Dr. Hanna went into the bathroom behind me and grabbed my pee sample, placing it in a plastic bag. She made sure to keep the door open as she did. She smiled as she stepped out then instructed me to take the robe back off so she could get my blood samples.
Armond just sat at the head of the dining room table. He leaned back with his foot resting on his leg. His hands were joined and his chin rested on them. He was deep in thought. Hedidn’t even notice me staring. He didn’t share an opinion as Dr. Hanna asked him a question.
He didn’t hear Chardonnay when she asked if he heard anything we were saying to him. He didn’t even respond to me when I called his name softly. My voice usually brought him back, but he was far gone this time and I was going to let him process whatever he needed to.
I was sure he had his own analysis of what was going on with me and was most likely planning for any outcome. He didn’t look stressed, but I saw the worry in his eyes. I just hoped that once they left, he would feel comfortable enough to express his feelings with me.
“Alright, dear. We are done here. Please get some electrolytes in your system. You’re dehydrated. If you’re up to it, take a dip in the pool or sit in the jacuzzi. It’ll help. Also, try not to get into any stressful situations. Your blood pressure was a little alarming. I’ll return next week to check on you. In the meantime, I’d like you to track your blood pressure twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to sleep. Do you have a blood pressure monitor?”
“No but I have the function on my smartwatch. I’ll be sure to do that.”
“Good. Mr. Davis, I’ll be reaching out to you shortly with the results. Though I have my own thoughts from what I’ve seen, I’ll let the test results speak for itself. You all have a good day.”
“You as well, Dr. Hanna. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice,” I said. Chardonnay and I walked her out. Armond still didn’t say a word. We watched Dr. Hanna drive away before saying anything.
“Girllll, you fitna have a baby,” Chardonnay whispered.
“What? Naw. I know what that felt like and this isn’t that,” I deadpanned.
“Girl, bye. Mama said that each experience is different. Don’t matter if it’s the same daddy hunching on you or not,” she replied.
“You think that’s why Armond was looking like that?” I whispered.
She nodded and I suddenly felt shitty. Did he hate the idea? I mean, we’d talked about it, but we were still very fresh into this relationship. That didn’t stop me from bussing it wide open for him after only getting to know him for a few days. It had been a couple months since then….Shit.
“Mmmhmm, that’s the expression I expected when you came out of the bathroom. You been peeing like that for a long time?”
“No.” I shook my head. “That was the first time my bladder exploded like that.”
“Yeah, you pregnant, hoe.”
“Girl, what am I going to do with a kid? I just bought the third location and…”
“Nuh uh,” she interrupted. “We are not doing that. You see that man in there? He isn’t going to let you worry about a gotdamn thing but carrying and delivering that precious little seed that might be up in you. He loves you, girl. There’s no denying how real that is for him. He showed it today. Let him love you and know he ain’t gon’ do you like that dead nigga.”
“You’re right about that. I’m so happy I met him in Puerto Rico.” I beamed.
“Mmmhmm. Me too. Now let’s go get you some Gatorade and crackers so you can put something in that belly.”
We made our way to the kitchen. I noticed Armond had moved from his spot in the dining room and I began to worry. Had he overheard our conversation? I knew I was supposed to keep my pressure down, but I was letting fear take over.
“Breathe, bish. He’s right there in the kitchen,” Chardonnay said. I blinked rapidly but took a deep breath. I really needed to take a chill pill.
When I stepped into the kitchen, Armond had a tray already prepared for me. A bowl of cinnamon oatmeal, a sliced apple, and hot cup of tea awaited me. I investigated Armond’s eyes and for the first time I couldn’t read him. He was a shell, like the first day I met him. Though handsome and charming, he was a little cold and distant in thought.
I sat at the island and Chardonnay pulled out her cellphone as she sat beside me. That was her way of showing she was present but not listening. I was grateful to have her here with me through this or I’d be panicking and ending up in someone’s emergency room.
“Eat, honeybee. You need all your nutrients,” Armond said softly.
“Thank you for this. It looks delectable. For once, the smell isn’t making my stomach churn.”
“That’s good. That means you got out all the bad shit. Look, I must take care of a couple of things before the morning is up. Will you be alright with your sister keeping you company while I head out?”
“Of course, babe. I’m sure I’ve taken up enough of your morning,” I replied.
He shook his head. “Nonsense. There isn’t enough time in the universe that would be too much. I love every minute with you. No matter if it’s good or bad. I hate that I have to leave you right now when you need me.”
“Baby, I’ll be fine. Like you said, I got Nay right here and you know she’ll let you know if anything changes with me.”
