Page 38 of Mercedees: Forever An Atkins
Tears formed instantly as I filled with every emotion in the book. I didn’t know what to do or what to think. I mean, I knew I was keeping it a 100 percent, but Arion was still the other half of this. He might’ve wanted me as his wife but what the fuck was I supposed to say ‘bout this child?
“Mercedees, I know this is a lot to take in, but you have to take it in. You’re pregnant sweetheart. Can you tell me when your last menstrual was?” Dr. Bloom asked.
“A couple weeks ago. Why?”
“Hmm. Okay. I was going to do a stomach ultrasound but maybe I need to do a vaginal instead. Do you mind undressing from the waist down for me? There are bottom gowns in the bathroom on the shelf.”
I quickly hopped down and went into the restroom. I was in and out within seconds. Bentley had given me the respect I deserved and stepped out the room. My mama had moved to the patient table and stood beside it. She was too eager, and I was aggravated.
“Okay, place the heels of your feet in the footplates and butterfly for me.” I did so and she was pushing the wand inside of me. She said nothing as she moved the wand every few seconds pressing buttons on the keyboard as she went.
“Is that the baby?” I asked looking at the monitor.
“It is. Right now, I’m checking on your cervix. Sweetheart, you’re pregnant so there shouldn’t be any bleeding whatsoever. Have you had sex recently? No, let me rephrase that. Has it been rough or pushing the limit? It appears that your cervix is sensitive.”
Slowly nodding, I answered with, “Uhm, yeah, I have. Me and the child’s father was together on our birthday night a couple weeks ago. That must’ve been when I got pregnant.”
“Vaginal ultrasounds are more accurate than the others. Judging by the size of the fetus, Mercedees, you’re a little over twelve weeks. There’s no way he’s the father,” Dr. Bloom voiced with much concern.
Moving her hand and the tool from between my legs, I sat up, then got off the table for the last time. I didn’t like people in my business but since it was the center of attention right now, I had to let it be known. I was really over this bullshit. I ran to Vegas for peace and now I had to find a new outlet. I was overwhelmed all over again.
“He’s the father. I married him in Vegas a few months ago and had a hell of a time there too. Thank you, Dr. Bloom. If you can print out those pics for me, please, that’ll be great. Mama, I’m gon’ change. I’ll be back. Oh, and tell Bentley he can come back in.”
I left them where they stood and entered the bathroom to cry. I was overly emotional and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My hormones was bouncing off the roof and this pregnancy explained why. I had the weirdest taste in food, and I was always fatigued. Also, Akira drugged me and my baby. I had some words for her ass.
Shaking back, I dried my face and put on my big girl panties. I wasn’t a failure so motherhood wouldn’t defeat me. I refused to let it. My mama told me I had one of two choices but getting rid of it never crossed my mind for some reason. Arion did though. I couldn’t help but wonder ow the hell he was gon’ accept this.
Walking out the bathroom fully dressed moments later, Bentley and my mama were patiently waiting. I strolled over to Dr. Bloom, and picked up the packet she had on the counter, as well as the bottle of prenatals.
“How often do I take these?” I questioned.
“Have you made your mind up on the path you’re taking?” she countered. Nodding, she continued with, “If you’re keeping this child, once a day. If not, don’t worry about it. Just see which state can accommodate you in your wishes. Unfortunately, Sage Springs stops assisting after twelve weeks. No exceptions.”
“I’m not killing my baby, Dr. Bloom. What else do I need to know?” All I wanted was my bed. My annoyance level was shot and just being here was making it worse.
“The packet covers everything. Read it at your leisure and call me if you have any questions. Stop by the desk and schedule your next appointment. Castina it was nice seeing you again. Mercedees… congratulations.”
“Thank you.” With that, we exited the same way we came. The walk down the long hall was quiet as a mouse. I followed Dr. Bloom’s orders and was out the main door shortly after. “Bentley, don’t tell anyone about this please.”
“I can’t promise you that cuz,” he said opening my car door.
“And why the hell not? This ain’t yo’ business to tell!”
“Scar… Arion is like a brother to me. I know exactly how this shit finna go. You trying to keep this shit a secret and that’s the last thing you want to do when it comes to him. He ain’t nothing nice cuz, for real. He’s my supplier which means he isthatnigga to see. You bagged a crazy muthafucka with more commas than me. I’m advising you to go see him and tell him. I can only sit on this shit for ‘bout a week before I rat you out,” he confessed.
“Who’s fuckin’ family are you?” I fussed.
“Both. The only difference is, I just got to know y’all, I grew up with him. Them Greek’s ain’t the folk to test cuz. Tell him.” He leaned in and placed a kiss on my forehead before shutting my door.
“How Bentley? I don’t got his number, home address, nothing. God, why you putting me through this? I ain’t one of them soldiers you be putting on the front line,” I complained.
“Want to know what’s crazy? You and that nigga share the same interest. He got a nail shop ‘round the corner from yours. It’s called Myth Nails. Go see him. Hit me if you need me to step with you.”
“Can you take me back to Florida with you? I’m over fuck ass Sage Springs,” I whined.
“That nigga ain’t ‘bout to let you wipe yo’ ass by yo’self let alone leave the city. He ain’t one of them cuz. I’m for real. Get yo mind right before you go see him,” he warned me.
Shutting the door, I realized I needed to get the hell away from this city sooner than later. It really was too small for me and my cousins. What were the fuckin’ odds of Bentley knowinghim for real. I thought Arion was just blowing smoke when we breezed over him before but clearly, I was wrong.
