2. Aaliyah #3
I started the shower, then went to my bedroom to get pajamas.
My phone vibrated on the dresser, so I went to it to see Royal’s name on the screen.
He texted me. I couldn’t read it right now.
He was going to have me all in my feelings all over again.
I understood what he was saying and why he thought we should chill out. I just didn’t want to be without him.
I went back to the bathroom and got in the shower, taking my time and soaking up the hot water.
I should have washed my hair, but my energy was completely depleted.
I’d have to call my beautician to make an appointment.
The only thing I had planned for tomorrow was sleep.
My nerves had been so bad about talking to Royal until I wasn’t getting any sleep.
I was going to need every ounce of energy I could muster to deal with those kids on Monday.
I typically taught seventh grade English.
My AP classes weren’t so bad. I only had two of those though.
The other four classes knew just how to make my blood boil.
Summer school was a different beast though.
I had to deal with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
I should’ve taught at Hardin Jefferson, but they weren’t paying enough.
I went to Beaumont for more money and lost peace of mind.
The kids, the teachers, the administration, the janitors, and did I say the kids .
. . all got on my last nerve. My dad told me to quit, but I didn’t want to seem like a failure.
I supposed I wouldn’t be a failure if I left versus getting fired.
Those people were driving me insane. However, that job forced me to see that I wasn’t much of a people person either.
I supposed because of my lifestyle, I liked being under the radar.
I didn’t like people being in my business, and that was what it always felt like when they were trying to get to know me.
They asked a lot of questions that I didn’t want to answer.
When I got out of the shower and dried off, I went to the room and moisturized my skin, then put on my pajamas. Grabbing my cell from the dresser, I opened Royal’s message to see I forgot my clutch at his house. I rolled my eyes.
Thanks. I’ll get it tomorrow, if that’s okay.
I plugged it to the charger as he sent a text back.
That’s cool. Just call or text before you come so I can make sure I’m home.
Okay.
I was about to put the phone down until I saw the bubbles, indicating that he was typing more.
When they disappeared, I figured he had changed his mind.
I set the phone on the nightstand and stared at the ceiling.
As I did, it was like the shit fell from the sky into my mental like a fucking two-ton weight.
I slept with Brian, Asad’s friend. Shit!
How in the fuck was I gonna tell him I was pregnant?
Asad was going to be furious. I told Brian that this would be between him and me.
He was fifteen years older than me. He wanted a family so badly, but he knew that Asad wouldn’t go for him and me being together.
He thought he wanted Noni until he found out she was with Red Squared and playing games.
I knew he would be a good father, but I didn’t want a relationship with him.
He was fine as hell, I just didn’t feel anything.
Sex with him was good too. We hadn’t fucked since then, so I supposed that was why I forgot.
He wore a condom as well. This shit was going to keep me up all night now.
I was going to have to call him and have him losing his mind as well.
I glanced at the clock to see it was only ten. No time like the present.
Me: Hey, Brian. Are you busy?
Him: What’s up, baby girl? Naw, I’m not busy.
Me: Can I call you right quick?
Him: Yeah.
I took a deep breath and hit the phone icon on his contact. He answered on the first ring. “What’s up? I hadn’t heard from you in a minute.”
“I know. Hey, listen. I’m not going to beat around the bush. I’m pregnant . . . with twins. The man I thought was the father wasn’t a DNA match. I know this isn’t what you signed up for. Honestly, I’m not even asking you to be a father if you don’t want to be. I just need to know.”
He remained quiet a little longer than I expected. I supposed he was trying to get over the shock of what I said. Finally, he said, “Aaliyah, if they are my children, I will be in their lives. I’m just thinking about how I would break the news to Asad.”
“I know. That shit has me trembling in nervousness. When is a good time to set the appointment?”
“Houston, right?”
“Yeah.”
“You can set it for whenever. Just let me know, and I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, Brian.”
“You don’t have to thank me. It’s my responsibility as much as it is yours.”
“I’ll call you Monday.”
“Okay. Do you need anything?”
“No. I’m okay. Thank you, Brian.”
“Quit thanking me, woman.”
I giggled. This went better than I imagined it would. “Okay. Have a good night.”
“You too.”
I ended the call and resumed staring at the ceiling, wishing I could have just kept the pussy to myself.