The rest of the summer went by so fast, and a week before school started they moved into their first house. Caleb had been making lots of money from Chris, so they had a good amount to work on the house and make it theirs. The night before they had to start school again, Caleb and Sabrina sat in their bed and listened to music while dinner was cooking. "Mi Vida?" Sabrina looked up at him "Si, papi?" "Thank you for all you do. You have honestly held me up so much these past few months. That wasn't something I should've let happen, you need to worry about you and the baby."
Sabrina shook her head "No, I wanted to. I mean, who comes in the bathroom every morning to pull my hair up when I get sick? And who makes sure I have frozen gatorade? And who carries my extra meds in their wallet in case I need it?" Caleb chuckled "Fine, I guess we're even." Sabrina was still really sick, so Caleb had to keep a close eye on her to make sure she stayed hydrated and took her medicine.
"Aye, I do not want to go back to school. Everyone is gonna stare, but at least I have cute clothes that fit me now." Caleb smiled, he had just bought her a bunch of maternity clothes since nothing she had fit anymore. "Papi, I'm excited." Caleb looked up at her "Why is that, love?" "Cause we get to find out what the baby is on Friday, silly." Caleb had almost forgotten "That's right. Then we can pick a color for the baby's room."
Friday, they both skipped school for Sabrina's appointment. As they walked to the clinic, Caleb had so many thoughts going through his head 'I hope it's a girl. But I guess a boy would be ok too. I don't know, I'm just happy.' The only words Caleb remembered the whole time were "It's a girl." Caleb held Sabrina's hand and cried. Things were finally coming together, life was starting to get better and better. Sabrina was so excited.
The next afternoon Caleb walked past the local high rise and heard Jamal "Yo, Caleb!" He looked up and saw Jamal in the 7th floor window "Bro, whats up?" Jamal chuckled "Get your ass up here." Caleb ran upstairs to Jamal's apartment "You gotta meet your nephew, man!" Caleb walked into their apartment and smiled brightly as he saw Cassie holding the baby.
"Oh my God, he's so little. Can I hold him?" Cassie looked up and giggled "Yea, you can hold him. I was going to lay down anyway." Caleb sat on the couch and Cassie handed him the baby. She looked at Jamal and smirked "See, nothing to worry about. He will be a good daddy." She went to the bedroom as Jamal sat next to Caleb "So, what's she having?" Caleb's face lit up as he chuckled "A girl. Lexia Nicole." Jamal nodded "I'm happy for you, bro. You are definitely growing up."
Sabrina begged Caleb to go baby shopping the following Monday after school, but he knew he had to work that afternoon. "Maybe this weekend, mi vida. I have to work tonight. I'm sorry." Sabrina smiled and kissed Caleb "It's ok, papi. We still have time. I really appreciate you picking up this job so we are taken care of. Me and the baby are very lucky to have you."
Caleb had begun a part time job at a local sub shop after school to help with bills a little more. Chris had a lot of personal things going on, so he didn't have much time to get Caleb any jobs. A couple times a week, Sabrina and her best friend Isabella would come in and split a sub and keep Caleb company since the shop was a little slow. That afternoon, Sabrina and Isabella came in.
Caleb came out from behind the counter and handed Sabrina $50. "There, you and Isabella can pick some things out." Sabrina smiled and looked at Isabella "Wanna go with?" Isabella giggled "Si, bonita! I love baby shopping." Caleb thought it was funny listening to them speak Spanish and then switch to English mid sentence. "Hey, Sabrina. I kinda wanted to do a lil art on the wall in the baby's room, is that ok with you?" Sabrina nodded "Of course, papi. You're artistic, whatever you think."
Chris came in later that evening, about 15 minutes before closing. "Hey boss, whats up?" Chris smiled "Hey lil man, how's it been?" Caleb shrugged "Ya know, busting my ass for my girls. Same old same old. You ok?" Chris shrugged "Just been dealing with a lot of shit. Baby mama's are fucking crazy." Caleb nodded "I've heard. Hey, can you do me a favor?" Chris looked at Caleb and raised an eyebrow "You know I'm still your boss, right?" Caleb laughed "Yea, I'll give you $20 just to do it for me." Chris chuckled "What do you need?" Caleb grabbed a napkin and started scribbling things down. "Here, can you grab me this stuff from the store?"
Chris read the list "What is this for, exactly?" Caleb smirked "You ever seen the tatt on Jamal's chest?" Chris nodded "That is badass .Why?" Caleb sighed "Some guys over that way jumped me a while back and stole my sketchbook. I did that drawing when I was 10. I guess they are using my sketchbook for tatts. But, I am gonna do a couple things in the baby's room and I won't be able to get to the store between school and this place." Chris grinned "I knew you were an artist. That shit was nice as hell. I gotchu."
YOU ARE READING
Growing Up
Teen FictionIn a world that seems to have nothing constant but uncertainty, 15 year old Caleb must try to make his way in a place that seems to want him dead. Haunted by the terror he has faced in his short life, he has to try to be something he isn't: Average.
