“What the hell is going on, bestie? Was it the food? When was the last time you ate anything?” All I could do was shake my head as I puked my guts out. She was questioning what I had yet to process. What really got me stuck between a rock and a hard place was the next two questions that rolled off her tongue. “Did you and Genesis use protection? Are you pregnant right now?”
For a brief moment, I thought back to that night and not once did I ask him to strap up. In fact, I silently begged for that man to nut in me repeatedly. The freak in me was present and down for whatever. Black owned every part of me I gave him that night and delivered an unforgettable performance. There was a strong chance I could be.
Anytime I went to speak, my stomach would turn, and I’d release more contents from it. I was the most careless I’d ever been with Black just because he did things to my body I didn’t think were possible.
Good job, Cheyonne. You’re pregnant by a fuckin’ psychopath.
Finally, my body calmed down enough to where I could breathe and gain some kind of composure. Toneshia stood over me extending a warm washcloth in my direction. I took it from her and wiped my face. I owed her an answer even though I didn’t have facts for her.
“No and probably.”
“Will you be okay until I run and grab some tests?”
“Yeah, and Nesh, please keep this to yourself. I don’t need my mother or father knowing anything. They already want to stay the night and if they learn that, they won’t let me be for real,” I said trying to avoid my parents as long as I could.
“Don’t even play with me like that. I’ve never once told your business without your permission. Get yourself together, and I’ll be right back.”
She was nice enough to help me up and back into the living room before leaving me alone. The only thing I could think about was this spiral I’d been on since I met Black. It’s like he came in and made himself comfortable without asking, and I had one choice... accept him.
Missing my period was normal after I experienced my episodes simply because I became mentally exhausted from them. I over exhausted myself each time, and it would become irregular, then bounce back to my normal schedule. I was also off my routine diet ordering UberEATS every day. However, Nesh planted that seed and now it was all I could think about.
That fast I developed split emotions behind the thought of being a mother. What the hell would I tell the kid if I was pregnant?I sent your father to prison after we created you because I thought he was a monster.The details behind it all would make me the fool, not anyone else.
Throwing my head back, I tried processing every future I could from carrying that man’s child. I couldn’t get through the first thought before there was a knock on the door. I stood shaking my head because it was always something she forgot and had to circle back for. More than likely, it was probably her keys or wristlet.
Opening the door, I said, “Let me guess, you…” My words faded off when I realized it wasn’t Toneshia at all. It didn’t click that Nesh had a key and wouldn’t have to knock.
I came face to face with two people I didn’t send an invitation to. One was a familiar face but the other in fact was who Sage Springs feared. This was inappropriate as well as confusing, especially since nothing about this pop-up was welcomed. I was somewhat exasperated from their audacity, to be honest.
Once again, being a tall woman did nothing for me in this instance. I was looking up to this man as if I was looking up to the sky. He towered over me at a comfortable height, and I realized that ran in their family. Seeing Klarity stand by his side did nothing for my cautiousness toward him. Royce Atkins had no business being at my home.
“Damn My Baby, a nigga gon’ go broke fuckin’ with you,” he said shaking his head.
“I told you. A walking Bratz Doll,” Klarity chimed wearing a smile that stretched from ear to ear. It was obvious they spoke about me, but it was rude for them to have side conversations in front of me.
“Excuse me?” I questioned with a perplexed expression.
“After our meeting at LOL, I went home and told him all about you. CJ complimented you and told his father you were a baby doll, and I had to correct him. Royce didn’t believe me, so we made a bet. I just made a hundred grand,” she explained.
“Klarity, you and your husband are at my home unannounced. This is highly disrespectful,” I said crossing my arms over my chest.
I was annoyed as well as frightened. From the things Nesh said about Royce Atkins to him standing in front of me was a bit much. In my mind, he was here to get his get back from me sending his family to jail. The way I wanted to call the police in this moment to get them as far away from me as possible had my palms itching. I looked pass them briefly to see if Toneshia was still around. I saw nothing and my anxiety spiked even more.
“Trust me, I know. But it was either come with him to make sure he behaved or let him be and hope for the best. I know how my husband can get, and I didn’t want to take that chance. He’s unpredictable at times,” she responded.
“You think so little of me, My Baby. I wouldn’t do shit to shawty before hearing what she had to say,” he commented.
The underlying threat wasn’t missed. He never said he wouldn’t’ do anything to me. He just said he wouldn’t do shit until he got a rundown of the events. I was far from stupid.
“Look, I don’t have anything to say to either one of y’all. We’re not friends or even acquaintances. Klarity, you and I have a business relationship but that’s as far as it goes. I’d really appreciate it if you two left my home and never returned.” The days of being afraid in my own home were over.
“Oh, you misunderstood us, Ms. Afor. I’m not leaving until I hear every detail regarding my brother. You can do it voluntarily or involuntarily, it really don’t matter to me.” Royce was direct with his threat this time, and I knew he meant business when that fake ass smile was no longer on display.
Black introduced me to a side of life I didn’t know existed. Having a gun aimed at me was traumatizing, but I became immune to it eventually. Being choked out on the steps was the first time a man put his hands on me, but his apology was givenwhile he dicked me down, and I gladly forgave him. I didn’t know Royce, but others calling him crazy wasn’t brushed off.
“I want to see what’ll happen if she don’t want to say another muthafuckin word.”
Hearing Toneshia’s voice brought me a sense of security. I looked pass the Atkins to see my best friend standing with her pistol aimed at Royce in one hand and a bag from Walgreens in the other. She was my lifeline, and I refused to let anyone else take that spot from her.
