Page 128 of The Last Man on Earth
"He told all of our private business."
She rolls her eyes. "Girl, your private business is protruding about twelve inches away from your body. Get over yourself."
"Shut up."
"He's young and famous with millions of fans. This is your life now. Embrace it."
I guess it'll take me some time, but if that's part of his life, I guess it's part of mine, too.
Two days later, Dr. Ellery tells me and Vincent that the baby is still right on track. We're both relieved.
Vincent takes me by the mall afterwards to buy me a few new maternity outfits, then to the nail salon for a much needed mani/pedi. After, he takes me to the hairdresser where I get a fresh silk press.
I feel like myself again. My pre-island self, that is.
I fall asleep on the way home, like I do most days. When we pull up to the house, he nudges me gently.
“Wake up, my angel. We’re here.”
He helps me out of the car and up to the front door. As soon as we step in, a chorus of voices shouts, “Surprise!”
Confetti, balloons, banners, and a room full of our family and friends.
It’s a baby shower.
At first, I smile.Reallysmile. Then it falls off my face like a mask. I want to laugh and feel joy, but all I feel all of a sudden is shock and panic.
“I…” I try to say something, but a sob bursts out of me instead. I move as quickly as my big belly allows, pushing past the decorations and everybody’s cheerful faces. I head straight to my bedroom, shut the door, and collapse onto my bed, hot tears streaming down my face.
Chapter 61
Vincent
Ashara goes to followAri, but I touch her arm, pulling her to the side before she gets to the stairs.
I lower my voice so only she can hear. “Let her have some space.”
She rolls her eyes. “She’s my sister. I know how to deal with her.”
“You don’t understand what she went through out there,” I tell her. “She’s probably just overwhelmed.”
“Okay, but that’s my twin. If nobody else in the world can understand her, I can.”
I take a step back. “Aight. You got it.”
Last thing I’ma do is argue with her over it. I’m done arguing over shit that ain’t gon’ matter tomorrow.
I glance over at the room full of people who came here to help us celebrate our baby. I look over the decorations, the food, the gifts. I feel lowkey out of place without Ari next to me, but I step in and talk to our guests, making small talk, answering questions.
Jada tugs on my arm. “Uncle V, come take a selfie with us!”
I already know this shit gon’ end up on every social media site on earth, but it’s all good. They’re family now.
I kneel and take a few pics with them. Their giggles are contagious and spirit lifting, I gotta admit. Then I find my aunt and sister in the crowd and thank them for coming. I can see the lingering grief on their faces, but maybe new life will ease the pain of death for them. And for me.
I spot Mr. Williams and my Uncle James standing on the back patio. I walk out there, exiting the sliding doors with a smile.
“’Preciate y'all coming.”
