“Oh, I see you have PROBLEM problems.” Unable to stop myself I let out a chuckle.
“Mama stop I’m being serious. My boyfriend did all this and more. Though I don’t fear him because outside of him being a shitty boss, he’s a wonderful boyfriend. I’m so confused on what to do. If I was talking to a girlfriend, from the outside looking in, I might tell her to drop her dude like a bad habit. But dang on the inside looking out I can see why she’d want to stay.”
“Hmm, well why don’t you tell me about this guy. You said he was a shitty boss? Why did you say that?” After telling mama all the things Channing put me through for the first three years like ridiculing my clothes, weight and work ethic, by the end she was shaking her head. “No way in hell I would have put up with all of that, but I understand why you did. You said he changed after you both got together how so?”
I told her in detail, how Channing took me in, waited on me, and pretty much treated me like I was the most precious thing known to man. I tell her how he made sure my needs were met first and foremost before everything, and how I miss his cooking and him making me tea before I go to bed because he knew I couldn’t sleep. I tell her how I’ve never had a man love me the way he does and how physically attractive I found him and how emotionally tied I feel to him. I also tell her how I’ve never felt such a bond with a person before. She hands me a paper towel to dry my tears and pats my hand getting up.
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but since you decided to omit this I might as well bring it to your attention that I know.” She went in the cupboard and pulled out pregnancy test box and set it on the table. “When I called you last time for the money for your brother’s school, I dreamt I caught two big ol’ colorful fish that night. Knew it wasn’t your brother because he knows I don’t play that shit, and I’d kick his ass, but you on the other hand. I’ve been feeling you soul tied to someone for a while now. I need you to do take that. If it comes out positive like I know it will, then we will talk”
I sit back away from the pregnancy test shaking my head. There’s no wa-wait. Not once have Channing and I used protection while having sex… but I’m on birth control. I wasn’t taking the pill every day. Not only that but the days I remember to take them it was like Channing knew I was going to take it and would initiate sex. He’s also mentioned wanting to have children with me on more than one occasion. Swallowing, I swipe the box and run to the bathroom feeling like I’m about to pass out.
Five minutes later I’m staring at two clear blue lines that, based on the box, indicates I’m pregnant. Not sure what to feel I bite my lip stare at myself in the mirror holding my belly. I’m going to have a baby. For a long time, I don’t do anything but look at myself wondering what parts of my body will change. How come I didn’t know, should I tell Channing? Upon thinking about him a wave of sadness takes over me because though I’m upset with him, I know he’d be a wonderful father and I’d never take that from him. I need to tell him immediately.
I don’t bother going back into the kitchen, instead I grab my mama’s cordless phone, since I left my cell in California. Taking a deep breath, I go to call Channing when little brother bursts through the door and drop his backpack on the floor screaming.
“MAMA! MAMA! THE FEDS HERE!”
“WHAT! What the hell are you screaming about in my house for, Anthony?” We all run into the living room to look out the window just as a loud knock came at the door. I sit the phone down and walk over with my momma and Ant, trying not to run over each other. Though when she opens the door, I wish I’d stayed where I was so I could escape though the back door.
“CHANNING!?”
“Angel.” He doesn’t seem to realize my mother and brother are there. His eyes locked onto me so fast it was scary. As he took his time taking me in, I give him a once over myself, noting the visible changes in his appearance. He looks inhumanly big.
“Eyes over here buddy.” Mama snapped her fingers bringing his attention to her. “Introduce yourself, and explain coming over to my house unannounced, like you own the place.” With what seems like a lot of effort he pulls his eyes from me, looked over to my mom and smiled. Ugh my heart. This is why I stayed away, one look at his face and I’m putty in his hands.
“I apologize ma’am, my name is Channing Stohurst, Angels husband, and your new landlord.” We all spoke at once.
“Landlord?” Ant said looking at my mom.
“Husband?” My mom turned looking at me.
“Excuse the fuck out of me? What did you just say?” I moved my mama and brother back ready to tussle because I know he didn’t come over here with a pack of lies so he could threaten my family. As if reading my mind, he holds up one finger, reaches into his pocket and pulls out papers handing them to my mom. She looks them over eyebrows at her hairline.
“Well I’ll be damned.” She handed me the papers and I look them over and sure enough it’s an official marriage license with a courthouse seal and everything. Looking up I see him eyeing me again. This time my mom doesn’t anything.
“Channing what is this? Please don’t tell me you-” he held up his other hand and handed some more papers to my mom.
“Before I got into that Angel, I want to give this as a gift to my mother-in-law.” My mom opened the papers and clutched her chest. Wanting to know what it was I take the papers and my eyes blink back tears… he paid off my daddy’s house.
“Mama, you were in foreclosure…why didn’t you tell me?” She put her hand to her mouth and moved from the door, but we followed her.
“That wasn’t for you to know.” She looked at Channing and her eyes narrowed.
“As much as I appreciate you doing this, there is still no excuse as to why my daughter has been here crying her eyes out. It also doesn’t explain why she knows nothing of your marriage. Don’t think coming here doing good deeds is going to make things better with you and her.” Channing smiled again.
“I’ll discuss my issues in my marriage with my wife privately, but I want you know I never had any intention of trying to mull things over with good deeds. I just saw a situation that could only be solved with money and that’s something I have in droves, so I didn’t mind throwing some into the mix to solve the problem.” My mom, the strongest woman I know suddenly looked small as she nodded her head in respect. My brother on the other hand looked star struck as Channing stood in front of me.
Without a word he pulled off my jacket and lifted my arm, examining it. When he sees my bandages, his face transforms into one of remorse. Bending down he goes to his knees wrapping his arms around my waist putting his face on my belly.
“Cha-”
“I’m sorry Angel. I’m so fucking sorry. Allow me the opportunity to prove my worth to you and show you with my actions that you mean the whole absolute world to me. Please come home. It’s killing me that you aren’t there. I’ll do whatever you need to help us get past this but please, come home. I’ll give you space, but please Angel not this much.” Before I could say anything, my brother walked to the back of the house and came back with my luggage.
“Really, Anthony?” He only shrugged.