by J. Nichole
“I can come over and give you a little break when you need it. My internship is only six hours a day. But first we have to get through today.”
“Thanks, Laila. That would really be helpful. My mom was off for the first few weeks, but now that she is back at work it’s just me and Ava.”
“That’s what best friends are for. Besides, I missed her birth.” The one time I forget my phone I miss one of the most important phone calls. “I owe you one. I’ll call you when I’m on my way. Kiss Ava for me.”
I can’t believe Ava came early, probably just as Chris was walking across the stage at graduation. Or maybe when Courtney was acting a damn fool. Either way, I missed the call and unfortunately, the birth.
At least I can make up for it and be there for her today. Her parents will undoubtedly give Ava’s dad a hard time for missing the birth too. I just hope Josh isn’t at home, not really looking forward to seeing him this summer.
When I get to Tanya’s house, I’m all smiles as I walk to the door. I can’t wait to meet Ava. When Tanya opens the door, I see she looks flustered, her hair is a mess and she is only partially dressed. “Tanya, you okay?”
With teary eyes, she shakes her head. “Since having Ava, I hardly have time to get dressed, and makeup and shaving are a luxury.” She grabs my arm, pulling me in the house and says, “One I don’t have today.”
“Auntie Laila is here. I can play with the baby while you pull yourself together.”
She gives me a half smile. “Thanks, maybe she’ll stop crying for you.”
Ava Rose is lying in her crib, looking like a little baby doll. Peaceful. What was Tanya talking about? She isn’t making any noise.
“Go get dressed, I’ll watch her.” Not wanting to disturb the peace, I leave her in the crib and lie across Tanya’s bed. “Other than looking a complete mess, how have things been going with your parents?”
From her closet, Tanya peeps around the door. “Come in here, I don’t want to talk too loud and disturb her.” I walk in the closet and sit on the floor.
“Let’s just say I was way more optimistic before the birth. I thought seeing Ava would make my parents give up the adoption talk, but they haven’t.” She wipes the tear that’s fallen down her cheek. “It hurts more now. I’ve met her and I’m in love with her. She’s my world.”
“Maybe, over time, they’ll give it up.”
Tanya shrugs her shoulders, and I hear the front door open. “My mom’s home, let’s not talk about this anymore. My dad should be home soon.”
“Is Josh back?” I look at her with an awkward grin.
She smiles playfully. “Why do you care? You wouldn’t give him the time of day.”
“It’s awkward seeing him now. As much as I would have dropped Travis without a thought, I don’t feel the same with Chris.”
“You don’t have to explain to me.” She smiles. “I’d rather you two not test those waters anyway.” Tanya steps out of the closet and I follow.
“Yeah, I should leave those thoughts alone.”
She checks on Ava, then picks up her phone. “He should be here any minute now.”
“Should we go sit in the living room while Ava sleeps?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
The doorbell rings. Tanya gets up and answers the door. Her parents join us in the living room. With a confused look, Tanya’s mom asks, “Tanya what’s going on? Who is this?”
“Mom, dad, this is Randy. Ava’s father.”
As Randy stretches his hand to greet her parents, Tanya’s mom interrupts him. “Excuse me?” she says.
Tanya starts explaining. “When I found out I was pregnant, I knew there was a possibility that Randy could be the father. I didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure. Randy and I agreed that when Ava was born we would do a paternity test.”
“Tanya, we have some things to talk about. I won’t discuss them now.” I wonder if she thinks Tanya is a hoe. “Randy, I apologize that I haven’t heard anything about you.” Tanya’s mom looks frustrated. “Tell me about yourself.”
It’s becoming uncomfortable, watching Randy sweat as he speaks to Tanya’s parents. “I’m going to see if Ava is awake.”
Tanya looks at me with pleading eyes, and I’m sure she doesn’t want me to leave them. “Okay, can you bring her if she is awake?” I nod my head and go into her room.
Ava is wide-awake, just looking around the room. I pick her up and she begins to cry. I’m sure she is wondering who I am. I take her into the living room in time to hear Tanya’s mom drilling Randy. “We’d like to know your plans. Do you plan on being around for Ava? Do your parents know?”
“Yes, to both. My parents weren’t happy, of course, but they agree that I need to be active.”
I hand Ava to Randy and she stops crying. She looks at him, cooing. Isn’t that sweet?
Randy continues to tell Tanya’s parents about his first year at Lee. They seem satisfied with what they’ve heard, and leave the room. Randy wipes his face and says, “Man, I feel like I sweated out my clothes.”
Tanya admires him, then says, “Thanks for coming over. I’m sure there will be tons of questions, and my mom may be pissed, but I think they will learn to like you.”
“I’m sure they will, in time.” Looking at me, Randy laughs. “I swear I didn’t see you all year.” Narrowing his eyes, he continues, “Were you hiding from me?”
Hunching my shoulders, I smile. “Maybe a little.” The new family looks like they need some time alone. “I’m going to head home. Tanya, call me later.”
“Thanks again, Laila, for being here. I’ll call you tonight.” We stand up and give each other a hug. I can finally wrap my arms around her, she’s almost back to her normal size again.
Tanya whispers in my ear, “My brother will be back next week. I’m sure he’ll be checking for you.”
“Girl, whatever. You know I’m in love with Chris.”
“I know, and I’m happy for you, Laila. Really, I am.” She winks, and says, “Just make sure you don’t let him make you crazy, like that bitch Courtney.”
Laughing I shake my head. “Have a good night. I’ll see you soon.”
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About the Author
Debut author J. Nichole received her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
J. Nichole has spent the past ten years as an IT Consultant. She is married with one daughter.
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