Tahj POV
It was finally Christmas Eve and Malik was out and about with his sister. To say I was nervous was an understatement. Tonight would be the night I spend with his family and then we'll be spending the entire day with them tomorrow. All this anxiety started building up especially because my parents were constantly interrogating me as to why I wasn't coming home this year. How could I explain to them that their baby girl got knocked up and left by the baby's father. Not only is it embarrassing but I know it's something they'll be shaming me about and sorry but that's not how I want to spend my holiday season. Eventually they'll find out but I don't think now is exactly the right time. Sinking deeper and deeper into my thoughts I didn't even hear when the door opened.
"Babes you should really stop zoning out like that. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing serious I was just thinking about tonight and tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous but also excited." He looked at me as if he didn't believe me and I must have been correct because he asked me again what was wrong.
"I just came off the phone with my parents and I feel bad that I won't be home for Christmas but I also know I'm not ready to tell them yet. My parents would be extremely disappointed and they would have no problem showing it. My mother is the kind that feels the need to brag about all our accomplishments so how would it look if her unwed daughter showed up pregnant? Then on top of that I'll either be classified a hoe who got knocked up seconds within meeting you, which isn't true, or I'd be labeled a female who wasn't good enough to keep a man even when pregnant. It's just annoying and stressful."
"Well don't put that much pressure thinking about it. That's why you're spending the holidays with us and when you're ready to tell them I'll be there with you." He rubbed my stomach and placed a soft kiss on it. This was a ritual he did everyday whether it be rub my stomach, kiss my stomach, or simply talk to it he wanted to make sure he interacted with the baby somehow. "To switch to a more positive note have you thought of anymore names now that we know the gender?"
"Not really some names sound nice but it's not like they're names I'm in love with. But how was your day with your sister?" He let out this lengthy sigh before continuing, "I love my sister I really do but damn she can be so ditsy sometimes. She swears up and down she loves her boyfriend. I mean I guess she does considering that she traveled all the way out to Florida for him, but still to revolve your entire life around some guy? It's ridiculous to me."
"Well how long have they been going out?"
"They've been doing their little relationship thing for about 10 months but been official for 6 I think."
"Then maybe she really does love him. I don't know their relationship well enough to determine anything but are you sure it's not just the brother in you that's being protective?"
"Nah the moment she transferred schools over some guy let me know she's truly foolish. If they were together for a year or maybe even longer then I would understand but they were together for 6 months when she left so I don't get it. Anyway ma wants us to reach by 8 so we should probably get ready now knowing how long its going to take you to get ready." I laughed and pushed his hand off me and made my way towards the bathroom.
"You know I think we should take a shower together to save money and time." Look at him trying to be slick. "I don't think so Malik, I don't think there'll be enough room in the shower for you to join." And with that I walked out the room.
***
We walked up to the door and was immediately greeted by Mama Erin.
"Oh my baby, look at your belly all nice and extended. Lord I cannot believe you are nearing on 6 months now. A few more months and my grandson will be out in the world. If I'm this excited I can only imagine how happy your mother must be." Her statement brought me back into the state of sadness I was feeling earlier but just as quick as it came it left. "Yeah she's pretty excited about being a grandmother." I know I didn't have to lie but I didn't need anyone else knowing I was too punk to tell my parents especially because this was a pretty big secret. I looked over at Malik who heard the whole thing and all he did was gently smile, grab my hand, and guide me inside the house.
YOU ARE READING
Atypical: Love is Strange
General Fiction"Well either you take care of it yourself or get rid of it. I'm not about to ruin my career for this shit, I should have known you were going to try and trap me. Man you're useless."
