Agora Hills

twelve

Chapter Twelve

October 26, 2024

Reeva stood in Tookie's backyard, surrounded by the vibrant chaos of the Halloween party. The air was thick with laughter and excitement, punctuated by the sugary scents wafting from the table piled high with treats. She licked the icing off her cupcake, savoring the sweet taste as she surveyed the scene.

Tookie had truly outdone herself this time. With massive balloon arches framing the pool, fake cobwebs draping from the trees, and various crafts spread out on tables, the place felt like a festive wonderland.

"Tookie, his family is super close," Reeva remarked, leaning against the picnic table, a teasing grin on her face.

Tookie sighed, glancing at the group of partygoers milling about. "It's only been a week, Reeva."

"Hey, Samoans are friendly," Reeva shot back playfully. "They only need an hour with you before they claim you as family."

As the party unfolded, Reeva couldn't help but feel the excitement bubbling within her. She watched kids darting from the slime-making station to the pumpkin-decorating area, each face lit up with joy. The atmosphere was infectious, even if Tookie seemed a bit overwhelmed by it all. Reeva understood that hosting such a big gathering could be daunting, especially with so many unfamiliar faces around.

Tookie had gone all out for this event—pumpkin-decorating contests, a gingerbread house station styled like a haunted mansion, and even canvas painting. The dining room was decorated with bat balloons and a silver arch that read, "Happy Halloween." Each detail showcased Tookie's passion for making everyone feel welcome and included.

Yet, Reeva couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Just then, Trinity approached her, her brow furrowed with concern. "Hey girl, Tookie isn't feeling well. Is something going on with her?"

Reeva shrugged, trying to brush off the worry. "She seemed fine earlier. Let me go check on her." Grabbing Kayla, who was seated on Zilla's lap, she headed towards the bathroom where she knew Tookie had retreated.

The sight that greeted them was alarming. Tookie was hunched over the toilet, the distress on her face evident. "What's wrong? Is it your anxiety?" Kayla asked, immediately springing into action. "Go get her some water, Reeva."

Reeva dashed out of the bathroom, grabbing a glass from the kitchen and filling it with water. She could hear Kayla murmuring comforting words to Tookie as she made her way back. When she returned, Kayla was gently rubbing Tookie's back, her face a mix of concern and empathy.

"Tookie, what's wrong?" Kayla prompted softly.

Tookie flushed the toilet and crawled over to the sink, splashing her face with water. "I don't know if I can tell you," she admitted, her voice shaky. Reeva felt a pang of worry for her friend.

"C'mon, Tookie. You know me," Kayla encouraged gently. "Talk to us."

Tookie hesitated, clearly struggling with something heavy. Reeva leaned closer, wanting to be there for her friend, hoping she'd open up. After a moment of silence, Tookie finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay. Okay, I'm pregnant."

Reeva gasped, nearly dropping the glass of water. "What?!"

The words hung in the air like a bombshell, and Kayla echoed her shock. "Oh my God! Scream some more so everyone can come running over here," Tookie replied, half-joking but with a hint of panic in her tone.

"I'm sorry, but did you just say you're pregnant?" Reeva pressed, her mind racing.

"Look, I'm thirteen weeks, okay? And yes, I used his sperm. No, I'm not telling him yet because I don't even know if he's going to stick around for real," Tookie explained, her eyes filled with worry.

Reeva exchanged glances with Kayla, who nodded in understanding. "Tookie, do you not see how Jonathan is right now? He's going to stick. That man doesn't play about his kids. You need to give him a chance," Kayla urged.

Reeva chimed in, her voice steady. "And honestly, what are you so worried about? You know how we grew up. We were lucky to have Phil in our lives. Let your kids enjoy that with Jonathan."

Tookie sighed, clearly wrestling with her feelings. "We need Papa Phil to come talk some sense into her," Kayla joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Tookie rolled her eyes. "No, leave him out of it! He'll get on the mic and announce it to the whole room," she said, imagining her father's enthusiastic approach.

"Okay then, just act like you've got some sense," Kayla teased.

Reeva couldn't help but smile at the banter. "Wait, are you having twins? Is that why your boobs have been looking extra perky?" she asked, unable to resist.

"I was just about to ask if you got them done, but now I know your ass is just pregnant," Kayla added with a laugh.

Tookie rolled her eyes again, but the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease a little. "At this rate, Tookie will have all the kids for us," Reeva joked, feeling lighter in spirit.

"Right? I might not need to pop one out when I can just come and borrow one from Tookie," Kayla quipped, and they all laughed, breaking the weight of the moment.

"Fuck y'all," Tookie said, but the hint of a smile crept onto her lips.

Suddenly, Jora appeared at the bathroom door, her face lit with excitement. "Momma, Daddy is looking for you. He said something about letting a few people sleep over," she announced.

"Sleepover!" Reeva and Kayla exclaimed, exchanging gleeful looks.

"Let me go claim my room," Kayla said, bolting out of the bathroom.

"Matter of fact, let me go do the same," Reeva followed, racing after her friend, laughter trailing behind them.

As they left, Reeva couldn't help but think about the implications of Tookie's news. It was a lot to process, especially in the middle of such a busy party. Tookie was always the strong one, the one who held everything together. This new development could change so much, and Reeva hoped Tookie would find the support she needed.

After claiming her room, Reeva returned to the party, excitement buzzing around her. The energy was contagious; laughter erupted as kids played games and chased each other around. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, feeling grateful for the community they had built.

As she wandered through the gathering, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation. The adults were mingling, sharing stories about their own Halloween experiences. Reeva felt a sense of nostalgia, remembering the many Halloweens they had celebrated together growing up.

She spotted Jonathan laughing with a group of friends, his easy demeanor putting everyone at ease. Reeva felt a flicker of hope for Tookie; Jonathan seemed genuinely invested in the party, in their lives. Maybe he would step up, maybe he would be the kind of father they all needed.

Reeva's thoughts were interrupted by a group of kids running past her, shrieking with delight. She joined in the festivities, throwing herself into the spirit of the party. She chatted with friends, played games, and snuck more treats from the dessert table, the worries about Tookie momentarily set aside.

As the night wore on, the decorations around the house twinkled under the soft glow of lights. The pumpkin-decorating station was a riot of color, with children showing off their creative masterpieces. Reeva's heart swelled with pride for Tookie, who had managed to pull off such a magical event despite her struggles.

When she finally found a moment of quiet, Reeva stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the crisp night air. The stars twinkled overhead, and for a moment, everything felt right. She thought about Tookie and the conversation they'd had in the bathroom. Reeva hoped she would open up more about her feelings and the challenges ahead.

"Hey, girl!" Kayla called, interrupting her thoughts. "You coming back in? They're starting the costume contest!"

Reeva laughed and nodded, her spirits lifting again. She knew that, together, they could support Tookie through anything. And as she rejoined the lively crowd, the sound of laughter and joy surrounding her, she felt a renewed sense of determination. They were family, and they would navigate whatever came next together.