Chapter 18

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A/N: So I've been reading your comments and with the huge success of this story I decided to update two chapters! Thank you to everyone that's still reading, voting and commenting. Be sure to comment & vote on this chapter as well as Chapter 19!!


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Enjoy!!!


It ain't worth tellin' a lie
It ain't worth seein' you cry
It ain't worth, that's why I'm right here
Beggin' you please don't go

'Cause it ain't worth killin' a home
It ain't worth bein' alone
It ain't worth, that's why I'm right here
Beggin' you please don't go, baby
~ Tank



Rio left the house to meet with Glenn mentioning they had something to discuss.
Once again I was solo dolo.
I was becoming fed up with being pregnant and at home by myself all of the time. Looking down at my feet I noticed they were swollen.
Sighing to myself I walked into the kitchen towards the refrigerator.
Everybody said pregnancy was a beautiful thing but I was experiencing everything I hadn't when I was pregnant with Nicholas and to make matters worse Rio was never around.
Pulling a carton of vanilla ice cream from the freezer I took the lid off tossing it to the side before grabbing a spoon from the island drawer.
My cravings were becoming worse and I was at the point to where I would eat anything in sight.
Closing my eyes I let the cold cream slide down my throat.
I knew I had eaten too much once I started to get head-freeze.
Hearing the front door open I didn't bother moving from my spot.
I knew it was Rio returning from his so called "meeting" with Glenn.
"Sup." He said walking into the kitchen holding a bag of Popeyes chicken.
I could feel myself becoming excited at the sight of food.
"What you get?" I asked referring to the bag he was carrying.
Rio smirked as he pulled the boxes from the bag.
"Can I get a 'Hello' first?"
Rolling my eyes I grabbed a box.
We hadn't discussed anything since our altercation the other night and I knew we had a lot of unresolved issues.
"Did you forget the honey?" I frowned.
Scrummaging through the bag he slid two packs to me.
Not wasting anytime I dug in satisfying my taste with each bite.
Rio sat at the island scrolling through his phone barely touching his food.
"What's wrong wit you?" I asked.
He briefly looked up from his phone at me.
"Thinkin." He sighed.
"You ready to talk now?" I asked in reference to our dispute from the other day.
We'd been dodging the conversation.
Taking in a deep breath he placed his phone down on the countertop giving me his undivided attention.
"I'm ready."
Wiping my hands with a napkin I slid my food to the side.
"Why would you accuse me of sleepin' wit Black? You know I'm pregnant--as hell with your baby and you know I'm not that kinda girl."
Rubbing his temples he placed his forearms on the countertop before leaning in.
"I was overreactin'."
I found it funny he was just realizing he was overreacting.
"Where did you go?"
Taking a bite from his fries he picked his phone up.
"What you say?" He asked as he scrolled down the screen.
Staring at him he took a glimpse at me.
"I thought we were talkin'--put the fuckin phone down." I snapped before walking out of the kitchen.
I'd suddenly lost my appetite.
Following after me he walked towards the foyer.
"Where are you goin'?" I frowned.
"I'll be back."
Opening the front door he left out of the house.
Not sure how much longer I could take Rio's attitude and sudden change I called Celia.
"Hello?" She answered on the first ring.
Becoming nervous I attempted hanging up.
"Lauren?" She questioned.
"Hey Celia--I was just calling to check on Nicholas."
I could hear the slight smile in her voice.
"I'm feeding him now but I know that's not why you called--what's going on?" She sighed.
"It's Mario--what's wrong with him?" I questioned as I walked upstairs towards the bedroom.
"Nobody knows what goes on in that boy's head but him."
Pulling out a dresser draw I pulled a few shirts from it.
"I just need to get away from this. He's never here--I feel like I'm going through this pregnancy by myself."
Celia sighed into the phone again.
"I know what you mean and Mario should know what that's like."
Celia had gone through the same thing with Rio's biological father.
He didn't want to have anything to do with the pregnancy and little did Rio know he was becoming like his father.
"Can I come over just for a few days? I think we need the space." I asked while tossing a black and white Victoria Secret duffle onto the bed.
"You know your always welcome."
Exchanging a few more words I finished packing before leaving the house.
Pulling into the driveway of Celia's house the person I least expected to see was helping CJ out of her car before making her way to the front door.
I was tired of running into Alaina.
"Ima just wait til she leave." I mumbled to no one in particular.
I refused to be in the same space as her.
Celia opened the front door and Alaina wobbled into the house. She'd looked as if she was ready to give birth at any minute.
The thought of Rio having another baby almost bought tears to my eyes. I still hadn't come to terms with it.
I was always the person that had to deal with a messed up situation.
Sitting in the truck for what felt like a hour I figured Alaina wasn't leaving anytime soon.
Making my way towards the front door I rung the doorbell waiting for a response.
The duffle I carried began feeling like a bag of bricks.
Celia opened the front door giving me an inviting smile.
"Hey." She said pulling me into a hug. "Alaina is here." She whispered before breaking away.
Following her into the living room Alaina sat on the couch holding Nicholas.
"She was just holding him until I came back from answering the door." Celia quickly spoke up.
Sitting my duffle down I walked towards her taking Nicholas from her arms.
"Sorry." She smirked.
Shooting her an evil look I examined Nicholas to make sure the hateful bitch hadn't done anything to him.
"Well, that's my que--CJ tell G-Ma bye." She said struggling to stand to her feet.
"Y'all need to stop all of this." Celia frowned.
"It's not me Celia." Alaina pointed towards herself.
Some nerve this bitch had.
"So you sayin' it's me?" I snapped.
Alaina smiled.
"I'm not the one you need to have beef wit."
Rolling my eyes I picked the duffle up from the floor.
"Only if you knew." Alaina mumbled as she put CJ's hat on his head.
"If I knew what?" I asked turning towards her.
"Neither of you need to be arguing about this." Celia interjected.
Alaina grabbed CJ's hand walking towards the front door.
"Don't worry about it." She said trying to switch the subject. "Celia, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Say what you meant." I said getting fed up.
Blowing out a deep breath Alaina opened the front door.
"If you really wanna know--Rio cheated on you."
My breathing deepened.
Celia shook her head before placing her hand over her forehead.
"Wit who?" I asked taking steps closer to her.
Alaina smirked.
"With me of course and god knows with whoever else."
"Okay, that's enough." Celia said trying to end the conversation.
"Bitch why you lyin?" I frowned.
"Why would I lie?" She asked as her face twisted with disgust.
"Daddy!" CJ smiled as Rio walked through the front door.
He had no idea what he had just walked into.
Picking CJ up he kissed his cheek before walking over towards me.
"What you doin over here?" He asked while going for a kiss.
Moving back he gave me a look of confusion.
"What's wrong?"
Alaina grabbed CJ and left the house closing the front door behind her.
"You still fuckin' her?" I asked punching his chest.
Celia walked over to me taking Nicholas from my arms.
"What?" He asked as he looked back and forth from Celia to me.
"That's how you gon do me?--I've been nothin' but faithful to you!" I screamed still hitting him.
"You gon believe her? She just tryna break us up."
"You think I'm stupid Mario?--you did somethin wit her! I know you did!"
He tried to block every hit I threw his way but that wasn't stopping me.
"You gotta stop." He said catching my fist.
His chest heaved up and down as I continued beating him with my free hand.
"That's enough! Lauren stop!" Celia yelled.
"I hate you!" I snared while still hitting him. "Let me go!" I screamed.
Loosening his grip from my wrist he took a step back to get out of my reach.
"You trippin' I didn't--."
"I don't wanna hear it!" I said cutting him off. "You go be wit that bitch--I'm good over here."
Rubbing his hands over his face he looked at me with hurt in his eyes.
"I'm sorry."
"Fuck yo sorries." I snapped.
He started to say more but decided against it.
Turning towards the front door he walked out of the living room.
Taking a seat on the couch I buried my face inside my hands.
Celia rubbed my back as I cried.
Eventually getting myself together I walked into the guest room bringing Nicholas with me.
After being faithful to Rio I never wanted to see him again.
Crying myself to sleep I held Nicholas in my arms.

*
The next morning Nicholas woke me up from his cries. Bringing him into my arms I soothed him before laying him back onto the bed.
Swinging my leg from the bed I stood up leaving the room.
Walking into the kitchen my eyes widened as I noticed roses and flowers lining the island countertop.
"How many flowers is this boy going to send?" Celia frowned as she walked into the kitchen holding another vase filled with roses adding them to the countertop.
The roses and flowers gave the kitchen a colorful finish.
"There from Mario?" I asked opening the refrigerator.
Celia pulled a card from the last batch of roses reading it out loud.
"Lauren give me a chance to explain. I don't want to lose you or our family. Your one of the best things that's ever happened to me and I promise I will make this right. Love Your Future Mario."
I could feel tears welling in my eyes. Celia handed the card to me allowing me to read it myself.
Taking it from her I tossed it into the trash can. I was done with Mario.
Leaving the kitchen I walked back towards the guest room with Nicholas's bottle in hand.
"I think you should talk to him." Celia said appearing in the doorway. "He's been calling and sending flowers all morning."
"I'm not forgiving him." I simply stated.
Walking into the room Celia took a seat on the bed.
"Everyone makes mistakes and I'm not saying this because he's my son. I'm saying it because he genuinely care about you, he just have a funny way of showing it.
I took a glimpse at Celia.
"Cheating is not showing someone you care, not being there for your very pregnant girlfriend doesn't show that you care--." I said holding back the tears that so badly wanted to escape.
I could've kept going but I decided to end it there.
Celia stood from the bed.
"I've never seen him like this over a girl before--just talk to him."
"I'll think about it." I lied.
I didn't have any intention on talking with Rio.
Accepting my answer Celia walked towards the room door. The doorbell rung causing her to sigh.
"It's probably more flowers." She said before leaving the room.
Realizing I'd only brought enough food for Nicholas for a couple of days I tossed on a pair of jogging pants to make a quick run to the grocery store.
Celia agreed to watch Nicholas until I got back.
"Where's the baby isle?" I asked a clerk that stocked the shelves.
"Uh, isle four." She said pointing in the direction.
Walking towards that isle I grabbed a pound cake tossing it into the cart.
Turning down the isle I picked a few Gerber jars reading the flavors.
"Lauren?"
Turning in the direction of the voice Tania stood at the end of the isle holding a red basket.
Rolling my eyes I sat a few jars into the cart ignoring her.
"We still doin' this?" She asked walking towards me.
"For real, I don't have anything to say to you Tania--I don't."
"Lauren, we don't have to be best friends again--I know that's askin' a lot. I just want your forgiveness."
Taking in a deep breath I looked at her.
Tania really was my only friend and despite what happened I could see she was really wanting my forgiveness.
"Alright." I sighed.
A smile formed at her lips.
"Thank you so much."
Nodding my head I went back to putting baby food in cart.
"It was nice seeing you Lauren." Tania said before walking off.
Plastering on a smile I waved goodbye to her.
Walking towards the checkout line I tossed the food onto the grocery belt.
Ringing up the food I handed the clerk the money before taking the bags and leaving the store.

*

After a week of dodging Rio I decided to see him. Celia wouldn't let a day go pass without trying to convince me to sit down and talk to him.
Combing through my hair I looked myself over in the mirror. I was beginning to have second thoughts about seeing him.
"You look fine--just go." Celia smiled holding Nicholas in her arms.
I wore a black top and red midi length skirt with a pair of Michael Kors flats.
Applying lipgloss to my lips I grabbed my clutch from the bed.
Rio had given me an address to meet him at a Resturant and considering it was after ten o'clock at night the Resturant was closed I knew he had to be up to something.
Kissing Nicholas I left the house getting into the truck.
"What am I doing?" I mumbled to myself.
Taking in a deep breath I started the engine before backing out of the driveway.
Turning on the radio I sung along to every song that played to help calm my nerves.
Finally pulling into the parking lot of the establishment the only car that sat in the vacant lot was Rio's.
My heart pounded against my chest like it had the first time I met him. Parking next to his car he stepped from his car making his way towards the driver's door of the truck.
He looked so handsome. Dressed in a denim button down shirt and denim jeans his blue and black Jordan's matched perfectly. As always his hair was freshly cut.
"I thought you were gonna stand me up." He said opening the door.
Holding out his hand I placed mine into his as he helped me out.
"You look beautiful."
Fixing my skirt I placed my clutch under my arm.
"Thank you--where are we?"
"I rented out a Resturant."
Taking my hand he led me to the front entrance of the dark building. Putting the keys into the lock he pushed the door open allowing me to enter first.
Candles and soft music played causing a smile to form at my lips.
Rio always knew how to make a moment seem so special.
Grabbing my hand again he led me towards a table pulling the seat out for me.
Sitting down I placed my clutch into my lap as he picked a single rose up from the table handing it to me.
Smiling he knew I was impressed.
Walking towards his seat he sat down motioning for my hands. Taking my small hands into his he looked in my eyes.
"Baby I'm so sorry." He said bringing my hand to his lips kissing the back of it.
"Why--why did you do it?"
He held his head low before bringing his eyes back mine.
"I was bein' dumb. I thought you were cheatin' on me with Black and--I made a stupid mistake."
"I've been more than faithful to you." I frowned.
"I know boo, I know."
Tyrese's "Sweet Lady" came on the radio and Rio stood from the table.
"You know I can't dance." I said quickly.
"I just wanna hold you."
Standing up he pulled me into his arms. I missed him holding me.
Resting my head on his shoulder I listened to the song as Rio rocked back and forth.
"I love you Lauren."
I'd never heard him say those words to me and to finally hear it felt good.
Lifting my head from his shoulder I kissed his lips.
"I love you too."
His hands roamed my body and I could see he was becoming slightly aroused. Returning his lips back to mine he added a little more tongue.
Since being pregnant my hormones were always raging and I wanted him.
"Can I have you?" He asked in between kisses.
Moaning my answer his hands found their way under my shirt unsnapping my bra.
Pulling my shirt off the bra slipped off with it.
"Damn I've missed you." He said before lifting me off of my feet making my skirt to rise above my cheeks.
Sliding his hands under my thighs my legs automatically wrapped around his waist.
Carrying me over to a counter he placed me down while still planting kisses over my body.
Using my hands to unbuckle his jeans they fell to his feet revealing his Polo boxers.
I bit down on my bottom lip watching as he stepped out of them.
Pulling him back to me I kissed his lips again before he undressed me slipping into my wetness.
"You love me?" He asked between strokes.
Tightening my muscles to keep from erupting I scratched at his arms.
"Yes!" I called out in pleasure.
Kissing one of my breast he played with the other.
"Show me."
Small sweat beads formed on his forehead as he deepened his strokes. Thrusting and bucking my hips he closed his eyes.
"Shit." He hissed.
Rio knew all of my spots and it wasn't long until he sent my body into a bombshell.
After a few hours of love making Rio grunted releasing his load inside of me.
Our bodies soaked with sweat.
Pulling out of me he kissed my lips while helping me off of the counter.
Needing to clean myself up I walked towards the bathroom.
Leaving out Rio was dressed waiting for me.
"I want you to come back home." He said licking his pink lips.
Smiling I took his hand leaving out of the resturant.
I spent the entire night with him. I was gonna have to thank Celia for convincing me to talk to him.

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