My eyes grew wide at that number, but of course Hollis spoke up, making me remember that she was in the room. She had been quiet, typing on her phone, waiting for the show to start.
“Twenty-eight! Damn, Mickey, when she says it like that it sounds like we’ve got forever to go.”
“Thank you for reminding me, Hollis. Dr. Compton, this is my best friend, Hollis. You’ll see her or my other friend Johnni on my visits.”
“Uh uhn, that’s not my title while we’re in this room. I am the baby’s father. It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Compton.” That had her chuckling again as she got the gel, making her way over to me.
“Please excuse her. My friends have taken on extra roles in me and the baby’s life.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to all kinds of family dynamics. Now, let’s see how baby is doing in there and how much they’ve grown since your last time here. Remember, the gel is going to be chilly.” She squirted a healthy amount on my pudge, causing me to shiver slightly.
The heartbeat rang out in the room and Hollis instantly turned into mush.
“Oh my gosh, Mickey, there’s a baby in there for real.” I snorted as Dr. Compton turned the screen so we could see said baby.
“Aw, and there they are. I believe the last time you were here, the body wasn’t quite this formed. We’ve officially left the tadpole stage of the fetus.”
“Oh my gosh, look at its little body,” I said as I pointed to the screen. I looked over at Hollis who was wiping a few tears.
I knew my friend wasn’t always so hardcore, but I wasn’t used to this sensitive side of her.
“Hey, are you okay?”
She nodded. “Pshh, of course, but Mickey, you’re making a human. That’s some magical shit. Who would ever want to miss out on experiencing this?” I offered a weak smile as I put my attention back on the screen while I listened to my baby’s heartbeat, thinking about her question as I filled in the blanks she’d purposely left out.
Because why would Harlan not want to experience the life we created.
“Everything looks good on my end. I’m going to print these for you and get you set up for your appointment next month. Remember what I said about that diet. And if you go the tums route, no more than five in a day.”
After my appointment, instead of shopping, Hollis and I ended up back at my place. Mackie called and requested a couple bottles of herbal remedy so I was headed there. I was down to my last couple bottles and had to let my grandpa know I would have to shop around for him because with the baby now baking in my belly, I was officially out of commission for the next few months.
“Does Mackie know about the baby?” Hollis asked while she drove us to Golden Age.
“Girl, yes, he busted me out the day before my appointment. Viola came to him in a dream, spilling all my good tea before I even knew. I told him at the time that I wasn’t but by my next visit, I broke down and told him. Of course, he’s another person holding my secret from my parents, but I’m sure once he sees me today he’s going to say something about telling them.”
“I mean, I think it’s time. What’s the big deal? You don’t have a baby daddy, so what? It’s the new age of having and making babies and women understanding men aren’t always wanted nor technically necessary beyond the sperm.”
I shrugged. “I think I at least wanted my parents to meet the father even if he didn’t stick around to be with me. Then, I can say, hey, you met him and it won’t be on me being a complete fuck up, just a little bit of one.”
Hollis snorted. “Heffa, not a temporary baby dad. But I understand. You wanted to at least give them someone to bear the blame.”
“Not the blame, just someone they knew would be the father. Not me out here telling them and can’t give them a name because the damn muthafucka is spookier than Casper.”
“Well duh, he was friendly, heffa.” I kissed my teeth at her corny ass joke just as we pulled up.
“Are you coming in to see Mackie?”
“Hell yeah. I gotta see my favorite guy.”
We walked in and headed straight for Mackie’s room but he wasn’t there. Knowing our routine, I left the bottle along with a copy of the ultrasound in his top drawer while I got the cash. Hollis and I made our way to the rec room where he was at the table playing cards.
“Grandpa!” I called out, walking over to greet him with Hollis behind me.
“Ooh, I got two of my babies today. Hey, Hollis.” Mackie stood to hug me. After a few seconds, he broke our embrace, leaning back and smiling wide at me.
“Let me get a good look at you, namesake.” I moved away from him and pulled my jacket back. I was sure Mackie wanted to see my stomach but not much had changed, so I didn’t know what he expected. His smile only got bigger once he placed his hand on my belly, feeling the now forming hardness. I watched his eyes and brows both stretch in amazement.
“Eugene, my grand is making me a great. Can you believe it?” he said to his friend who offered me a warm smile.
