Page 31 of Tyriq & Teaira
On Sunday, when Tyriq and I went to Morningside for breakfast, we stopped at the mall first so he could grab a fit. The short stop turned into a whole ass shopping trip. He left with his new fit and kicks on and his original stuff in a bag. I, on the other hand, left with several bottles of oil from the new pop-up shop. He picked a few that he liked on my skin. I also got two new pairs of Hokas for work, the slides I’m wearing plus two other pairs, and this Apple Watch and two Coach straps, one silver and one gold. He insisted on the shoes and watch because I need to be comfortable on my feet at work and because he wants to make sure I’m sitting enough at work. He’s so serious about me taking it easy. He actually looks at my stats for walking and standing. At first, I protested, but I have to admit, it’s endearing.
“I got it Sunday from the mall. The band came from the Coach store.”
“I’ve been trying to get yo’ ass to get a watch for years. What made you break down and get one?”
I wanted her to be on her second or third margarita before I made my grand announcement but there’s no need to procrastinate. This is actually a good segue. So after downing a few gulps of my Shirley Temple, I turn to face her.
“Tyriq got it.”
“Okay, Riq,” she gushes. “He really likes you. Please give that man a real chance.”
With raised eyebrows, I smirk. “I’m giving him more than a damn chance. I’m pregnant,” I blurt.
She jerks her head back then squints. As I anxiously await her response, I don’t do or say anything. When her eyes return to their regular size, she sits all the way up in the booth, perfect posture, then a big ass, silly grin takes over her face. She grabs my hand and her grin drops into that aww look.
“Bestie! Bitch! Oh my God!” she screeches. “It’s April but we are way past the first. This shit better not be a joke.”
Thank God for the music drowning her out because she’s so loud and excited. The look on her face is pure joy and I love and appreciate it so much.
“No joke. I’m pregnant. If I wasn’t, I would have a flight my damn self. It’s real.”
“Yes!” Her arms fly around me and she squeezes me while she rocks from side to side. As she does, she fires out a million ass questions. “I’m going to be an auntie and godmomma. When did you find out? When’s your due date? Do you know what you’re having? What about Riq? Is he happy? Well, I know he is, right?” She releases me then stares, obviously awaiting my answers.
“Slow down, shit,” I say while grinning. Her excitement is contagious as hell. “I found out that day I went in to cover a shift. I wasn’t feeling too good, and because we had a few people out with the flu, I got tested too. No flu, just a baby. But I don’t know my due date yet. I have an appointment next Friday and hopefully I can find out then. I’m about six or seven weeks late though.”
Her eyes roam for a quick second, then she says, “Maybe you’ll have a Christmas baby!”
“Oh gosh. That sounds so real.”
“Well, it is. It could be December or January. We can have a holiday themed baby shower.”
“Slow down. I’m just now wrapping my head around this. Let me get through this appointment next week first before we start planning a shower. I need baby steps, literally.”
“You’ve always wanted a baby. I know you are excited.”
“I did but I saw this happening at another time in my life though. But the excitement is building. I just need to move past being scared, nervous, anxious, and did I say nervous. I’m a whole ass nurse but I swear all of my medical knowledge is out of the window. I’m just a nervous mother-to-be who doesn’t have a clue what I’m going to do,” I admit honestly.
Nothing prepares you for being pregnant, nothing. Being a nurse doesn’t eliminate the worries and fears a mother has. I’ve been pregnant for three minutes and I’m already second guessing things, making changes, and thinking about contingencies for problems I don’t even have. This morning, when I walked downstairs, I reach for my handrail and held it all the way down. I never hold on when I go up or down my stairs but today I did. Even this damn Shirley Temple. I never order this but I wanted a soda and Sprite is caffeine free. I’m pregnant now so I need to limit my caffeine intake. Things have changed and I’m nervous about it.
“You’re going to power through this like a pro and I’m going to be there every step. I can go Friday if it’s in the morning.”
“I have an afternoon appointment but Tyriq is going.”
“He is? Perfect. So he’s excited?”
“Very. This watch is so he can check to make sure I’m not standing all day at work.”
“I love that. Let him be excited and do everything he wants.”
“I’m trying. You know I’m Miss Independent but I promised him, after a little debate though, that I’ll try to lean on him some.”
“Some? Lean all the way on that man. His tall ass can handle it.”
“But he has a lot going on too, finals, graduation, the NBA Combine, and the draft.”
“And he’s an All-American champion with a gang of agents. He’ll be fine, and after the draft, he can buy all the help you will need,” she says and I just shake my damn head.
“Bitch!”
