by Shelby Clark
“Well, honey, don’t you think if he really loved you, he wouldn’t have left you like this? He even walked away from his baby. What kind of man does that? I mean, just walks away from his responsibilities? You better make him pay child support too. Josh would never do something like that to you.”
This woman is relentless. I’m done with her. My mother is off the chain!
Ayana covered her eyes and her forehead, and then pushed her hair back out of her face. She turned to her mother and yelled.
“The kind that doesn’t know that I’m seven weeks pregnant! The kind that didn’t have a chance to find out because your wickedness chased him away. And the hell with Josh!”
“OK, OK, OK, Ayana. I heard you the first time. You can stop yelling now!”
Ayana put her hands up to her mouth to try and enhance the decimals of the sound of her voice. “I don’t want to hear about Josh again! If he’s so great you go with him. You probably would if you weren’t married. Leave me the hell alone, Althea!”
“Oh my, listen to your mouth and disrespect, Ayana! I’ve never raised you to be like this.”
“Yes you did, and I don’t need his money or yours! Guess what else? You’ll never see me or your only grandchild, nor will you have anything to do with my baby! I mean that with all sincerity!” Ayana growled through her teeth.
“Darling, please, say you don’t mean that! You’re my only child. I won’t have anyone.”
Her mother tried to plea and reason with her.
“You should’ve thought this sick plan through. It back fired on you. You thought I was going to just go back to the States with you didn’t you? Well that’s not going to happen.”
“I’ll leave your house, Ayana, and just go to a hotel,” her mother whined in a low tone.
Don’t pull the sympathy card because I’m not moved.
“Because I’m not a monster, trying to disrupt lives, no, I won’t have you out there when you can’t speak a lick of Spanish. You can stay here until it’s time for you to leave, but I won’t be here. I’m leaving with Tess. I’m not like you and I won’t do the things you do to my child.”
Ayana gathered some clothes and left with Tess. Ayana knew Tess was trying to comfort her, but nothing she said made her feel any better. She felt achy and sore from head to toe. It seemed like every vessel in her body was throbbing.
“Tess, I need you to still keep this to yourself until I decide what to do. I don’t know anymore.”
“Ayana, you still don’t think you should tell Atticus?” Tess reached for her hand to give support.
“Tess, Atticus said some harsh things to me tonight. I never would have thought he would ever say those mean things. My mother might be right after all. They say mother knows best.”
Tess slammed on the breaks and pulled to the side of the road.
“Hell no! What your mother performed tonight was a circus act and nothing about it was credible. You’re hurting right now and not making sense. I also think Atticus was angry when he said those things to you.”
Ayana looked out the window instead of at Tess so she couldn’t see her tears. She tried her best to hold them back, but felt like she was jumped by her emotions and lost the fight.
“He meant them. I saw it in his face, plus I slapped the hell out of him.”
I’m alone now. I guess it’s just me and my baby. I have to find somewhere to go, I can’t stay here and risk running into him while I’m carrying his baby.
“Yeah, we’re related, I did that to August too once. Sometimes I catch him still rubbing that side of his face.”
While blowing her nose on her sleeve, Ayana tried to pull herself together with no avail.
“Plus, I think he was thinking about marrying me, but he said my mother changed that and ended our relationship.”
“Ayana. I believe that Atticus was angry. Even I was pissed. Sometimes people say things they really don’t mean out of anger, in the heat of the moment. Come on, you know this. We see it all the time when dealing with our cases. We have to be strong for these little girls.”
She displayed a weak smile. “How do you know I’m having a girl? It might be a boy.”
“Because I bet you’re having another billionaire baby, and plus, my little girl needs someone to play with.”
Ayana freaked. “Please, please, don’t say that. I forgot all about that clause shit. Please, I don’t want to think about that. I want nothing to do with that. We don’t need it. I have my own money.”
The next thing I know, people will be saying that this was all a setup. Atticus might feel that way too. And I couldn’t…I couldn’t stand there and listen to him say that to me in my face. No!
She took a breath and wiped her face. Ayana didn’t want August to see her upset and start asking questions. The whole ordeal was embarrassing enough. She was sure he would find out soon enough from Atticus.
“Please, can we just go to your house? I’m tired of talking about this and I’m sleepy. I can’t get enough sleep now.”
“Sure, Cousin, I’m so sorry about this mess. But as far as sleeping goes, it doesn’t get any better when you get further into your pregnancy. In fact, it gets worse and you feel fat.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured that. Thanks for being here for me, Tess. I love you, girl.”
Tess chuckled, “Yeah, I love you, too. Plus, remember my big fight with August, and I called you to pick me up in the middle of the night? You came too, so I’m paying you back. I owe you too. So close your eyes the rest of the way home and let it go for now.”
“Yes…OK, I can do this.”
Ayana’s head fell back on her headrest. She felt herself dozing off. All the fighting and arguing drained her strength. Occasionally her mind kept replaying the whole event over and over again, causing her to wake out from her sleep. So she wouldn’t worry Tess, she just lay there with slanted eyes, appearing to be asleep in the shadows of the night lights from the lamp posts they drove past.
****
A week had passed, and Ayana heard nothing from Atticus. She was still staying with Tess, due to a cancelation of her mother’s flight. As long as her mother was still in Mexico, Ayana was not going home. Her anger towards her mother was still at a ten, based on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst.
Her mother tried many times to reach out to her, as well as her father. Ayana knew her father would try to defend her mother, but at the same time be rational and neutral after she gave him the real story. She knew for so many years Emory gave and allowed Althea whatever she wanted, that now she was out of control and doing whatever she wanted.
Ayana took some time off of work for mental anguish. She didn’t see Tess much because she was in and out of the house working part-time. She was about to go take a swim in Tess and Augusts’ heated pool, her cell phone rang. Without bothering to answer, or checking the Caller ID, Ayana went to retrieve a towel. As soon as she was about to call Tess to ask about a spare bathing suit, she noticed that Atticus had called. She hit redial, butterflies filling her stomach.
The other line rang for a couple of minutes until a deep voice answered on the other line.
“Hello, hello? Ayana? Is that you?” the voice called out.
“Atticus. Yes, it’s me. Did you just call?”
Oh my god, what is he going to say? Please, no more hurtful things. Just let me be.
“Yes, I did. I want you to meet me for dinner alone, just you and me. I had some time to calm down and I think we should talk this mess out rationally.”
“Alright. Where do you want to meet?”
“Let’s see if we can get our relationship back on track, or at least talk about it. Meet me at Nick San Duraznos. Do you know the address?”
“No, but I’ll GPS the directions in my car.”
“Si, meet me there in an hour.”
“OK, I’ll see you soon.”
Man, I can’t believe he wants to see me. Slow down, girl, let’s not get too excited. We do
n’t know the outcome so let’s not sound the alarm until we know for sure his intent.
After Ayana changed her clothes, she left Tess a note and left for the restaurant. She arrived and became aware from the lobby area that Atticus was already seated.
Hm, he must really want to talk and work this mess out…I hope it’s not because Tess talked to August and August talked to Atticus. But why else would he be so eager? Is it out of obligation, and not because he really loves me, but because I’m having his baby?
She continued to stand in the lobby in the dim lights and shadows as if she was waiting for someone so the hostess wouldn’t ask if she wanted to be seated. The dark colored walls gave the restaurant a murky atmosphere, which acted as a cloak for her. After a minute or two passed, Ayana noticed a woman at the table next to Atticus. Where he was sitting, he had full view of the woman.
The woman got up and sat at the table with Atticus. She passed him a note and smiled. He opened and read it. Ayana keep observing in amazement. Atticus smiled and shoved the note in the inside of his suit pocket. Her heart felt as if it was going to fall out of her chest. Gasping for breath, she ran out the door to her car and didn’t look back.
Hurrying to her car, she jumped in and sped off before she could be noticed. After she cleared the scene, she pulled over to assemble her emotions.
No! I don’t think so. Ayana Simmons, no more crying. You have to be strong now for your unborn baby. You’re still in a sensitive trimester and need to take it easy from now on. You’re in control and no one else.”
It was time to let go and move on. She decided to move back to the States with her mother. Hating the idea of her mother being a part of her life, but knowing there weren’t any other options available as she knew she was going to need someone when her due date got closer.
Feeling drained and hopeless, she gathered her things from Tess’s and stopped by to pick her mother up. When she entered the house, her mother stood in the doorway of the living room quietly. Her mother ran to her side, suddenly displaying a sudden interest in her well-being.
Through gritted teeth, Ayana snarled at her mother and made her demands known. “Don’t! Don’t say a word to me, Mother! I can’t take anything else right now.”
I can’t believe this. This is all bullshit.
“Alright, darling. I’ll do whatever you say. I’m really sorry, babe. Maybe I can go talk to him,” her mother replied nervously.
“No! Haven’t you done enough! I don’t want you to do a damn thing, Mother! There’s nothing here for me anymore. Pack your things, you got what you wanted. I’m going home with you to have my baby.”
Her mother packed quickly. She then tried to make amends by helping Ayana and carrying her bags.
“I promise I won’t say a word to you all the way home unless you speak to me. I swear it to you. But I just want to say I’m truly, truly sorry for my actions, darling.”
Ayana suspected that her father must have really chewed her mother out. He was the only one who could bring her under some kind of control. She drove to the airport with her mother and called Tess on her cell.
“Tess! Hey. I called to say goodbye. I’m leaving with my mother to go back to the States. There’s nothing here for me. I need some time to think and heal. I’m a wreck right now.”
Tess became very concerned.
“No! Cousin, I don’t think you’re thinking straight right now. I understand you’re in a lot of pain and confused about what to do. Come talk to me first. You need to talk to Atticus.”
Ayana paused to gather her strength. “No I don’t. Atticus and I were going to meet a couple of hours ago, but when I got to the place we were to meet, I realized that this is just not meant to be.”
Tess wept a little over the phone. “I don’t want you to leave. Aw, Cousin, I’m going to miss you!”
“And don’t forget your promise, Tess! Do not share my secret with anyone, especially the Escobar family! I’ll call you when we get in and settle down. Goodbye, Tess, love you.”
“I love you too, Cousin,” Tess responded sniffing.
Chapter Five
Two months had passed since Atticus had seen Ayana. He was longing for her and still wondering why she stood him up if she really loved him the way she said she did. He thought she just decided not to pursue their relationship, but to run to the arms of Josh, who was a better suitor for her according to her mother. Atticus was spending the Thanksgiving holiday with Tess and August.
He sat out on the patio and watched Tess and August’s interactions with each other. Everything they did reminded him of Ayana. For the first time, his heart felt hurt and bruised, finally realizing that that kind of interaction was what Ayana was asking for. His anger was transferred to the plastic cup he was holding in his hand with an instant squeeze. The cup was no longer identifiable. So engrossed in his thoughts, Atticus didn’t hear August call to him or walk over to him.
“Atticus! Brother, Tess just shared something with me that slipped out. She has some information for you about Ayana. It’s something I think you need to know.”
Atticus was concerned when he saw August’s brow lowered and his jaw tight. He began to get upset.
“What? What’s wrong? Why do you look upset, August? Is something wrong with Ayana? Did something happen to her?”
August reached for his shoulder to calm Atticus. “No. No. Not like that. Come inside and listen to what she has to say. I think you should have a seat.”
Rushing inside to find out what was going on, Atticus refused to sit. August went over to the bar and started pouring drinks. Tess looked nervous and took a seat on the couch. Her belly was as big as ever. She could no longer see her feet.
“Tell him now, Tess! How far are you in your pregnancy?” August demanded.
She took a deep breath, “I’m eight months!” she yelled with her eyes quenched closed.
Atticus listened and watched the two of them carefully. “Come on, what is it?! We all know this already!”
Please guys, come on, please don’t tell me something happened to the woman I love!
“Tess, and how many months is Ayana?” August took a drink and put a drink on the bar counter for Atticus.
She yelled out and then covered her face with a pillow from the sofa.
“She’s about three and a half months, maybe close to four months now. And you should be able to tell what the sex of the baby is at this point of her pregnancy.”
Atticus’s jaw dropped. He froze for a second, then slowly sat down in the chair staring at August. Everyone was quiet. Tess sat up on the couch as she supported her stomach with a hand while moving around to get more comfortable.
Fuckin’ no way! Don’t tell me she’s pregnant by that fuck, Josh. Please don’t tell me she let him touch my pussy! No! I can’t believe this! I won’t listen to this shit!
“Atticus, it’s your baby! Ayana was pregnant before she left here. She made me promise not to say anything because she thought you didn’t love her. And she didn’t want you to feel pressured to be with her because of the baby. I’m sorry for keeping this from you and your family, but she’s my family too!”
He got up and walked over to take the drink August made for him. His gaze fell on Tess’s belly. Thoughts of his and Ayana’s intimacy rushed to his mind, especially the moments when the condoms had broken, the crackers in bed, the flat ginger ale, and the nausea pills.
Damn! She really is having my baby! My baby! This shit is blowing my mind! My baby!
“The nausea pills! That’s how she hid it from me! I thought she was picking up weight, but you know how you women are, so I never mentioned it.”
Tess threw a pillow. “Shut up, Atticus.”
Atticus started pacing the floor with excitement. “Oh my god, I’m going to be a father, August! I thought I wasn’t ready, but this is the best news I’ve had in a long time!”
August pulled out cigars and refilled Atticus’s glass. Tess tried to jump up. They both ran
to her side to help her out of the chair. She immediately snatched the cigars from their mouths.
“No! No! I don’t think so. You two are not smoking that around me. You can do it outside when I’m not around, but, Atticus, what are you going to do? Remember, she left. She moved back to the States,” Tess asked with her hands on her hips.
August turned to his brother to hug him. “Bro, the will of our grandmother may be extended to your baby too. You have to find out what she’s having! If it’s a girl, according to the will, we’ll have another billionaire baby.”
Tess walked to the kitchen and returned with a glass of milk to drink and a whole box of Oreo cookies under her arm, and sat back on the couch. August looked disturbed, Atticus noticed as he watched them both.
“Babe, that’s not good for the baby. I had the chef prepare you healthy snacks. You shouldn’t be eating that.”
Tess kept on dipping her cookies into the milk. “Damn healthy, this is what me and the baby want and this is what I’m eating. Look at you, you’re getting fat too! Where’s your baby? You’re not pregnant.”
Damn, bro, you probably shouldn’t have went there with Tess. You should’ve known by now that these ladies are fast with the mouth. We can’t win, bro. We just can’t. Oh, I miss her!
Atticus started laughing and yelling with his fist held up in the air. “Yes! This is what I want! I want my family! I want to marry her and have a lot of babies with her.”
Tess chuckled at her husband and Atticus. “Now hold on, Atticus. Have a seat. Let’s talk. My cousin is not here so I have to speak for her.” Tess continued eating.
The buzzer from the main gate went off. August went to check the monitor to see who their visitor was while Tess continued talking to Atticus. They heard August yell out.
“It’s Antonio! I forgot he said he might stop by. Tess, I don’t think we’re going to have any left overs tonight.”
“So, Atticus, do you love her?”
He fell back into the chair gabbing in forehead, then sliding his hand across his head, pushing his hair backward. “Love her? Do I ever, I’ve always loved her! I just was afraid to express it or say it. But I’m going to tell her every day from now on.”