“Bestie, you’re going to do just fine!” Says Megan as she curls my 24 inch Malaysian weave.
“I’m just so nervous. What in the hell do we talk about? What if he says the wrong thing? Oh my gosh, what if I say the wrong thing?”
“Stop stressing. You’re sweating. I need you to relax and just breathe. You’re thinking to hard,” says Megan as she wraps a strand of my hair around the curling iron.
“Thank you for coming over. I know it’s hard for you to come over with everything that has happened,” I say with sincerity.
“You don’t need to apologize. It’s not your fault. I really hope Chauncey gets himself together. Not for him but for his son. Now come look in the mirror. I hope you like it!
I stand up from the kitchen chair and walk to the bathroom. I flick on the light and look into my bathroom mirror.
“Oh my goodness Meg! I absolutely love it!” I shake my head from side to side and watch my curls bounce with shine and body. I pull one of my curls and release it, watching it coil back into shape.
“Wow, you did a great job! I love my hair!” I say hugging Megan.
“Don’t mention it. Now try on your clothes,” says Megan walking to the bedroom.
“I probably should’ve put my clothes on first so I won’t mess up my hair.”
“It’s okay, if you mess it up, I’ll fix it,” says Megan smiling at me.
I try on outfit after outfit until I find something that I’m slightly comfortable in. I spin around in my flawless backless black and silver JC Penny dress.
“Ugh, I don’t know. I look cheap,” I mumble while looking in my full length mirror.
“No you don’t Natalie! You don’t give yourself enough credit. You look beautiful!” Megan’s eyes sparkle as she compliments me.
“Thank you Megan, I love you!”
“Yeah yeah, I love you too! Don’t be getting all mushy on my pregnant ass!”
We giggle.
“Well imma get on outta here. Have a great day love,” says Megan grabbing her purse and keys.
“Thank you for everything,” I earnestly say.
***
After Megan leaves I try on the black Christian Louboutin’s Megan bought me earlier this year. I have to admit that I look good!
Chapter 39 - Megan
Kevin is at work and I’m preparing to put Kennedy down for her afternoon nap. She’s walking around the house like a penguin. She’s full of energy! I scoop her into my arms and smother her with kisses. I grab her pacifier and place her into her crib. She whines for a few minutes before she calms down and drifts off to sleep. Whew!
I bust out the dishes, take out the trash and start working on my book. After an hour passes, I decide to check the mail. It’s a sunny and warm mid afternoon. I take a moment to breathe in the fresh air. I love Atlanta. I continue walking to the mailbox and retrieve the mail.
Inside the house I separate through the mail. Bills, bills, bills, hmmmm. I notice a plain white envelope that has no return address. I toss it to the side and decide to open it later. I quickly take my shower while my daughter is sleeping. Since I’ve became a mother, it’s so hard to do anything in peace! Don’t get me wrong I love my daughter but it’ll be nice to be able to take a shower, shit and eat in peace. I can’t eat without sharing. I can’t shower for more than five minutes and I can’t shit without her little head poking through the door. Motherhood is amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
After my shower I decide to cook dinner. I grab my bag of potatoes out of my pantry and wash them off. I begin to slice the potatoes when my cell phone rings. I grab my dish towel and wipe my hands.
“Hello baby,” says Kevin. I love his deep baritone voice.
“Hey love, how’s your day going? I’m preparing dinner right now. I’m about to wake Kennedy up from her nap. She fights taking her nap but then never wakes up,” I joke.
Kevin chuckles.
“That’s Kennedy for you. I had a fantastic day. I made some good sales. I’m stuck in traffic but I’m on my way home. I just wanted to hear your voice. How‘s your day?” Says Kevin seductively.
“Thank you baby. My day is going well. You know I never have a complaint. Well baby imma get off this phone so I can finish cooking dinner. I love you.”
“I love you too Mrs. Grant,” says Kevin making kissing noises in the phone.
***
I sauté my sliced potatoes and season my whole chicken before placing it in the oven. The house smells so good. I grab a can of cream corn out the cabinet and pour them into a pot. I let the corn simmer.
I turn my attention back to the bills. My attention immediately goes to the mysterious letter. I grab the letter opener off the desk and slice the envelope open. My mouth is in shock at what I read!
Dear Megan,
You don’t know me but I’ve stood back and kept my mouth shut for too long. I can’t allow you and Kevin to get married until he claims his daughter that he’s been trying to keep a secret. We had an affair a year ago and my daughter is 1 month and needs her father. I’m being completely honest when I say; I had no idea about you at first. After I became pregnant, he confessed to me about you and Kennedy. The hush money that he sends monthly isn’t going to cut it. I didn’t lie down alone and make her. Kevin needs to step up! Please have Kevin contact me and I’m truly sorry for contacting you but I don’t know what else to do.
-Melanie
My mouth is hung open and I’m lost for words. When did this happen? Is it true? We’re always together unless he’s at work but he hasn’t been working long and extreme hours. I suddenly can’t breathe and I’m hyperventilating. I run to the bathroom and rummage through the medicine cabinet for my anxiety pills. I haven’t taken a pill in months. I grab two pills and pop them into my mouth. As usual, I turn on the facet and place my hands under the running water. I cup the water in my hands and slurp it into my mouth to wash down the pills.
Suddenly the alarm dings, signaling that someone has walked through the front door. “Megan, baby I’m home? Where is Kennedy?” Says Kevin shouting from the foyer.
Oh my God!
Chapter 40 - Natalie
I’m dabbing my cheeks with blush when promptly at 7:30 Larry knocks on the door. I instantly get nervous! I double check myself out in the mirror before scurrying to the front door.
“Hello gorgeous! You look lovely,” says Larry.
“Thank you, so do you. You’re looking very debonair yourself,” I say eyeing Larry from head to toe. Larry is rocking beige Urban Outfitter slacks, an Abercrombie casual dress shirt and Sperry oxfords on his feet.
“So who is this handsome little guy?”
“He’s my son, say hi Bryson,” says Kevin looking down at his son.
“Hi Miss Natalie,” he says shyly, trying to hide behind his dad.
“Hi Bryson! Come in,” I suggest trying to make friendly conversation. I’m completely confused on why his son is here on our first date.
“Natalie, I know this is a complete shock but the babysitter bailed last minute and I just have to drop him off at his grandparents’ house. I hope you don’t mind,” Larry says convincingly.
“Oh no, not at all. Would you two like something to drink?”
“Um, no thank you, were fine. We should get a move on,” Larry suggests.
***
Larry opened the door to his black on black Range Rover and strapped his son into his car seat. He then opened the door for me. We drove about twenty minutes to a quiet suburban neighborhood.
“Nice neighborhood, did you grow up in this area?“
“Yeah, I’ve practically lived here all my life until a few years ago when I moved out.“
We pulled up to a nice cozy blue house.
“Do you need me to help with anything,” I ask Larry.
“Uh-uh--no thank you. I got it. Just try to sit tight and I’ll be right back,” says Larry unbuckling his seat belt.
I wonder why he started stutterin
g and seems uncomfortable.
Before Larry can knock on the front door, his mother comes flying out the front door to hug and kiss her grandson. I feel awkward and rude just sitting in the car so I step outside the car.
“Um, Natalie I’ll be right back. Get back into the car and I won’t be long okay beautiful?” Says Kevin looking strange.
“Larry, I don’t want to be rude. I want to just say hello to your mother.”
Larry exhales and tries to usher me back inside the car when his mother calls his name.
“Larry Who is this?” Larry’s mother says in a snobbish tone.
I’m shocked that she’s talking so condescending to me.
“I’m Natalie, Larry’s date. We went to school together. It’s lovely to meet you. You have a handsome grandson Mrs.…” I extended my hand out to her and wait for her to tell me her name.
“Uh Natalie, this is my mother Hillary.”
“Larry you know how I feel about colored folks on my property or in my view.” Hillary looks me up and down like I’m gum on the bottom of her shoe.
“Excuse me Mrs. Hillary but I don’t think that’s appropriate to say, especially in front of your grandson,” I say looking at Larry to explain what’s going on.
“Mom please take him inside. I’ll call you in a few. Bryson be good son.”
“Kay dad,” says his son innocently.
Hillary kisses her son on the cheek and escorts Bryson into the house with her. I’m left standing there trying to pick my jaw up from off the ground.
I open the passenger door and get inside Larry’s car. I’m so confused.
Larry hops in and cranks up the car. There is silence. All you can hear is the engine purring. Larry’s just staring at the steering wheel.
I look out the window waiting for Larry to clarify what just occurred. Instead, Larry turns on the radio and backs out of his parent’s driveway. I’m dumbfounded. This date is going straight to hell.
Chapter 41 - Megan
I can’t seem to get the letter out of my head.
Oh shit! I left the letter on the desk!
I fling open the door and power walk to the living room. No sign of Kevin so he must be waking up Kennedy from her nap. I grab the letter off the desk and toss the envelope in the trash. I quickly power walk to the kitchen and stick the letter inside one of the cabinets, under a can of green beans.
“Look whose up?” I turn around startled and secretly hoping Kevin didn’t see me hiding the letter.
“Say hey mommy,” says Kevin in a baby voice, holding Kennedy’s hand and making her wave.
I force a smile to my face. If he saw me, he would’ve said something by now.
“Hey chunky monkey, did you have a good nap baby?” I say to my daughter as I flood her face with sweet kisses.
“Ma-ma…Ma-Ma…” says Kennedy in the sweetest most innocent little voice. She’s getting so big and is the chunkiest to be one year old. I love it!
Kevin looks at me and smiles. He gently places Kennedy on the floor and she penguin walks to the living room to pick up a toy nearby. I turn my attention to the stove. Kevin grabs me around the waist from behind. He plants soft kisses on my neck and whispers in my ear.
“It smells good in here baby. I love coming home to my family. I’m so glad I have you and Kennedy in my life. I can’t wait until the baby gets here.” Kevin places his hands on my protruding belly.
I break way from his grasp, turn around and stare him directly in the eyes. I try to quickly search for any type of infidelity or lies in his beautiful hazel eyes but I can’t help but smile.
“Baby, go wash up for dinner while I make our plates. The food is about done,” I say kissing him sweetly on the lips.
I turn around and gather the plates for dinner. I grab a knife and begin slicing the hot and juicy baked chicken. My mind starts to wonder and I don’t know what I should do about the letter. If I confront him and it’s not true then he will say I don’t trust him. If I confront him about the letter and its true then my world will be shattered. I just went through headache and pain and I don’t want to experience that again. I’m so torn.
“Need any help?” Says Kevin snapping me out of my thoughts that I cut my finger.
“SHIT!” I wince in pain as I stick my pointer finger into my mouth to stop the bleeding.
“Oh my gosh baby, are you alright?”
“Ouch, shit! I can’t believe I did that. You scared me!” I grimace as I quickly turn on the kitchen sink and hold my finger under the cold water.
“Baby, hold your finger above your head. It’ll slow down the circulation and bleeding,” says Kevin.
I take my finger from under the running water and extend my left arm up. I stand there for a few seconds before I look at my finger. The bleeding definitely has stopped. Kevin takes a look at my finger and it’s just a little nick.
“You’ll be okay baby. Let me go get you a Band-Aid.”
“Thanks,” I mumble as I take a seat on the sofa.
After a few seconds Kevin is rushing back into the living room with a Band-Aid in his hand.
“Here, let me see,” says Kevin wrapping the Band-Aid around my finger.
“You have to be more careful baby. I’ll finish making the plates and you just relax, okay?”
“Thanks baby,” I say sweetly.
I sit back on the sofa and glance at my injured finger. Kevin has always been so attentive and caring. I just can’t see him portraying my love and trust. He’s aware of what I’ve been through with Kevin so why would he put me in the same predicament? My mind starts drifting back to the letter I received earlier. Kevin has always been upfront and honest with me. He’s into church. He’s all about family. I highly doubt that he has another child floating around out there and wouldn’t tell me. I try to reason with myself but my mind keeps floating back to the letter.
“Dear Megan,
You don’t know me but I’ve stood back and kept my mouth shut for too long. I can’t allow you and Kevin to get married until he claims his daughter that he’s been trying to keep a secret. We had an affair a year ago and my daughter is 1 month and needs her father. I’m being completely honest when I say; I had no idea about you at first. After I became pregnant, he confessed to me about you and Kennedy. The hush money that he sends monthly isn’t going to cut it. I didn’t lie down alone and make her. Kevin needs to step up! Please have Kevin contact me and I’m truly sorry for contacting you but I don’t know what else to do.
-Melanie”
***
“Megan! Megan baby!” Yells Kevin.
I jump and glance in his direction.
“Yes?”
“Baby what’s going on with you? Your body is present but your mind isn’t. What’s on your mind? Do you want to talk about something?” Says Kevin pulling out the dining room chair from under the table. He motions me to come and sit down. I comply.
“I’m good baby. I’m just thinking about how blessed we are.”
Kevin smiles.
Kevin is such a great father and fiancé. I don’t want to be naïve and silly like I was with Kevin. I had proof that he was cheating and I disregarded every single piece of evidence and proof. I’m not going to be that woman again. I’m not going to overlook him disrespecting me, our daughter and our unborn. Why would Kevin go through legally adopting my daughter and asking for my hand in marriage if he was going to live a lie? Something doesn’t add up to me and I’ll be sure to get to the bottom of it.
Kevin places Kennedy into her highchair and places cut up hotdogs and French fries in front of her. She squeals and immediately digs into her food. Kennedy eats like an adult!
Kevin and I bow our heads and say grace.
“God, we thank you for this wonderful meal Megan has created. Bless this house God. Bless my unborn, my daughter and continue to lead us on the right path. We thank you for the nourishment in our bodies and the roof over our head….amen,” says Kevin in his deep baritone voice.
We immediately begin digging into our dinner. I decided that at that moment, I have no hard evidence against Kevin but a letter. I’ll do my research before I confront my man about some dumb shit.
Chapter 42 - Natalie
This date is going straight to hell!
I cannot believe the audacity of Larry’s mother disrespecting me because I’m African American. In my old days, I would’ve whopped her ass for having such a foul and shitty mouth. I’m glad I took the nonviolent route because for one, Larry’s son was present and for two, I really like Larry.
I clear my throat as I enjoy Atlanta’s beautiful scenery. I’m secretly hoping Larry will explain himself and his mother’s behavior but so far, he hasn’t. I’m never the one to beat around the bush so if he doesn’t offer to explain this shit when we sit down for dinner, he has another thing coming. I don’t tolerate disrespect. Wait until I tell my bestie Megan about this shit right here!
I chuckle at my thoughts.
“What’s so funny Natalie? Do you care to share so I can join in on the laugh too?” Says Larry in his Robin Thicke voice.
I don’t even bother to turn my attention to Larry. I continue looking straight out the passenger window.
“Oh nothing, just thinking something to myself,” I say quickly.
He really has the game twisted if he thinks I’m going to enlighten his ass on my thoughts, when he’s sitting over there acting like his mother didn’t verbally disrespect me!
Larry turns the radio down.
“Listen, I apologize for my mother’s actions earlier. That’s why I didn’t want you to get out of the car. I should’ve explained before we reached her house but how do you tell someone you really like, on their first date I might add, that his mother is racist?”
“Damn Larry. Has she always been this way?” I turn my attention to him as he drives with one hand on the steering wheel.
“Yeah, ever since I was about in the fifth grade. I have an older brother name Matthew…..”
Megan & Natalie Page 11
