by A. Mackin
His cell phone chime pulled him from his daze. Holding his breath, he looked at the display. It was her, the other woman. He let out an annoyed sigh and sent it to voicemail. She had been calling for days, but he’d refused to answer. After all, this was her fault. Kayla was gone because he’d gotten caught up in her web. He didn’t want to talk to her at all. He wanted his wife back.
***
During the drive back to Baltimore, Kayla drove in silence. She had to decide on her future plans. If not for her, she had to for her baby. She needed to know what role Mark would play. Abortion was not an option, and neither was adoption. Kayla was going to have her baby with or without Mark.
Halfway through the drive, it dawned on her that she had nowhere to go. She wasn’t ready to go back to her house, and she wasn’t in love with the idea of staying in another hotel.
She picked up her cell to call Stephanie. She hadn’t spoken to her since the day she’d told her about Mark’s affair. Typically, that meant that Steph was really into whoever she was dating at the time. Kayla figured that she could crash at her best friend’s crib for the night and catch up with her. After all, she needed some good news in her life.
Stephanie answered on the second ring, sounding a little down herself. “Hello?”
“Hey, sweetie. How’s it going?”
“Good. How are you? Did you fix things with Mark?”
“The opposite. Now I saw the proof in black and white.”
“Proof?” Stephanie sounded alert and focused.
“Yeah proof,” Kayla said, laughing a little. It amazed her how gossip always perked her friend right up.
“Can I crash at your place tonight? I’ve been gone for three days now, and I’m not ready to go home just yet.”
“Of course you can. Come on over. I’ll leave the door open for you.”
Kayla hung up with Stephanie, feeling relieved already. At least she had somewhere to stay and someone to talk to tonight.
After pulling up to Stephanie’s condo, she finally got upstairs with her luggage. Unsure when she would be leaving, she brought all three bags with her. She’d planned on just one night, but she knew that could possibly change.
“I thought you asked if you could you stay the night,” Stephanie said as she stood in the doorway watching her friend bring in her bags. “It looks like you’re moving in!”
“I know, but I don’t know when or if I’m going back home.”
Stephanie waved Kayla off dismissively. “Yes, you do. You love the dirt on the bottom of that Negro’s shoes, so you’re going back.”
“You’re right. I do love him, and I do want to go back, but I also love my baby. I have to think about him, or her, first.”
Stephanie’s mouth flew wide open, and shock was written all over her face. She mustered up the energy to say congratulations, but Kayla couldn’t tell if it was genuine or not. For a second, she felt a twinge of jealousy coming from Stephanie, which was odd. She and Stephanie had had many conversations over the years about having kids. Although Kayla wanted kids as much as Mark, she wasn’t in a rush to become barefoot and pregnant.
She quickly dismissed Stephanie’s reaction, assuming it was out of concern over the recent problems in her marriage.
The two friends spent the next three hours catching up. Kayla told her about the text messages and Mark’s reaction when she asked if he loved the other woman. She also told her about the visit to her parents’ house and how she found out about the pregnancy. Stephanie filled her in on Chad and what they were up to. Kayla was a little surprised because they hadn’t been together as much as she’d thought they would be, but she hadn’t really heard from Stephanie. Stephanie explained that his work schedule was pretty demanding. Although she really liked him, she wasn’t sure if that was something she was ready to compromise with him on. Stephanie was used to guys banging her door down and blowing up her phone. So if Chad wasn’t doing either, Kayla was sure that Stephanie was contemplating giving him the boot. After they were up to speed on each other, they ordered Chinese takeout and watched old movies.
Around three o’clock in the morning, Kayla got up to use the bathroom. Lately, it seemed like all she wanted to do was sleep or pee. So far, the pregnancy wasn’t really affecting her. When she thought about it, she’d been having the same symptoms all along. But now that she knew why, her symptoms were at an all-time high. Besides those few times she’d vomited before she found out that she was pregnant, Kayla hadn’t been sick. Tomorrow would be her first visit with her OB/GYN. Dr. Gallant’s receptionist had been able to fit her in quickly since she was already a patient. Kayla was nervous and excited. She was curious to see the life growing inside of her, the life that had been created on top of lies and deception. She assumed she was around eight to ten weeks based on her last cycle and the information from the internet. According to Google, she would be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat tomorrow. Kayla wished that Mark could be there to hear the first sounds of their baby too, but he still hadn’t called or sent any text messages. Kayla refused to reach out to him first because he was the guilty one who couldn’t keep his dick inside his pants. After washing her hands and returning to Stephanie’s guest bedroom, Kayla made up her mind that tomorrow after she saw Dr. Gallant, she would search for a new home. Her marriage had already been destroyed, but every day she stayed gone solidified the fact that she would be a single parent. Being with a liar, an adulterer, and a deceitful man was not a part of Kayla’s dream, but she vowed that her child would know who his or her father was. Even though she couldn’t stand the thought of Mark, she knew that allowing him to share her pregnancy was the right thing to do. It wasn’t for her and not even for him. It was all about the baby. Kayla was determined to be a good mother, even if it meant she had to deal with Mark. Her child’s happiness and well-being was all that mattered now. So tomorrow after the appointment, she would call Mark and share the good news…their good news.
She just prayed to God that he was willing to accept it.
Chapter 6
The buzzing of the alarm told Mark that it was morning and it was time to get up. He’d decided last night, after finally showering and eating, that he would call Kayla today. He missed her terribly and he was ready to put his pride aside to save his marriage. He only hoped that Kayla wanted the same.
But first he showered and got ready for his meeting. The buyers for the new outlet mall had asked their accountants to review the budget that Mark had presented them a few weeks ago, and they were finally ready to negotiate. Mark was hoping that they would agree to the terms, so that they could close the deal soon. The entire project had been in the works for months. It was the main reason why Kayla had felt neglected. If everything went well today in the meeting, Mark could tell her the good news tonight to help improve his chances of convincing her to come back home.
Originally, he’d planned to make a reservation at a new Italian restaurant that had opened close to their house, but he quickly decided against it. Kayla didn’t like to discuss personal issues in public. He even proposed to her at home when it was just the two of them, so that they could discuss things before she agreed. Smiling to himself at the memory of the proposal, he hurried to grab his briefcase and keys to head out the door. He definitely didn’t want to be late to the meeting. It was important that he seal the pending deal. It wasn’t just for the company’s profit, but it would solidify his role as the next CEO and save his marriage. After setting the alarm and checking for his cell phone, Mark headed out the door to meet with the man who could change his life.
***
Morning came too quickly for Kayla. She’d had another restless night and she really wanted to just lay around and watch television. But she had an appointment with Dr. Gallant. Later, she would tell Mark about the baby.
She got up and made her way out of bed. After dressing in jeans, an oversized sweater, and a pair of booties, Kayla grabbed her purse and cell phone and headed out the door. She sent Steph a t
ext message to let her know that she’d locked up the condo and that she would call later before she came back over. It felt odd to her that Step left without saying a word to her that morning, especially knowing that she had her first prenatal appointment. Kayla made a mental note to ask her about it later. She knew that Steph had her issues with Chad on her mind. But she was sure it was more to things than her friend had told her. Having her own issues to deal with, Kayla decided that she needed to at least find a temporary furnished apartment today, so that she could give Steph back her privacy. Two women with man problems under the same roof was a recipe for disaster.
Pulling up to Dr. Gallant’s office, Kayla parked and went inside. Today’s weather was not on her side. Therefore, a casual stroll was out of the question.
She had to think of a way to tell Mark about the baby. Originally, she planned to ask him to meet her downtown at the Harbor since her doctor’s office was close by. However, the temperature wasn’t cooperating. She needed to find another place to tell him.
After signing in with the receptionist and paying her copayment, Kayla took a seat and began to think of where she could meet Mark to talk. She wanted to do it in a public place in case his reaction wasn’t a happy one. However, she didn’t like to discuss personal things in public settings. She decided on the Starbucks a few blocks away from the doctor’s office. It was midday, so most people would’ve already had their morning fix, which meant there wouldn’t be a lot of traffic, hustling, and bustling. It would be quiet enough so that she could talk without yelling. Deciding that Starbucks would be the perfect place, she sent Mark a text message right before the nurse called her name to go in the back to see the doctor.
***
Mark’s smile spread from one ear to the other after reading the text message from Kayla. She wanted to meet and discuss something with him in about an hour at the Starbucks close by. Mark had just finalized the big deal for the mall. Mark couldn’t contain his excitement after reading the text message. He tuned out everything happening in the room around him. The only thing he was concerned about was what he planned to say to Kayla once he saw her. He knew he would have to leave the meeting early, but he was certain that the remaining business on the table would go well. Thirty minutes later, he excused himself from the group of businessmen, explaining that he had an emergency he needed to tend to. Understanding his position within the company, the buyers excused him. His accountant assured him that he would be able to seal the deal. Leaving the meeting early would allow Mark time to get to the coffee shop and clear his head before Kayla arrived. He knew that the meeting could make or break his marriage.
***
Dr. Gallant moved the ultrasound machine around the cold gel on Kayla’s stomach confirming what she had assumed. She was indeed nine weeks pregnant and her little one had a strong solid heartbeat. Kayla allowed the tears of joy to escape. She had always wanted kids, but never thought she would feel the excitement and love she felt after she saw that tiny heartbeat. She now had to make decisions for the life growing inside of her. She was determined to protect her baby at all costs. After getting a prescription for prenatal vitamins and making her next appointment, Kayla left the doctor’s office to make her way to Starbucks for her meeting with Mark. Dr. Gallant had printed two photos of the baby and gave them to her as keepsakes. Surprisingly, Kayla was excited to show them to Mark.
Arriving at Starbucks, Kayla found Mark already sitting at a table with two drinks sitting on the table in front of him. She made her way to him with a smile on her face. When she got closer, she smelled his Polo Blue cologne. He stood to greet her with an embrace. Kayla wasn’t sure if it was the hormones or the fact that she hadn’t seen him in days. Regardless, she fell into his arms and stayed much longer than she’d planned. Realizing that they were nestled up long enough, she stepped back and admired him in his navy blue suit with the cufflinks she had given him as a birthday present the year before. His crisp white shirt with navy, light blue, and grey stripes complemented him well. She was reminded that today was the big day with the investors. Kayla knew her husband well. Whenever he wore a blue or grey suit, it meant money was on the line so he was dressing the part. Kayla took a seat at the table and moved the nonfat vanilla latte with an extra shot to the side. Noticing that she didn’t acknowledge the drink, Mark started pleading his case just like he had been rehearsing before he lost his nerve.
He opened his mouth to start his speech, but Kayla blurted out, “I’m pregnant!” before he had a chance to say a word.
Chapter 7
“Wow! Really? I’m going to be a daddy!” Mark yelled out with a look of joy and excitement on his face that Kayla had never witnessed before…not even on their wedding day.
“Shhhhh! Lower your voice, Mark. We are in public,” Kayla said through gritted teeth while looking around to make sure Mark hadn’t formed an audience. It was precisely why she didn’t like talking about personal things in public. She didn’t want a crowd of people there to buy coffee sharing in her pregnancy news. If Mark could’ve been the loyal faithful husband he’d promised he would be, they would be celebrating the news in the comfort of their home over a home cooked meal like normal people. Instead, they were at a coffee shop like strangers meeting for their first date.
“Yes, Mark, you’re going to be a daddy. I just left Dr. Gallants office. We’re nine weeks pregnant, and the baby is due around Labor Day!” Kayla said with excitement.
Seeing the look on her face and the excitement in her voice, Mark knew he had to make things right for his family. His wife was having a baby, and he needed to be there for them instead of somewhere else with someone else. Kayla pulled out the sonogram photos and showed Mark the baby’s early images. She also let him know when the next appointment was and invited him so that he could experience the miracle growing inside of her. The two sat for the next hour discussing plans for their baby and Kayla’s workload. She was planning to go back to work on Monday. She would tell her boss about the pregnancy. However, she wasn’t making any plans to slow down just yet. She was feeling great so far and she didn’t want to cut back too early when it wasn’t necessary. Mark let her know that the mall deal went through so without having to work all those additional hours he would be free a lot more to be there for her and the baby.
***
While the two sat and talked about what the next few months of their life would be like, they had no idea that she was watching and planning her next move. It was supposed to be her baby and not Kayla’s. She had been poking holes in the condoms, trying to get pregnant. Kayla hadn’t been trying to conceive at all. She knew how bad Mark wanted kids, and wondered what kind of wife she was to not honor his request. Now, by chance or accident, Kayla was about to give Mark the one thing he wanted more than anything else. Now that Kayla was pregnant, there was no way that Mark would leave her now. The mistress needed to put a plan in place quickly before she lost her man for good.
***
Mark and Kayla left Starbucks to get lunch at another location. The two were talking about life and the baby the entire time. Kayla knew she would have to address the elephant in the room, but she would wait until after she had eaten. Mark offered her something to eat at Starbucks after he realized why she wasn’t drinking her latte. But once she said she needed a meal because she was famished he didn’t hesitate to suggest that they go to lunch. They went to a popular deli where they both ordered sandwiches and a fruit cup for Kayla.
“Tell me why Mark,” Kayla said, out of what seemed like nowhere.
Of course they both knew what she meant, but since their arrival she had only talked about her plans for the nursery. Wanting to make sure that he didn’t say anything to make matters worse, Mark took a deep breath and began explaining himself.
Reaching across the table, Mark placed his hands on top of hers. Initially, she was hesitant to touch his, but she finally relaxed and allowed him to caress her hand as he spoke. “Kayla, I’m really sorry for what I did to yo
u, baby. You have to believe me,” Mark said through teary eyes before he continued. “You are always paying more attention to your clients than us. You leave home before me and you get in after me, and yet you still bring your work home. We don’t have sex as much as we used to and when we do its never spontaneous or exciting. Kayla, I love you with everything in me, but it’s like we’ve been married for twenty years or something. It’s getting boring and dull.”
By now Kayla pulled her hand away and stared Mark directly in his eyes. Lowering his head to finish his speech because he couldn’t stand to see the look of hurt on her face he continued to talk. “I just don’t understand why you insist on working to help those hood rat females. Why won’t you just stay home and be a mother?”
That was all she could take in listening to Mark tell her why he had the affair. Within seconds, she found her lunch coming back up. She had to make a mad dash to the bathroom to keep it from landing all over the café floor.
While wiping her face and rinsing her mouth out with the tap water, Kayla couldn’t hold back the tears that wanted to escape. Right there in Au Bon Pain, she cried her soul out. Her wails were so loud that a worker of the café knocked on the door to make sure she was okay. Seeing the commotion at the bathroom door, Mark shamefully dropped his head. All the while, he’d spoken as if he were justified in his ways, expressing that if Kayla had been a better wife then he would not have needed “her.” Now his pregnant wife was in a public bathroom crying hysterically over an affair he seemingly had no remorse for or regards for her feelings. Kayla’s reactions to the information made Mark look like the scum of the earth. Twenty minutes later, Kayla finally came out of the bathroom to face Mark. She could see the look of guilt and remorse in his face. It was much more evident than the night she left. She wasn’t sure if the new found regret was because of the affair itself or because of the baby, but either way she was glad that it was there. Her knowledge that he had hurt her and not cared was a bigger pill to swallow than knowing the hurt happened in the first place. Kayla found some truth to some of the things Mark said about their marriage. Some things were evident. Some she didn’t realize until he brought it to her attention. But she knew that his affair was out of line and he was completely wrong for it. She would be lying to herself if she didn’t admit that they did have a few problems. Trusting him again would be a work in progress, but for the sake of her family, she realized that she had to at least give it a chance. She sat back down at the table with her husband, who was the reason her marriage was in shambles.
