Family Man

Chapter 24

"Last Warning"

Jesse encircled his arms around,Teesha, as her head lay comfortably on his chest. He kissed the top of her head; closing his eyes as he held her securely in his arms.

"I'm sorry."She looked directly in his eyes. "I shouldn't..." She said being cut off.

" There's nothing to be sorry about. I want you in my arms. You need me and I want to be needed by you.," Jesse exclaimed.

"Jesse."She smiled slightly."Why are you here?" She shook her head. "You know this only complicates things." She said leaving her hands resting on his chest.

"Nothing about being here for you is complicated. I'm never going to stop caring for you."He told her staring. " You know..."He said stalling momentarily. "That display of affection Michael showed....Do....does that mean..?"He paused as she cut him off.

"It means nothing!" She exclaimed shaking her head. "Michael,he...." She looked around, then back in Jesse's eyes. " I don't completely understand his tactics. He knows that nothing is resolved between us. I've had very little time to even think of my marriage. I've been ill for the past few days." She confessed.

"I overheard you and Mrs Jackson. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop,but I did listen. Maybe you should seek a doctor or a test." Jesse told her

"No." She said breaking away from his embrace shocked and embrassed that he knows.

He walked behind her. "Teesha. I didn't mean to upset you." Jesse exclaimed.

" Im not upset and there's just no way I could be...." She paused and looked a little terrified.

"Are you that afraid,because of the possibility of me being this child's father?" Jesse inquired.

She walked on the opposite side of the kitchen."Jesse."She sighed weakly.

He took a few steps walking closer to her. " You know there's nothing I'd I ever do to hurt you. But if this is so and there's a chance...we can't run away from it. We made love unprotected ,as well as protected. There is definitely a chance I could be."He caressed her shoulder.

She exhaled deeply. " I'm no better than, Michael. "She covered her palms over her face. "What an example I am for my daughter." She shrieked sarcastically, as tears welled up in her eyes.

" How can you compare yourself to him? Teesha you were heartbroken and you're still hurting. You needed me... I needed you,too. A child is not the end of the world."He exclaimed stroking her cheek.

"Maybe not. But how can I tell my daughter this? I can't do this. I don't want this." Teesha cried out touching his hand.

"I want whatever you want and whatever you don't want I accept ,too. I can go get you one of those tests things for you."He said caressing her jawline."That way you can have a peace of mind."Jesse suggested.

She chuckled slightly pulling her hair behind her ear." I can't make you do that,Jesse." She sniffled turning her head.

"I want to do this. I have an idea."His eyes lit up and he smiled. "We both can go. You need some air and a moment to breathe, anyway."He smiled at her.

"I can't leave,Jesse. How would that look when I have all these people here? She asked him.

"It's simple. " You need more ice!"He grinned. "Come on." He reached for her hand. "We'll be back before anyone misses us." He put on a bigger smile.

Teesha looked out through the window. Every one was either laughing,eating and having fun. Her eyes glanced as Michael played with their daughter. His face lit up in such a way when he played with her.It made her smile.