up until now, Kasey has been forced to play both roles of parenting. She has every right to make the decision for both of us of when she will tell Josephina the truth. I’m worried if I’ll ever be a part of Josephina’s life.
    “Joseph, you both deserve to know each other, but please remember that she’s a little girl and I’d hate to have her heart broken,” she declares. I can hear the pain in her voice. It’s most likely the same pain she’s been carrying with her since the day I left.
    “I’m sorry, Kasey,” I quickly whisper to her.
    I hear the beep on my phone announcing another call. When I look at the screen I see Elizabeth’s name and I silently curse to myself. She always manages to call at the most inconvenient times. It reminds me that I need to tell Kasey about Elizabeth. Something I will have to do soon.
    Before I can consider continuing the conversation, I hear Kasey say, “Joseph, it’s late and I’m kind of tired from today. I think it’s best we discuss this more tomorrow, okay?”
    “I’d really like to spend tomorrow with you girls.