Dark Like Me 3: Open Up

12

Tulsa, Texas.

Being hot and pregnant do not mix. On the car ride to Texas, I spoke to Andy about her situation and she seems to have it under control. She also expressed to me how happy she is to have her child back in her arms and at home. But, now Alchemy is trying to fight Andy over the custody of Robyn. Andy told me she did not sign Robyn over to Alchemy, but is willing to fight Alchemy over it. All I could do was nod and say, "okay." I'm a little tired of being in the midst of their family drama.

After that, Tyasia called me just to rant and rave about Kinsey and Cole's relationship. It's becoming more and more annoying to have Tyasia call me just to talk about them. Tyasia is angrier about this than I am.

"Ty, why in the world are you so mad about this? I mean, I don't care one way or the other about them dating," I voice to her.

"Because she's dumb as fuck for even thinking he has changed his ways. She needs to get her own fucking man instead of letting her fucked up insecurities get in the way. Or instead of picking up someone else's sloppy seconds," She yells.

I had to take the phone away from my ear with the way she is yelling. "Ty, she'll learn either way or she won't. It's a 50/50 thing. As long as she is happy, we should be supportive of her."

"Man, Sirrha. How are you so calm about this?"

I smile, "I have something better. It would be different if I dind't have, you know? But, I do. With that, there is no reason to be angry about it. However, I will be angry if he does some crazy shit to her."

"Right. But..."

I cut her off, "oh yeah. I almost forgot to tell you something."

"Girl, what is it that you could have possibly forget to tell me?" She playfully smacks her lips.

"I'm pregnant," I say in a singy song tone.

I hear the phone drop and Tyasia scream. She then calmly answers, "That's wonderful, Sirrah."

I arch my brow and Riki does the same. I ask, "What was that all about?"

"I don't know," I hear her shuffling around, "I got really excited and didn't want to scream in your ear. That's amazing, Sirrah. Congratulations."

"Thank you. The other part is: I'm having twins."

"What?"

"Yeah," I smile.

"Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack."

"Oh that's pretty serious." I can imagine her nodding her head.

"It is. Imagine my own shock when the nurse told me."

"I wish you the best and if you need the help, I am always up for watching, smooching, and playing with the babies."

I laugh, "I bet you are. But, I will keep that in mind."

"Anyway, let me get back to work before they fire my ass," she laughs.

I laugh with her and we say, "Yeah, right."

We hang up. I sigh and put my chair back.

"She seemed excited enough," Shiriki says sarcastically.

"Tell me about it. You know, I don't think she and Kinsey speak as much as they used to anymore. Well, since Kinsey started dating Cole."

"I don't blame her. Kinsey needs to open her eyes and just...I don't know. Breathe." Riki ends his statement.

I feel for Kinsey. I truly do and I understand what she is going through. Tring to find her place to fit in, sometimes some things are easier doing.

We arrive at his parents' beautiful two story house in Pirates Beach West at six in the evening. His parents' wave to us from the front door, they proceed to help us with our bags and give us hugs and kisses.

"We're so excited you have come to stay for a while," his stepmom; Charo beams.

"I'm glad as well," I give her a tight squeeze.

His father, Floriano takes the last of our bags in the house. Floriano comes back and talks to Shiriki outside.

Charo leads me into the house, the first thing I always notice when I walk into their abode is the fresh pine floors, "You two can have the biggest guest room."

"Thank you," I smile.

Charo rubs my stomach, "And I'll fix you some tea."

"Something hot would be nice right now," I rub my own tummy.

"Great," she sashays into the kitchen.

I follow Charo and sit at the breakfast nook while she makes the tea and food for the party tomorrow.

"Are you okay, Sirrah?" She asks me.

"I'm tired, but I don't feel like laying down, you know?"

"I understand that. But, sometimes you have to."

I nod, "Do you need help with anything"

"Oh no," she shakes her head, "you stay seated and off your feet."

"Hola, mama." A low husky voice sounds from behind me.

I turn to see Shiriki's little sister, Yuricema enter with open arms. She's the splitting image of her mother, Charo; except younger.

"Sirrah!" She gasps.

"Hey."

She hugs me and I hug her back.

"Don't squeeze her too tight," Charo warns.

"I'm not. Besides, even if I do it's not as if the babies will pop out," Yuricema sucks her teeth at her mother's silly comment. "Are you doing okay, Sirrah?"

"I am just fine," I nod and smile.

"Is Anier and Jordan coming, Yuri?" Charo asks as she begins to start on the Frita Cubana recipe, something I never thought I would like but now do. However, the twins say otherwise.

"I don't know. I think Jordan is but her crazy self is always late. And Anier, I spoke to him a few minutes ago. He said he is coming and bringing," she pauses to take out her cell phone and scroll through some messages, "oh yeah. He is making the Malanga Fritters."

"Alright. What are you bringing?" Floriano asks from behind.

Yuricema turns to her father, "I'm making my famous black bean stew with white rice. You do eat pork, right Sirrah?"

"Yes, I do."

"Settled!" She throws her arms in the air.

"Psh," Riki scoffs, "I wouldn't call it 'famous'."

Yuricema swats at Shiriki and he dodges the swat, "Don't play as though you weren't liking the meal last time I made it."

Shiriki shrugs, "Meh, I was hungry."

"Bull, you were my guinea pig," Yuricema admits.

"I believe that," I grin.