Re: In-person: Sam A/Cris M
[He knows it's prolly 'causea Neil too. In some ways, it infuriates him, huh? To know that that guy had this muchuva impact on Sam—so negative. That that guy took her self-esteem and crushed it 'cause he couldn't be bothered to care enough. Never mind if that was just how Neil was. Cris had no sympathy for somebody so passive and destructive all at once.—And even though the guy was outta the picture, finally in some ways, he'd always be there, and maybe he didn't like that so much either, even if he didn't hafta think too much 'bout it these days, gracias a Dios.
He grins a lil wider when Sam says the baby likes kicking him.] Sounds like her ma, huh? [He kisses her nose, keeping his palms anchored.—He inches back just enough to watch her as she talks.] I'm a lot more years out than you are, baby. ¿Entiendes? Traumatic stuff happens and it fucks with people. It don't make you fucked up. It can get better—it can help talkin' to people or medications or stuff like that. But, it's time too. Time, and you don't give yourself that. [And blink. Blink.] ¿Qué? [He almost has to smile, 'cause what she's asking—he can't help but find outrageous.] You know I was there when Teresa was born, huh?