I got so full that I was ready to go immediately after I finished, but I couldn’t go anywhere without opening the presents first. There was a table stacked so high with gifts that I knew this was going to take an hour but again I didn't have to move and simply sit there admiring everything. My mama and Ms. Erika were standing next to me, one handing me the giftsand the other holding a trash bag to throw the gift wrap and bags away.
I was halfway through opening the slew of gifts stacked in front of me before all of the baby stuff started to make me tear up. The tiny onesies were so fuckin cute, and the baby bottles and bows had me tore up.
When I looked up to grab the gift from Emoney’s cousin Stacey, I caught a glimpse of the entrance and had to double-take when I saw Crew of all people, standing there, iced out in a Burberry shirt and tan jeans to match. Why the hell is this nigga here in the national baby daddy baby shower outfit?
“Oh, he must be lost.”
My mama spoke up as every eye in the room watched Crew approach me at the front of the baby shower. I had to swallow the lump in my throat because I was terrified of what his reaction was about to be. He had a cold, hard mug on his face until he was a few inches away from me and bent down over the chair and into my ear.
"Did you get the email from the clinic?"
"No, I, I, didn't. Crew, what are you doing here?"
"The DNA results said 100% probability. So, I am here because this is my baby shower, too. Can I get a plate of chicken wings or some shit since we know that’s my baby?" I was so stuck on the fact that Crew was in here that it took a while to realize he said that the results had come back. I hadn't been stalking my inbox to find out, because I knew all along who the father was. But how the hell did he know I was here?
Ms. Erika stepped in between us.
"Excuse me, baby, but we are opening up gifts, and this is a baby shower. There was also a diaper raffle at the door for entry, and I don't see any diapers in your hand."
"With all due respect, ma'am, my daughter doesn't need any diapers, or cheap ass clothes and bottles from anybody in here."
The crowd of people started to react because Crew was now speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. No one however got crazy because everyone in here probably knew who he was and his cutthroat reputation.
"What is going on, Pernelle? What is he talking about?" I was looking up at Ms. Erika, so blown away by all this that my mouth was moving, but no words were coming out. Suddenly, the silence was broken by Princeton bursting out laughing before my mama gave him the look of death.
"P, get up and let's go to Target or somewhere to get the shit my daughter needs."
"Crew, don’t do this right now. Are you serious?"
"I am dead ass. I told you not to come here anyway. Now quit playing with these people and bring your ass on."
He put his hand out in front of me.
"Pernelle, are you going to tell us what's going on! Is this man the father of that baby? After all the money I spent on this shower?" Emoney’s mama had that scowl on her face that I often saw in the past before we became close.
"Ms. Erika, I am sorry. I didn't know how to tell you. This was a mistake."
I looked over to Crew, who was digging in his pockets, then pulled out a wad of money and handed it to Ms. Erika.
"Here’s about $5,000, even though I am sure you ain't spent that much. Please forgive my baby mama for being dumb and putting you through this shit. Now come on, P, my car is still running.
Crew walked off and left me sitting in the chair before I struggled up out of the seat and followed behind him. Everyone in the room was saying slick shit about me, and walking out of here was the hardest walk of shame I’ve ever taken. When we got to the door where Emoney's sister Brenda was sitting collecting tickets, she stood there all bull in the face.
"Bitch you got some fucking nerve. I should beat your ass!" Her arm flew up, and just before she could put her hands on me, Crew stopped her arm in the air.
"Don't die today. Pull the winner of this mutha fuckin diaper raffle, get you a plate or sum, but find you something safe to do." And she swallowed all her words while looking up into Crew's eyes.
"Matter of fact, let me get a plate, it smells good as hell in this mutha fucka."
Crew left me at the door, and I walked out ahead of him going to the car. My mama was right out the door on my heels, calling my name.
"Pernelle! What the hell is going on?"
"Mama, I tried telling you that chicken head had a baby daddy." Princeton had to add his two cents in.
"Oh, shut up, Princeton. Is this for real, Pernelle?"
"Yes, Mama, it’s true. I'm pregnant by Crew and not IVF."
