Chapter 16
MYA
We had so much fun with Christian’s family last night, but I was nervous as hell to tell them I was pregnant. Before we even left for his mother’s house, I had to call my dad. I was still in Christian’s plush bed, soaking up just how comfortable it was. My damn bed felt like a brick compared to his. He had a few calls to go on this morning, so I had the entire bed to myself.
As I rolled over, my phone rang, causing me to huff. When I saw Maui’s face appear, I smiled. She was such a sweetheart. All of them were… well, except those twins. They were a lot like me. I could tell they didn’t take no shit through the FaceTime call. Maui was so excited to introduce me to them. When one of them answered with a scowl on her face, my eyebrows had lifted. They looked just like Mister Mayor.
I wanted to laugh, but I didn’t want to get on their bad side before I even got to know them. They seemed extremely irritable, but they were nice enough to express an interest in getting to know me. I supposed I would be irritable too if I were finishing up my first year of medical school.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Hey, boo! Were you still asleep?”
“Hey. No. I’m still in bed though.”
It was nine in the morning. Clearly, they were all early risers. “I’m sorry. We were just excited to invite you to come hang out with us at the diner for brunch. I know Christian is working. The diner has a fire brunch, and a special guest is going to be there today. They won’t say who.”
“Well, it sounds fun. What time should I be ready?”
“Yay! Can you be ready in an hour?”
“Yes. Thanks for the invite.”
“Of course! See you in a little while.”
I ended the call and huffed. I had planned to get up and eat a couple of donuts Christian had brought back for me this morning and then write a bit. I wasn’t feeling as down and anxious as before, and my creative juices seemed to want to flow while I was here. Although I was nervous about what my dad and Christian’s family would say, I knew the only person’s thoughts that mattered were his. Christian was excited about being a father.
I shot him a text, just in case I wasn’t here when he got home. Hey, Christian. Maui invited me to brunch. She’s going to come pick me up.
He responded almost immediately. Okay, baby. I’ll call you in about thirty minutes.
I smiled slightly. I liked how he just fell into the habit of calling me baby. Whenever he said it, I smiled. It made me feel all warm inside. I went to the bathroom and started the shower as my phone rang. I frowned slightly, wondering who was calling me. It was too soon to be Christian. I went and got it from the nightstand to see a number I didn’t recognize. I answered anyway, despite the little voice in my head telling me not to.
“Hello?”
“I thought you said you lost the baby.”
I frowned and looked at the phone. “Janson?”
“Yeah. I saw you going to the obstetrician last week. You obviously blocked my number since you never answered my calls or returned any messages. You’re still pregnant.”
“No. I lost the baby and was in the hospital for three days, jackass. I guess I’ll have to block this number too. You didn’t even want to be involved when I told you.”
“That was a mistake. I want to be involved now.”
“Well, it’s too late! The baby died!”
I ended the call and blocked the number then went to shower. I refused to let Janson steal my joy, but I knew I would have to tell Christian about this. Withholding it could bite me in the ass later and have Christian thinking I was playing games. The last thing I wanted to do was fuck this up. He was a good man and way more mature than me. He knew what he wanted.
When I got out, I dried off and went to the bedroom to moisturize, only to see Christian entering the room. “Hey! You’re off?”
“Hey, baby. No, I needed to see you. This heifer I used to fuck is trying to make me lose my shit on her ass. I knew seeing you would help me to calm down.”
My eyebrows lifted slightly. “I guess we’re both having trouble. Janson called, pressuring me about the baby. He saw me going to the doctor’s office last week. I blocked his number, so he used someone else’s phone. I told him that his baby died. I didn’t confirm that I was pregnant though. What’s going on with her?”
“She keeps wanting to fuck. I know her main issue is she’s wanting to borrow money. But like Uncle Jasper says from time to time, I know she tryna stick me for my paper. I think she’s on that shit.”
“What shit? Drugs?”
“Yeah. Meth. I should’ve researched her ass before diving back in that. She’s clearly not the same person from senior year.”
“When did y’all last fuck?”
“The day I met you. That’s the only time we fucked since high school. I literally walked in on her fucking herself. She put that shit out there for me… lassoed my ass right on in.”
I closed my eyes at his country inuendo and slowly shook my head. “So, I have my rope right now. Can you outrun my lasso?”
“Hell yeah, girl. I gotta make my money. I’m about to be a father. That means I’m gon’ be broke all the damn time, especially if we have a girl. Plus, I don’t wanna hear Maui’s mouth if you aren’t ready when she gets here. Now back to this nigga. When we get to Houston, I need to holla at his ass… in person.”
I shook my head. “No. His ass ain’t worth it.”
“He ain’t, but you are. If he’s disturbing your peace, then he needs to be put in his place… forcefully. I done already tried talking to his ass. No more talking. It’s time for action. People like testing what they don’t know. He about to learn real quick-like though. I’m gon’ fuck his ass up when we get back.”
“Well, I’m a Houston girl, so you better tell your meth-head, crackhead friend to find somebody safe to play with. Me and this baby will whup her addicted ass.”
“You ain’t gon’ be doing shit but relaxing with your feet up.” He kissed my head and scanned my body. “Let me get out of here before I end up tongue-first in that thirst trap.”
I laughed as he kissed me again. “Damn, girl. I can’t wait to finish up so I can spend the rest of the day with you. No mimosas. I’m gon’ have Uncle Mayor watching yo’ ass. Hol’ on. He gon’ be watching you anyway, because that’s just the type of shit he do with people he don’t know, but I will ask for the report of what he saw.”
“Bye, Christian. No mimosas.”
“Okay. Don’t enjoy Lloyd too much.”
“Lloyd?”
“Yeah. That’s the singer that will be there. When he sings ‘Get It Shawty’ I need you to stay seated. You probably don’t even know him.”
“Umm… yes, I do, thank you. I know Lloyd’s cute ass.”
“Uh huh. Don’t make me have Aunt Tiffany or my cousin, Jess, handle yo’ ass. We ride hard for each other around these parts. Now let me get out of here and go handle my business.”
He kissed me yet again. When I tried to slide my tongue to his, he backed away quickly. “Hell naw. I gotta go. You tryna fuck my business up. Bye, girl.”
With that, he finally left, and I hurriedly got myself together to go hang with my newfound friends.
When I got back from the diner, all I was good for was a nap. Christian still hadn’t made it back home anyway. I’d eaten so much shrimp and grits, I could barely walk to the car. When I got to the house, I didn’t make it past the sofa. Maui and Ashanni had tried their hardest to get me to drink a mimosa, saying how good they were. I wanted one so bad too, but Christian would have killed me.
Lloyd had shown up and performed three songs. He was traveling through and had heard about the diner from some of his friends and wanted to stop and enjoy some good food. The girls had said that Mrs. Jenahra and Mrs. Chrissy normally didn’t cook on Saturdays, but they had to hook Lloyd and his crew up with all the fixings. I laughed when they said fixings because it just sounded so country.
I woke up when I heard Christian’s door close. His couch had to be a sedative. It seemed every time I sat on it, I ended up falling asleep, although it was intentional this time. I glanced at my phone to see I’d been asleep for an hour, but it felt like it had only been ten minutes. I was still tired as fuck.
This woman Christian had told me about had me nervous. If she was a drug addict, she would do anything for her next hit. That was how most addicts were. I wasn’t sure how much experience Christian had with that sort of thing, but I had an aunt who was so fucking strung out, she allowed her boyfriend to rape her five-year-old daughter repeatedly. It was sickening to the entire family. I hadn’t seen her or her daughter since my mama died eleven years ago.
I stretched as I stood from the couch to welcome my man home. My man. That sounded weird to me, but I loved it at the same time. I loved how serious he was about me. Nothing about it felt put on or fake. Christian truly wanted me for who I was instead of for what I had to offer. When I said I wanted to be his, it was like a switch inside of him flipped, and he allowed me to see just how much he cared for me. I had been so stupid to turn him down… all in the name of fear.
I went to the back door so I could welcome him home as soon as he entered. When he came inside and saw me standing here, he smiled. I could get used to this shit. His smile was everything. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were happy to see me,” he said, his smile widening even more.
“It’s a shame you don’t know better. I just want you to know that I’m extremely grateful that you didn’t give up on me. It took me a while to come around and see what you saw in me. You saw a woman that was capable of receiving genuineness, love, and loyalty by providing it all. You so skillfully stole my heart and made me see the error of my ways. I was intentionally passing up the best thing that had ever happened to me because of fear.”
I slowly shook my head as he pulled me to him. The scent of sweat was strong, but I didn’t even care. I owed Christian everything I had to offer. He deserved my love, loyalty, and devotion.
“That was beautiful, Mya.” He kissed my head. “Let me go take a shower then we can call your dad.”
I nodded as a nervous smile played on my lips.
“Hey, whatever happens, happens. Just know one thing will remain constant. I’m not going anywhere.” He gently slid his fingertips across my cheek. “I’m falling for you, baby. I feel like that was happening before I even realized it. I craved you so badly. My infatuation and lust are turning into love. I will always be here for you and my baby. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Just that quickly, my nerves took a break and calmed down for a moment. He walked away to go shower, and I sat on the couch, playing a matching game on my phone. A text came through, and the banner said it was from Angel. When she’d walked away from us in the kitchen to go feed the baby last night, Christian’s cousins informed me that she had down syndrome.
I supposed they noticed I was trying to figure her out. She was so bubbly and happy, almost in a child-like manner, but she didn’t have the typical physical traits of someone with down syndrome. She seemed to be very knowledgeable about the things she talked about, but her excitement about everything she said threw me off. Once I knew of her mental issues, I understood her so much better.
Mama Chrissy invited us to dinner. Will you be there?
I smiled slightly. Yes, ma’am. We’ll see you in a little while.
She enjoyed our brunch so much. It was her first time leaving Rylan alone with the baby. Maui and Ashanni assured her that he had everything covered. He was so unlike Christian. He seemed quiet, reserved, and gentle… perfect for Angel. I was a little nervous about meeting Christian’s older brother, Jakari. From what I overheard, they looked up to him. It was like he was their dad when their biological dad left.
That alone told me they valued what he had to say. If he started tripping about us, where would that leave me? It would surely make things difficult between Christian and me. I’d already met his mother, and she seemed extremely nice. As I worked myself up about the unknown, Christian reappeared, wearing only a towel.
“See, that shit ain’t fair. There is no way I will be able to concentrate while talking to my dad, knowing you’re naked under that towel. As much as your dick likes to make his presence known, I know I will lose all train of thought, fucking with you.”
He chuckled. “Girl, quit tripping. I got on drawz under here.” He removed the towel, and I could see his print. That shit was distracting as hell. I was staring at it like I was in a trance. Christian snapped his fingers, and said, “Earth to Mya. Girl, get your head out the gutter. I’ma give you this dick before we leave. You gon’ be so calm, you might fall asleep mid-stroke.”
I slightly rolled my eyes. “As if that dick would allow me to drift off to sleep. Why you had on a towel?”
He chuckled. “You damn right. I brought a towel because I sweat after my showers when I’m already overheated. I should have taken a cold one, but I hate cold showers. I had it wrapped around me because I wanted to fuck with you.”
After he sat next to me, I shoved him playfully and grabbed my phone to place the call to my dad. I sat with it in my hand for a second as Christian gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. I took a deep breath then made the call.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Daddy. How are you?”
“I’m good, baby. What about you?”
“I’m good too.”
“That’s good. You sound a lot better than you’ve been sounding for the past month or so.”
“I have something to tell you. I’ve been scared to tell you because I was afraid of seeing your disappointment. I don’t want you to think I’m just a complete fuck up.”
“Quit stalling, Mya.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Mya… damn. For real? I mean… you didn’t learn anything, did you?”
“Daddy—”
“Is it with the same guy?”
“No, sir.”
“Lord have mercy. Have you been to the doctor?”
“Yes, sir. I’m almost eleven weeks.”
“Eleven weeks? So you got pregnant again as soon as you were released by the doctor? What in the fuck is wrong with you, girl? You were just thanking God for dodging a bullet, but then you go and do the same thing again? I don’t understand. Is the father at least willing to stick around this time?”
Tears were falling down my cheeks as Christian took the phone from me and said, “Yes, sir. I plan to be around as long as she lets me. Even then, she’ll have a hard time getting rid of my ass.”
My dad was quiet for a moment as if he were trying to figure out who he was talking to. Suddenly, he said, “Mister Henderson?”
“Yes, sir. Christian.”
My dad released a huff and said, “Shit. Thank God. Mya, baby, I’m sorry. I should’ve let you finish, but I was so?—”
“It’s okay, Daddy. I get it. I was disappointed in myself when I found out, especially because I somewhat threw myself on Christian that night.”
“Somewhat? Girl, that was exactly what you did,” Christian said as I grabbed the phone from him.
My daddy chuckled a bit. “Where are you?”
“I’m at his house in Nome. Daddy, it’s country as hell out here. I swore I saw a tumbleweed go across the street.”
I laughed as Christian side-eyed me. “You gon’ get off Big City Nome though.”
My eyebrows lifted, and I couldn’t control the laughter that fell from my lips. “What the fuck? You must be delusional,” I said through my laughter.
He laughed too. My dad said, “I’m glad all is well, baby. When are you going back home?”
“Tomorrow. I’ll call you when I get there.”
“Okay. I love you. Thanks, Christian, for taking care of my baby.”
“It’s my pleasure, Mister Ceasar.”
“I love you too, Daddy,” I said and ended the call.
I smiled softly at Christian. “It was about to get ugly, huh?”
“Hell yeah, but I knew it wouldn’t stay that way. He just really cares about you and wants to see you make wiser decisions. You didn’t see it then, but dropping that pussy on me was the wisest decision you’ve ever made.”
I rolled my eyes, and he commenced to tickling the hell out of me, causing me to bolt from the couch and run to the bathroom. I threw up all my damn shrimp and grits. When I felt him rubbing my back, I knew I had a real one. I stood from the floor, and he helped me to the sink to wash my mouth out.
“I’m so sorry, baby.”
“It’s okay.”
He pulled me to him and lifted me in his arms, carrying me back to the couch. This was where I was supposed to be. There was no doubt about it.