PREGNANT

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

All I could think about was what Theo's dad said to me. He basically threatened to kill me if I ever spoke a word to anyone about what his family did. Is this the family I want my child grow up in? One where they casually talk about murdering someone, his mother at that?

Ash was busy getting everything together for Theo's party later in the evening. He as been at work since early this morning. I didn't even get to wish him a happy birthday before he left. I don't know if he was still angry about what happened between his father and I. After I told him, he immediately went downstairs and started shouting at him before he finally kicked them out of the house. 

I didn't mean for him to get so upset with his parents to the point where he told them not to come back to his house again. But I'm kinda glad because that man scared me. 

"Girl, aren't you gonna start getting ready? You know you have to look spicy for your man. " Ash grinned excitedly as she pull me along with her up the stairs.

"Ash, its only four o clock I've got plenty of time to get ready you know."

"I don't care, we need to start with your hair. You know how much time you spend in that hair of yours."

She finally got me in the room and sat me on the chair in front of the mirror. Holding my hair, she started to twist and turning it in different direction, the look on her face changes with every position. 

"Could you let go off my head. I'm just gonna put on a wig to save time and energy ok."

She frowned down at me and continued anyway. After she felt satisfied she finally let go and sat on the bed. 

"Ok wig it is. But I want to do it for you." A grin appeared on her face again. 

"Aren't you responsible for the party, why aren't you down there finishing up?" I asked turning towards her. 

"Babe, just let me do your hair please. I'm sure Janet can take care of everything left to do. Which isn't much, aight. So go take a shower, I'm gonna get everything you need. And I also bought a gift for Theo, from me, on you." I rolled my eyes at her as she smirked and winked at me.

I got up went into the bathroom with a smile on my face. 

"Ash I can't wear that dress."

"Why not?"

"Because....."

"Because what Zuri?" 

"I just can't wear it ok."

She glared at me and huffed. She turned back to finishing my hair. Everything was ready and set for the party. People had started showing up and Ash was already dressed and ready for the party. I fell asleep after I showered so now it was after six and I just started getting ready. I just hope Theo doesn't arrived home before I had finished. 

"There I'm finished with your makeup, your hair and all you need now is to put on the beautiful dress I got for you."

"Please Ash, don't push it I don't want to wear that stupid dress." She must have heard the crack in my voice because she stooped down in front of me and held my hands. I so didn't want to mess up my makeup crying but I couldn't stop the tears. 

"Hey sweetie, it's ok." She pulled me in her arms and rubbed my back softly. 

"It's ok, I'm here. Don't cry." After a few minutes I finally calmed down. She got up and went to get something to wipe my tears.

"I just..... I don't feel beautiful anymore. I tried wearing dresses like that and I almost threw up when I looked at myself in the mirror. It was horrible. My body. My tummy its so, I don't even know. You have no idea how it felt to have Theo looking and touching me while I look like this. I don't think he felt any different towards me but I can't help the feeling I get. I tried to forget about it, to be thankful for the bundle of joy I got but its so hard sometimes. I just..."

She sat beside me and pulled me closer to her and I placed my head on her shoulder.

"Zuri, I can only imagine what your feeling, but what I do know is that you are strong, you are amazing and no matter what happens you should remember that this body of yours is a body of a super woman, who brought a whole human being to this world. We may not realize it but that's one of possibly the greatest thing to ever happen. You're beautiful Zuri and I will tell you that everyday from now on if that is what it will take for you to accept how amazing you are."

I smile and stood pulling her along with me into a hug. We hugged for a while before we started laughing. When I pulled back I realized she had tears on her face. 

"Girl don't be crying for me." I playfully punched her and laughed. 

"Come on we need to get you in some clothes that's not a robe." She said and walked into the closet. 

"OK what do you think about this dress." She asked holding up a floral dress, that was flared and reached just below my knees.

"I think I'll wear this." I said holding up the dress she bought.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." She smile before she hurried me to the bathroom to put it on.

"Now that's what I'm talking about." She gushed and took my hand and twirled me around.

"Stop it." I blushed.

"Come on lets go down."

The party was in a full swing now but Theo was still not home as yet. I tried calling him but his number wasn't going through. All his friends were here and surprisingly his parents showed up, though they haven't said anything to me. Avan was with Ash's parents and I was glad they agreed to babysit so Theo and I could spend sometime together tonight. The front door opened and everyone turn to see if it was Theo who walked in but it was only Matthew. I completely forgot I invited him.

"Hey, I'm glad you could make it." I smiled at him before he pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back and tried to pull away but he held onto me. After he finally pulled away he had a big smile on his face.

"I'm glad I could make it." 

I cleared my throat awkwardly and looked around the room. Theo's parents were glaring at me and Matthew.

"You look beautiful Zu Zu."

"Yeah, Thank you, um make yourself comfortable and feel free to eat and drink to your hearts desire." I said and turn to walk away from him but he pulled me back. 

"Where is the birthday man? I'd like to give him my give." He said gesturing to the wrapped gift he had in his hand. I didn't even realize he had it.

"Oh, um he's not here yet but you can place it on the table over there." I told him pointing to the table of gifts in the corner of the room. He nodded and walked towards it and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in. He was acting really weird.

Suddenly my phone lit up in my hand and I saw Theo's name on the screen.

"Finally, baby I've been trying to reach you-"

"Is this Ms. Zuri?" a voice spoke cutting me off.

"Yes this is she. Who is this and why do you have Theo's phone?"

"I am calling from the St. David's Hospital to inform you that Mr. Black has been admitted to the hospital."

"What?"