Page 81 of Still Made For You

“And then what?” I wanted her to finish her statement to understand her a little better. Instead of answering, Dove got up from her seat and then walked into the room. I finished up the chorus to this new song while I waited for her to come back. When she re-entered the room, no words were spoken as she sat a box on my lap.

“What’s this?” I questioned.

“Open it,” Her face was unreadable, confusing me even more. I went ahead and lifted the top of the box to see the contents inside. Moving the tissue paper out of the way, I noticed a little microphone, but the item under the mic caught my attention right away.

“Oh, shit. Are you serious?” I held up the little onesie that read: Oops, we did it again. Party of 5 coming soon. There were a plethora of questions running through my mind when I picked up the positive pregnancy test. Clearly, I’d neglected my woman more than I thought because I completely missed this. When she got pregnant with Reason, I noticed the changes in her body right away. Even her sensitivity to smells.

“Why didn’t tell me?” Dove wiped the tears from her eyes. This explained her being so emotional. Nayeli rarely cried, and I should have picked up on it right away.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it. We weren’t trying, and you have a lot planned for next year. Then we-,” Nayeli continued to ramble until I interrupted her.

“I’m your husband, right? If you’re pregnant, then we’re having another baby. Simple as that. How could I be upset about creating life with my soulmate? Furthermore, I nut in that pussy every chance I get, so I shouldn’t be too surprised. Regardless of how big our family becomes; we’ll make it work. You shouldn’t be stressing about a thing because I’m here. You’re not alone,” I affirmed. If I had it my way, we would have five or six children. However, I wanted Nayeli to be comfortable.

We were both making sacrifices, but I refused to allow all of the burden to fall on her when it came to parenting. Whether I’m on the road or not, I try my best to alleviate her responsibilities whenever I can. Plus, we’re blessed to have a village that doesn’t mind lending a helping hand.

“So, you’re happy?” Instead of replying, I moved her in front of me, lifted her shirt, and kissed all over her nonexistent belly. She giggled, running her hands through my locs.

“I love you, Rule Graham. You are one incredible human being, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

“One of these days, you’re going to understand this love is a sure thing. Now come sit your pretty ass down so I can finish this song, then put you to bed,” I kissed the top of her head, then went back to writing. Love is more than a feeling; it takes effort, compromise, and communication. I have flaws like anyone else, but when it comes to my wife, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure our love lasts. Ain’t no Rule without his Dove.

twenty-one

“IsaidIwasgonnahelp your ass. I never said I was gonna do all the work.” I grumbled, flopping down on the couch. I had just helped Solomon move into his new apartment.

“Ain’t nobody tell you to be the Incredible Hulk. I told you I would grab the other end.”

“Shit, your ass is too busy simpin’ on that damn phone to move shit. It better not be my sister on that fucking line either, or I’m beating both y’all asses.” Of course, his ass waved me off, walking towards the kitchen to grab a drink. I got up to follow him because it was hot as fuck outside, and a nigga needed some water.

“Man, you know I don’t pay your apple head brother any mind. Did you get your calculus homework done? You told me you were going to call me after you finished tutoring that football nigga, but you left my ass hanging.” Solomon spoke on the phone, confirming that he was, in fact, talking to Honesty. I still didn’t understand the dynamic of their relationship because, on the outside, they swore they were just friends, but the chemistry between them said something different.

Whenever you saw one, you likely saw the other, and it seemed that Honesty called on him more than me these days. I can admit that I was jealous in the beginning because I was so used to being her hero and it seemed that she was replacing me with this pretty boy ass nigga.

“Naw, I’m not trying to hear none of that shit. You’re supposed to be focusing on your grades, and that’s it. All that other stuff is extra. All I know is that when those grades come out, they better be straight A’s or Ima be on that ass. You better tell them all about me.” he warned. I couldn’t hear what she was saying on the other end, but their conversation sparked my interest.

Honesty was a sophomore at JAU, and she seemed to be adjusting well. She only lived an hour away so we made sure to visit her whenever we could, and she came down on the weekends often. Yaya thought that was the reason why I had so many cookouts, but in reality, I just enjoyed spending time with my friends and family. The older I got, the more I began to appreciate the simple things in life.

“I took today off so that I could move into my apartment, but I do have a full schedule tomorrow. I already let Jah know that I needed Saturday off, so I’ll be up there to put my eyes on you so I can make sure you aren’t getting into any trouble.” I could hear Honesty giggling in the background. This was the shit I was talking about. They could holler about being best friends all they wanted to, but something didn’t sit right with me. Hell, after all, Yaya started off as one of my best friends, too, and we see how well that worked out.

“Whatever, best friend, you know I’m an angel, so you have nothing to worry about.” Honesty’s voice sounded from the speakerphone. Solomon had his phone down to make him a plate of food.

“Shit, I wouldn’t say all of that. It’s always the innocent, quiet girls who get into the most trouble. I would hate to have to come out there and air that place out.”This motherfucker.I thought to myself.

“No, not at all. When you come down here, we are going to turn up all weekend! It’s homecoming weekend anyways, so you know it’s about to be lit. The only thing I ask is that you don’t have sex with any of my roommates. One of them already hates me. The last thing I need is more drama because you don’t know how to keep your dick in your pants.” Solomon’s face scrunched up in irritation.

“I don’t even like the way you’re trying to handle me right now. You already know how I get down, so your little warning is unnecessary. Plus, if I see something I like, I’m going after it, and you know that. I’m gonna chill, though. You’re the only person that I care about seeing this weekend and the only woman I want to spend time with.” I remember what it was like to be their age. They were young, dumb, and having fun. My only hope is that they were responsible. Honesty had a whole life ahead of her, and I would hate to see her fuck it up over a man.

“Aww, best friend, you love me, don’t you?” Honesty, cooed into the phone.

“I don’t have to dignify that with an answer because you already know what it is. Anyways, your brother is staring a hole in my face, so I’m about to get off this phone. Call me tonight before you go to bed, and I’m not playing with your ass. If I don’t hear from you then I’m gonna blow your phone up and embarrass you in front of whoever the nigga is that you’re entertaining.” Solomon possessed that cool, laid-back demeanor, like my brother Rule. He didn’t yell, but he got his point across.

“I hear you. I’m about to go grab some food with the girls and then slide by the mall for a little bit.”

“Do you need some money? You straight?” Those were my lines, so it was crazy to witness another man taking care of my little sister.

“No, I’m good. Between you, Rule, and Messiah, I won’t need any money for the rest of the semester.” She replied.

“Alright, bet. Enjoy the rest of your night, and don’t forget what I said.”

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