When we first met (A Zatima Story)

I love you

Later that evening, Fatima sat anxiously on the couch, checking her phone for the tenth time. Zac had just texted her that he was outside. The weight of their unresolved tension hung in the air like a thick fog, and she knew it was time to face it head-on.

"Andi, Zac's here," Fatima said, looking over at her best friend, who had been giving her pep talks all day.

Andi stood up, smoothing her dress. "Alright, girl. I'm gonna go and let y'all have this conversation. Just remember everything I told you, okay? Be honest with him, Fatima."

"I will, Andi. Thanks for everything," Fatima said, standing to hug her friend.

Andi hugged her back tightly. "Love you, girl. I'll see you later."

"Love you too."

As Andi left, Zac came in, his face a mix of nervousness and determination. He didn't waste any time.

"Hey, Ti," Zac greeted, his voice soft but steady.

"Hey, Zac," she replied, her voice cautious.

Zac took a deep breath, clearly ready to get straight to the point. "Ti, I've thought a lot about everything, and I love you. I love you so much. I know this whole situation is a lot for you, and honestly, it's a lot for me too. I just want to apologize for putting you in this mess. If you feel like you need to leave me, I'd understand."

Fatima's heart squeezed at his words. She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "Zac, I love you too. Yes, this is a lot, but I'm not going to leave you. You've explained your side, and the only thing we can do now is wait to see if the baby is yours. No matter what happens, I'm going to stand by your side. I promise."

Zac's relief was palpable. His shoulders relaxed, and he smiled at her, though his eyes were still filled with emotion. "Thank you so much, Ti."

Fatima tilted her head, confused. "For what?"

"For being so understanding. For sticking with me through all of this. For loving me."

Fatima smiled softly. "You don't have to thank me, Zac. I'm doing this because I love you. Now, do you want to stay the night?"

Zac's eyes softened, and he nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."

---

The next morning, Fatima woke up first, the sunlight filtering through her curtains. She looked over at Zac, who was still half-asleep beside her.

"Zac," she called quietly.

Zac blinked awake, looking over at her. "Yeah, Ti?"

Fatima bit her lip, unsure of how to phrase her next question. "Do you want the baby to be yours?"

Zac thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "Honestly, no. I want to have a baby with the right person, and Maya is not it."

Fatima nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Who do you think the father is, then?"

Zac shrugged. "Probably Chris's baby."

Fatima raised an eyebrow. "And how do you feel about her sleeping with Chris?"

Zac sighed but smiled slightly. "It hurt at first, but not really anymore. I've got you now, Ti, and that's all that matters to me."

Fatima couldn't help but smile back. "Really, Zac?"

"Yeah, really. I love you, Ti, and I want to be with you forever."

Fatima's heart warmed at his words. "I want that too."

---

Meanwhile, over at Maya's house, things were far less peaceful. Chris sat across from Maya, his tone sharp as he confronted her.

"Maya, cut the bullshit. You know it's my baby," Chris said, leaning forward, his eyes hard.

Maya crossed her arms defensively. "I don't know if it's yours, okay?"

Chris let out a bitter laugh. "You're four months pregnant, and we slept together four months ago. Stop trying to hold on to Zac."

"I'm not! It could still be his baby. And don't act like you didn't know—I wish you had this same energy when you were supposed to be Zac's best friend."

Chris's face darkened. "Man, fuck that. Zac's moved on, he's got a whole new girl, and you're sitting here still worried about him. Why?"

Maya's voice trembled as she spoke. "You wouldn't understand, Chris. I love Zac, okay? I regret sleeping with you. It was a moment of weakness, and it's not going to happen again."

Chris rolled his eyes. "You slept with me to get back at him, but newsflash, Maya—he ain't worried about you. He's with Fatima now, and he's not leaving her."

Maya's face twisted in pain, but she didn't argue. Chris had hit too close to the truth.

---

Back at Fatima's house, she and Zac sat on the couch, both of them lost in thought.

"How do you feel about the whole situation?" Zac finally asked, breaking the silence.

Fatima sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "Honestly, there's nothing I can do but wait and hope for the best. If it's not your baby, I'll be relieved. If it is, then that's that. I'll deal with it. I'm just hoping for the best."

Zac looked at her, amazed. "How do you stay so positive?"

Fatima smiled softly, shrugging. "I don't know. I guess I'm just like that."

Zac reached out, taking her hand in his. "You really are something else, Ti. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Zac."

---

Meanwhile, back at Maya's house, Chris was still lingering, though his frustration was palpable. He stood up to leave but turned to Maya one last time.

"Maya, he's not coming back," Chris said, his tone firm.

Maya looked down at the floor, her voice small. "He's just trying to make me jealous. He'll come back."

Chris shook his head. "No, he won't. You need to let this go. Be with me, Maya. I want you."

Maya's eyes narrowed. "No, you don't. You just want what Zac had."

Chris's expression softened. "That's not true. I've wanted you since you and Zac started talking. This isn't about him."

Maya wasn't convinced. "It sure feels like it is. You know what, Chris? I'll let you know the results when I find out, but for now, just leave."

Chris threw his hands up in frustration. "Fine, Maya."

As he finally left, Maya sat down heavily on the couch, staring at the door. The reality of her situation began to sink in. She was alone, clinging to the hope that Zac might still care, but deep down, she knew Chris was right.

---

Back at Fatima's house, Zac and Fatima continued to talk, the conversation flowing easier now.

"Whatever happens, I'm just glad I have you," Zac said quietly.

Fatima smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Me too."

And for the first time in days, both of them felt a little more at peace, knowing they had each other to lean on no matter what the future held.