“You’re having my baby and we’ve agreed to give our marriage a fair shot. That said, I don’t want you and my mom at odds anymore. She’s going to be the only grandma our baby has anyway, so it’s only right the two of you make amends.”
On their own accord, my lips poked out and I rolled my eyes. It wasn’t that I didn’t agree with him. Having a good mother around to help me was what I wanted, but Yosiah’s mother was frustrating and too judgmental. She never gave me a chance or hid her dislike for me. I wasn’t good with holding my tongue when I was disrespected, but for Yosiah I wouldtryto play nice.
Yosiah knocked and my hold on his hand tightened. He glanced down at me, giving me a reassuring grin, causing me to squeeze my thighs together. Before we came here, he’d goneto the barbershop to get a haircut and line up. I always loved when he was freshly groomed. Yosiah naturally had a handsome mature look to him and getting his face and hair cleaned up only enhanced it.
When the door opened, I was grateful to see his dad first. I knew he wasn’t my biggest fan either but he was always respectful toward me.
“C’mon in. Zoya’s in the living room waiting for you,” he mentioned.
“Hello, Mr. Bedford,” I greeted as we stepped into the house.
“Xylina, nice to see you again.” His eyes went to our hands then to his son. The two seemed to be having a silent conversation that only they knew. With a slight nod, he looked back at me. “And please call me Alonzo.”
I wasn’t expecting him to say that but it caused a small smile to split my face.
We followed Alonzo. The closer we got to his mom, the more I felt my body tense and my defenses rise. After making up with Yosiah yesterday, the last thing I wanted to do was go back and forth with his mom.
We stepped into the living room and his mom’s face lit up laying eyes on her son. She stood and made her way over to us, completely ignoring me and grabbing him.
“Yosiah, it’s nice for you to stop by and visit your parents. How are you, sweetheart?”
Releasing my hand, he hugged his mom and kissed her cheek. “I’m good. What about you?” He released her while Alonzo went to her side.
“Oh I’m great. Preparing for my summer class to start. I recently started gardening, so that’s been fun.”
Yosiah smiled, then turned to me. “That’s good, Mom. Glad you found something you enjoy. By the way, aren’t you gonna speak to Xylina?”
The smile on Zoya’s face was instantly wiped away and she stared down at me with a stilled expression.
“Xylina.” Her voice was dry.
“Nice to see you again, Mrs. Bedford,” I lied, forcing a smile on my face.
“Mhm. Let’s take a seat.” Spinning on her heels, she sashayed back to her previous seat. Alonzo followed her, taking a seat next to her.
I bit the inside of my cheek and peeked up at Yosiah when he grabbed my hand. He led me over to the couch across from his parents and we took a seat.
“So you said you wanted to talk to us. Is everything okay, Yosiah?” His mom gave him her full attention.
“Everything’s fine. I just had something to tell you guys. Well…wehave something.” He enveloped my hands between his.
His mom’s face balled in confusion and her eyes bounced between the two of us.
“Well, don’t leave us waiting. What is it?”
“We’re having a baby!” I blurted out, planting a smug grin on my face.
Her face fell again.
“You’re what?”
“Congrats, you two!”
His parents responded at the same time.
Zoya whipped her head toward her husband. “Congrats? You’re congratulating them on this as if it’s a good thing?”
Yosiah spoke up. “Are you saying it’s not?” Again, I bit the inside of my cheek as my leg began bouncing.