by Devin Nishea
“I’ll let you know about next week. My mom did say she’d meet me there,” I told him. “Jake, thank you. I know you don’t have to do anything for me. I don’t take anything you’re doing for granted.”
Jake smiled and said, “Zen, you’re welcome. I know this is not the ideal situation, but I said I loved you and I want to show you just how much.”
He walked into the kitchen to put some things away and left me on the couch. At that moment, I saw just how blessed I was to have people in my life that loved me this much. My parents, Amy, Jake…heck, even Sarah.
After finding out I was indeed pregnant, it was pretty scary for me. I’m pregnant with a child and the father now acts as if he doesn’t know me; and he is reconciling with his wife. I fell for the oldest trick in the book and now I had to deal with the consequences.
To my knowledge, Isaiah’s wife did not know about the baby yet. The last I spoke with him, he was trying to get me to end the pregnancy; which didn’t end well for him.
But, what I decided to do was make the best of the situation and make lemonade with the lemons that were thrown at me. I decided to be happy and that was the best decision I could’ve made.
The things I was worried about in the beginning, no longer worried me. My biggest worry was my job; after speaking with my boss, he has been one of the most supportive people in my circle as well.
My other worry was how people would look at me for being a single parent with a father who was not really in the picture. But, there were great men in my circle that my child could look up to, to know exactly what a man looks like.
In the beginning of the pregnancy, I was depressed a little. I stopped going out and I stopped working out completely. I didn’t care about my appearance any longer. It was nothing for me to stay in the house all weekend and not come back out until Monday morning to head into work. Amy saw the pattern and sat me down and helped me get out of the slump she saw I was falling in. I loved her even more for that.
After our talk, I was enjoying the space I was in at the moment as well. I especially was soaking up the attention I was getting from everyone. I was sure the attention would shift when the baby was born.
Jake came back into the living room with my favorite cake from the bakery down the street, but instead of just a slice, he bought the entire Red Velvet Cheesecake. That was another thing I was taking full advantage of, eating whatever I wanted to eat with no regrets.
“Oh, my GOD, Jake, you didn’t have to get an entire cheesecake, but I sure am glad you did!” I said while stuffing my face.
Jake was laughing at the way I was eating.
“Yeah, I see. Is it that good? I’ve never had their cheesecake before,” he said.
“Oh, my goodness, take a piece. Don’t let me eat this by myself. I can’t believe I didn’t turn you on to this when we were together,” I said.
“You know I don’t eat a lot of sweets,” he said.
“Oh, yeah, I’m sorry about that. But you have to try this one. It’s amazing!” I said.
“I don’t want a whole piece, I may not like it,” he said.
“Man! Take a bite of mine, lil baby,” I said jokingly.
I fed Jake a piece of the cheesecake and his eyes closed.
“Seeeee, I told you! Good right!?” I exclaimed.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had this kind of reaction to a piece of food before. I’m turning into you!” he said laughing.
“Stick with me kid, I can show you a few things,” I said smiling.
We both laughed and Jake began to gaze at me for a second.
“What? What is it? Do I have food on my face?” I asked.
“No. I’m just looking, nothing major,” he said.
“Oh, okay,” I said, as I went back eating the cheesecake.
I don’t know what it was about him being here, but I think I was falling for him again. Maybe it was the influx of hormones that I acquired with this pregnancy, but I’m not sure exactly how I felt about this. But, he was proving himself to be worthy of another shot. I don’t think he was seeing anyone else, especially spending so much time here. But, that really didn’t mean much of anything to me. People do make time for what they want to make time for. Who knows what he does after leaving my house.
“Did you have someone else coming over later?” he asked.
“I think Amy said she would try and drop by later, but she never said what time. Why, what’s up?” I asked.
“Well, I wanted to know if you would like to get out of the house to get something to eat, maybe?” he asked.
Jake had asked me a few times before to go out to eat, but I really didn’t feel like going anywhere. I think he thought I was trying to avoid being out with him.
“Sure. What did you have in mind?” I asked.
“Really? I didn’t have anything in mind. I was honestly expecting you to turn me down again,” he said laughing.
“Well, you better figure it out then,” I said laughing.
“Don’t worry, I will. I have some errands I need to run before doing anything, but would 7 PM be ok?” he asked.
“Yeah, that’ll be fine with me,” I said.
“Okay, well, I’ll finish putting that toy together and I’ll be back to pick you up,” he said.
“Sounds like a plan,” I said.
I knew it was early, but I wanted the baby’s toy put together as soon as possible. It was so cute in the store and I didn’t want to wait any longer.
While he was doing that, I decided to vacuum the house and clean my bathroom. Hopefully, Jake wouldn’t give me too much grief. Nobody likes for me to do anything anymore. If they could walk for me, they probably would!
When I walked into my room I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day. When I looked at it, I saw I had a lot of missed calls for a Saturday. I listened to my voicemail. The first message was from Isaiah.
When I heard his voice, my heart almost stopped. The message itself really almost made my heart stop. He said he wanted us to meet up and talk. Really? Now, you want to talk! This was going to be interesting. Was I going to meet him? I was curious to see what he wanted. I listened to the rest of my messages and got to work cleaning.
After I got into my groove of cleaning, it dawned on me how much I had neglected my cleaning duties again. I should’ve been ashamed of myself. I’m just glad my mother wasn’t here to see how dirty everything was; because I know she would’ve had more than enough to say about it.
After I turned the vacuum off, I heard the doorbell ringing. I wonder how long it had been ringing. I looked through the peephole to see Amy standing on the other side of the door. I opened the door and saw she had bags in her hands.
“I know you said not to buy anything else, but, I couldn’t help it,” she said.
I rolled my eyes at her and burst out laughing.
“Well, let’s see what you got this time,” I said.
“Just a little something,” she said.
“Ok, just a little something and you come in with five bags FULL of stuff!” I said shaking my head. Oh, my God, this is so cute!”
“Told ya!” she said. Is that Jake’s car in the drive way?” she asked.
“Yeah, he’s in the baby’s room putting together a toy I found this week.” I said.
When I glanced up at her, she was giving me this look.
“What?” I said.
“Nothing. Hey, Jake!” she yelled.
“Hey, what’s going on Amy?” he yelled from the next room.
Amy looked back at me smiling.
“I don’t know what you’re smiling at but…” I said.
Jake walked back in the room.
“Okay, lil lady, the toy is now together and I will see you at 7,” he said walking towards the door.
“Wait, you guys are going out tonight?” Amy asked.
“Yeah, she finally said yes,” Jake said.
“Ha, ha. Y’all are not funny.” I said. See you later, man!”
/> Jake closed the door behind him.
“I don’t care what you were about to say before he walked back in the room, but I knew you two were on the road to getting back together,” Amy said.
“We are not,” I said abruptly. He’s not even trying to go there. This is dinner between friends.”
“Okay, friends,” Amy said.
We walked into the baby’s room to see the end result and I cried, just like I did when I was in the store. Amy looked at me and laughed.
We walked back into the living room and Amy walked into the kitchen likes she always does when she comes over.
“Oh yeah!” I yelled. “There’s cheesecake on the coffee table.”
Amy rushed back into the room with a bottle of wine in her hand.
“WHERE!? Oh, my goodness…gimme, gimme!” she said. When’d you get this?” she asked cutting her slice.
“Jake just bought it today,” I told her.
“Girl, I don’t care what you say. Why don’t you two just get back together already? I think he’s learned his lesson. I mean, he spends most days here with you helping you out. Although I was pissed with him before, he really has stepped up for you,” Amy said.
She put the first bite of the cheesecake in her mouth and closed her eyes and did a little happy dance. I laughed at her because I have those reactions all the time when I eat anything.
“How are your parents, Zen?” Amy asked.
“They’re good. I haven’t seen or heard from them this week, which is shocking. They probably picked up and went out of town or something. The life of retirees,” I said.
“Must be nice. I can’t wait to retire,” she said. “I am tired of working!”
“Same here and when the baby gets here I know I’ll be over it, for sure. Well, how’s your man doing? I assume still treating you well,” I said smiling.
“That indeed he is. You know we went out of town last weekend to this vineyard in the mountains. We had the best time and we actually already made plans to go back,” she said.
“That sounds so peaceful. I need a little get-away. The beach. The mountains. Heck, I’d even settle to stay in town at one of the hotels downtown,” I said. Complete with a masseuse.”
“Well, maybe Jake can make that happen for you. You know, I’m still surprised at him taking care of you while carrying some other man’s baby,” she said.
“I know, right. I told him that earlier, actually. I wanted to make sure he knew I wasn’t taking anything he was doing for granted.”
“Good for you. And you still hadn’t heard from Isaiah?” she asked.
“OH girl, I knew it was something I forgot to tell YOU!!! Forgive my pregnancy brain. He called and left a message asking if we could meet and talk.”
“About what? What a butthole he is,” she said, laughing.
“Who knows? I’ll take my time returning the phone call, because I’m in no hurry to talk to him. As far as I know he and his wife are back together,” I said.
“Oh yeah, I forgot you told me that,” she said. Well, sweetie, I don’t want you getting yourself worked up about him. I know this is hard to do without him, but that’s why you have us. People that are happy to help you with no question.”
“And I appreciate it, you just don’t know! I’d be a complete nut case without y’all,” I said.
“You’re already a nut case!” Amy said laughing. So, what are you wearing on your date tonight?”
I cut my eye at her and said, “It’s not a date! And I don’t know yet. I hadn’t been anywhere in a while so I don’t know what is going to fit me.”
“Oh, well let’s go find out what we can piece together then!” Amy said. Are you still wearing heels or did you retire those until after the baby is born?”
I laughed and said, “Yeah, I’m still tipping around in them as much as I can until my feet begin to swell.”
Amy was riffling through my closet putting cute pieces together for me to try on.
“Let’s keep in mind I like to eat so whatever I wear has to also be comfortable, not to mention cute,” I said.
After the third outfit, I was getting frustrated. Everything was cute, just not comfortable enough and I refused to go buy something.
“Okay, lady bug, try this and let us hope for the best,” Amy said.
“Whoa, we may have a winner, girl! Check me out!” I said modeling in my bedroom. It’s super comfortable and super cute. As long as I’ve had these pieces, I wouldn’t have thought to put them together.”
“Ha! I’m the woman!” Amy exclaimed.
“Yes, Lucy Pearl, you are indeed the woman,” I said. Now, I just hope he picks a great restaurant. I’ll have a few in mind, just in case.”
I was actually getting excited about our outing.
“Alright mama, I’m going to head out so you can get ready. Thanks for the cheesecake and wine. Call me later,” Amy said.
I walked her to the door and watched her leave. I straightened the living room and began to get ready.
Chapter 28
Jake and I walked into the Jamaican restaurant and, surprisingly, for a Saturday night, it wasn’t busy. A plus for me, because this mama was starving—but what was new?
The hostess escorted us to our table and took our drink orders. As we settled into our seats, there was awkward silence between us, then we burst out laughing.
“Listen, Jake, thank you for getting me out of the house, I appreciate it more than you know.”
“No problem. I’m glad you accepted my invitation…this time,” he said.
“Yeah. I think I said ‘no’ all of those times because I didn’t want to chance confusing things,” I admitted.
“I understand. But, I’ve been telling you, even before the baby that I wanted you and I back together. No, this is not my ideal situation, and people think I’m crazy. But, I know this is where I belong.”
He was about to make me cry. I felt my eyes fill with water and a tear dropped before I could catch it.
“Dang it, I’m sorry. That was really sweet. I’m sure everyone thinks you’re crazy; heck I think you’re crazy some days to be honest. But, I’m also grateful and owe you,” I said.
“No worries. You’re my priority and I want and choose to be here,” he said.
The waitress came with our drinks and took our order.
“Excuse me, I have to use the restroom,” I said.
On my way to the bathroom, I saw Isaiah and his wife sitting at the table I had to pass to get to the restroom. He was facing me. Our eyes met.
“Hi, Isaiah.” I said. How are you?”
He looked at me nervously. He glanced at my belly, then quickly back to me. This was our first time seeing each other since I threw him out of my house.
“Heeey Zen, Xenia. I’m well, how are you?” he asked nervously.
“I’m well.” I said smiling.
“Xenia, this is my wife, Keely,” he said.
“Hi, Keely, nice to officially meet you,” I said.
She gave me a half smile and said, “Nice to meet you.”
“Well, you guys have a good night,” I said.
I walked into the bathroom and had to throw water on my face to get myself together. I decided to go a different path back to my table.
I finally made it back to my seat. Jake saw that something was wrong.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Isaiah’s here,” I said with a blank look.
Because Isaiah hadn’t been around, he wasn’t one of Jake’s favorite people at the moment. I appreciated that, it showed me he truly had my back and he cared.
“Where?” he asked.
“Nope, I’m not telling you. It’s okay, he’s with his wife, so no need to make a scene IF that’s what you were thinking. I’m cool, so you be cool,” I demanded.
Things were a little tense after Jake found out he was there.
“Of all the restaurants in town, I just had to choose this one,” Jake said laughing and sha
king his head.
“Yeah, well, it’s okay, you’re cool, I’m cool. Right?” I asked again.
“Mmmmhmm, I’m cooler than a fan,” he said.
We both started to laugh. I looked up and saw the couple of the hour walking towards us to leave.
“See ya, Zen!” Isaiah said waiving.
This time, I didn’t say anything I gave him a half smile and continued to eat my Curry Goat.
“See, told ya I was cool,” Jake said.
I gave him a hi-five and we finished dinner. After dinner, he surprised me and we went for a walk in the downtown area and stopped by a spot playing live music. I’m glad I wore some comfortable shoes. I loved listening to live music, but it was weird not having a drink while I sat and listened.
The band was amazing that night. It was a local jazz fusion group that I’d heard before, but I hadn’t heard them in about a year. They sounded great then, but they sounded even more amazing tonight.
I don’t know what it was about tonight, but if I believed in things being perfect, tonight would be it. I no longer felt bad about the situation I had gotten myself into. I no longer lost sleep over the fact that I was going to be a single mother. I rested in knowing, the people that needed to be in my life, were in my life at this very moment. I was grateful and felt blessed because there were people in my same predicament that didn’t have that support.
After the band finished playing for the night, I glanced down at my watch to see the time. I hadn’t glanced at the time all night and I couldn’t believe what time it was!
“Dang, you’ve kept me out way after my bed time, Sir,” I said to Jake.
“Really? I lost track of time, what time is it?” he asked.
“It’s after 2 AM!” I said, laughing.
“Wow, well, let’s get you home. I wanted to introduce you to a friend of mine,” he said looking around.
I didn’t know what to expect as he was looking around the venue.
“Oh, there he is,” he said waving.
This handsome young man walked over to our table. It was one of the guys from the band.
“Zen, this is my boy, Rodney,” he said.