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.”
Acknowledgements
First, and foremost, I’d like to give thanks to God, who has given me the desire to write. Finding my passion has given me an unspeakable energy.
I’d also like to personally thank my support team. These people have listened to me develop this story and have cheered me on every step of the way.
My family: my husband, Gabriel; my daughter, Aliyah; my mother, Terese Harris; my father, Michael Harris; my brother, Miko Harris.
To someone who has helped me along this journey of writing more than she will ever know, Mary Miller. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Collective Interpretations book club: Portia Stringer-Aleem, Lauren Cephas, Alicia Davis, Shaunita Seminoro, and to those members who aren’t mentioned… you know who you are. Our discussions gave me ideas and great perspective. A special thank you to Christine Davis and Tamaria Raleigh who were both great beta readers.
Again, thank you! I am forever grateful.
About the Author
Jasmine, a loving mother and wife, is a resident of Virginia. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University where she received a B.S. in Computer Information Systems. She went on to receive her M.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Illinois Springfield. Freshmen Fifteen is Jasmine’s debut novel. She has also written a self-help book titled Journey after School: A Guide to Starting Your Career and Managing Your Finances. She has enjoyed the writing process and has other books on the horizon. You can visit her website www.ourjourneypublishing.com for more information.
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