The Fight Within

by Laveen, Tiana

  “Ma, are you happy about it? I really couldn’t tell,” he joked.

  “Hush, smarty pants!” The woman pulled out the rolls and buttered them fast, quick and in a hurry. Her hands moved expertly and in rapid succession, as if she were being timed. “Of course I’m happy, and surprised, too. This is the best gift ever!” She raced past the two, carrying the big basket of rolls with her.

  “How far along is she?” Kevin asked hoarsely.

  “I dunno!” Mrs. Mahoney called out. “How many months along are ya, Treasure?”

  “Just six or seven weeks, Mom and Dad,” she answered over the noise of the television and the busy mouths making much ado about her situation. When they’d told Brian and Asia earlier in the day, neither seemed particularly surprised, much to both her and Sean’s amazement. Brian continued to play his video game, barely blinking. The boy only offered a lopsided smirk and snide reply of, “Doctors ain’t always right, Mama. They told you one thing, but now look. They aren’t God. Besides, it was probably only a matter of time. This house isn’t soundproof, you know.” Her son kept looking straight ahead, focused on his game as if what he’d shared was nothing more than a passing notion. His busy thumbs continued to move about as he caused some guy dressed in army fatigues to run through slime-covered tunnels and blast his gun at strange, creepy shadows on the television screen. Treasure’s embarrassment seized her from head to toe at such a declaration, while Sean only offered a guffaw, clearly undisturbed by the statement.

  After the announcement, Asia rose from her comfy chair she’d been sitting in, reading one of her latest books. She raced into her mother’s arms and lavished her with kisses and a big hug, then rose on her tippy toes and gave Sean a kiss on the cheek. Running a palm over her mother’s stomach, she said with an earnest smile, “I’m so happy! I’m going to be a big sister.” Treasure had been certain her baby girl, if no one else, would have inquiries, concerns, and be downright confused. But she received none of that. It was the damndest thing, and it tickled her so. The icing on the cake however was Sean’s reaction when she told him the news…

  They were sitting up in bed, watching the news, and she’d finished taking her home pregnancy test. Still in a state of shock, certain the damn thing would be negative, she convinced herself that there must’ve been some mistake. She looked at the man, placed her hand across his arm and said, “Hey, I took a pregnancy test but I think it’s wrong.”

  She was met with widened green eyes. Then the man casually grabbed the remote control and turned the television off.

  “What do you mean, wrong? Wrong as in you think you’re pregnant but it said you’re not, or the other way around?”

  “…The other way around.”

  And then, he simply burst out laughing. He leaned back into his pillow, closed his eyes and ran his hands down in his face, still chuckling as if she were the world’s best comedian.

  “Uh, I don’t find this funny.”

  “It’s not, baby…but, I mean, you know those things are pretty accurate, right?” He looked at her with a serious face, though he still struggled to keep a smile at bay, evident from his twitching upper lip.

  “Well, I don’t know…” She shrugged, feeling as if she’d dived in some surreal pool and drowned in a state of utmost confusion.

  “I’m laughing honey, but not at you…well, yeah, it is a little at you.” He chuckled, his eyes growing narrow and working her nerves to the bone. “I just didn’t’ expect this but if you are pregnant, you have absolutely no idea how happy I am. Oh, my God…this is amazing!”

  “What?!” Her brows dipped. “You’ve told me this entire time you were happy with just having Brian and Asia. I told you that I couldn’t have any more children early on during our relationship, and you said you were fine with that. I was concerned when we first got together that you’d feel like you’d miss out on something due to that, you know—you being at the age where you may want a family of your own.”

  “…I have a family of my own, regardless.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean! I’m saying—”

  “I know what you’re saying.” He smiled and patted her hand. “Look, I’d be fine with that, too, but sometimes when a new idea is presented and it seems like a viable option because, well, the situation is right there in your face, at least the possibility, you can see it differently. And for the record, if you’re not expecting, I’m fine with it. If you are, I’m happy and grateful.”

  “Grateful?”

  “It means I’m forgiven.”

  She looked at him a long while, and then it clicked…

  Ahhhhh yes, the time when he had that situation as a teenager…

  Nestling her head into the crook of his neck, she couldn’t help but grin. Had the world gone crazy? Who was this strange man that loved her no matter what? How did her body do such a thing?! She knew in her damn heart that pregnancy test was accurate, but her brain fought her tooth and nail. A few hours later, she took the second test in the pack, and yet another test from a different brand, and the results were all the same…

  POSITIVE.

  Now, here she stood in her in-laws’ home only days after Christmas, realizing that she’d be purchasing diapers, bottles and tiny clothing after so long! She’d be starting all over, and it terrified but thrilled her all at once. She’d have a little baby, a tiny innocent soul depending on her and her husband for everything. Best of all, she’d have a dedicated partner. A spouse who wanted this child, had been grinning non-stop ever since he’d been told. He wanted her. He wanted her children. He wanted the little one growing within her…

  A child being actually desired—what a novel idea! A surprise child who was already surrounded by love, and it wasn’t even fully developed…

  I hope I’m healthy enough to sustain the pregnancy… I hope nothing goes wrong.

  She kept her worries to herself, tried not to dull her own enthusiasm with such toxic ideas.

  She turned her back toward everyone as Sean left back out the kitchen, carrying the roast chicken to the table. Smiling wide, she placed her hand over her stomach, still flat, not yet showing signs of the entire world growing within it.

  I love you already, baby… I’m going to be a good mother to you. You’ve got all these people that adore you, and you’ve yet to make your grand entrance. I am going to do everything I can to keep you safe, make sure you get everything you need to grow healthy and strong. What a blessing…what a wonderful way to start the New Year!

  Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw her father in law standing there, the warmest smile in the entire world plastered on his face.

  “We’re real happy for ya…for Sean, and I’m over the moon!” he yelled out as he pointed to the sky, causing Treasure to burst out laughing. The man kissed her cheek and disappeared, going back into the lovely ruckus waiting in the living room.

  “Baby!” Sean called out. “It’s time to eat. Come on in here.”

  As she made her way back inside, she spotted Colin on the phone. He made no secret about his discussion from his elevated voice—he’d called Lydia and told her the news…

  “I’m gonna be an uncle!”

  “You’re eating for two, now!” Mrs. Mahoney said in a shrill tone, as if it were breaking news. “I want you to eat everything I put on your plate, Treasure. Do ya understand me?” the sweet woman bossed.

  “Yes ma’am.” Treasure chuckled as she joined her clan in the traditionally decorated family room. Sean pulled out her chair, and she sat beside him while Colin sat on her left and her children assembled across from them, digging their grubby hands into the roll bowl as if they’d never eaten a day in their life. She couldn’t wipe the grin off her face as she delicately placed the napkin across her lap, smoothing it out just so.

  “Sean’s got good dental insurance,” Mr. Mahoney blurted around a mouthful of bread, then dipped it unceremoniously into a puddle of gravy he’d spooned on his plate. “H
e’s got good medical insurance, too.” The man nodded, as if that was the question of the day and he’d dutifully addressed it.

  “Yes, it is good insurance,” Treasure stated matter-of-factly, lifting her fork and pushing it into a few string beans.

  “Don’t humor him!” Sean complained as he abruptly tore off a chicken leg like some Neanderthal and placed it on his plate, then licked his thumb and forefinger lest a bit of the flavor escape him.

  “So you’re just gonna take that chicken leg, huh? Didn’t even ask if anyone else wanted it, you selfish, greedy bastard!” Colin chastised, throwing his hands up in the air in a ‘what gives’ sort way. It was obvious from his big smile he was teasing, at least partially.

  “It has two legs, ya know?! And besides, there’s two more whole damn chickens in the oven!” Sean pointed in the kitchen’s direction, getting all amped up as he gave his newfound poultry prize a dedicated bite. Treasure shot a look across the table at Asia, who was smiling politely but obviously rather amused at the brotherly antics. Brian ignored them all, scrolling through his phone with one hand and shoving large spoonfuls of mashed potatoes into his mouth with the other.

  “You’ll probably eat those, too. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get away from Sean’s greedy ass!”

  “Awww, stop your whining, orphan Annie! Always worried about where your next rations are coming from…more porridge, please! It’s a hard knocks life, right? Jesus Christ.” Sean grabbed his third roll and chased it around his plate, grabbing all the sauce and juices he could.

  “Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain!” Mr. Mahoney barked. “I’m goin’ in the kitchen.”

  “No you’re not, not tonight. We’re celebrating now. This is a special occasion. Why’d you think I asked Sean to bring the chicken to the dining room, Kevin? Sit down!” The woman frowned at her husband and stared him up and down.

  “The chickens have come home to roost!” Sean instigated, laughing with his mouth still full. “…And they have good dental insurance. Do chickens even have teeth?” This caused a roar of laughter and other silly conversations.

  Treasure sat back in her chair, and took it all in…loving every moment of it.

  This is MY family, now. These are MY people.

  No more sadness. No more wonder. The endless search for good, healthy love with a fair dose of fun was over. She’d found it and then some.

  The fight within her had been won, and now inside her heart lived this guy’s undying, devoted love and within her womb was this same man’s baby… growing by the second.

  And that little child had a heck of a welcome wagon waiting whenever they made their grand debut… one that sapphire dreams were made of…

  ‡

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  One year later…

  “No, you’re hitting way too high.” Sean slowed down and grabbed the Puerto Rican kid’s arm, escorting him to the other side of the ring. He’d been working with Alejandro for two weeks. The boy had natural, raw talent. His parents acknowledged this and wanted to foster the kid’s ability.

  “Now, stand over here, and watch me do it.”

  Sean had another student from the small crowd in the gym come in the ring and stand there.

  “Yamil, raise your arms up.” The boy did as instructed. Sean administered light blows to the boy, more for demonstration than to gain any impact. “You see how I’m moving? You see my arms are higher? Look at my elbows, man.” He kept on moving around, raising his leg a time or two as he sped up his maneuvers.

  “Yeah, I see what I did now.”

  “Good. Okay, Yamil, go on and step back out. You too, Alejandro. Alright!” he yelled out and clapped his hands, getting all the students’ attention. “I want you guys to take a fifty minute lunch.” He looked up at the clock on the wall. “Be back at here at 12:50 on the damn dot. Not 12:51 or 12:52, capisce?”

  “Yes Sean!” they all said in unison as they gathered their belongings.

  “I’m serious! Two of you have fights next weekend and all of you have fights in the next month or so. Every minute of practice counts, can make a difference.” He watched the guys disperse then picked up his water and took a generous swig from the bottle. Placing his hoodie over his sweat covered body, he walked out of the gym into the blazing sunlight. He made his way down the busy street, filled with Saturday afternoon Manhattan shoppers and kids goofing off. Ninth Street smelled like burnt oil and bagels, and he loved every damn inch of it. He made his way into Bali Nusa Indah, navigating the small crowd until he’d reached a small table in the far back.

  “Sir?” one of the waiters called out. The Indonesian place was filling up fast as the lunch crowd spilled within.

  “Nah, I’m good! My wife is sitting right there.”

  The man smiled and nodded in understanding, grabbed a few menus and walked to the other side of the restaurant.

  “Hi, sweetie.” Treasure rose from her seat, cradling their three-month-old son. “Everything going well today?”

  “Yeah, real good. The boys are actually listening today.” He seized Maxwell from her and cuddled him close as he took a seat across from her. “Hey little buddy,” he whispered, pushing down the child’s brown and green swaddle, exposing his small face with the fat cheeks a wee bit more. “What have you been doing all day, huh? Giving your mother the blues, right?” He tenderly kissed the baby on the lips, and rocked him with one arm while he looked at the menu with the other.

  “He slept better today.” Treasure opened her menu and perused the selection.

  “That’s good. You had us up all night, dude!” Sean grinned, tired as hell, but happy to hold his son and break bread with his gorgeous wife. He placed the baby over his shoulder and gently patted his back. “You got his burp cloth in there?” he asked, pointing to the diaper bag.

  “Yeah.” She fished it out and handed it to him. Sliding it gently under the baby’s chin, he began to pat his back, his eyes glued to his wife, unable to turn away.

  The woman smiled, but refused to make eye contact.

  “You see me lookin’ at cha.”

  “I do…what do you want?” She grinned, still reading the menu.

  “I want a kiss. That’s what the hell I want. Come here and give it to me.”

  The woman looked up at him, leaned across the table and landed a sweet one right onto his lips.

  “That’s better. So, what gives? What’s the 411?”

  “Well, I had a client make arrangements to stop by. I am going to draft her up a few designs for her study. Brian’s college acceptance letters arrived.” She smiled. “He can now transfer from Brookdale.”

  “I don’t know why he moved to New Jersey in the first place. He hadn’t showed any interest until the last second.”

  “You know why! Shanice got accepted there, so he went,” she said, shaking her head. “After they broke up, he wanted to leave right away but I told him to stick out that freshman year there as you know. But now that’s over, he’s ready to go somewhere else.”

  “Did you open them?”

  “I wanted to so bad!” She laughed and clasped her hands together. “But then I’d steal his thunder. I’m sure he got in though. One came from Colombia University but he keeps telling me he is certain he didn’t get in there. I told him not to be so sure. He has straight A’s and did extremely well on his SAT and ACT exams. Binghamton arrived, that’s the one he really wants anyway, and since he’d like to stay in the city, I think it would suit him just fine. Plus, they offer a good set of classes for what he has in mind.”

  “Investment broker…that shocked the hell out of me!” Sean laughed. “But I think he’d be good at that, actually.”

  “I think so, too.” She winked.

  The waiter arrived, dropping off glasses of water.

  “You know what you want, baby?” Treasure asked as he bounced Maxwell a bit, trying to soothe him the boy who’d become suddenly fussy.

  “Yeah, you go first though.”
<
br />   Treasure nodded and began to speak to the waiter, asking about steak skewers. He watched her lips, the way they curved as she carefully and articulately enunciated her words.

  Everything she says sounds proper, yet sexy…

  As he caressed his now dozing son’s back, he fell into a daydream. Every morning he woke up lying next to her, in disbelief that she was all his. He’d have to touch her, let his fingertips push ever so gently into her flesh, to believe what he saw was real…

  Every afternoon when he’d call her from work and hear his son cooing in the background, he believed he may be trapped in some magical dream—for he now not only had a smart, hilarious and wonderful wife, he had a daughter and two sons…

  Every evening as they’d all sit down to eat as a family, he had to pause, close his eyes and take in the fact that the house he was sitting in, he’d helped pay for. The people around that table, he loved more than his own life. Asia grown so much in the past year, becoming even more lovely, responsible, and much to his amazement, outgoing. Asia took on her new role as big sister quite seriously, and she excelled in the art, showing herself to be one of the most thoughtful, kind souls he’d ever encountered.

  He never thought in a million years he’d have a life like this! The beautiful house on Lyons Place was filled with love, respect and understanding. He’d had some pain, experienced some hurt along the way, but it was a small sacrifice for all that he’d gained. His woman, his one and only, showed him what true love was all about. It wasn’t about what you can’t do, but about what you could—and it all began from the inside.

  He’d been torn to pieces, but thought he was whole. He’d been choking on pessimism, breathing it in like air, but had convinced himself he was inspirational and benevolent. Funny the bill of goods one can sell themselves, all in an effort to sleep at night and not feel the pain festering from a heart that had grown callous over the course of many years.