Page 79 of Breeze and Melodie

“I’m just glad you, Harm, and the babies are okay, baby girl,” my father said, kissing my forehead. “Breeze, can I talk to you outside for a minute?”

Breeze nodded, but I suddenly became nervous. “Daddy, none of this is Breeze’s fault. Sean?—”

“I know, baby girl. It’s nothing serious. I just want to talk to him about a few things.”

The two men went into the hallway, and although my father downplayed it, I was concerned about why he wanted to speak to Breeze privately. I hoped he didn’t think any of this happened because of Breeze.

“I’m starting to wonder if moving to Onyx City was a good idea. Nothing like this ever happened to you in Chicago,” Ma said, her voice filled with anger.

“There are unstable people everywhere, Ma. This could’ve happened anywhere,” I assured her.

“It seems like me and your father are unaware of a few things because the story ain’t adding up. Start from the beginning.”

“I have a headache, so I’ll let Raine and Harmonee fill you in.”

I closed my eyes and listened as my sister and best friend filled in the gaps. My parents knew nothing of Arielle or the events surrounding her. At some point, I dozed off, and when I woke up again, it was because the nurse was there to check on me. Everyone had gone except Breeze, who was holding my hand.

The nurse took my vitals, entered some things into a computer, and wrote a few things down in the folder they kept at the foot of my bed.”

“How are you feeling?” the nurse asked.

“I’m a little sore and I have a slight headache.”

“Considering all that’s happened, that’s not bad. The babies are doing wonderfully. Did anyone tell you what you’re having?”

“No. We actually have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow.”

“I think the ultrasound tech made note of it when she checked on the babies after you arrived. If you want to know, I can check your file.”

“Hell yeah, we wanna know,” Breeze said before I could respond.

“Are you sure?” she asked with her eyes on me.

“Yes. We’re sure.”

Breeze’s grip tightened around my hand. “You think I don’t know what my woman?—”

“Breeze, chill.”

“Nah, baby. She asked you as if my answer ain’t good enough.”

“That’s not it at all, sir. Sometimes, one parent wants to know the gender, and the other wants it to be a surprise. I wanted to make sure you both were on the same page.”

Breeze opened his mouth to respond, but I interjected. “Thank you. I appreciate you checking. We both want to know the gender.”

The pretty, brown-skinned woman smiled, and I could tell it was genuine because it reached her eyes. Her demeanor was warm and welcoming, so I wasn’t sure why Breeze gave her the negative energy. I watched nervously as she looked through the file. Her smile brightened as she gave us her attention.

“You two have two little girls on the way. I bet they’ll be just as beautiful as their mama.”

“Girls?” Breeze and I said simultaneously.

“Yes, and you’re in for a treat. I have two girls, and although they aren’t twins, they’re less than a year apart. They keep me and my husband busy, but they’re a lot of fun. Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” we responded as she pushed her cart toward the door.

“You’re welcome. Get some rest, and I’ll be back at least once more before my shift ends.”

She disappeared on the other side of the door, and I turned to face Breeze. The smile on his face was so big and bright, it caused my eyes to fill with tears.

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