109

In an intricate, expensive suit that clearly did not match his financial level, sat Lark, comfortably as if home. Though certainly, he was not at home—he was having a great time at a restaurant this fine night. Not only was there a fine night, but a fine young woman. This angel sat opposite him, constantly throwing smiles and giggles of profound merriment. It had been hours since they've been sitting together, yet her euphoria had never ceased to exist. 

She wasn't the fairy woman Lark had always wanted; but she still an amazing woman. 

Lark told jokes and flirted with the one young woman for the entirety of their meeting. To all, it was clear as glass, this short-lived truth that he loved Cassey, that is. His love for her was unparalleled to that of even her mother's. And quite, fortunately, his love was far from unrequited. For Cassey, herself had fallen for his enticing man. 

On the face of it; nothing could kill their love for each other. Unfortunately, it would merely be a delusion, should one choose to believe so. For tonight, this love will be quelled alas. Slaughtered at its birth, for such was life, by definition, and such was love to its core. Such a pity.

"I've had a great time tonight, Cassey," Lark said. "So what do you say? Wanna do it again?"

"It's either that," Cassey leaned in, "or you cut me some chase, and we start making love from early."

Lark leaned in as well. "That I totally can see happening, my fallen angel. Though, I believe that our love needn't be rushed. There is still a lot for us to know about each other. I mean, we have been friends for over two decades ... but ...."

"From friends to lovers," Cassey said, "that's the most flowery thing in my opinion. But you're right. We need time to build this up. And since you've made that point," she frowned, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you ... something I think you should know." Just like that, her smile had finally ceased to exist. She could no longer look Lark in the eyes.

Lark inched closer to her. He placed his hand on her chin. "Cassey, you know you can tell me anything, right?"

Cassey had quailed, averting her eyes. "No-no," she stuttered, "this is much different. God, I hope you don't hate me for this ..."

"Cassey," Lark called, steering into her eyes. It was as if he had used magic on her. She had suddenly started looking him in the eyes. "Tell me what's been on your mind ..."

She frowned again. "You sure you won't hate me for it?" 

"I promise," Lark said. "I'm a man of my word."

"Ah, I'm relieved, really," Cassey said. "The truth is," she looked down at her abdomen, and touched it with a hand, "I'm pregnant, Lark. I'm pregnant."

Lark grimaced, "W-what do you ... mean? What are you talking about?"

"I'm having a baby," she said, smiling. 

"Ha haha! Nice one, Cassey. You almost got me there! Is this revenge since I was cracking jokes all night?"

"It's not Lark," she said. "I honestly wish it was. But unfortunately, it's not. I'm being serious right now."

"Ah, come on," Lark said, "you're bluffing." 

"Lark," she pulled his hand and place it on her stomach, "I'm not. I was gaining any weight. I lied. I'm pregnant, Lark."

Lark's heart had crashed into his chest when he felt movement in Cassey's stomach. Horror-struck, he looked her in the face. "M-my baby? When did that happen? I don't get it. How is this po-"

Cassey chuckled. "No, silly," she said. "It's not your baby," she looked down at her belly, "it's my little bastard child." Her tone was soft; and true. She was being honest. 

Lark's heart had sunken. He deflated, suddenly feeling a surge of weakest throughout his body. "A bastard child? W-who's the father?"

"Unfortunately," Cassey said. "I don't know. But," she looked up at him, "I was hoping that you take his place."

Lark had never liked children. He clenched his teeth; and pulled his arm away from her. And worst of all, it wasn't his baby at all. Why did the world hate him this much? He looked at Cassey, shaking his head. "I'm incredibly disappointed. I can't believe you just said that. Me? Take his role, and take after his son? When I don't even know the man!" He snapped at her. 

He had gained the attention of the other few people in the restaurant tonight. It was certainly not a busy night for the restaurant; but perhaps it was rather entertaining for the customers. 

"I-I I uh ..." Cassey stuttered, "Yeah? You know what? Yeah," she looked him in the eyes, glaring. "From the time I heard you on the phone, I figured you would be the perfect father to help raise my child who is soon to come. I just knew it. Your tone. Your ways. Your responsibility. I admire you, Lark. I ... love you. 

"It was an accidental baby. I know it isn't your son ... but I was hoping you could hear me out a bit—"

"Hear? That's something think you're missing right now, Cassey. Are you even hearing yourself right now? You figured I would be the perfect father to raise your child? Me? When he isn't even my son? And I don't fucking know his dad?"

"I-I'm sorry ... Lark."

"Don't say sorry to me," Lark said. "Say that to him, this man who impregnated you. Apologize to him, telling him that you're sorry you weren't smart enough to prevent something like that from happening!"

Cassey had averted her eyes. 

Lark shot out of his seat, the chair behind him skating southbound. "I thought you were better, Cassey. I really loved you, but you just to ruin it. You just had to fuck with my life just like everyone else! How am I supposed to raise a child? I have no money! I have no hopes! I have no responsibility!"

He scowled. "You disgust me like the rest, Cassey." 

"Lark, wait, I'm—"

Lark had stormed off.