GUILT

Chapter 26

The Baby Shower

     Chantelle spent hours getting herself together. She made sure her makeup and hair was on point. She ordered a beautiful sheer white gown that flowed every time she walked. Trae was already dressed in his blue and black button down with a pair of khaki slacks. He waited downstairs until she was ready. Chantelle sprayed perfume over her body and began to walk out of the room. She grasped the rail as she walked down the stairs and saw Trae flashing his pretty white teeth at her.

     "Damn ma, you beautiful," Trae gazed at her.

      She kissed him, "Thank you baby."

      "You got everything you need? Change of clothes? Blankets? The emergency bag?"

      "Chill," she chuckled, "The baby won't be here until another two months."

      "I'm just making sure," he said nervously.

The two headed out the door and into Chantelle's car. Trae drove them to the venue. The outside was decorated with pretty pink and blue flowers along the gate and flower petals were also scattered on the walkway that led into building. Outside, there were a few relatives waiting at the door. Both of Trae's and Chantelle's family were there.

     "Hey sweet thang," an older lady greeted them as they walked up the stairs.

      Chantelle looked confused as ever.

     "This is my Aunt May. Aunt May, this is Chantelle," Trae greeted the two.

     "Nice to meet you," Chantelle said shaking the older lady's hand.

     "You did a good job, she's very pretty nephew," the older lady said.

The inside of the venue was decorated with balloons to the ceiling, plastic baby bottle centerpieces and confetti on the tables, and flower petals along the floor. The siting of it all made tears form in Chantelle's eyes. She couldn't believe all of this was happening.

    "Hey neph," his uncle said dapping him up.

     "What's up unc," Trae said.

     "Nothing much. What's up Chantelle, how you been?"

      "I been good. Some days are better than others," she said rubbing her stomach.

       "Yeah, I understand," her uncled chuckled.

        Shay spotted the two and walked over to them.

        "Girl, don't you look good," she said hugging Chantelle. "And Trae, you look nice too."

         "Thank you, thank you. I try," he said conceitedly.

         "C'mon, let me escort you to y'all seats."

Shay led them to two golden thrones sitting high, looking out towards the audience. Chantelle hugged Shay tightly, kissing her on the cheek. Trae rubbed his hands together with a smirk on his face as he took his seat. Shay called over the photographer so they could take pictures. Trae held Chantelle's hand, then kissed her as the photographer took the pictures. Then, Trae stood up and posed for the camera while holding Chantelle's stomach. Chantelle began blushing and gazed around the room.

     Shay picked up the microphone from the table. "Excuse me everyone, can everyone please take your seats. We are about to get ready and get started. But first, I would like to welcome the beautiful, mother-to-be, Chantelle Adams. Now, I would like to welcome the handsome, father-to-be, Tradarrious Jackson." The two smiled and waved out into the audience.