The appointment wasn’t bad at all. I took a mental note on everything Dr. Pascal said to Journei. Come to find out, Journei had just completed her first trimester of her pregnancy. She had been carryin’ my son from the very first time I entered her.
When I heard his heartbeat, I wimped out. A tear or two that I couldn’t control fell. That wasn’t the way I wanted to become a father, but nobody was perfect. I engaged in temptation and got a blessing from it two times over.
“Alrighty, you two. Next appointment, we can find out the sex of this little angel. Remember, take the pills once a day. If you have any side effects that bothers you, don’t be afraid to call me directly.”
She handed over her card and left the same way she entered. Helping Journei off the table, I was more in love with her thenthan I was before. To actually hear what we created hit different on so many levels.
“It’ll be late when we get back to Nashville. Can we just crash at your granny’s crib? I’m ready to eat and relax,” Journei asked.
I simply nodded and proceeded to lead her out the building altogether. That appointment alone had me on an unexplainable high. I regretted no actions leading up to that moment.
We rode in a comfortable silence to Granny’s house. Pandora was playin’ some ’90s R&B through the car speakers, placing a soothing vibe around us. We were happy and unbothered—just how I wanted it.
It took us twenty to thirty minutes to reach our destination. Annie Mae had an empty driveway, so I assumed she was free from any extra company. I parked, then walked around to let mama out afterward.
Granny didn’t know we were stoppin’ by, yet she was preparing a meal. We could smell it outside. Curiosity struck me.
Entering the house with my key, I walked into the kitchen with Journei on my heels. Diego was takin’ a bowl of punch out the fridge while Kégo was pickin’ up a pie.
“It’s y’all havin’ the audacity to eat this good without me and my woman for me. I mean not a phone call or text was made. Baffling,” I said and shook my head.
“Mijo(My son),” Diego answered with a smile on his face.
“Wassup, Papa? How you feelin’?”
“I’m good.Abuelafinna feed me, so you know I’m straight.” He looked at Journei and said, “Estas brillando(You’re glowing).”
My son definitely had her glowin’. Her curls even held a natural layer of shine to it. She dropped her head and blushed from his words.
Jealousy swept over me for a brief second before I shook it off. I was selfish and didn’t want anyone makin’ her smile other than me.
“Thank you, Diego,” she said shyly. A wink was thrown from him as he passed by us to the dining area.
“Kégo, if I hit Papa with a two piece, you follow suit,” I jested.
“You know he think he hot shit.” He walked over with the pie in one hand and dapped me up with the other. “What you doin’ this way?” he asked, then placed a kiss on Journei’s cheek.
“I was coming to check onabuela,but I see she doin’ just fine,” I responded and headed into the dining room to take a seat.
Journei occupied the same seat as the last dinner we shared with Granny. Galleria wasn’t present, so I was happy about that. The night would consist of good vibes and genuine laughs. That was somethin’ mama, and I needed lately.
Granny prepared a classic soul food meal. I wasn’t a fan of meatloaf, but when Annie Mae Gills cooked it, it got gone within minutes. Journei was able to keep her food down for once. The pills the doctor prescribed must’ve worked.
We had just finished stuffing our faces when Granny spoke up with a poor choice of wording.
“Oh, Christian, I’m so glad you decided to stop by. Them darn twins are drivin’ me crazy, and Persephone is in her mood. They miss their daddy.”
If looks could kill, Kégo would’ve been readin’ my eulogy right then.
Journei
The shock of not breakin’ my neck from how fast I jerked it in Christian’s direction after the word daddy left Mrs. Gills mouth was surprising. I knew for sure I heard that woman say “they miss their daddy” clear as fuckin’ day. He had approximately ten seconds to clear what she said up before I blew up.
“Mama, it’s not what you think,” he said.
That charmin’ face would’ve calmed me down by itself, but not today. I needed an explanation ASAP. There I was thinkin’ our son was the first when it sounded like to me, he already had kids.
“This finna be good.” Kégo taunted.
