by Mona
“It’s not funny, Mal.” Desmond says as his facial expression grew serious.
“Aight, aight. Well, what you wanna do?” Malachi asked.
Desmond stared at Malachi as he thought about it. “Okya, check it. My draft pick ceremony is next Friday. I think my moms invited your moms. Everybody is going to be there. I’m going to tell everybody that Candy is my girl after I tell them which team I chose.” Desmond said as he walked over to the phone that sat on the kitchen wall.
“Which team did you choose?” Malachi asked.
“None of your damn business,” he said as he laughed.
Malachi shook his head. “Who you calling”?
“Your sister and my future wife.” Desmond replied with a smile.
He had it pretty bad for fifteen year old Candace James. It seemed as if every boy in Grover Manor and Elizabeth High School had a crush on the dark skinned beauty but she only had eyes for Desmond Aeikan. Standing at 5,2 and 120 pounds, she was shapely with a rich, smooth dark complexion, long jet black hair which was passed her shoulders, and a smile that lights up a room. She was beautiful and even more so in the inside. Candace was a sweet girl with a bumbling personality and a high, warm spirit. Despite the tough times she, Malachi and Rolonda encountered through the years, Candace always handled things with high spirit. She was always happy and always express to her mom how everything would be okay. Everyone loved her including Desmond. He has been carrying a secret relationship with Candace for a year since her fifteenth birthday. They became beyond close. Eventually, Desmond became uncomfortable sneaking around with Candace. The constant lying and scheming to spend time together became exhausting. Once he turned eighteen he wanted to have every thing out in the open. He wanted to make the relationship official as he was heading off to the NBA. He was in love with her and didn’t want to hide it from their friends and family any longer. Desmond fought with his feelings for a long time. He waisted a lot of time and had he known the time he spent hiding his feelings were limited he would of definitely acted on them sooner.
Two days before Candace’s Sixteenth Birthday
“What’s wrong, Candy? You haven’t been acting right for a month now. Did I do something wrong?” Desmond asked Candace as they stood in the doorway of her apartment.
“No,” Candace replied in a low tone as she fidgeted. “I have to go lay down. I don’t feel good,” she said as she slowly backed up into the apartment.
“Aight, can I get a kiss or a hug?” Desmond asked with disappointment in his eyes. Desmond wasn’t able to figure Candace out with in the past month. She had been very distant and gone was the happy, cheerful girl with the bubbly personality. She changed with every one. Things hadn’t been right with Candace since the day of Desmond’s draft picking ceremony. Desmond was excited since that was the day he planned on announcing to the whole world that she was his girlfriend. Unfortunaley, that day never occurred. Candace was a no show claiming she was sick at the last minute. Since that day she had been distant. Candace’s and Malachi’s mother, Rolonda assumed it was teenage mood swings.
“I’m sick, I don’t want you to get my cold,” she replied.
“Aight, I’ll see you later,” Desmond turned to walk away with sadness in his eyes.
“I love you,” Candace managed to say as her voice quivered with emotion.
Desmond quickly turned around, but before he can respond, she quickly shut the door. “I love you too,” he whispered to himself as he turned and walked away.
________
Malachi, Andre, Desmond and Arianna each held a white rose in their hands as they stood in front of the gravesite. Tears clouded their vision. Rolonda James passed out ten minutes prior as the pastor was ending the prayer. Feeling as if he is going to pass out as well, Malachi walked over to the pearl white casket, placed his rose on it and walked away. Once the pastor was done with his prayer, Andre and Arianna laid their rose down and walked away leaving Desmond standing alone. Once there were no visible cars in sight except for his own, Desmond assumed every one was gone. He let out a gut wrenching scream that was heard throughout the cemetery. Over whelmed with emotions he fell to the ground. As he cried hysterically, his mom, Patrice and Andre returned to console him. They held him as he freely let all the tears out.
****
Desmond sighed at the memory. Starting his car, he looked at the site once more as he drove off.
Chapter Fourteen
Angeline’s Catering
West Orange, New Jersey
Angeline and Arianna sat in her office going over last minute details for Andre’s birthday party when they heard a knock on her office door.
“Come in!” Angeline yelled as she looked up from her paper work.
As soon as the door opened, Ava walked in with in agitated look on her face. Closing the door she walked over and sat next to Arianna .
“Ugh! Ari, you need to talk to that husband of yours! Do you know what he had the nerve to do?” Ava asked in her dramatic tone. Arianna and Angeline gave her blank stares as they waited for her to continue.
“He put me on an allowance! Can you believe it? And do you know the amount the allowance is?” Once again Arianna and Angeline simply sat there waiting for her to continue her rant.
“He put me on a five thousand dollars a month allowance! Can you believe that? Like, what am I suppose to do with five thousand dollars a month?” Ava shouted out dramatically.
Arianna and Angeline slowly looked at each other and busted out laughing.
“Is she serious right now?” Angeline asked Arianna in between laughs.
“Girl, I’m afraid so.” Arianna responded while laughing hysterically.
Ava watched them laugh at her with a scowl on her face. Ava Aeikan fit the discriptions spoiled, pampered princess, and born with a sliver spoon in her mouth to perfection. Ava was born to Romero and Justine Aeikan when Andre was ten years old. Since Justine mysteriously passed away right after given birth Ava never knew her mother. Romero loved his kids but he struggled with parenting skills for a few years. Instead of proper disciplined and parental guidance, Romero showered them with material things. It would be years before he realized his mistakes. Andre was pushed into the street world and Ava became a spoiled, hard to handle brat. Once Romero passed away, Desmond’s mother Patrice and Arianna helped set Ava on the right path. She was a straight A student who graduated high school with honors and went to college, majoring in fashion. Ava had a good head on her shoulders with very expensive taste. She appreciated nothing but the finer things in life and with two trust funds, a rich brother and a rich cousin, she was able to support that appreciation.
“Are you two done laughing at my expense?” Ava asked with a pout.
“One more minute we will be done,” Angeline laughed while Arianna laughed with her.
Ava rolled her eyes. “Whatever. What time are we going over to check out the beach house?”
Arianna wiped her eyes as her laughter came to a halt. “As soon as the fellas get here. My mom, Mama Rose and Aunt Patrice are on their way.
“So, Ava who’s your date for the party?” Angeline asked as she put away her paper work.
“Uuuh, Angie who’s your date for the party?” Ava asked sarcastically.
Angeline looked over at Arianna who busted out laughing again. Arianna shrugged her shoulders as she shook her head.
“Hey, don’t look at me.” Arianna said.
“I will look at you because I’m about to hurt her.” Angeline admitted as she laughed again.
“Uuuhm, Des is going solo”. Ava announced matter of factly.
Angeline looked over at her and stopped laughing. “Okay, and?”
“And? Maybe it’s time that you tell him how you feel about him. You guys been around each other forever and way too old for these little games you keep playing.” Ava admitted with a more serious tone.
Angeline shook her head. “Ava, What’s your wrong with you today? I mean really. Every time som
ething is wrong you you come picking at people. Why are you starting with me today?”
Ava rubbed her face with her hands and stood up. Placing her hands on her waist she began to pace the floor. “I have to tell you guys something. It’s a secret that I’ve been hiding from all of you for the past two years,” she said as she looked over at the two of them.
Arianna and Angeline looked over at her with serious looks on their faces.
“Ava. What’s wrong sweetie? This couldn’t be about Dre putting you on an allowance, because you know that’s way more than enough money for you to live on plus you don’t even need it. Dre knows about all your accounts and all your stocks. Plus your fashion line is doing quite well. Not to mention all those new clients Des been throwing your way. So we know you aren’t hurting for money. Dre enjoys doing for you because he loves you.”
Ava smiled. “I love his big head too. I know I know. I’m a brat. I don’t blame you guys for laughing at me.”
“Well, admitting it is the first step to fixing the problem,” Angeline said as they all laughed.
“No, seriously, tell us what’s wrong.” Arianna probed on.
Ava sighed as she closed her eyes. “I have a two year old son,” she confessed in a low tone.
Arianna and Angeline looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces.
“What?” Arianna I asked.
“I said I have a two year old son,” she said a little louder.
“Ava?” Arianna questioned confused.
Ava began pacing the floor again. “I said I have a two year old son,” she repeated herself.
Angeline looked on in shocked as Arianna stood up and walked over to Ava. Grabbing her by her shoulders, she forced her to stop pacing and faced her.
“Okay. Ava, sit down and tell us what the hell you are talking about.”
Ava sat back in the chair and sighed as she looked at both Arianna and Angeline.
“Remember how devastated I was when Jason’s punk ass left me at the alter right?” Ava asked.
Arianna shook her head. “Yes. We remember. You were so distraught you left for about eight months. You said you needed to clear your head.” Arianna stated.
“Well, the truth is I discovered I was pregnant two months later. I felt so confused and humiliated. This asshole not only left me at the alter in front of everyone, but he left me pregnant as well. There was no way I was picking up the phone telling a man who left me that I was pregnant with his child. It would make me look as if I was using the pregnancy card to try to win him back and I couldn’t have that. I couldn’t have people think that of me. I was humiliated enough. I felt like a fool. But the one thing I couldn’t do was get an abortion. I already felt connected to the baby growing inside of me and besides, I’m against abortion. So I decided to have the baby but at the time I felt like I couldn’t keep the baby. Yes, I know I’m selfish, immature, self centered and vain. I’m all those things, especially two years ago. There was no way I was ready to be someone’s mom. I couldn’t do it. So, I decided to have the baby and give him up for adoption.” Ava confessed in an emotional tone.
“Ava.” Arianna said in shocked. “Ava, how can you keep something like this from us? We are your family. That is fucking crazy.”
“Girl, do you know how dangerous it can be sometimes to give birth to a baby. Anything can go wrong and you go and have one all by your self, with no family and friends in a strange town?” Angeline asked.
“I know, I know, I’m fucked up. I already know. Once again I was only thinking of myself and I’m sorry.” Ava confessed as the tears she was holding in finally made it’s way down.
Arianna and Angeline walked over to her and hugged her.
“It’s okay. Ava, don’t cry. Everything is going to be okay.” Arianna hugged her.
“Well, there’s more to the story.” Ava admitted as she wiped her eyes.
“Oh boy, let me sit again. Girl, your drama is on over load today.” Angeline said as they all laughed.
“Well, as I told you guys I gave the baby up for adoption but it wasn’t a regular adoption. It was what they call an open adoption,” Ava said with a sigh.
“An open adoption?” Arianna asked in confusion.
“Yes. With an open adoption, the biological parents is still in the child’s life as far as, you can still visit the child, have open communication with the adoptive parent regarding the child, you are fully informed with anything regarding the child. You are basically still very much active in the child’s life.” Ava smiled.
“So, are you saying you have been in this little boy’s life these past two years but the only difference is, he doesn’t live with you and he doesn’t know you are his mom?” Angeline asked.
Ava shook her head. “Yes. The adoptive parent’s kept me informed about everything regarding him. I was even involved in some decision makings.”
“Wow.” Angeline said in amazement.
Arianna shook her head. “So, you just going to continue to be in his life and what, have him think you are his parents’ friend or something?”
“Actually, this is where it gets complicated. I received a phone call from my lawyer this morning telling me the adoptive parents are getting divorced and want to sign me the rights to my baby back.” Ava said nervously. “And the weirdest thing is, I’m happy and nervous at the same time. I think I’m more nervous than anything. I’m scared that I’m nothing more than a spoiled little rich girl who is not capable of raising a child. I think that’s why I came in here venting about Dre and his silly little allowance. I’m nervous as hell you guys.”
“Oh my God! Ava!” Arianna yelled excitedly as she hugged her. “I’m so excited! Girl, you have nothing to be nervous about. You will make a great mom! Now, yes you
are a little self absorbed.”
“A little?” Angeline asked as she laughed.
Arianna laughed also as Ava rolled her eyes. “Don’t listen to Angie. Like I was saying you are a little self-absorbed, but once your maternal instincts kicks it, you will be okay. Besides, it takes a village to raise a child and you have a whole village right here. You have my mom, Mama Ro, Aunt Patrice, Me, Angeline. Even the fellas will help. We can even get you a nanny. I know this Haitain lady who would be perfect. I was about to hire her to help with A.J. so I wouldn’t keep burdening my mom and mama Ro.” Arianna said with excitement.
“Uuuhh that sounds like a great plan and all but you are forgetting two things.” Angeline stated. Arianna and Ava looked at her in allusion. “Number one, you have to tell Dre. Now remember what he and Desmond did to Jason after he left you at the altar. So make sure you specify that Jason did not know you were pregnant, not that he don’t deserve another ass whooping. You know I never did like his high yellow ass. Uggh! He use to work my nerves!”
Ava laughed. “I’ll tell Dre after his party. Now what is number two you referred to?”
“You have to tell Jason. Ava, as much I can’t stand his dog ass for what he did to you, he deserves to know that he has a son. It’s bad enough you gave the child up for adoption with out telling him, but if you are going to get the child back and raise him, he deserves to know. He has rights too until he himself wants to give up those rights.” Angeline said as she walked over to Ava and hugged her.
“I suppose you’re right”. Ava agreed .
A sudden knock on Angeline’s office door interrupted their conversation.
Arianna stood up. “I’ll get it. Hopefully every one is here. We need to get going”. She said as she opened the office door.
“What’s up, pretty ladies?” Desmond cheerfully asked as he bent down and kissed Arianna’s cheek.
“Hey Des. What are you so happy about?” Arianna asked him with a smile.
“Hell, I don’t know. I woke up happy and shit. Don’t even fucking know why.”
He said with a chuckle. Walking in the office he went over and kissed Ava on the cheeks while never taking his eyes off Angeline.
�
��What’s going on?” He asked her as he looked around her office. He was impressed with her establishment the minute he pulled up in front of it. This was the first time he had been here since her opening day four months ago. This was her second catering place in which her first one was located in Miami Florida. Two of her cousins were currently running the Miami location while Angeline moved to New Jersey to run the West Orange location. This location was more spacious and proven to be more profitable in a four month time frame.
“This is a great place you have here.” Desmond complimented Angeline as he slowly circled her. He chuckled to himself as Angeline blushed. Arianna and Ava chuckled themselves as they noticed the exchange.
“Now you two need to quit with the freaking games.” Ava said as she made her way to the door.
Desmond laughed as he made his way to the door. “I’m not the one playing,” he said as he turned and winked at Angeline before making his exit.
Jersey Shore Water Front (The Beach House)
Twelve Lincoln Blvd
“Yes Babe, A.J. is with me. Mommy, Angeline, Ava and I had to do some shopping in South Jersey but we will be on our way back shortly. Yes, I bought you something.” Arianna laughed as she spoke on the phone with Andre. “Okay. Babe, let me get off this phone I’ll see you in a few, okay. I love you too,” she said as she placed her cell phone down on the dresser. Arianna stood in the mirror as she applied lotion to her face. After Desmond and Malachi helped her with setting up the furniture, she took a much needed shower. She spent the last few days decorating the beach house and making it feel homely as well as a vacation spot. She decorated their bedroom off white and brown which she knows Andre would love. She even installed a few surprises in the bedroom which she was sure he would get a kick out of. Things had been so great between them, sometimes she felt like it was too good to be true. Smiling to her self, she continued rubbing lotion on her face and throat. Once she was done, she applied deodorant under her arms and walked over to the walk in closet the house came with. Grabbing a pair of jeans and a baby blue t-shirt designed by Ava, she closed the closet door and walked over to the bed. Placing the clothing down, she caught a glimpse of herself in the full body mirror. Walking up close she admired her body from head to toe. For years she hated looking at her body, not because of her appearance but for the traumatic experiences she went through. The very site of her own skin use to repulsed her. She cringed at the thought of her cousin Frantz’s hands all over her body. She thought of the countless showers she use to take and the countless scrubbing she used to do trying to scrub the memory of him away. It took years but eventually, she loved herself again. She embraced herself, her beauty and sexuality with ease. Wearing a matching baby powder blue bra and panty set, she admired her caramel toned frame. She even loved the couple of stretch marks giving birth to Andre Junior left on her hips. As she posed in front of the mirror, a voice from behind startled her.
