Page 21 of Forbidden Fruit

Depending on what happened after my revelation to my parents, there was no telling when I would be able to be with him this way again. I had a horrible feeling that my daddy would try to keep me confined within the walls of our house until I started working. I didn’t understand why it was so important that he controlled me. Everything they wanted me to accomplish, I had.

When we drove in the driveway, Jedrek got out and opened my door as he always did. He was such a gentleman. Before I could open the door, my dad flung it open. “Where in the hell have you been? I thought something happened to you! Charles didn’t know where you were, because you never called him to pick you up. You’ve been gone since 7:30 a.m., over ten hours ago, Chitrita! Why in the hell are you here?”

His last question was directed at Jedrek. My mama came to the door in a panic and said, “Oh thank God. Why haven’t you been answering your phone?”

“I can tell you why. She’s been with this thug!”

“Dr. Levine, I’m not a thug, and I would prefer that you didn’t refer to me as one. Vashti and I need to talk to both of you.”

“There is absolutely nothing we need to talk toyouabout.”

“Daddy! Jedrek has been nothing but respectful to you. How can you live with yourself treating another human being the way you do?”

I dry-heaved as my mom’s eyes widened. Jedrek grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. “You okay?”

“Come in Vashti and Jedrek,” my mom said and lightly pushed my daddy to the side.

We walked in as my dad watched us. If looks could kill, Drek and I would have dropped dead right then. This whole situation was crazy as hell. I was twenty-four years old having to explain to my parents that I was pregnant with a child they wouldn’t have to take care of. However, they would take that news like I was a naïve fifteen-year-old. We sat on the couch as my parents sat in the chairs on opposite ends. “First, I start my new job next week.”

There were no words of acknowledgement or congratulations from my parents. Jedrek grabbed my hand and rubbed it between his, urging me to continue. “Secondly, Jedrek is here with me for support in what I have to tell you.” My dad huffed and rolled his eyes impatiently. Drek’s eyes never left me, though. “I’m pregnant.”

“I know like hell you didn’t just say you were pregnant, Chitrita. This is why we treat you like we do. You are so irresponsible! Thisthugonly wants a way into our family!”

Jedrek stood from the sofa, still holding my hand, and said, “There’ll be a damn blizzard in hell before I ever ask you for anything.”

“Sure. You’ll probably just take it.”

“Daddy! Jedrek is here! He’s here with me! We love each other! He could’ve gone the opposite direction when we found out! He didn’t do that. He chose to support and love me. Why can’t you see that? Just because he isn’t rolling in money, doesn’t mean that he can’t take care of us!”

I dry-heaved again. Jedrek put his hand to my stomach and said, “Sit down, lil mama.”

He sat next to me and rubbed my back. “Dr. Levine, regardless of how you’ve treated me, I haven’t once disrespected you. I’m in love with Vashti. She loves me. Let us find our way. She’s twenty-four. When are you gonna let go?”

“Get your ass out of my house before I call the police to escort you out.”

“Daddy!”

“Chitrita, go to your room!”

“No! I’m leaving with Jedrek.”

“Girl, please. Carry yo’ ass upstairs,” my mama said, that south side of Beaumont coming out of her.

I held onto Jedrek’s arm tightly as he stood. He was steaming, I could feel it. He looked down at me and said, “Stay here, baby. You shouldn’t have to struggle with me. I love you, Vashti.”

“No! Drek, please. I need you. If you leave, I’ll never see you again, Drek! Don’t leave me.”

“I have to leave. Your dad is gonna call the police. I can’t take care of you and our baby if I’m in jail. Don’t worry. Okay?”

The tears fell from my eyes as my mama jerked me away from him. I never saw her coming. “No!”

A tear fell from Drek’s eyes as my dad pushed him toward the door. My heart was crushed. Jedrek quickly walked to the door as he yelled, “Fuck!”

He was hurting as badly as I was. “Drek!”

I fell to the floor, succumbing to the sorrow my body was feeling. “Get your ass off that floor, Chitrita. Now!”

I pulled myself together and stood from the floor and stormed upstairs to my room. Grabbing my phone from my purse, I immediately called Jedrek. “Hello?”

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