by Shelby Clark
“How?! She’s still at her parent’s house. She’s staying there because she didn’t want to be alone when it was time for the baby to be born.”
“I’m going to go get her! At some point I had to go to the States anyway to set up the new satellite company sites. I’ll just leave before the scheduled time. I might just move there permanently with my family.”
Atticus stood up to walk over and help Tess get up. They continued talking as they walked to the kitchen.
“What if Josh is in the picture now? And how are you going to get her to believe you?” Tess drilled.
Atticus threw up his hands in the air. “Tess! Am I on trial here? My god, sister-in-law! You’re one damn good lawyer. You don’t miss a beat do you?”
They both laughed. August and Antonio joined in the laughter.
“I know, she’s an awesome woman. That’s why I married her. I love this lady and I’ll yell it at the top of the world,” August proclaimed.
“I understand, brother, because I’m about to do the same with Ayana! Her mother better get ready because I’m coming like a storm to take back what’s mine.”
Tess turned around to face everyone after having finished basing the turkey.
“Listen! Dinner is almost ready. But let me say this, Atticus. Remember something, despite our differences between the Simmons and the Escobars, at the end of the day, we’re all still family. We just have to find some common ground.”
“Thank you, counselor. I promise I will keep that in mind. Now, can we eat?! I’m starving!”
“Yes, we can eat now.”
“Do you want me to say grace, Tess?”
They all burst into laughter again.
Tess threw her hand on her hip and pointed her finger at Atticus with the other hand. “Now, now, let’s behave. This is a time to give thanks for our families, new marriages, extended business and partnerships, and babies.”
They all simultaneously bowed their heads when she’d finished speaking, then shouted, “Gracias, Amen Señor!”
Tess reached over to give Antonio a hug. “Hello, Antonio. We haven’t seen much of each other, but you’re always welcomed here.”
“Hola, Tess! Gracias.”
Plates and silverware were already arranged on the dining room table and food covered all the counters. Tess cooked her favorite dishes and her chef finished all the additional preparations.
While they all were eating, Atticus made an announcement. “I want to propose a toast! I love you guys, my unborn niece, my unborn baby, boy or girl it doesn’t matter. And to Ayana, I’m coming to get you, babe, papi is on his way!”
“¡Salud!” they all yelled.
“So what’s the plan? When are you leaving for the States?” August asked.
“Tomorrow. Antonio’s going with me. I brought him up to speed to what’s going on. We weren’t going to leave to handle business, as far as the ventures are concerned, until another four months. But, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity for us to just go ahead and relocate since Ayana resigned and moved back to the States, if that’s what she wants.”
August encouraged Atticus, “Well that would make sense for you two. Tess did say that Ayana resigned and was moving back.”
“She did, when she called me on the way to the airport.” Tess confirmed.
“And August you can run the business from this end and Atticus and I could on the U.S. side,” Antonio added.
“When I get there, I’m going to ask her to marry me. And maybe if Tess is up for it, August, you two could be our witnesses for our wedding.”
“You know we will if Tess’s doctor clears her for flying. But, how do you know she’s going to say yes, bro? You have a lot riding against you over there…” August inquired.
“Well, I know I can handle myself, and Antonio has my back. I just need a minute with her.” Atticus expressed himself very confidently.
She will say yes! I know how we felt when we made love and our baby will bring us together. I know it. And the hell with anyone who gets in my way…
Atticus got up from the table and excused himself. He took a deep breath.
“You know what, I have go now. I want to get a head start on packing. Antonio, call me in the morning about five.”
“Si, Atticus, I’ll talk to you then,” Antonio replied.
Atticus went around the table hugging everyone before he took off. “Buenas noches a todos.”
Everyone replied back in a mix of English and Spanish.
****
Atticus and Antonio arrived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They immediately rented a Cadillac CTS and checked into the Marriott’s Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes. After showering and changing clothes, Atticus called Antonio’s room to let him know he’d be in the lobby waiting for him.
He was feeling anxious and couldn’t wait to see Ayana. Four months of not knowing about her pregnancy seemed like a life time. From this point on he wanted to be a part of every decision, up until the time of delivery. Facing Ayana’s parents was just a minute issue to him. In fact, he couldn’t wait to address them directly.
Atticus and Antonio jumped into the car and entered the address, 1631 Serena Drive Myrtle Beach, SC, into the GPS. It stated that the point of destination was only ten minutes away. They headed Southwest on Costa Verda Drive toward N. Ocean Blvd, taking in the sights as they drove.
“Do you know what you’re going to say to her parents?” Antonio asked.
“No, not really. I’ll let it come out naturally. I don’t think I’m going to address her mother, but rather her father instead. I think that’s the respectful thing to do.”
I’ll be respectful at first unless someone pisses me off. And I pray that fuckin’ Josh dude is not there. I can’t make any promises if he is.
Antonio shook his head. “Yeah, I think so too, dude, plus this gives you the opportunity to show them who you are.”
“Si, especially that Señora Simmons. She definitely owes us an apology, but my mind would truly be blown if she does. Her ass is so far up her back, I don’t think she’s able to.” Atticus laughed.
“Dude, if you marry Ayana that’s going to be your mother-n-law! Ah shit! Did you think about that?” Antonio laughed as he tapped Atticus on the arm.
“Shut the fuck up, Antonio. This is a serious matter, this is my life, and I need to get my mind ready for when I speak to Ayana. I feel anger stirring up in me, and I want to do this right for Ayana and my baby’s sake.”
“Dude, my apologies, I am here for you. I mean it. I got your back. Just go in there and handle your business.”
Atticus rocked his head to the music on the radio. He had on shades, black designer shoes and slacks, and a cream polo shirt with a wool jacket on. Antonio was dressed in a pair of loafers, jeans, and a button up dress shirt and jacket. They both looked very nice and smelled just as good. Atticus finally made a right onto Serena Drive. He pulled up on the right, in front of a mansion. They both observed the property before they got out. The sun was out, but the air was crisp and a little chilly. They were not use to the weather at all.
Ayana’s parents’ house was of a Mediterranean style architecture. The houses were several acres apart with palm trees covering the front lawn leaving entry space for the circular driveway. Palm trees covered both sides of the street to the end of the block.
“Damn! This is very nice. I don’t know what I expected, but I didn’t expect this! I guess Ayana’s parents are doing well for themselves.”
Antonio agreed. “Damn, I’m cold. I’m going to miss Mexico. But yeah, I guess it’s okay. This is still considered the middle class to us.”
“Show some humility, Antonio. Not everyone has billions in their family. But, they look pretty financially stable. No wonder she feels like she doesn’t need me,” Atticus stated as he prepared to get out of the car. “Come on, let’s get going. It’s chilly here.”
They got out the car and walked onto the property. They rang the doorbe
ll, and after a few seconds an older gentleman came to the door. He parted the door without opening it fully.
“Yes, can help you, sir?” he asked, looking cautious.
Atticus removed his sunglass. “Señor Simmons, I presume?”
“Yes, I’m Dr. Simmons, and who are you?” the man asked.
Atticus could tell that the man had already figured out who he was, but went along with his questioning.
“Sir, I’m Atticus Escobar and this is my cousin, Antonio Rosario. I’m your daughter’s fiancé and the father of her baby. I traveled a long way, may I come in and talk to you please, instead of through the door?”
“Hold on a minute please.” Dr. Simmons, shut the door.
What the hell is going on with this family, are they all crazy?
Atticus looked at Antonio. “What is this?!”
“Just stay calm, dude, let’s wait to see what’s going on, and not jump to conclusions or any shit like that.”
Before Atticus could respond, the door was snatched back open with Dr. Simmons on the other side extending his hand.
“Hello, gentleman, excuse my rudeness earlier. You came unexpectedly and I had to put my dog away and have a quick talk with my wife. Please come in and make yourselves at home.”
“Thank you, sir, for allowing us to come in. It’s chilly this time of the year here in the U.S. We’re not use to this kind of weather.” They all chuckled.
“Dr. Simmons, before I get to the matter at hand, I want you to know that we come to your home with the upmost respect.”
Before Atticus could continue, Ayana’s mother walked into the living room and sat by her husband. His jaw line tightened as he took a breath and released it slowly.
Dr. Simmons interrupted, “I’m sorry, gentleman, I’m sure you remember my wife, Dr. Althea Simmons, according to my daughter, from an unfortunate previous acquaintance.”
They all stood up as they greeted her.
This woman doesn’t deserve any type of respect!
“Please continue, Atticus, and please say what you’ve come all this way to say.”
“Dr. Simmons, I didn’t come all this way to reinvent another spectacle of what took place at your daughter’s house where I met your wife—”
“And I can’t convey my deepest apologies for what you endured from my wife. I told her not to go and meddle in Ayana’s life. She told me she wouldn’t. My wife does have something to say to you.”
“Atticus, I’m not sorry for loving my daughter too much, but I do apologize to you and your family for the awful things I implied. And for inviting Josh over today. I didn’t know you would be here.”
Everyone’s jaw dropped. Atticus stood up in astonishment.
“But you do know she’s carrying my baby! And even though, all this time no one told me, you had to have at least considered that I might come for them. Please tell me that!”
“Althea, you’re going to fix this, but for now, just leave the room! You and I are not done!” Dr. Simmons growled at his wife as she left.
Atticus and Antonio couldn’t believe their ears or eyes as Ayana’s mother had sat there, then left, as if she had done no wrong.
“Sir, I just want to let you know that I’m here for Ayana and my baby. Also, that I’m asking her to marry me. I was going to ask out of respect for your blessing. But after dealing with your wife, I’m past that, no offense to you, sir!”
My soon to be mother-n-law is out of control. Something is going to have to change or she’ll never see her daughter again! Not while Ayana is my wife.
“Atticus, I understand. Go find Ayana. She took a walk on the golf course out back. Just across the bridge on the other side of the lake. It is huge so she could be anywhere. Take a golf cart.”
Atticus and Antonio hurried through the house to the back. They walked past the patio and a covered up pool, to the golf course. Green was everywhere as far as the eye could see.
****
“Atticus, we’ve looked everywhere. We’ve been riding for thirty minutes. It’s cold out here, primo. Maybe she left with that Josh person.”
Atticus stopped driving. “Antonio! If this was your baby what would you do?”
“You’re right, I would keep going until I found her.”
Atticus hit Antonio on the arm with the back of his hand. “OK, then let’s go…wait! Be quiet.”
He looked around. Slightly behind a huge tree they noticed a huge barn-like shed. They got out of the golf cart and walked over to it. Voices were coming from inside. Atticus recognized Ayana’s and a male voice.
If I go in here and they’re…can I handle this? I have to…
“Look, I’m going in. I’ll remain calm, but if that guy tries anything, I can’t promise I’ll do the right thing.”
“Hey, I would do the same thing.”
“Come on, let’s slip in to see what this pencil neck is up to.
The shed was heated. It was two stories high. There were a lot of extra golf clubs and balls lying all around, especially on the floor. Ayana and Josh were up on the second level. Atticus eased up the steps and watched as he listened to their conversation.
He had the perfect view of Josh, who was a blonde Caucasian with blue eyes. He was dressed in a turtle neck, a heavy pull-over sweater, some blue jeans, and a pair of designer tennis. Josh appeared to be five-eight or five-nine. He was standing with about two yards of space between them. Ayana was leaning on a rail while sitting on a crate. Atticus couldn’t see how she looked. She had on some jeans, clogs, and a big, loose jacket.
I know she’s not that big yet, why is she wearing that huge jacket? Maybe for comfort.
Atticus’s hands were frozen, but he didn’t care. His family was more important. Ayana stood up, her coat fell back allowing exposure of the most perfect, small round belly, the size of a small basketball. The woman he loved was having his baby and was only a few feet away from him. He could feel his heart beating faster with excitement and his breathing becoming more rapid. Just as he was about to approach her, he saw Josh walk toward her. Atticus froze.
Josh stood in front of Ayana as he gazed into her eyes. “Ayana, I was totally beside myself when your mother told me you were back. I cleared my schedule for you.”
“What? My mother called you? I thought you were out here just playing golf.”
“No. I just said that to have an excuse to talk to you. I’ve always loved you. I know that you just got out of a relationship a few months back—”
“Josh, you don’t see this belly right here? And I don’t know why my mother’s telling my business,” Ayana interrupted.
Josh reached forward and laid his hand on her stomach. “If you let me, Ayana, I’ll raise the baby as my own. I’ll love you and our baby.”
Ayana slapped Josh’s face. “Get your hands off of me. I never said you could touch me or that I wanted you. My heart belongs to someone else.”
Before she could finish the last word, Atticus was at the top step swinging his fist into Josh’s face. Josh fell backward and Antonio came behind Atticus to pull him away. Ayana’s eyes widened at the sight of Atticus and Antonio. She jumped in his arms. He caught her and quickly sat her down.
“Papi! I missed you! I’m so sorry!” Ayana cried between their kisses. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to get my family!”
Ayana paused and looked into Atticus’s eyes. “Are you really here for us or your business venture?”
He grabbed her chin and placed a kiss on her lips as he answered. “For you and my baby! Why are you here with this jerk? Is this where you want to be? Am I too late?”
“No, babe! This is one of my mother’s sick arrangements that I wasn’t aware of.”
Josh jumped to his feet as if he was about to charge Atticus from behind, but Antonio stood in his path.
“No, no, no. I don’t think you want to do that, sustantivo. If I move, you don’t stand a chance.”
Josh turned red in anger.
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“Ayana, tell this man you don’t want him. You’re with me now and he lost his chance when he abandoned you and the baby,” Josh growled.
“Antonio, go get the golf cart and bring it closer. This música is not going to do anything. He just wants to look like he’s something. Go ahead. We’re right behind you,” Atticus instructed.
Antonio went down the steps first, then Ayana, and Atticus followed. By the time Atticus’s foot hit the bottom step, Josh ran down the stairs and grabbed him from behind putting him in a choke hold. As they stepped off the stairwell to the first floor, Josh spun around, pushing into Ayana and causing her to slip on a golf ball. Her ankle twisted as she lost her balance. As she fell to the floor she hit the side of her face on a metal golf club carrier. Antonio was too far ahead of her to catch her.
Atticus went in rage. “No!” He gave Josh a couple of elbow blows to the ribs with his right elbow. Then he reached behind him and grabbed the back of Josh’s head around the nape area. He bent forward causing Josh’s whole body to flip over his shoulder. Atticus jumped on top of him and served several punches to the man’s face.
Josh kicked Atticus off of him and reached for a broken golf club that had a sharp edge, easily capable of being used as a weapon.
“You sure you want to go this route with me, Josh? Because I’m telling you now I’m willing to die for her and kill. So either way, I don’t care. And for you, I think you do care.” Atticus picked up a golf club and tapped Josh’s weapon. “Come on, let go!”
Antonio was on Ayana’s cell calling her father. He told him everything. “Atticus, she’s losing a lot of blood and the cut is deep, man! We need to get her to a hospital!”
“Dammit!” Atticus yelled as he swung his club and knocked the weapon out of Josh’s hand. He gave the man a quick punch to the nose. He then spun around him squeezing his neck. Josh was trying to fight, but lost consciousness.
“Did you break his neck?” Antonio asked.
“No, I just put him to sleep. It’s an old wrestling move.”
They heard the ambulance blowing their horns and driving across the green.
