Page 80 of What I Needed

“Erissa’s pregnant.”

“Say what now?”

“Erissa’s pregnant.”

“Oh my God. How far along?”

“I don’t know. I just found a positive pregnancy test in my toiletry bag.”

“What?”

“She didn’t tell me, but I knew something was going on. She’s been extra clingy and emotional lately, and when I ask, she didn’t mention she was carrying my child.”

My mother gasped. “Maybe it’s not yours?”

“Ma, don’t play with me like that. Why would you say that?”

“I’m joking, Son. Calm down. She probably didn’t know how to tell you. Have you talked about having more children?”

“Indirectly, kinda sorta.”

“Well, if y’all super grown asses ain’t using protection, neither of you should be surprised. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call Erissa and get some rest. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ma.”

I ended the call with my mother and immediately FaceTimed Erissa. When she answered, she was laughing, so I assumed Shakira had arrived.

“Hey.”

“Wassup. Is Shakira there?”

“Yeah. She’s playing with Rivvy.”

“Wassup, Shakira? Can you keep an eye on Rivvy for a minute while I have a private moment with your girl?”

“Go right ahead, but don’t be having phone sex all night,” Shakira teased.

“Thanks. E, go upstairs for a minute.”

“Okay.”

I waited until she was upstairs and in our bedroom to continue.

“I found something in my toiletry bag.”

Her eyes widened. “You did? What was it?”

“How long have you known?”

“Since yesterday.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were carrying my seed?”

“I don’t know. I guess I was nervous about how you would react.”

“You didn’t think I’d be happy?”

“I wasn’t sure. We kinda just met, I moved in with you, and out of nowhere, we started fucking like rabbits, with no protection, I might add.”