Page 36 of Pieces of Us

“He’s so annoying,” Shanise grumbled.

“You like it,” Shelby jested.

Shanise flipped her the bird. Chelsea came and sat next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder and wrapping her arm around me. She and I were the closest since we were closer in age. I was close with BB too, but me and Chelsea’s bond was tighter. There had been countless times I had to beat up her little boyfriends because they liked to play games with her. At one point, one of them got handsy with her, and I almost put him in the hospital. I didn’t play those types of games about my sisters. My parents always taught me to protect them by any means.

Chels got her empath nature from our mom. It was like she knew I needed comforting after hearing the news. I honestly didn’t know what to do, but I was hoping to gain some type of clarity because I just couldn’t believe this was my life right now.

“Tell me what I should do, Sis.”

“I honestly don’t know, Hemi. This could either be a blessing or a curse. She’s a teenager. Prayerfully, she’s not a bad one. I’m assuming she’s not, though. Her mom was the sweetest when we used to hang out back in the day. Maybe this won’t be as bad as we think.”

“I don’t know, Chels. If her husband has been there since she was a baby, this could go left. He’s all she knows since Morgan never told her about Hemi,” Shanise mumbled.

I couldn’t listen to this anymore.

“I’m up. I have to get up early tomorrow.” I stood from the couch, and everyone did the same.

“We love you, Hemi. Whatever happens, just know that we got your back 100 percent,” Shelby affirmed.

“Thanks, baby sis. I love you too.” I gave them all a hug and stood in front of my pops.

“I guess you two were destined to be together one way or another.” He chuckled as I shook my head. “It’s a tough situation to be in, but you know we have your back. Bring my granddaughter home.”

“I’m going to try. Thanks, Pops.” I hugged him then Loon followed me out the door.

I didn’t know what fate lay ahead. Whatever it may have been, I prayed that it ended with Morgan and my daughter at my side.

Morgan

ThePast

“What?” I asked my father, not believing what he wanted me to do.

“You heard me.”

“Gio—” my mom started, but he cut her off.

“It’s done, May. She has already strayed away from the word of God, getting pregnant by that heathen when I did all I could to show her the right way. 1stCorinthians 9:6 through 10 says ‘Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, norhomosexuals, norsodomites,nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.’ You have defiled your temple, and you’re now about to have a baby out of wedlock. You will not tell him about this, and I mean it, Morgan.”

“Mom, please?” I begged her. I needed her to have my back on this. “I know what I did was wrong, but Nehemiah isn’t who you think he is!”

“He’s a heathen! A sinner! One who will get you and my grandchild killed. I forbid you to see him or talk to him. I promise if I find out that you told him, I’m going put him and his family away for life!”

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!” I blurted out. “You’re a sinner too, Daddy. I know you’ve done things that God doesn’t approve of either! We all make mistakes, but to make me keep his child away from him isn’t right.”

“She’s right, Gio. You need to think about this,” my mom agreed.

“The difference between my sins and his is that I repented and gave my life over to the Lord. I didn’t have children out of wedlock, and I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

“You can’t do this,” I said, shaking my head.

“I already have. It’s done, Morgan. If you disobey me, I will shun you and go forth with what I promised. Mark my words.”

I cried as I sat in front of my father, hoping he’d disappear. I’d never wish death on him, but I prayed he moved out and far away from me.

“You will regret this decision, Gio. This is going to come back around, and then what will you do?” Mom asked.

“Exactly what I said I’d do. Now, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. You will find a nice, wholesome man who won’t mind helping you raise the baby. Go to your room and read the book of 1stCorinthians. Hopefully, that will make you realize the mistake you’ve made and repent about it. Good night.” He shooed me away.

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