“But you’re ready to cause confusion?”
I went quiet for a few seconds. “I’m not ready to tell Pryce myself. But I know once Key knows, she’ll tell him.”
Ebone frowned. “Hence making you even more in the wrong. That don’t make sense, boo.”
“No, call it what it is, Eb,” my mother said, clearly upset. “An attempt for her to avoid admitting she was wrong in the decision she made.”
I sighed, knowing how selfish and foolish I sounded.
“Now, you my child, and you know I’ll never do or say anything to intentionally hurt your feelings. You also know I’m gonna always tell you the real because I raised you on principles, Adai. You need to tell Pryce about his child, not put that responsibility onto his cousin. Your feelings aside, he deserves to know.”
I remained quiet because everything she said was right.
“I understand that a part of you still mourns the relationship, baby. And that’s okay. It’s also okay to still love him. We’re not judging you. What’s not okay is keeping this blessing a secret as a way to guard your heart. Whatever is meant to happen once he finds out will happen, Dai. But know that you and this baby will be fine no matter the outcome.”
“I just don’t want him to hate me.”
My mother got up and squatted in front of me. “Hate is a strong word. And I don’t think that Pryce has the ability to hateyou. At the same time, we can’t control a person’s reaction to our actions.”
“That’s what I said, Ma,” Ebone chimed in. “I don’t see him hating her. Giving her a few choice words, yes. But hate, I can’t see it. Plus, if push comes to shove and he act like he don’t wanna be around, I’ll be ya baby daddy.”
We both looked over at her and laughed. Ebone knew how to throw in a joke at the right time to make the air lighter.
“All I’m sayin’ is tell him sooner than later. I’ve been planning this baby shower in my head for months.”
I cocked my head to the side. “And why don’t I know anything about this?”
“Cause I don’t want you breathing down my neck about the details. I got this. And I’ll only need your input when I ask for it.”
“Wow. A grandzilla already, huh?”
She nodded, and her phone rang. Standing, she looked down at the screen and smiled. “It’s your father.” She answered the call and put it on speakerphone.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey, beautiful.”My dad’s voice came through smoothly.“I’m on my lunch. Calling to tap in witcha. Did you make it to the airport to get my princess?”
“I’m right here, Daddy,”I called out.
“Heyy, my favorite girl in the whole wide world besides my favorite woman.”
“Nice recovery, Daddy.”I giggled, and my mother shook her head, handing me the phone. I took it off speaker and put it to my ear.“How’s everything out there at sea?”
My father worked as a Damage Control Officer in the Marines. This was his last year before he retired. At least that was what he told me and my mom, but somehow, the date always ended up extended. However, when he was home, the home front was his primary focus.
“All good here. I’ll be back home next week. Hopefully, you stay put long enough for me to see my grand. How you feeling?”
“I’m sure I’ll still be here. I feel good. Bigger but good.”I laughed.
“You’ve been taking care of yourself?”
“Yep.”
“Eating good?”
“Yep.”
“Getting your rest? Staying stress free?”
