Page 38 of Meraux Mafia: No Ordinary Love

Gianni chuckled, quietly exiting the room without saying another word. Sitting on the couch, I covered my face to hide my emotions. These were typically conversations people had before getting married and having children. Gianni and I were night and day. We didn’t have the same view and expectations regarding family.

One thing we did have in common was our stubborn personalities. We didn’t say anything to each other for the next twenty-four hours outside of checking on the baby. The silence didn’t bother me. I preferred it because every time we opened our mouths, it resulted in an argument. I had more important things to worry about right now.

Leaving DuPont Falls and all the chaos that ensued in the rearview, I felt a sense of relief. Gianni texted, reminding me to send him the information for Monday's appointment. I had a new appreciation for the place I called home, and ironically, the first place I went to when I got there was Sadie’s house. My life was a mess, but no matter what happened, I knew I could always rely on my mama, and I needed that right now.

Using my key, I let myself in. “It’s me!” I announced, following the sound of the television.

I took one last deep breath before entering the archway. I was dressed comfortably in leggings and a t-shirt, but just like Gi picked up on it, so did Sadie.

“Hey baby,” Sadie greeted me as I plopped down on the couch. Her hand found its way to my stomach, and she smiled.

“Hey.”

“How are you two feeling?” she asked, and I hunched my shoulder, unsure where to begin. The trip to DuPont Falls was stressful, and I didn’t know much to share. She was naturally protective and would want to save me, but there was nothing Sadie could do, and I didn’t want her to get hurt trying.

The realization gnawed away at me. The longer the silence lingered, the faster tears pooled in my eyes before falling. Sadie wrapped me in her arms, and the tears were no longer cascading like a light rain but violently ripping through my body.

“Calm down, Lo. Everything is going to be okay.” She assured me, stroking my back as she always did when I was upset.

“I-it’s n-n-not,” my words hitched, struggling to find their way out through my cries. I was trying my hardest to control my breathing, but the weight of the situation was heavier than she was aware of.

“What the hell happened with Gi?” she questioned.

I shook my head, fumbling with my fingers. My mom and I had always been close. She was my go-to person in my time of need. It was so much I wanted to tell her- I needed to say- but I didn’t want her to worry.

“Is he denying my grandbaby?”

It would be easier if he did.

“No.”

“So why are you so upset, baby?” Laying my head in her lap, Sadie made herself comfortable by raking her fingers through my hair.

“I’m scared.” My mouth was bone dry, but I could get those two words out.

“That’s normal.” I couldn’t see Sadie’s beautiful face, which looked similar to mine, but I could hear her smile. I prayed I inherited her excellent genetics. Despite turning forty this year, Sadie looked more like my sister than my mother. Growing up, she often reminded me not to let the baby face fool me when my mouth got too sassy. “I was petrified when I got pregnant with you at sixteen.”

“Did you consider getting an abortion?” I asked. Even though it was too late to change my mind, I always wondered what made her keep me.

“I did,” she replied, not proud of allowing that thought to cross her mind. “Grandma said the choice was mine, but if I wanted to lay on my back unprotected, then I shouldn’t hide behind an abortion. It didn’t feel much like a choice after that. You know how she does.” Sadie smacked her lips, annoyed with my grandmother’s passive-aggressive handling of things.

“Leave my girl alone.” I’m sure once she learned about my father, she regretted that little speech she gave my mom.

“I’m forever grateful. She helped me, but Michella let it be known. She was done raising her kids and wasn’t going to raise mine. I had to be your mother, but I didn’t have to do it alone, and you won’t either, Hailo.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, baby. If I did it, so can you. Just next time, let it be with a man you’ve known more than a few hours,” Sadie fussed, popping my arm the way she would when I squirmed too much, getting my hair done.

“Ow! That hurt.”

“It was supposed to. Right or wrong, I will always be here for you.”

Sadie’s reassurance somehow calmed the torrent waves surging through my body. It didn’t matter how old I got or if I was becoming a mother. I would always need mine.

Why is life testing me so hard lately? I mean, I’ll survive but damn, give me a break.

Chapter Four

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