Do it Again

Three Months Later: Part One

~Essensce~

Ronnie held the passenger side door open as I forced myself out of his car. I took a deep breath and smacked his chest as he chuckled at my situation.

Me: so this is funny to you?

Ronnie: if i say yes will you hit me again?

Me: yes i will

Ronnie: well then no, its not funny at all baby, I know this is hard for you.

He bent down and kissed my forehead, then grabbed my hand. I was starting to get this wabble thing down, but these swollen ankles had to go.

Me: baby can we sit down somewhere please?

Ronnie: Helllll nah, you better make me dinner before you do anything else

He jokingly looked at me and i faked a smile. I know he was only playing, but the authority in his voice reminded me of Ty.

Ty.

He in jail right now serving 15 years for attempted homicide thanks to Andrea's cousin Gina, who took on my case pro bono. As far as me and Andrea go, she hasn't spoken to me since she left the hospital. She came to court, she sent me little discount links for baby clothes and stuff, and of course she got her cousin to take my case (every now and then she even sent over some things for me via Ronnie), but she won't speak, answer the phone, or text me back.

She's actin like she's the one that got her throat sliced open by the father of her child, in cold blood. Will told Ronnie that she's just shaken up about the whole situation, and eventually she'll be back to being the loud ass everybody is used to, but I think something else is wrong.

Ty pulled the door of the mailbox down and pulled out a small package, tucking it up under his arm as he unlocked the front door. The smell of clean clothes was wafted into my nose as we stepped through the door.

Ronnie: Hey ma!

His mom made her way out of the laundry room in the back of the kitchen, and reached up to hug and kiss her son. She did a once over of me, sighed, then smiled weakly. She tried to hide her disappointment, but it was set in her eyes that she was sad. She didn't want her son raising a child - someone else's especially - so young.

Ebony: Hey you two. You hungry? I made macaroni, corn, pork steaks, and there's some banana pudding setting in the refrigerator.

Ronnie: dang, thanks ma

I smiled the same weak smile, as Ronnie's mother as he made his way to the food. As Mrs. Daniels tried to break away, I reached out and touched her arm lightly.

Me: Umm, Mrs. Daniels...can we talk for a minute? About me and your son?

She looked into my eyes and her face told me she already knew. She walked away and I followed her into the living room. She patted the cushion next to her, so at least I know she doesn't hate me.

There was a pause and I cleared my throat.

Me: Mrs. Daniels-

Ebony: you can call me Ebony

Me: Alright...Miss Ebony

She laughed.

Me: I just wanted to say that I hope it doesn't seem like I'm trying to ruin your son's life, or intrude on your home. I know I've been here for three months, and we kind of did everything so quickly and just threw the news on you, and I'm so sorry.

Ebony looked down in guilt as I voiced everything she was probably thinking every time she saw me.

Me: I promise I'll find another job, and I'll take care of my baby. I don't want to impose, and I want you to know I didn't just put my baby off on Ronnie...honestly he wouldn't have it any other way...and I don't know if we'll stay together, but your son did save my life and my child's life and for that I will be forever indebted to him, and you because you raised him that way. I can honestly say I love him.

I caught myself smiling, and Ebony was smiling too.

Ebony: I can tell he loves you too. And truthfully I like you a whole lot better than that last hoodrat he almost had a baby with

Questions were automatically streaming through my mind, and I guess it was all over my face. Ebony placed a hand on my shoulder and whispered.

Ebony: he's sensitive about the subject so don't mention it, but between you and me I'm glad she's gone

She gave me a warm smile.

Ebony: so do you know what you're having?