Crossroads

Ch. 29: Shower of Rain

India

I blew air into a blue balloon as if I was taking my last breath.

It had been over a month since Khalil broke up with me because of Juan's threats. I didn't know what he was doing. I guess he was busy preparing his next move. It was really hard to try to accept the fact that he was leaving. I was so comfortable with him. It felt safe. But I guess good things fall apart eventually.

Steph's baby shower was today. She was eight and a half months pregnant so she was due any minute now. I planned the shower to get my mind off of everything. I was still waiting to feel a slight lift in spirit. We were setting things up in the backyard to take advantage of its size. We rarely ever came back here and I had to remind myself that I was taking it for granted.

I watched Daniel and Cameron as they set up the decorations. They argued on where to hang the lights and I smiled. They were so silly.

"Where do you want the food set up, ma'am?" A caterer asked.

"Right over there at the long table under the tent." I pointed. He muttered a thank you and I smiled at him as he walked away.

"India, your vibe is bad for the baby." Steph nudged me as I tied the balloon I had been blowing.

"Girl, I'm sorry. I'm happy for y'all. But it's hard to show it when I'm just unhappy in general." I sighed and took a seat on a chair surrounding well decorated tables.

"I'm so sorry about your boyfriend." She took a seat next to me. "But on another note I am so thankful for you. You really came through with everything. And I'm glad it's at your house. Everything looks great set up around the pool."

"My pleasure. All for baby Ashton." I rubbed soothing circles on her large stomach.

We went inside to get a drink and we met Cam and D in the kitchen drinking water.

I grabbed a V8 for Steph and a Snapple for myself out of the refrigerator. She thanked me and sipped slowly. I felt dizzy as I popped open my Snapple bottle and took a sip. After a couple more sips I began to feel nauseous and I quickly placed the drink down in disgust.

"You alright?" I heard Steph ask but I was unable to answer as I rushed to the nearest bathroom and threw my guts up into the toilet.

"You good, chink?" I heard Daniel ask as I flushed the toilet and straightened up myself.

I nodded and washed out my mouth with some Listerine. I spit it out before responding. I opened the door to a very concerned Daniel and he stepped into the bathroom. "I'm okay, D. It's probably just something I ate."

"Look at me." He closed the door behind him and the hairs on my skin rose as he stood next to me.

I faced him and looked up at him. He stared at me and I looked away feeling intimidated by him. "What?" I hated the fact that he could affect my body language and behavior without even saying a word.

"You're pregnant?"

I almost laughed. "Daniel get out my face with that bullshit. Please." I maneuvered around him and opened the bathroom door only for it to be shut in my face by his hand. I stood facing the closed door and I felt his hot breath on my neck as he stopped me from leaving.

"No. I'm concerned. You have been eating a lot more than usual and throwing up is very questionable. Don't you think?"

"But that's impossible." I turned around to face him and he gave me some space by backing away and crossing his arms. "I've been very care-" I paused when I remembered Khalil never wore a condom the night he came back from jail because we had sex in the bathtub.