Fatima: Love, Family, and Career Part II

Chapter 20: Bigger Fish to Fry

It's been a few weeks since the incident at the house with Nate. Tony had been trying to apologize, but Zac wasn't having it. He was torn inside because he had to break off a 30-year friendship.

"Zac, I'm sorry about what happened last night," said Fatima.

"No, you're not. you didn't even like them," he jokes.

"I am. Just because I didn't like them doesn't mean I don't understand how much that hurt you."

"I knew it was bound to happen. If I had to choose between them and you, I choose you all day everyday babe," he kissed her on the lips.

"You better, if know what's best for you," Fatima jokes.

"Yep, what's the saying? Sometimes you got to let things go in order to grow."

"Look at you, Zachary. That's right. Everything in your past ain't meant to come into your future."

"I love you, T."

"I love you too."

They sit in silence for a minute.

"So, what is this about him disrespecting me before?"

"Oh, at the bachelor party. But don't worry about it, I handled it," said Zac.

"How did you handle it?" Fatima asked curiously.

"I punched him in the face, shoot they had to pull me off him."

"So, you let him come back around, and to our house? He's an asshole and not a real friend," Fatima said. "I could have gone to jail of his ass."

"I know, I know," Zac said disappointed. "I know now. I'm sorry."

"Good now cheer up because you have bigger fish to fry anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean if I went to jail you would have been raising 2 kids by yourself."

"Two kids? Babe, are you pregnant?"

She pulls out the pregnancy test and hands it to him.

Zac hugs and kisses her. "Fatima, when did you find out?"

"About a few days ago. I was feeling weird, like nauseous and then my period was late again. I still had one of those tests you bought. Once it came out positive, I made an appointment with Dr. K. She confirmed it. I was going to tell you the other night, but you didn't come home. That's why when you did come home, I wouldn't let you stay here. I was pissed. Here I go with some exciting news, but I couldn't share it with you because you were out partying with those jerks."

"Damn, I'm sorry babe."

"Man, therapy is working for me. The old T would have..."

He cuts her off, "But weren't you drinking last night?"

"That was grape juice. I'm not ready for everyone to know yet. So, if the girls or you knew I wasn't drinking ya'll would have known."

"I'm so excited T, what did the doctor say?"

"She just said to take it easy. During the 1st trimester, she wants to keep a close eye on me. She also said not to tell anyone until after the 12-week checkup just till we are in the clear."

"Ok. That makes sense. Come here babe," said Zac. She does as she is told and just lay in his arms for what seems like an eternity.

...

A few weeks following, Zac has been watching Fatima's every move. She goes to the bathroom, he is there. She walks downstairs, and he is there, she tries to lift anything, and he grabs it. It may sound sweet, but it is driving Fatima up the wall. The problem is though she can't vent to her girls yet.

It's a Saturday morning, and Fatima and Zac are lying in bed.

"Fatima, why don't you work full-time from home?" Asked Zac.

"Um babe, this what we not gone do. I know you are a concerned husband and father, but as long as the doctor says it's ok, I'm going to work. I only work two days a week in the office, geesh. All this following me around the house is driving me crazy. I promised you I would take it easy, and I am, but dang you're stressing me out and that's not good either."

"Oh, my bad. I just want to be there to take a load off you and support you."

"You can do that by being around as much as you can, but don't smother me. It's ok to ask me how I'm feeling and then leave it at that. That's it. Other than that, there is nothing else we can do. My body is going to do what it's going to do regardless."

"I love you, babe."

"I love you too," she kisses him and then gets out of bed. "Now what's the plan for today? I need to drop something off at Madea's. Do you want to come with me? Then we can hang out just you, Zuri, and me."

"Yeah that's cool, let's get ready."

They do their morning routine, then get Z dressed, and head out. Of course, Zac ends up driving.

They arrive at Madea's.

"Hey, Madea. How's it going?"

"Hey, baby, what brings you here? You done brought the whole family," said Madea.

"Nice to see you too," Zac said as he goes to hug her.

"You act like you're hiding something in here," Fatima said laughing.

"I might have a gentleman caller in my bed."

"Eww, gross!" Zac said closing his ears. "I'm going back to the car.

He takes Zuri and they wait in the car.

"Next time call first," said Madea. "What brings you here?"

"Madea, you don't call when you come to my house. I came to drop off your dishes and some money to get your car fixed."

"T, I don't need your money."

"I love you, byeee," Fatima leaves.

She gets in the car. "Let's go to the mall. Zuri needs some summer clothes."

They go to the mall and then to a nice restaurant to eat.