Dark Like Me 3: Open Up

11

It's been a good month and a week since I found out I'm pregnant. I am 12 weeks now. Andy and I met later that day, she was completely elated to have Robyn back and it seemed Robyn was happy to see her. Robyn couldn't stop giggling and putting her hands in Andy's face. But, now there is a legal battle going on with Alchemy, claiming Andy stole Robyn. Alchemy didn't mention anything about me. I'm not sure why either.

Mr. Ellwood has yet to come back to work. No one has heard from him or even seen him. I'm convinced he has gone on the run from something sinister. Mr. Sasson and I have been running the company efficiently, he is showing me the ropes, right down to the paychecks and who gets what vacation time. It's all still overwhelming and I am still trying to wrap my head around, why Mr. Ellwood gave me the reins.

Engel, on the other hand, has been slick dissing me often. I'm not the one to snitch but it's getting to the point where I do want to sock him in his mouth.

I'm shifting through the mounds of paperwork on Mr. Ellwood's desk. Unfiled and unfinished documents. I grunt in frustration on trying to organize this chaos of a mess. I rub my tummy to remind myself I can't be stressing. I have two little ones to think about now. TWINS! It still hasn't sunk in yet.

Engel embraces Mr. Ellwood's office with his presences, he leans on the door frame. "How's it going so far?"

"Fine. A lot of unfinished paperwork." What in the hell does he want?

"Well, if it's too stressful, you can hand the tasks over to me."

I stand up and stare at Engel in his eyes. "I don't think so, Engel. Whatever your problem is with me, I suggest you get it fixed because I have no time or patience for your petty bullshit." I push pass him and go to lunch. Hell, I could just tell Mr. Sasson about Engel and get him fired, but I know Engel has a family to take care of.

Riki and I are talking about him going in the army, he is extremely excited about his choice. I am on the edge about his choice. We meet at the Little Pog's Barbecue restaurant. He tells me about passing the ASVAB, signing some papers, and has gotten the date to when he leaves for Boot Camp, but informs me it could be sooner or later. This is all moving so fast, I haven't a clue what to do.

"Are you feeling okay?" Riki asks me from behind the menu.

"I'm feeling alright. I'm kind of not okay with you leaving."

"I know, but this is better."

"Those other companies didn't call you back?"

He promised me he'd look at other companies to hire him for his Nuclear Engineering skills. "They did, but I feel like this will be a better option for us. You, I, and our children will be taken care of."

I sigh knowing I can't change his mind about this, it's something he wants to do. "Okay, okay. You know, no matter what I will always support you."

"I know. I love you, Sirrah. I really do."

"Well, isn't this nice."

I turn my head to see Kinsey and Cole staring at us. Riki grunts and looks out the window. Turning to me, Riki says, "I'm going to order our food." He leaves from the table.

His frustration with Cole and what Cole did to me was about to get the better of Riki.

"Hello, Kinsey. Cole."

"Having a late lunch?" Cole asks.

I ignore him. "Kinsey, I thought you would be out of town by now."

"I leave for Michigan tonight. Cole is coming with me." She grins proudly.

"Sounds great."

"Anyway, we have to eat and get back to packing." Kinsey says.

"Okay, see ya around."

They walk on. Riki comes back and sits down.

"I find that disrespectful," Shiriki comments.

"What?"

"Kinsey dating Cole. I am agreeing with Tyasia on this one."

I shake my head, "That's none of my business."

"I know that. But, can't she find her own man?"

"Stop it, Riki. She's happy, so I'm happy and I'm not going to say anything about it. It doesn't bother me."

The waiter gives us our food and drinks, the waiter whisks off to another table.

He digs in, "Tyasia, I know has said a lot of things to Kinsey about dating Cole."

"Yes, she has. It's not our place to say anything about them. We just need to be supportive of Kinsey and her relationship." I try to eat a little but I'm feeling nauseous. Certain smells make me nauseous, I'm just glad I'm passed the dizzy spells and the throw-up stages, though I still can't seem to keep certain foods down.

We eat in silence. I can hear Riki grumbling over Kinsey dating Cole, I believe he needs to get over it though.

"Are you going to visit your family before you leave?" I break the silence and try to change the subject.

"Yes," he grins, "I have that scheduled for this weekend. You are coming with me, so you can meet everyone this time instead of just my ma and pa."

Before he got us the house we now live in, Riki and I spent some time with his family in Tulsa, Texas. Everything is far away there; I loved it. His family is extremely huge and big on any type of celebrations. From birthdays to a little one learning how to walk to someone passing a test. Just anything amazing, they would throw a party.

"I'll mention it to Mr. Sasson."

"You should be able to. I mean you could probably walk off and come back a week later. Mr. Sasson probably wouldn't say a word." He says dramatically.

I giggle, "I possibly could. But, the right and professional thing would be to see if I have vacation time and let him know."

Riki nods, "you're right about that. I wouldn't want you to lose your job or whatever you're doing there."

"I honestly still don't know. I think I am just overseeing everyone with the help of Mr. Sasson until Mr. Ellwood gets back."

"I'm sure you're doing a fine job."

I smile.