“I yelled at him and was really rude.”
“What?YOU?” appalled, she asked. It was so out of character for me, but I only had my misplaced emotions to blame.
“Yes, and outside of Emorey’s school at that.”
“Ever. Come on now, baby.”
“Mom, I know.”
“Tell me what happened?”
“It was right around the time I’d seen Scar that I got the call from the school saying that Emorey had fallen. I rushed over to get her and when I got in her class, I didn’t see her. I asked her teacher where she was and she said that her daddy had already gotten her. The first person that came to mind was Dewayne! Luca never even crossed my mind.”
“But, don’t you have it in the paperwork to not let him get either of them?”
“Yes, but that didn’t cross my mind either. All I was thinking was that Dewayne had come and took my baby. I was paralyzed immediately. I couldn’t speak and I couldn’t move. When I finally came to, I rushed back outside to get my cell and call Luca. Before I could, he was calling my name in the parking lot. When I turned around to tell him what was happening, I saw Emorey beside him, and I just flipped out.”
“What did you say?”
“He needed my permission to take her anywhere and some other stuff I don’t even remember. All I know is that I was mean to him, and I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“Well, it’s a good thing that Emorey is OK. I know you are going through it right now but before the night is over, you haveto apologize to that man and tell him what’s going on. He will understand why you reacted that way. Hell, even I understand but he won’t know unless you tell him. Now, I have to go put my cornbread in the oven.”
My mother stood from the other end of the couch and stretched. There was something else I had to share with her, though. I didn’t want her to leave so soon.
“But, there’s more.”
“More?” She sighed, sitting back down. “What else is it, Ever?”
“I’m pregnant,” I revealed.
“You’re what?”
“Pregnant.”
“I’d say you move fast, but I’ve seen Luca and I don’t blame you, honey. I would’ve been pregnant day one. That man is a gift from God, him and that brother of his. I’d swear they were twins if I didn’t know any better.”
“No. Seriously. They’re two years apart and look identical. It’s insane.”
“No, it’s not. Have you seen your children?”
“Well, you do have a point there.”
“Does Luca know about the pregnancy?”
“Yes. Well, we’ve both suspected it for some time now we just haven’t confirmed it. But I know my body and there’s nothing a test can tell me I don’t already know.”
“How far along are you?”
“I’ve only missed one period so somewhere between six and eight weeks I’m assuming. Last month, my period was extremely light and late. It only lasted two and a half days, which could’ve been my first sign of pregnancy. I don’t know.”
“Well, again, I don’t blame you. Not one bit. And, I’m very, very happy for you, Ever.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Try having a boy this time. I love my girls, but James needs a buddy now. He’s tired of us women crowding his space. He’s been secretly wishing for a boy from you for years.”
“Tell him he might just get his wish, then, because I have a strong feeling that this one is indeed a boy. Luca wants a son, too.”
