“Fine. Work. The usual.” Foster sat on the edge of the bed and took off his work shoes.
“Well, my day was okay. Um…my period is late.” I look down at my Kindle, avoiding eye contact. I’m afraid of his reaction.
“Baby, are you serious? That’s the best news I’ve heard all year! How late are you? When do you find out?”
Foster is so excited. He’s the happiest I’ve seen in awhile.
“Um, I’m only a few days late. I’ve made an appointment with my gynecologist. I’ll find out everything this week.” I look down, still afraid.
“Baby, this is great! Man, I don’t care what I have. If it’s a boy, I’ll teach my son everything. He’ll know how to play sports; we’ll talk about girls, dating, and everything! Yet, if I have a daughter, she’s not doing anything! I would be so overprotective of her. She will be my precious little princess. I can‘t believe that I‘m going to be a father. Baby, your giving me the best gift that anyone has ever given me.”
I smile, finally looking at Foster. I knew this was the news and blessing we needed.
Foster lay next to me and is talking to my belly as if I was nine months pregnant. I smile and rub his head. We sat and talked about baby names and what he wanted to do for his family. He’s so excited and I wasn’t even sure if I was pregnant yet!
***
The following morning, I’m in the bathroom and overhear Foster on the phone. He’s mumbling and whispering. I turn the faucet off and put my ear to the door. All I could hear is, “how much do you need? I’ll try to come by later tonight.” I shake my head and tears began to fall from my eyes. Why aren’t I enough for him? Why isn’t he happy? What am I doing wrong? I feel so stupid for allowing him to walk all over me but I want to save my marriage.
I walk to my closet to find something to wear. I’m having lunch with Natalie today. I couldn’t wait to see her. I’ve missed her company. Plus, I need some advice. I just hope she wouldn’t judge me.
Foster walks to our dresser and sprays on some cologne.
“Baby, I’m going to the office. I might have to work late.” Foster is practically rushing out the door.
“Working late or cheating?” I couldn’t believe I let those words fly out of my mouth.
Foster turns around and slaps me dead in the face! I’m shocked. His eyes are full of rage. His nose is flared out and he’s breathing all hard.
I grab the side of my face and it stings. I charge at Foster and let out all of my frustration on him. I’m hitting him in the chest and yelling at him. Foster is unfazed by my hits. I just shout, “Why are you cheating on me? Why are you treating me like this? I love you Foster.” Foster shoves me off of him and I fall to the floor and cry. Foster grabs his wallet and keys and left me sitting on the floor, crying my eyes out.
***
I cried myself to sleep and I’m awaken when I hear a knock on the door. I pull myself together and throw on my robe. I look through the peephole and it’s Natalie.
“Heffa did you forget about our lunch date. I’ve been calling you for about thirty minutes. I just wanted to drop by to make sure you’re alright. Can I come in?”
I step aside and let Natalie enter. My eyes are red and puffy from crying. I led Natalie into the living room and we sat on the sofa.
“Megan, what’s going on? What’s wrong? Talk to me please.”
“Foster hit me! This is the second time he’s put his hands on me. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. He just gets so angry.” I start crying.
“What! Do I need to cut his ass? You know I don’t play that shit. I fight men Megan.” I know Natalie is serious. She doesn’t play.
“No Natalie, I don’t want you to go to jail or hurt anyone. I’m just so confused.”
“Sweetie, you deserve better. No man should ever put his hands on you.”
“I know that Natalie but I love him. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I think he’s cheating on me too. Hell, I know he’s cheating. I just need more proof.”
“Oh my goodness Megan. What’s going on with him? What more proof do you need baby girl?”
“I don’t know. He’s not the same man I married. You were right; I shouldn’t have quit my career for him. I just thought this baby would change everything. You know I don’t have family. My grandmother Rosie passed away. Rosie raised me. I never knew my parents and I’m an only child. I have nobody.”
“You have me Megan. You’re like a sister to me. You‘re my best friend. I’m here for you but you seriously need to think things over. Foster can‘t be putting his hands on you and you have to stop making excuses for him. It‘s not your fault. He has a problem Megan. I don’t want him to lose his temper and seriously hurt you.”
“Thanks Nat, you‘re right. I‘ll figure something out.” I give her a weak and defeated smile.
“Look, let’s go and get some food. Maybe getting out the house will make you feel better.”
***
I drive my BMW as we searched for a place to eat. Keyshia Coles’ I Should’ve Cheated played lowly throughout the car. How symbolic of this song to play, I thought to myself.
“I had sex with Chauncey!” Natalie blurts out the news and I turn the radio off.
“Say what now!? Oh my god Natalie! What happened? Better yet, why?”
Natalie filled me in on Courtney’s issue with school and how she tried to confront Chauncey. She told me they ended up having a few drinks and then before they knew it, they were butt naked on her living room floor! I’m floored.
“Did you use protection?”
“Girl yes, I’m not stupid!”
We started laughing.
“Why did you allow it? You’re always giving me grief about making bad decisions and look at you being all nasty! Stop being nasty,” I joked.
“I don’t know why it happened. I haven’t had sex in forever. He was there, we were drunk and it happened. I wish it didn’t though. Now I know what it’s like when people say I was drunk. I’m one of those people now!”
We couldn’t help but laugh.
“Was it good,” I asked.
“Hell yeah!”
Natalie grinned and shook her head. I could tell she’s slightly embarrassed but she knows I would never judge her.
“It’ll be okay, we’ve all made mistakes. Just accept that it happened, learn from it and move on. Are you going to talk to him about it?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve been dreading,” Natalie said looking out the window.
Natalie and I went to The Melting Pot and had lunch. We had a great time. I had to leave for my OBGYN appointment. Natalie is like family to me. I don’t know what I would do without her.
Chapter 12 - Natalie
I patiently sat in the waiting room. I’m waiting to talk to Courtney’s principal. I had to leave work early and I’m not happy about missing money. I need my hours. I’m already penny pinching as it is. The principal called me concerned about Courtney’s behavior. My cell phone vibrated and alerted me that I have a text message. It’s Chauncey. The night we had sex, he stayed over. He took me to get my car the next morning. It was awkward between us. I didn’t know what to say to him. He just keeps saying he wants us to be a family again. Burnie blew up his phone but he didn’t answer. Matter of fact, his phone was blowing up all night with random female numbers. I just can’t trust him. Sure I would love my family to be together and under one roof but without trust what do we really have? I glanced down at my cell phone and read the text he sent me.
Chauncey: I’ve been thinking about you. Hope to see you soon. I have a few things for Courtney.
I didn’t know what to say to him.
Natalie: About the other night, it was a mistake. I was drunk. We both were. It shouldn’t have happened.
Chauncey: Girl you’re always going to be my woman. I’m wearing you down. You’ll see!
I roll my eyes and don’t respond.
***
Ms. Jackson, good to see you. How are you
?” Principal Hernandez says as she adjusts her glasses that are sliding down her nose.
“I’m good, I can’t complain. So what’s going on with Courtney?” I’m curious to know what’s going on with my son.
“Have you noticed Courtney’s difficulty in spelling? He get’s very frustrated. His teacher’s have noticed that he’s quite unorganized, such as his binder. His handwriting is also hard to read.” I’m puzzled.
“Well, his handwriting has always looked like chicken scratch but I thought nothing of it. Why do you ask?”
“Well his teachers have noticed that he’s reading at a lower level than expected. He reverses letters such as soiled for solid or left for felt. He has some difficulty spelling. He doesn’t like reading out loud. He’s having some trouble with word problems in math. His handwriting is illegible. Courtney is displaying many symptoms for Dyslexia.”
“What? My son is healthy. There is nothing wrong with him. What is Dyslexia? Are you saying my baby is sick?”
“No mam, Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person's ability to learn. The cause of dyslexia is not clear, although it is probably an inherited (genetic) disorder because it runs in families. Some studies have shown that people with dyslexia have abnormalities in the functioning of the areas of the brain involved in reading and language. We can run a few diagnostic tests to find out if he‘s dyslexic.”
“What tests does my son need? Will it hurt him?” I’m so worried.
“A single test can't diagnose dyslexia. Rather, your doctor or our school professional will ask you what signs of dyslexia you and your child’s teachers have seen. He or she will ask your child questions too. Reading tests and other types of assessments may be done to help find out more about your child's skills.”
We sat in silence.
Now that I come to think of it, Courtney has always been frustrated with doing his homework. He’s always made excuses as to why he couldn’t complete his homework. I thought he as just being lazy and just trying to get out of doing his work.
Principal Hernandez sat silently, letting me have a moment to take everything in. She stands up, walks around her desk and gives me a warming hug. She reassures me that everything is going to be okay. Once I made it to my car, I cry. I don’t know what came over me but I don’t want my son to have any more statistics against him, than he already has being African American, raised in a single parent home and now possibly a learning disability.
***
I made a pit stop to the grocery store, to grab all the ingredients I need for spaghetti. I called Chauncey numerous times to let him know about Courtney but I couldn’t get a hold of him. Courtney pushed the shopping cart around for me. I observed his behavior and thought maybe his principal was wrong. My heart began to ache for my son. As we turned down an aisle to get some soda and juice, I spotted Foster with burnie!
Chapter 13 - Megan
I arrived at my gynecologist appointment. I’m here for my annual and a pregnancy test. I’m extremely nervous and anxious.
“Megan Edwards, come on back,” says the young nurse.
I take a deep breath and walk in the back. I pee in a cup for a pregnancy test, get my blood pressure checked and was led in my private room to await my gynecologist. After a few minutes, Dr. Pinelli came through the door. She has been my gynecologist since I was eighteen years old. She’s the sweetest woman. She’s Italian and African American and she could pass for a model instead of a gynecologist. She’s 5’8, with Nutella color skin, beautiful hazel eyes and natural hair equipped with a Chinese bang that flows to her shoulders.
“Well Mrs. Edwards’s congratulations! You’re pregnant!”
I smile and put my hand on my stomach.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes you are! You are 8 weeks along. How do you feel?”
“For the most part, I feel great. No morning sickness or anything.”
“Well, tell Mr. Foster congratulations! I know you’ve mentioned how much he’s wanted children.”
I smile. I couldn’t wait to tell Foster the wonderful news! I had gotten an accurate pregnancy test and now hopefully things would be back to normal.
“Now lean back and let me give you a breast exam.”
I had gotten my annual done, which included a breasts exam, pap smear, HIV and STD check. I left feeling good and I’m looking forward to parenthood.
***
I got home and took a long warm bubble bath. I poured in some bubble bath into the tub and tested the water to make sure it isn’t too hot. I eased my body into the bathtub, leaned my head back and exhaled. I must have drifted off to sleep because I awoke when Foster started nudging me.
“Hey honey,” he said as he bent down to kiss me on the forehead.
One minute this man is mad at me and the next he is the perfect gentleman. I just need to figure out what is making him so angry towards me.
“Hey baby. What time is it? How was your day?”
My husband seemed to be nervous and agitated, yet he still smiled. Something is bothering him.
“It’s 4:30. How long have you been in here? My day was pretty decent. I can’t complain.”
“Wow, I must have been very tired. I got in the bathtub about an hour ago. I didn’t realize that I slept this long. I’m all wrinkled.” I smirked at my dry joke. My water is cold.
“Have you talked to Natalie?” Foster mumbled.
I scrunch up my forehead.
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“Um, nothing. I just spotted her in the grocery store with her son.”
I grabbed my sponge and worked up a lather.
“Well, no I haven’t.”
At that moment, something didn’t sit too well with me.
After washing up, I walk into our bedroom with a towel wrapped around my body. Water beads are glistening on my body and I instantly get the chills from the ceiling fan spinning above the bed. I squint at Foster whose lying across our bed. Something is troubling him.
“Foster, I wanted to tell you that I’m pregnant. I officially confirmed it today!”
At that moment, Foster didn’t seem to be too happy.
“Aren’t you excited? We are starting a family!”
“Yeah, yeah that’s great news. I can’t wait,” Foster says yawning.
“Why are you talking like that? You don’t seem too excited. I quit my career for you. I thought this is what you wanted.”
“Baby it is. I’ve just had a long day and I’m tired. Can you wake me up in thirty minutes? My head is all over the place.”
I roll my eyes at him, throw on my pajamas and tread my way into the living room.
Chapter 14 - Natalie
I can’t believe Foster is cheating with Burnie! That cheating bastard and that filthy whore. Oh I couldn’t wait to tell Megan.
“Ya’ll both know I’m telling right? Burnie I knew your ass was slimy but Foster how could you? Megan loves you.”
“Oh please, Chauncey works all the time that we hardly even see each other. Listen, Foster I’ll call you later. We still need to finish our discussion. Oh and Natalie, tell Chauncey, I could careless.” With that being said Bernadette walks off without a care in this world.
“Natalie, if I were you I would keep my mouth closed.” Foster is smirking. That bastard!
“Are you serious Foster? Is that a threat? Do I look worried?” I told my son to come on and we walk towards the checkout line, leaving Foster looking dumfounded.
***
I blew Chauncey’s phone up and he finally answers.
“I’ve been calling you all damn day. I need to see you,” I say calmly.
“Why, you want some more of this loving baby girl?”
Arrogant ass.
“No, I’m dropping Courtney off at Nana’s. Please meet me at my house in thirty minutes.” I hang up immediately after that. I have to call Megan.
Megan’s phone just rung and rung. I hope she is ok
ay. Her voicemail picked up.
“Megan, its Nat. Please call me ASAP. I love you.”
***
I arrive at Nana’s and Courtney couldn’t wait to see her. He loves his grandma.
“Hi mama.” I kiss her on the cheek. I filled her in on the meeting I had with Courtney’s principal and she refused to believe it. She laid hands on Courtney, prayed over him and anointed his head with oil. She didn’t speak another word about him possibly having dyslexia. I told her that I consented to have Courtney tested for it.
“Well mom, I have more news. I saw Burnie in the grocery store with my best friend’s husband, Foster! Megan has been suspecting that he has been cheating and now I can give her proof to leave his sorry behind.”
“Well child, that doesn’t surprise me at all. Burnie is a snake. I haven’t seen much of her lately. Chauncey hasn’t came by much either. He’s all tied up with some job.”
“What is it that he does exactly mom? Every time I ask him, I can never get a straight answer.”
“Well baby you got me. Your guess is as good as mine. He won’t tell me either.”
Nana continues to wash dishes.
“Well he reassured me that he’s not dealing drugs but I know it’s something he knows I will not like.”
I kissed my son goodbye and hug Nana. I have to rush home and meet Chauncey.
***
Chauncey is sitting in his truck waiting for me as I pull up. He smiles when he sees me. There are certain times that I know Chauncey really still cares for me but he needs to grow up. I’m trying to move forward, not backwards.
Chauncey follows closely behind me into my apartment. I offer him some water but he declines. I fill Chauncey in about my meeting with Courtney’s principal.
“Man, go on with that shit. Ain’t anything wrong with my son woe. He’s fine. That’s why I don’t go to the doctor now. It’s all about money. Doctors wanna diagnose you with shit and pump your body with all types of medications and then you become worse. Courtney isn’t getting any damn therapy. You tell that principal she can keep her conclusions and shove it. Fuck that!”
Megan & Natalie Page 4
