Just Be A Man About It

10.

Malik

I was on my way to meet Mya at IHOP. I was excited and nervous about meeting Malia. I didn't know what she would do or say about seeing me. I also feel bad about lying to Naomi about where I was going this morning. I didn't know what to say nor how to say it. I'll just have to wait for the right time. I pull into a parking space and sit in the car. My stomach was turning, and I really feel like I am going to vomit. I take long deep breaths and turn the car off. I get out of the car and lock my doors. I walk into IHOP and see Mya already seated at a booth with a little girl with long curly hair with a purple bow on the side of her hair.

"Hi, may I help you?" The waitress asks,

"Yes, I'm with Mya Daniels."

"Right this way sir."

The closer we got to the table, the more I wanted to disappear. I was beyond nervous by now. I was terrified. I didn't know what to say, think, or do.

"Here you go, sir."

The waitress places my menu down and I thank her.

"Give me one second. I'll be right back."

"Okay," I say in a hoarse voice.

There was an awkward silence and I look up at Malia. She looks exactly like me only with Mya's hair and ears. She looks up at me and smiles with her missing teeth showing. I smile back.

"Mommy, who is this man. He's nice looking."

I laugh and Mya giggles. Mya looks at me for confirmation, and I nod. Here goes nothing.

"Malia, this is-"

"Sorry for the long wait. My name is Cali, and I will be your server for today. Can I start you all off with something to drink?"

"Can I have water?" Mya asks with a shaky voice.

"Sure thing. How about you sir?"

"Can I have water, also?"

"Sure can. What about you, sweetie?"

"Apple juice, please," Malia says.

Her lisp becoming evident in how she said please.

"Of course, honey. I'll be right back with your drinks."

The waitress leaves and I look at Mya. I could tell she was nervous.

"Mya, I think we should just wait to tell her," I whisper.

"Why?" She asks.

"Well because I want her to get comfortable around me first instead of her just jumping into a relationship with a stranger."

Mya sighs and looks at Malia. She paid us no mind. She was in her own little world with the crayons given to her, and a coloring page not yet colored in.

"You're right, Malik. I didn't mean to rush. I was just trying to get it over with."

"It's okay. Let's just wait a little longer. Let her get used to things and then tell her."