Web of Deceit

FAFO

I took my time making my way home. The Wegmans was as bougie as expected, but the bread and soft cheeses were a must. It was already bad enough that I had to give up sushi for the remainder of my pregnancy. I loaded up after I overheard a few shoppers as I passed by talking about a snowstorm coming. I had about 3 carts full of food, snacks, drinks, and household things. I struggled for a minute before a worker came over to help me.

After loading my things into my vehicle for me, I offered a tip, but the young man refused. Must be a company thing. I put a lil pep in my step cause I need to talk over the next moves with AJ. My phone rings. "Chica, why yo raggedy ass Baby Daddy calling my phone," asks Stacia. "Well hello to you too," I respond. "What he say, Stacia?" "This cabron, man." she starts. "He asks me if I know where his shoes are!! Girl, when I stopped laughing. I told him to go play in traffic." "He did not call you about his damn shoes girl!!" I laugh. "Yes his nuta$$ did!" she says.

I start to head back toward my house. I have Christmas music playing in the background of the car. " I am just so mad that they have ruined Christmas for me this year. I am usually mad hype around this time. Maribela just called on some sh*t," I tell her. "Chica, say the word and I will body her, deada**!" "That is why you my ride or ride," I say. "Cause we too cute to die," we yell together.

"Nah, but for real, what did she say to you Em," asks Stacia. "She was just trying to stir ish up. I got something for dat a** though," I say. I go on to tell Stacia my plans for tomorrow with Mr. Hines. Together we tweak my idea until we have a solid plan to execute. When I look, 20 minutes have passed and I am pulling up toward my driveway.

I beep the horn for AJ to help me with all the groceries. As we get everything put in the house, I tell AJ about the coffee shop. I saved that bag for last. "Hermano, I didn't get concha, but this place has some crispy delicious orejas," I say. "Word, aiight let me see how they do it in Ithaca, then."

I handed over the bag. "You want tea or decaf?" "Coffee, Em," says AJ. I pull out a few things to make some food for dinner. "AJ, Maribela called me," I start. "That woman seems to have an overabundance of audacity. I have some plans in the works. I am getting ready to start dismantling her life. I know you have my back, but she did birth you, so if you feel some type of way about this, let me know now," I explain.

" Em, you and me. I mean that," says AJ. "Whatever happens, I have your back. So what's the moves?" We talk over dinner. AJ has even more ideas to add to the plan. I knew he had my back, but the lengths he would go to prove it was love. I stand and stretch. Today has been a long AF. I take my plate to the sink and wipe down the island we ate at.

"Tomorrow, I put my plans into action. Sunday we watch the fireworks," I tell him. "Buenas noches, hermano." "Buenas noches lil fea!" I head up the steps and set a reminder on my phone to get a new number in the morning. I head straight for the bathroom. I can't wait to try out the shower. I let my clothes fall as I headed toward the shower entrance and turn on the water.

Under the hot water, I let myself fall apart. Trying to hold it all together is wearing on me. I never expected my life to unfold like this. But I refuse to suffer alone. Those two jokers are delusional if they think I will let them continue unscathed. I gave that man 8 years of my life. We made plans for 3 kids. We talked about moving to a bigger place and expanding our businesses. He sold me on this dream a while screwing my mo-Maribela.

I pull myself together and wash up. The multiple showerheads are heaven to my stressed-out body. I step out and get my toiletries from my bags. I feel something like butterfly wings fluttering in my belly. I start to lather my body butter all over. I look at the changes to my body. My breasts are heavier and my hips are a little wider. My bump is a little noticeable now. "Mommy's gonna gather all the fake ones and make moves to clear them from around us. You will not feel any parts of this, Evie!"