Shamelessly #3
“Sounds like you’re listening to others too much.
They want to tell you what it was like for them when they were pregnant; almost wishing the worst parts on you.
” She and Teddy laughed. “Don’t let that noise get to you.
Every woman is different and so is every pregnancy.
Take it all in for what it is, because you’ll be post-partum before you know it.
Teddy pointed to the screen as he explained each body part and what was happening this far along and what they should be looking forward to at the next appointment.
He ensured that she’d know the sex of the baby at her next visit.
She tried hard to fight the smile that Teddy coaxed out of her.
She was starting to feel some excitement.
She was so happy that it pissed Twon smooth off. He’d been silent the entire appointment. In the car ride home, he wanted to express himself.
“Motherfuckers didn’t even acknowledge me. He was talking to you only like I ain’t the one that popped the baby up in there,” he vented.
“It’s not like we know for sure that you’re the father.
I mean it could very well be Hussein’s baby I’m carrying.
With your mother being sick, I’m assuming, take a life get a life, but the way you’re acting I may just want to go ahead and find out for sure.
I don’t know if I can deal with too much more of your temper tantrums.”
“My mother is not dying. She’s going to make it through this,” Twon corrected.
“Then, this probably isn’t your baby.” Jakia snickered.
She wasn’t laughing at him. She was laughing at the thought that she was going to kill Tina so maybe take a life get a life applied to Hussein. It could really go either way and it tickled her.
“You know what, I need some space.” Twon said, parking in front of her building.
Jakia laughed harder, popping her seat belt off. “I was starting to think you needed a place to stay the way you been up under my ass. Take all the space you need, boo.” She got out the car, cheesing as she scanned her badge at her building door.
Twon left skid marks as he pulled off. He’d have been madder if he heard how Jakia burst into laughter.
There was no better feeling than pissing a man off when he deserved far worse.
She needed him gone anyway. Wallah was dropping Carmell back to her, and she’d yet to tell anyone who Carmell’s real daddy was.
It was a secret Keyona was keeping for a reason.
It’d stay a secret until Wallah was ready to let the world know.
Admittedly, it was becoming a task to ensure no one was there during pick-ups and drop offs.
She was able to get a shower and throw a pizza in the oven before Wallah was ringing the bell to be let in. Jakia jumped up and rushed to the bedroom. By the time Wallah was at the door, she had slipped into a pair of sweatpants under one of Hussein’s black T-shirts that hung just past her ass.
“What’s up?” Wallah said when she opened the door. Carmell was asleep in his arms. “He already ate. I’ma go lay him down.” He kissed Jakia’s cheek as he walked by.
He was like the big brother she never had.
It wasn’t like her to trust so fast, but Wallah was different.
Jakia was never able to get a glimpse into him being with her sister but if the way he looked out for her said anything about their relationship, then she knew all she needed.
Wallah took care of Keyona the way Hussein took care of her. For however little time they shared.
Still, she couldn’t’ shake the feeling that he was hiding something. She couldn’t fight to ask the question that’d been burning her chest since he showed up at her door.
“Why weren’t you at Keyona’s funeral?” she blurted it out the second he shut the boys’ door.
“I wasn’t the only person that I had to think about.” He shrugged with his hands flat in the front of his pockets.
It was honorable keeping Keyona’s secret even in her death. Jakia felt bad for even prying, but it’d be a lie to say his answer gave her any relief.
“I told you about Khy’s going away party, right?
You’re more than welcome to bring your family by,” Jakia tried to lead him into a confession.
When he didn’t respond she rushed to cover her ass.
“His other grandmother knows that Carmell isn’t Boom’s.
I didn’t give your name, but the truth is out there now. ”
“Thanks for letting me know. I guess I better let my people know.” He sighed. “Oh, and Key’s phone is in the diaper bag.” Wallah headed for the door.
“Fuck it.” She threw her arms up. “I’m not trying to be in your business, but the thing is, we’ve gotten close. Like I fuck with you, but I feel like you’re not telling me something. Like, why doesn’t your family know about your son, yet?”
“For the same reason that I didn’t go to Key’s funeral. I’m not the only person that I have to think about. Sometimes the truth don’t set you free. Most times it creates more problems than it solves.” Wallah made eye contact, before walking out of the apartment.