24- Parents

"Irma, can we talk?" Anna asked quietly.

Irma closed her phone and pursed her lips, "Ok."

"Let's go for a walk," Anna told her, "Come on."

The two started walking down the chilly streets of Buffalo. Anna looked at Irma, who was shifting uncomfortably. She was visibly upset.

"You told me something in there that you didn't want to," Anna began, "I know you did."

Irma nodded, still quiet, "It was a long time ago, hun..."

"But it still affects you," Anna replied, "That I can see."

Irma sighed and leaned against a nearby pole; a busy highway crowded with cars nearby. She looked to the sky and took a deep breath, eyes closed.

"I was with someone else before Victor," Irma said, "Jonathon Ericsson."

"The Red Wing?"

"Yeah," Irma continued to look at the grey clouds, "He was my first real boyfriend. My first love. We were crazy about each other. His career was just starting to take off and everything seemed perfect." Irma crossed her arms. "Then, just before the playoffs started, I found out I was pregnant."

Anna nervously chewed on her lip. She didn't like where this was going.

"I didn't know you were ever pregnant."

"Well," Irma continued, "After I told Jonathon, he got really upset and told me to get rid of it. He had no time for a baby, let alone time to be a father. I wanted to keep it. He didn't like that."

Irma's eyes were starting to glaze over. The story could only get worse.

"One night I went to visit him while they were on the road. He asked if I'd gotten the abortion yet. I told him I wasn't going to get one." She paused, her voice shaky, "We got into a huge argument at the hotel, and he pushed me down the stairs."

Anna said nothing.

"I woke up in the hospital with a few broken bones," Irma said through tears, "And I lost the baby. We broke up shortly after that."

"Irma...I'm so sorry..." Anna said, putting her arms around her friend.

"What I'm trying to say is..." Irma said to her, "Is I want you to be safe, because you're my friend and I love you. And if Ryan doesn't want this baby, then you don't have to go through this." She sniffed. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

Anna took a deep breath and let go, "I won't let anything happen, I promise."

"What about Ryan? Does he want this too?"

Anna sighed, "I don't know, Irma. I just don't know."

Irma wiped her tears on her sleeve, "I don't feel well, Anna. I'm going home tonight. I need to see Victor. I have to see him."

"I understand."

"But Julia will be here tomorrow with Carey. The Habs are playing the Sabres, so you two will get some time to hang out."

"That's good."

"But before I go, you have to promise me something."

Anna looked at Irma, who looked her straight in the eye.

"If you need anything, if he hurts you or mistreats you, or if you feel like you can't do this on your own...call me. Or Victor. You are welcome at our place any time."

"Thanks, Irma. I'll remember that."

She just hoped she wouldn't have to.