Chapter 27 #2
I giggled at their banter then threw myself onto the bed. I shot Armond a quick text letting him know I was taking a call then I’d be right out. I didn’t want Dr. Hanna to wait forever. I was sure she had other things to do with her day.
“What’s good, y’all?” I urged.
“Oop someone’s grumpy. What’s wrong, boo?” Stella said.
“I’ve been sick all morning,” I replied. “Before you say anything, Armond got a doc waiting for me right now so we gon have to keep this convo light.”
“Boo, bish! We ain’t talked to you since you left and now you’re rushing us off. Ooh, you lucky we ain’t there,” Marsha said.
“Girl, bye. All you’d be doing is telling me why I’m sick and trying to come up with every reason to go shop for the cure,” I said.
“She ain’t lying,” Stella said. “Okay, so we heard that shit popped off over there. Are you okay, sis?” She was always the more serious one out of us and this was the one time I was grateful for that.
“Yeah, we’re good. Jeffrey’s brother came looking for him,” I explained.
“Mhm and Armond got that ass,” Marsha said, getting hype.
“Bish, shut up,” Stella urged then giggled.
“How’d y’all find out?”
“Girl, we always keeping tabs on you.”
“Chardonnay?”
“The one and only.” Stella laughed.
“Well, just know I’m okay. I’ve been a little nauseous since it all happened, but I’ll be okay.”
“Good. That’s all I wanted to hear. I’ll let you go and get your examination. I’m sure Armond’s probably pacing outside of your room right now,” Stella said.
“Sure am. Come on, Brandy. You can chat with your girls later. Dr. Hanna has another appointment she has to leave for soon,” Armond said as he walked into the room.
I didn’t know how he heard that comment, but I took that for what it was and said my goodbyes to the girls. I tossed my phone onto the bed then put on my robe before Armond grabbed my hand and guided me to the doctor.
I sat down nervously as I looked at the vials of medicine and needles neatly placed on the dining room table. She smiled at me and explained all that we’d be doing before she went about getting my vitals.
I noticed that I’d gained five pounds and wondered where it was showing cuz I hadn’t seen any differences. My face scrunched when she said my blood pressure was elevated. I took very good care of myself and never had a bad report. This was unusual and now I was beginning to panic.
She explained that she was going to draw blood to run tests then she made me pee in a cup. The pounds I gained must’ve been in my bladder because it seemed like the stream wouldn’t stop. I filled the cup and kept going. I felt so damn gross.
After wiping my hands with a wet wipe, I placed the cup on the sink and wiped it down too. Then I went about cleaning myself up and making sure the bathroom was good before I stepped back out. Chardonnay looked at me like I was crazy and part of me felt like I was.
“Damn girl, when’s the last time you peed? It sounds like you were squirting a full bottle of water in that damn toilet,” Chardonnay said.
I sighed and closed my eyes as I shook my head. I felt embarrassed but didn’t care to give her a reply. I didn’t need all that right now. I was already a nervous wreck.
Dr. Hanna went into the bathroom behind me and grabbed my pee sample, placing it in a plastic bag. She made sure to keep the door open as she did. She smiled as she stepped out then instructed me to take the robe back off so she could get my blood samples.
Armond just sat at the head of the dining room table. He leaned back with his foot resting on his leg. His hands were joined and his chin rested on them. He was deep in thought. He didn’t even notice me staring. He didn’t share an opinion as Dr. Hanna asked him a question.
He didn’t hear Chardonnay when she asked if he heard anything we were saying to him. He didn’t even respond to me when I called his name softly. My voice usually brought him back, but he was far gone this time and I was going to let him process whatever he needed to.
I was sure he had his own analysis of what was going on with me and was most likely planning for any outcome. He didn’t look stressed, but I saw the worry in his eyes. I just hoped that once they left, he would feel comfortable enough to express his feelings with me.
“Alright, dear. We are done here. Please get some electrolytes in your system. You’re dehydrated.
If you’re up to it, take a dip in the pool or sit in the jacuzzi.
It’ll help. Also, try not to get into any stressful situations.
Your blood pressure was a little alarming.
I’ll return next week to check on you. In the meantime, I’d like you to track your blood pressure twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to sleep. Do you have a blood pressure monitor?”
“No but I have the function on my smartwatch. I’ll be sure to do that.”
“Good. Mr. Davis, I’ll be reaching out to you shortly with the results. Though I have my own thoughts from what I’ve seen, I’ll let the test results speak for itself. You all have a good day.”
“You as well, Dr. Hanna. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice,” I said. Chardonnay and I walked her out. Armond still didn’t say a word. We watched Dr. Hanna drive away before saying anything.
“Girllll, you fitna have a baby,” Chardonnay whispered.
“What? Naw. I know what that felt like and this isn’t that,” I deadpanned.
“Girl, bye. Mama said that each experience is different. Don’t matter if it’s the same daddy hunching on you or not,” she replied.
“You think that’s why Armond was looking like that?” I whispered.
She nodded and I suddenly felt shitty. Did he hate the idea? I mean, we’d talked about it, but we were still very fresh into this relationship. That didn’t stop me from bussing it wide open for him after only getting to know him for a few days. It had been a couple months since then…. Shit.
“Mmmhmm, that’s the expression I expected when you came out of the bathroom. You been peeing like that for a long time?”
“No.” I shook my head. “That was the first time my bladder exploded like that.”
“Yeah, you pregnant, hoe.”
“Girl, what am I going to do with a kid? I just bought the third location and…”
“Nuh uh,” she interrupted. “We are not doing that. You see that man in there? He isn’t going to let you worry about a gotdamn thing but carrying and delivering that precious little seed that might be up in you.
He loves you, girl. There’s no denying how real that is for him.
He showed it today. Let him love you and know he ain’t gon’ do you like that dead nigga. ”
“You’re right about that. I’m so happy I met him in Puerto Rico.” I beamed.
“Mmmhmm. Me too. Now let’s go get you some Gatorade and crackers so you can put something in that belly.”
We made our way to the kitchen. I noticed Armond had moved from his spot in the dining room and I began to worry. Had he overheard our conversation? I knew I was supposed to keep my pressure down, but I was letting fear take over.
“Breathe, bish. He’s right there in the kitchen,” Chardonnay said. I blinked rapidly but took a deep breath. I really needed to take a chill pill.
When I stepped into the kitchen, Armond had a tray already prepared for me.
A bowl of cinnamon oatmeal, a sliced apple, and hot cup of tea awaited me.
I investigated Armond’s eyes and for the first time I couldn’t read him.
He was a shell, like the first day I met him.
Though handsome and charming, he was a little cold and distant in thought.
I sat at the island and Chardonnay pulled out her cellphone as she sat beside me. That was her way of showing she was present but not listening. I was grateful to have her here with me through this or I’d be panicking and ending up in someone’s emergency room.
“Eat, honeybee. You need all your nutrients,” Armond said softly.
“Thank you for this. It looks delectable. For once, the smell isn’t making my stomach churn.”
“That’s good. That means you got out all the bad shit. Look, I must take care of a couple of things before the morning is up. Will you be alright with your sister keeping you company while I head out?”
“Of course, babe. I’m sure I’ve taken up enough of your morning,” I replied.
He shook his head. “Nonsense. There isn’t enough time in the universe that would be too much. I love every minute with you. No matter if it’s good or bad. I hate that I have to leave you right now when you need me.”
“Baby, I’ll be fine. Like you said, I got Nay right here and you know she’ll let you know if anything changes with me.”
“You’re right. I’ll only be gone for a couple hours. Try to get some rest. Will you do that for me, honeybee?”
“Absolutely.” I smiled.
He stood between my legs then leaned down.
Our noses brushed against each other and he sighed.
His eyes closed and I literally saw the peace taking over him.
The lines in his face smoothed over. Those little crow’s feet when he squints disappeared and his forehead was no longer creased.
A smile grew on his face then he pecked my lips.
“I love you, Brandy Noel.”
“I love you too, Mon Mon,” I replied with a smile. His eyes shot open and he scanned my face.
He chuckled then nuzzled his face into my neck and planted a kiss there.
He finally pulled away then kissed my forehead.
He stepped off and said his goodbyes then grabbed his suit jacket as he left the kitchen.
Shortly after the front door closed, I heard him press the buttons to lock the doors and set the alarm.
Thankfully, if we needed to leave, I knew the code to get us up out of here.
“Y’all are cute,” Chardonnay said while munching on one of my apple slices.
“And you’re rude. Get your own damn apple,” I hissed.
“Girl, bye. You ain’t fitna eat all this. You’re a bird.”
“The sexiest phoenix you’ll ever meet, hoe,” I replied.
“Period, boo,” she replied.
I grabbed the tea and took a sip. It was still nice and hot. My stomach churned for a split second, but as soon as that second sip hit, I was in there. All of the pain subsided and it seemed like the gas was letting up as well.
Dr. Hanna didn’t prescribe nor give me anything to help so I was glad my body was handling this thing on its own. I took a bite of oatmeal and groaned. It was so good.
“Damn, bih, did you just cum? What the fuck?” Chardonnay said, then burst into laughter.
“Shut up. Taste this,” I said. I hopped up and grabbed a spoon, but she was already taking the bite from my spoon. Dusty hoe.
“Oh yeah, this slaps,” she agreed. She took another bite and I pulled the bowl from her.
“Hoe, you sure you aren’t the one pregnant? Why you so damn hungry?” I griped.
“I ain’t eat before I was summoned. Be grateful, hoe.” She shrugged then took another spoonful before I pulled it too far away. I laughed when some of it fell on her chin. That’s what her ass got.
“Girl, if you don’t order some food on the app and get outta my bowl.”
“If he’s making oatmeal taste that good, I wonder what else that man can cook. Ain’t no reason to have a damn chef,” she said.
“I might have to agree with you on that one. He’s barely here anyway.”
“It’s the longest I’ve heard of him being in The States to be honest. He’s always flying everywhere. I know because whenever Arlando tries to book the jet, he’s pissed off cuz Armond done snatched the slot.”
“Well, hopefully he’ll have more time for me or maybe even let me travel with him.”
“You really think your pregnant ass gonna wanna fly somewhere?”
“We don’t even know if I’m pregnant yet,” I whined.
“Bish, you pregnant. Let it settle in your soul right now. I’m fitna be somebody’s tee-tee. Come on now.”
“I love how hype you are,” I replied.
“And you should be too. I mean, I get it doesn’t line up with your yearly goals but shit neither did your relationship. I thought I was going to have to get you a noni wash just so you could get some action down there.”
I laughed into a burp then paused. I needed to see if this oatmeal was about to reverse. I sighed after thirty seconds. No watering mouth, no needles, no gag. I was good.
“See, pregnant shit.”
“Nay, shut up!”
“Nope. You love it and you love me, so get over it.” She smiled.