When we first met (A Zatima Story)

What?

It was supposed to be a special night for Zac and Fatima. Their graduation was only days away, and their excitement about starting college together was palpable. The evening was set for a romantic dinner at Mont Blu, a celebration of their love and a hopeful look toward their future. But as they sat together, Maya's unexpected arrival shattered their plans.

**At Mont Blu**

Zac and Fatima were deep in conversation when Maya appeared at the corner of their table. Her entrance was like a storm crashing through their peaceful night.

"If it isn't the happy couple," Maya said, her voice dripping with malice.

"Not today, Maya," Fatima said, trying to keep her composure.

Maya ignored Fatima's warning. "I see you're on a little date."

"Why don't you go away so we can enjoy our evening?" Zac said firmly.

Maya's face hardened. "Why should I? Why should I let you two be happy while I'm left miserable? Hell, no."

Fatima's patience snapped. "Do you want me to beat your ass again? Because I will."

Maya's smirk widened. "Girl, this isn't even about you. I have something to tell Zac."

Zac looked at Maya with a mix of confusion and concern. "What is it, Maya?"

Maya took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Zac's with a challenging stare. "I'm... pregnant, and yes, it's yours."

The words hit Zac like a punch to the gut. His face turned ashen as he struggled to grasp the gravity of Maya's claim. Fatima's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding as she tried to process the bombshell.

"What the fuck do you mean you're pregnant, Maya?" Zac demanded, his voice shaking with disbelief.

Maya crossed her arms defiantly. "I mean what I said."

"Fuck that shit, it ain't mine," Zac said, his voice rising with frustration.

"Yes, it is, Zac. I've only been with you," Maya insisted, her tone a mix of defiance and desperation.

"I know for a fact you're lying because Chris told me that y'all hooked up after we broke up," Zac said, his eyes blazing with anger.

Maya's expression faltered for a moment, then she shrugged. "Okay, and? I went to the doctor, and it's been four months."

"We broke up five months ago, Maya," Zac countered, his voice heavy with disbelief.

"Look, Zac, I'm not here to argue with you about this. I'll send you all the information about the baby," Maya said, casting a disdainful glance at Fatima. "He gave me something that you'll never have. Enjoy the rest of your night." Maya turned and walked away, leaving Zac and Fatima in stunned silence.

"Are you okay, T?" Zac asked, turning to Fatima, his voice tinged with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Fatima replied, though her voice betrayed her distress.

"What did she mean by 'he gave me something you'll never have'?" Zac asked, trying to make sense of Maya's parting words.

"I don't want to talk about that here or now," Fatima said, her voice tight with emotion.

"Fatima, I'm so sorry," Zac said, reaching out to her.

Fatima shook her head. "You know what, Zac, it's fine. Can you just take me home?"

"Sure," Zac said, his face etched with worry as they left the restaurant.

**At Fatima's House**

When they arrived at Fatima's house, Zac's concern was palpable. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Fatima said curtly, already moving towards her front door.

"Well, I wanted to—" Zac began, but he was cut off as Fatima stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

"Fuck, man," Zac muttered, his frustration evident as he turned to leave.

**Inside Fatima's House**

Fatima stormed into her room, where Andi was waiting anxiously. The moment Andi saw her friend's distraught face, she rushed to her side.

"Friend, are you okay?" Andi asked, her voice filled with concern.

" SHE IS FUCKIN' PREGNANT, ANDI!" Fatima shouted, her voice breaking with raw emotion.

"Bitch, who?" Andi asked, her eyes widening in shock.

"MAYA'S BITCH ASS!" Fatima yelled, her frustration boiling over.

Andi's eyes narrowed as she processed the news. "Did you stay long enough for Zac to tell his side of the story?"

"No, I didn't want to hear it. I just want to take a shower and go to sleep," Fatima said, her voice trembling.

"You have to hear him out, friend," Andi said firmly. "This is big. You need to know his side of the story."

"I'll hear him out tomorrow. Not right now," Fatima said, her tone final.

"Okay, girl," Andi said, sensing her friend's need for space.

**Meanwhile**

Zac was struggling to understand why Maya had come back into his life with such a destructive revelation. He had moved on from her and was finally happy with Fatima. The sudden reappearance of Maya and her claim threatened to undo everything he had worked so hard for.

In the quiet of his car, Zac's mind raced. Why was Maya so desperate to get him back? Why now, after he had clearly moved on? The thought of what might be at stake—the life he was building with Fatima, his future—was overwhelming. Maya had always been a complication in his life, and he had hoped that leaving her behind meant leaving that complexity behind as well.

As the hours ticked by, Zac's frustration and confusion grew. He knew he needed to speak with Fatima and explain everything, but he also understood that her emotions were raw and she needed time to process the shocking news.

For now, Zac was left to grapple with the unexpected twist Maya had thrown into their lives. The road ahead was uncertain, and he was determined to do whatever it took to prove to Fatima that he was committed to their future, despite the chaos Maya had unleashed.

As he drove away from Fatima's house, Zac's mind was filled with questions and a growing sense of urgency. He had to make things right, both for himself and for Fatima. The coming days would be crucial in determining whether their relationship could withstand the storm that had suddenly rocked their world.