“I have a good friend who was adopted,” I tell him. “We were roommates in college.”
“Was he bothered by it?” Decan wants to know.
“Jake had great parents who loved him a lot,” I say. “But yeah, he always wondered why his birth parents gave him away. I suppose he had some abandonment issues because of it.”
“He was probably better off though,” Decan says. “You know, having parents who really wanted a baby versus having ones who didn’t.”
“What do you think Margie’s boyfriend would say to her putting their baby up for adoption.”
“Jordan doesn’t want anything to do with any of it.”
“Jordan Hollis?” I ask in surprise. He’s on the basketball team with Decan. Which might explain why the two have seemed at odds lately.
“Yeah. I like Jordan, or at least I did before this happened. Now I’m having a hard time even looking at him.”
“Do you know howhisparents are handling things?” I ask. Trying to offer both perspectives, I tell him, “He may be having a hard time at home, too.”
“I doubt it.” Decan tells me, “His parents don’t even know about it yet. He wants Margie to have an abortion so they never find out. But I think it’s probably too late for that. Too many people know.”
“Are Jordan’s parents nice?” I don’t get to meet most of the players’ families until the season starts so I don’t know the Hollises yet.
Decan shrugs. “I guess. Mr. Hollis plays golf with my dad. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before that stops.” He adds, “I think my parents just want the problem to go away so they don’t have to be embarrassed. They want Margie to go to college and pretend this never happened.”
“What do you think she should do?” I ask, hoping to be the outlet for him to express his own feelings.
Decan slumps in his chair before answering, “No matter whereyou stand on abortion, it can’t be an easy decision to make. And honestly,” he adds, “I’m surprised my parents are so in favor it. They’ve been pretty judgmental in the past regarding people using it as birth control.”
“It’s easy to form an opinion about something before you or someone you love is faced with the same situation.”
“Yeah, I guess.” He takes a deep breath. “I’m really torn up about this. So is Leah. On one hand, I want Margie to have the life she thought she’d have. But it isherlife, you know? If she wants to keep this kid, then shouldn’t she be able to do that?”
My head is spinning, trying to see everyone’s side of this. “Yes,” I tell him, “but your parents also have a right to feel the way they do, too.”
“When I become a dad,” Decan says, “I’m going to love my children no matter what. Everyone makes mistakes and I’m going to have their backs when they do.”
“You’re a good kid, Decan,” I tell him. “But remember the best way not to make sure this particular mistake doesn’t happen is to either practice safe sex or to simply abstain.”
“You don’t have to tell me,” he grunts. “The last thing I want to do is become a dad as a teenager.” Hopefully, other kids will learn that lesson, too. Especially if Margie comes back to school and decides to keep her baby.
“Will you be at practice tonight?” I ask Decan.
“Both Leah and I will be.” He hesitates for a beat before adding, “The strange thing is that Leah and I are getting closer because of this. I guess we’ve realized it’s important to have your family’s back.”
A slow smile crosses my face. “Are you saying you welcome your little sister on the court?”
“Maybe,” he admits. “But I’m still going to kick her butt.”
“Competition will make you both better players.” I’m glad Decan and Leah have basketball to help distract them from bigger issues.
Decan stands up before stretching his hand out in my direction. “Thanks for talking to me, Coach. I really appreciate it.” Then he turns and leaves.
One of the things I like most about teaching high school is being in a support position for kids. This is a hard age no matter what your circumstances.
It doesn’t matter if your family is rich, like the kids I taught in Chicago, middle class, or financially struggling and just barely getting by. Everyone who traverses the road to adulthood faces challenges they don’t see coming. Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning. All we can hope for is that we get better navigating the challenges thrown our way.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ALLIE
