“Not really. It feels weird. Like he’s doing somersaults in there.”
They sat there for a moment, Monroe’s hand still on Kennedi’s belly, waiting for the next kick.
“Roe, can I ask you something?” Kennedi’s voice went softer.
“Yeah?”
“Are you happy about the baby?” Kennedi watched her carefully. “I mean, I know you got a lot going on with your mom and your dad being gone, and now Uncle Ro’s got a whole new situation happening. I... I don’t want you to feel some type of way about it. Like you’re being pushed to the side or replaced or anything.”
Monroe’s eyes met hers, surprised. “What? No. Ken, I’m so happy about the baby.”
“You sure? Because it’s okay if you’re not. Or if you have mixed feelings. That’s normal.”
“I’m sure.” Monroe’s smile was genuine. “I’ve been the only kid for forever. It’ll be nice to have someone else around. Plus, Uncle Ro deserves to be happy. He’s been taking care of everybody else his whole life. Now he gets to have his own family.”
Kennedi felt her throat tighten. “You’re his family too, you know that, right?”
“I know. But it’s different.” Monroe shrugged. “This is his baby. His girl. Like, his own thing that nobody can mess up for him. He needs that.”
“You’re really wise for fourteen.”
“I’ve had to grow up fast.” Monroe pulled her hand back. “But for real, I love him already. I’m going to be the best cousin ever.”
“I know you’re not going to play about him.”
“Not at all.” Monroe grinned, then looked at her straight. “I like you for Uncle Ro. He needs someone to make him smile too.”
“He deserves it, huh?”
“Yeah. He’s been through a lot.” Monroe stood. “I’m going to text him and tell him about today. Before someone else does.”
Kennedi’s eyebrows raised. “You sure?”
“Yeah. I’d rather he hear it from me than from the school or somebody on the street.” Monroe grabbed her backpack. “Plus, I don’t want him thinking I’m hiding stuff from him.”
“That’s really mature of you, Roe.”
Monroe shrugged. “I learned from the best.” She paused. “I’m gonna eat upstairs and finish my science project. Is that cool?”
“Of course. I’ll bring you a plate when the food’s ready.”
“Thanks, Ken.” Monroe paused at the bottom of the stairs. “And seriously, thank you. For today. For everything.”
“Anytime, baby girl.”
Monroe disappeared upstairs, and Kennedi heard her bedroom door close softly. She turned back to the stove, stirring the spaghetti sauce and trying to process everything that had happened today.
Her phone rang. Spirit’s name flashed across the screen.
Kennedi answered. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Spirit’s voice was tight, controlled. “Y’all good?”
“We’re fine. Monroe’s upstairs doing homework.” Kennedi lowered the heat on the stove and moved to the living room. “You good? You left kinda quick.”
Spirit was quiet for a beat. “I needed to get out of there before I did something stupid.”
“Like what?”
