Darius

“I’m on my way!” I said, snapping to attention, tossing my phone onto the sheets as I hopped out of my loving girlfriend’s arms, not to mention our warm king-sized bed, to put my clothes on.

“What happened, Baby?!” TaMeeka asked in alarm as I threw on clothes to go to the hospital.

“Ron’s mama got shot at the corner store. They’re taking her to Barnes,” I explained, making sure I had my car keys and wallet.

“Hold up! I’m going with you!” TaMeeka alerted me as she jumped out of bed to dress her beautiful naked champagne beige body.

Not one to question my girlfriend, I allowed her to go with me to make sure that my boy’s mother was OK. Had I been clear-headed, I would’ve told TaMeeka to stay home and get some rest. Something told me not to take her with me.

“Pull over!”

Swiftly pulling off the road to let TaMeeka throw up for the third time today, I smirked. “Are you OK, ‘Baby’?”

After a moment of wretching, TaMeeka wiped her mouth and replied, “I’m sorry, Baby. I thought my morning sickness was done.”

Smiling, I kissed my girlfriend.

“Eww, you nasty! My mouth probably tastes like shit!” TaMeeka protested.

“And I love that mouth and these lips and…” I bent down to kiss TaMeeka’s belly. “And Daddy loves YOU!”

“Boy, you are such a fool!” TaMeeka laughed, closing her car door. “I think I’ll be ok enough without stopping again. Let’s go check on your friend.”

Loving the fact that she cared about others, I briefly considered bringing up the topic of polyamory again.

“Do you think your morning sickness is affecting the baby?” I warned as I carefully drove five miles over the speed limit down the highway.

Smiling and putting her hands on her belly, she said, “I’m sure the baby is fine. Let’s find out about your boy’s mom instead of worrying about us, OK?”

As we continued on toward the hospital, my cellphone rang. Not concerned with answering my phone while I had my girlfriend and child in the car, I ignored the call. Fortunately, my girlfriend didn’t.

“Want me to get that? It might be Ron or one of the boys,” TaMeeka said as she reached for my phone. Before I could respond to her question, she answered my phone. “Hello? … Hey Baby Girl. Any word about Ron’s mom? … Oh. OK. I’ll tell him. See ya.”

Not waiting for an explanation, I asked, “What did she say? What’s up with Van… Ms. Jones?!”

Although we all had full permission to do so, TaMeeka felt it was disrespectful to address a grown woman as if she were one of her children’s friends.

“She wanted to make sure you were on your way,” TaMeeka replied quietly, taking my hand into hers. “I pray she pulls through.”

“You and me both, Baby,” I said, concentrating on the road.

Shortly after parking my car, TaMeeka and I met with Aaron and Rachael as they walked out of the hospital. Grief was written all over my best friend’s face.

“She’s gone!” Aaron said before sobbing into his girlfriend’s chest.

Allowing Aaron a moment to mourn his mother, I quietly hugged him, saying a prayer to let him know that I would always be here for him.

“My Granddad is gonna help me get my own place. Wanna be roommates?” Aaron offered as I helped him move his stuff into his grandmother’s basement.

“Thanks for the offer but I’m getting a place with TaMeeka,” I smiled as I followed my boy out of the house out to his car to retrieve more of his belongings.

“That’s what’s up!” Aaron cheered. “I’m surprised you didn’t move in when Angie got her place.”

Frowning, I replied, “It’s complicated, man. If I could convince TaMeeka that I can love her and Angie, I would be so happy!”

“If you were a playa like me, you would have them both with no problems! I keep telling you they ain’t gotta know you’re fucking the other one!” Aaron laughed as we took the last of his belongings out of his car. “And have a good story!”

“Story?!” I asked in confusion, following Aaron into the house.

“Yeah, in case she asks where you’ve been. Baby Girl thinks I’m selling drugs or hanging with y’all when I’m really fucking Angie!”

“Oh…” I said, unprepared to hear Aaron’s explanation.

“Don’t give me that look! You’re just mad that your girl Meeka got you on lock!” Aaron laughed.

“Man, fuck you! You just mad you gotta strap up because your girl won’t let you hit it raw!” I laughed back.

Sobering up, my boy said, “Fa real, dawg, I love Rachael enough to protect her no matter what but I gotta be happy, too! Ya feel me?!”

“Yeah, I feel ya, dawg,” I replied quietly as I thought about my situation with TaMeeka and Angie.

“Hey, I need you to do me a favor. Can you pick this up for me? I wanna surprise Baby Girl,” Aaron asked as he handed me a jewelry sales slip.

“Damn, man! What did you buy her?! An engagement ring??” I exclaimed when I saw the paid off balance.

“Nigga nah! It’s a necklace! An engagement ring would cost way more than that!” Aaron guffawed.

“Why can’t you get it?” I asked in confusion while Aaron handed me a cold soda.

“Look, nigga. Do this or I’ll tell Meeka that you’re still fucking Angie!” Aaron threatened.

Considering I was lying to TaMeeka about Angie, I was the last person to preach about morality.

Speaking of lying to TaMeeka…

“When did you need me to do this? I already have orders from CQ for tonight.”

“Aww, that’s right. Nevermind. I’ll get Kris to do it. I know y’all need the money so go ‘head and take care of that,” Aaron stated as I handed the jewelry slip back to him. “If it don’t make dollars…”

“It don’t make sense to do it!” Aaron and I finished together.

In my effort to support my family, I had hooked up with Aaron’s grandfather to begin selling marijuana in the neighborhood. As part of my payment, I received a percentage of the money I collected which I used to re-up to get more weed to sell as well as enjoy at home with my girlfriend.

“I better leave now so I can try to drop off a few orders before I take TaMeeka out tomorrow night,” I explained as I prepared to leave.

“Ah’ight man, I’ll holla at you later,” Aaron said as we exchanged daps as we walked to the front door.

Walking back to my house, I smiled when I saw Angie walking in my direction. “Hey you!” I exclaimed with my arms open wide to hug her. “What’s good?”

Angie’s serious expression immediately sobered me.

“Darius, I’m pregnant.”