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  (Three episodes ago Julie tells Brazil that she and Gina aren’t related and that they’re both felons. Last week after walking out on Dr. Kodor, Chartan comes home only to be confronted by Gina who has to talk to him.)

“I have three things to tell you, so you better sit,” said Gina.

Chartan pulled out a chair without taking his eyes off his wife.

“I take it we’re in dramatic mode,” he said.

“Please sit.”

He plopped down on the chair. “Hit me.”

“Okay, try this. I’m an ex-felon, Julie’s not my aunt and I’m pregnant.”

Chartan watched his clenched fist slide across the table top.

“Let’s start with pregnant.”

“Yes, you’re the father.”

“Is that okay with you?”

“That you’re the father, that I’m pregnant?”

“This is too tense for the occasion,” said Chartan as he stood up. “What you were in the past doesn’t mean anything if you want me to be the father.”

“I am too tense,” replied Gina. “I shouldn’t have held out about a mistake I made before I met you–I was young and stupid.  I thought you’d walk out. And when I missed two periods, I knew I’d waited too long.”

“Was it a violent felony?”

Gina laughed, but stopped when she realized her husband of less than a year had a pained look. She stood up.

“Not violent. Want to know more?”

“Are you off parole?”

“”Finished.”

“Do you love me?”

Gina took three quick steps and finished by throwing her arms around Chartan. They kissed like they’d never wanted to stop.

…..

Brazil pulled the beater car into the driveway. He kept the  engine running and the lights on while staring straight ahead at the windshield where he watched Julie’s fuzzy reflection. Maybe it would have been important to know about a crime she’d committed and why. But he was too old to worry about someone else’s past–he had his own private hell to fight. A year of fun and companionship was a modest goal and that required staying in the present.

“You’re mad at me?” asked Julie.

Brazil turned off the engine and the lights. “I don’t do anger anymore. I’m just thinking about now and the next day, no further.”

“Will you  tell Chartan about the felonies, that I’m not Gina’s aunt?”

“You can tell him—I won’t. Chartan can take care of himself.”

Julie put her head on Brazil’s lap but he pushed her away and got out of the car.

I don’t do anger. But he knew it was a lie.

To be continued next Sunday…