Page 35 of Mercedees: Forever An Atkins
“We’re sorting things out,” my mama finally answered.
“Yeah, I see the nasty shit.” Washing my hands, I tried my best to shake those disturbing images out my mind.
Was I happy they finally put their differences to the side and decided to love one another again? Hell yeah. They were the only parents I knew. Did I want to witness themsorting things out? Fuck no! My entire day was ruined by that shit.
“Hey, watch that mouth of yours. You hungry?” my mama asked with a small laugh.
“I was, but now I’m scared y’all tainted it. I’ll pass. I got some snacks in the car. I been craving salty and sour things anyway,” I said declining the meal.
Leaving out the bathroom, we entered the family room. I made sure to distance myself from them. I low key wanted to leave altogether and just go home. After all, I rarely did that to begin with.
Kicking my feet up, I looked at my parents with every ounce of dislike. They truly ruined my day with that bullshit. They sat across from me holding hands and I almost vomited again. I wasn’t used to this, and I didn’t think I’d ever be. They were broken up for so long, seeing them get along was foreign.
“Baby girl, what is the problem? Me and your father have been dealing with each other your whole life,” my mama commented.
Ryan and Castina are all I know, that is true. However, she knew good and goddamn well this wasn’t normal. “Mama please,” I said rolling my eyes.
“What is it, Cedees?” she asked again still amused. “I’ve given him hell long enough. Why is it so hard for you to accept us?”
“You and this man don’t even like each other for real. As many times as you told him to kiss yo’ ass, I didn’t think the man was really doing it. When were y’all gon’ let me know this was the type of timing y’all was on?” I inquired.
They shared that dumbass look once again before my mama put on this big smile. It stretched from ear to ear, so it must’ve been something that made her happy. Standing in their way of love wasn’t something I’d ever do; it was just weird to witness again.
Holding up her hand, she said, “After I basked in this.” On her finger sat a ring that was blinding. The stone on that bitch was huge and my father wore a proud look on his face. “He finally got it together and asked me to marry him!”
Jumping to my feet, I screamed with joy for her. Despite all the bullshit I walked in on, I wanted them to enjoy their relationship and marriage. I’d have to adjust to seeing them together more often, but it was worth it.
“Oh my God! Are y’all serious? It’s ‘bout fuckin’ time!” I yelled.
“That’s what I said. It took him thirty-five years but we’re here. Are you truly excited for us? I mean, we still value your opinion.”
I couldn’t even enjoy the celebration. A sudden wave of queasiness washed over me. I didn’t know if it was caused from me jumping up too fast or what, but I had to call earl once more. With my hand covering my mouth, I bolted out the room to the nearest bathroom. I was clutching the toilet puking my guts out.
“What’s wrong with her baby?” I heard my father ask down the hall.
“Dammit Ryan, I just got in here. Hold on. Baby girl, what’s wrong? Do you got a virus or was seeing us that bad? Yo’ mama still in shape, and I still got what it takes to make these niggas drop to they knees,” she boasted.
“What niggas?” my father shouted.
“Oh, hush, Ryan!” she threw back.
“Yeah, aight. Play with it.”
Shaking my head, I continued giving the toilet the contents of my stomach. I didn’t think I had more to give. I had a simple breakfast. A lil’ sausage, egg and cheese, grits bowl from Waffle House with a few pickles on the side satisfied me. Now I was regretting it.
Finally gaining some composure moments later, I sat up against the wall feeling like shit. I was weak as fuck feeling like I was between a rock and a hard place. She walked over to me and placed the back of her hand to my forehead then neck. She wore a look of worry as she assessed me. I had my hair out in its natural state, so she picked through that as well.
Stepping back, her look of worry was replaced with another look of joy. I was thoroughly confused as to why she kept smiling at me.
“What Ma? You starting to freak me out.”
“Cedees, I think you’re pregnant,” she whispered.
“I’m what?” I screeched. I was on my feet quicker than she could blink. I looked for any clues that I was pregnant in the mirror giving myself several onceovers.
She started laughing saying, “What are you expecting to find baby girl?”
“The same thing you did that could give you that dumbass idea that I was pregnant,” I replied.
