Page 61 of Under the Influence

My ma appears at the open door and demands, “What the hell is all this?”

Her judgment of my insanity only dials up the drama.

“It’s a miracle!” Tuesday cries while I run in panicked circles around the couch. I suddenly stop and throw my left flip-flop at the wall. “She’s embracing her roots!”

“Tuesday Mercer get your butt out of my house,” my ma insists and points at the door.

“Sabian,” Tuesday casually corrects. “I have a longer name now, Auntie Journey.”

“That’s great. Now get going or I’ll have my boys fill up their water pistols.”

Tuesday reaches for me. “I am only obeying your ma because she’s scary.”

I try to grab Tuesday before Otto can drag her away, but my ma blocks my way.

“Edith, look at me.”

I stare into my ma’s eyes and see a woman of great character. She would never mess up spermicide and trap an unwilling man. Being so near to someone of her quality makes me squeal louder.

Ma-Journey forces me into a hug. My mother’s embrace zaps all the crazy out of me. I go silent and hug her tight.

“I messed up,” I whimper.

“It’s fine.”

“You don’t know what I did wrong.”

“Whatever it is, you’ll be okay. I will make sure of it.”

Despite her promise, I refuse to let go of my ma. I’m still drowning in my drama, and she’s my life jacket.

Ma-Journey strokes my hair while I rest my face against her shoulder. I suspect she gestures for my brothers to leave because we’re suddenly alone in the quiet house.

“What’s wrong?” she says softly with me still snug in her arms.

“I think I messed up my birth control. I’m late.”

“You think, but you don’t know, right?”

“I thought I was ready for sex, but I wasn’t careful enough.”

“Let’s find out for sure before you get upset.”

“Too late,” I mumble, tearing up. “I already screamed all up in this place.”

“We could hear you at Poppy’s house.”

“I think I traumatized Ike.”

“He survived you on birth control pills. He can handle a little screaming.”

Staring sadly in my ma’s eyes, I whimper, “Duke will think I got pregnant on purpose to trap him.”

“I haven’t gotten to know him well. Is he a moron?”

“No.”

“A man who knows you won’t believe you’re the tricky sort.”

---