Page 76 of Certified Pressure 3
She nodded again, still lookin’ like she was tryna breathe through it. Zurie was in the backseat, kickin’ her feet and hummin’ to herself. I got out, went around, opened Pluto’s door, then helped Zurie out. She grabbed my hand as soon as her feet hit the ground, so I took her with me while Pluto walked on the other side.
Soon as we stepped in, I heard laughter comin’ from the livin’ room. All my aunties, uncles, and cousins was there. Pops was chillin’ in his usual chair, and My mama was sittin’ on the couch with Mamáh, my grandma, who was the real boss of the family.
“Mamáh,” I said, smilin’ as soon as she looked up. I bent down and hugged her tight. She smelled like fine perfume and fresh roses, the same elegant scent that made you know when Mamáh was in the room.
“Look at my grandson,” she said proudly. “Still fine as ever.”
I laughed. “You know it.”
My mama stood up next, wearin’ a long black dress and jewelry that sparkled. “There go my son,” she said, openin’ her arms wide.
I hugged her, and when she pulled back, her eyes went straight to Pluto. Her face lit up instantly. It was that warm, motherly smile that said she been waiting to see her.
“Oh my goodness, look at you,” Ma said, walkin’ over and pullin’ Pluto in for a hug. “You are glowing, baby.”
“Hi, Mrs. Mensah,” Pluto said shyly.
Ma shook her head. “No, baby, call me Omá. You’re family now.”
Then she looked down and spotted Zurie, who was half hiding behind my leg. “And this must be Zurie. I’ve heard so much about you little girl.”
Zurie peeked out with a grin. “Yes ma’am.”
“Well, aren’t you just the prettiest little thing I’ve seen all week,” Ma said warmly.
Pluto smiled, and I could tell she was holdin’ back tears. She was tryin’ to stay calm, but I could feel how much this meant to her. Pops came over next, quiet but respectful, and even he hugged Pluto. That was rare. Pops didn’t hug just anybody.
The room started fillin’ with energy. My aunties were crowdin’ around Pluto, touchin’ her belly, askin’ how far along she was, talkin’ about baby names and who they thought the child would look like. My cousins was already crackin’ jokes and takin’ pictures. I ain’t gon’ lie, it was a lot.
It hit me then how different this was from when Kashmere came around. My mama didn’t have that polite smile she forced herself to wear. With Pluto, it was natural. It felt like everybody already accepted her, like she belonged here.
I watched her move through the room, gracious and humble like she always was. And even though I tried not to let it show, seein’ her like that did somethin’ to me.
After a while, I clapped my hands together. “Aye, everybody, chill real quick.”
The noise died down, and all eyes was on me. I looked at Pluto, then at my parents. “So me and Pluto had our appointment today, and found out what we havin’.”
Ma pressed her hand to her chest, her eyes wide. “Don’t keep us waiting, Pressure.”
I smiled. “It’s a boy.”
The whole room erupted. My aunties screamed. My cousins started hollerin’. Pops stood up with that proud smirk he only gave when he was impressed. My mama rushed over, hugged Pluto again, and put both hands on her belly. “A grandson,” she said, almost tearing up. “My baby’s having a son.”
Pluto smiled through glassy eyes. Mamáh came over, grabbed Pluto’s hand gently, and looked her dead in the face.“You take care of yourself, you hear me? Eat, rest, and pray over that belly. That child is blessed already.”
“Yes ma’am,” Pluto whispered.
The love in the room was real. The whole family came together like we ain’t just seen each other a few weeks ago.
Then Ma called out, “Pressure, Pluto, come with me for a second.”
I already knew what was comin’. When my mama got that tone in her voice, it meant she was about to talk about somethin’ serious.
We followed her down the long hallway to one of her quiet sittin’ rooms that opened up to the garden. The air smelled like roses and lemon polish. My mama sat down, crossed her legs, and gestured for us to do the same.
“Now, you know I’m proud,” she said. “But I need to talk to you both about what’s next.”
I leaned back in the chair. “Ma…”
