Chapter 2- Telling the Parents

Amaija

        I roll out of bed the following day excited. Xoi is streaming today, so he’s getting ready to go to the apartment he rents downtown. He walks in the room dressed and kisses me on my cheek.

     “Goodbye, my heart.” He rubs my tummy. “And my little heart.”I smile as he leans in and kisses me on the lips, then pulls away.

“Goodbye, have a great day at work,” I tell him.

“Thank you, I will,” he winks at me and walks out of the room. Once he’s gone, I walk to the bathroom, pull my hair in a loose bun, wash my face and brush my teeth. I walk past the floor-length mirror and stop, my stomach is still flat, but it will be round in a couple of months.

   “I wonder what will it look like?” I say to myself. A brilliant idea comes to mind, so I run into the room, grab a pillow and stuff it under my t-shirt. I look at myself from all angles.

 “It suits you.” I jump and shriek, then stop when I see Jaden's face. I walk over to him and punch him.

  “Hey, no beating up, Oni Chan,” Jaden laughingly says.

 “Did you let yourself in? I could have been naked,” I scold him.

“And nobody wants to see that,” he answers. I roll my eyes, removing the pillow from my t-shirt.

   “Your man-child let us in; he assured me you just woke up. You sleep in pajamas, so I know you wouldn’t be naked,” he continues.

  “Habits change...wait, let us in? Who’s us?” I ask.

 “Just Brin and me, calm down.”

 “Where is she?” Brin, as she bursts through the door. “Onee Chan, you look beautiful; you’re glowing already.”

 “Not as much as you,” I genuinely tell her.

  “Oh, this? I’m just well moisturized. Plus, I have the best boyfriend ever; Frederico ran me a bath thing morning, lathered me up, and washed me off. Then he cooked me breakfast; ugh, I’m so in love.”I roll my eyes.

“He does too much; I swear he has a second family. He’s hiding somewhere,” I retort. She scoffs. “Don’t hate because your man-child doesn’t know how to treat you,” Brin retorts back.

 “He’s 21 and not a man child, plus he’s going to be the father of your niece or nephew; you should respect him,” I tell her in Xoi's defense.

 “Don’t remind us,” Jaden butts in.

 “Let’s go to the kitchen. I need coffee in me to deal with this double team effort,” I say.

We all make our way to the kitchen and plod down on the stools.

 “So, where was he off to?” Jaden, still referring to Xoi.

“Work?” I answer.

  “Is that what he calls playing video games? Imoto, he needs a real job; you’re about to have a baby.” Jaden explains.

 “What he said is right,” Brin adds. I sigh.

“Guys, I need you to support Xoi and me; I love him.”

  “You think you love him.”

 “I know my own heart, Brin...” I pause as her phone rings, interrupting our conversation.

  “Hold that thought; it’s my honey.” I roll my eyes as she picks up the phone.

  “Hey Hachimitsu (honey), yeah, I’m over Amaija’s... I miss you too... I’ll be home around 5. I have some shopping to do... I love you too. I can’t wait until you do that thing tonight with your tongue.” Brin’s one-sided conversation that we hear.

Ok, I’ve heard enough. I walk to the coffeepot and pour myself a cup. When I make my way back, she’s off the phone.

  “You and he are almost as bad as mom and dad,” I tell her.

 “Nobody’s as bad as mom and dad,” she answers.

 “You’re getting there.”

   “You’re hating because your man is lame, and Oni Chan is hating because he’s single,” Brin fires back. Jaden laughs, but I can’t find the humor in it. They act as if Xoi treats me poorly. Sure, he doesn’t run baths for me, but I can do that myself.

 “Speaking of our parents, have you told them?” Jaden asks me, changing to the topic.

 “No, I just came back last night; I’ll tell them on Sunday.”

“Is that a good idea? All the aunts, uncles, and cousins will be there,” Brin says; oh no, if I tell everyone at once, I will be bombarded with questions. 

 “Shit, I forgot they’re coming this Sunday. I’ll just call mom; I’m sure I can visit them on Friday.” I grab my phone.

 “I would wait a day to call them,” Jaden says as he sees me scrolling through my phone.

“Why? Today’s Tuesday, so mom will have plenty of time to plan.” I reply. I press the button, and the phone starts ringing.

“Dad just got back last night,” 

  “Shit.”

 “Hello, honey.” Mom is panting on the other line.

 “Mom, I’m sorry I can call back,” I tell her.

 Giggling, my mom answers, “Stop that I’m on the phone. Ah no, sweetie, it’s fine. I can talk.”

She and dad are having sex right now, aren’t they? Ugh, why didn’t I listen to Jaden? I groan as she giggles again. “Akachan, you were saying?”

“Uh, I have some news about Xoi and me.”

Did you finally break up?”

 “No, mom, not you too. I thought you liked him,” 

“I do, sweetie, just not for you,” Mom sharply says. What is with my entire family hating on my baby daddy? I blow out steam from my nose as she giggles again.

“Hanibanchi (honey bunches), stop it.”

“Mom, will you stop hunching dad for a second?”

 “Zayne, our daughter needs our full attention.” 

“Baby girl, what’s wrong?” Dad is also talking to me now. I sigh.

 “Nothing, just want to let you know I’m coming over on Friday with Xoi.”

 “Okay baby, see you then, love you,” my mom simply says.

 Dad bids goodbye too. “See you, love you.”

 “I love you guys, too,” I hang up the phone; Brin and Jaden are laughing.

  “You could’ve done more to warn me,” I blame them.

 “I tried,” Jaden says.

 “They are over 50; you would think they would stop humping like rabbits,” I continue.

  “I, for one, thinks it’s beautiful; I hope me and Frederico are the same,” Brin said in defense of mom and dad.

  “You only think it’s beautiful because you didn’t walk in on them hunching at your college graduation,” I tell her.

Brin just shrugs, “They love each other.”

 “I love Xoi, and we aren’t like that,” I’m still not over with the topic.

 “That’s the problem,” Brin retorts.

 “Don’t start; we both have demanding jobs,” I respond. They look at each other, but they don’t say anything.

 “He doesn’t just play, ok? He has to edit the videos and market himself,” I continue.

  “Whatever you say, babe, I got to go, ok. I have a shoot in thirty minutes,” the nonchalant Brin says. I nod as she gets up and kisses me.

“I’m leaving too, meeting dad at 2 pm,” Jaden also gets up.

 “Okay, I love you both.” We kiss and hug, then they leave.I plop down on my Sofa when they leave. I’m getting tired of defending Xoi to my family. Why can’t they just love him because I do? I rub my stomach; it’s been a habit lately whenever I need comfort.

  “Hey baby, don’t listen to your aunt and uncle; daddy isn’t bad. Daddy loves mommy, and he works hard.”

I smile, grabbing my laptop; I decide to do some work.

----------

Eriq

I jump off my bike, walk up to my apartment building and jog up the stairs. On the door is another eviction notice. I grunt and rip the notice off the door, ball it up and throw it downstairs. I pull the key from my pockets and twist the lock. Loud moans echo through the room.

                “What the f**k?” I exclaim. I storm to the room and tear the door open. On the bed is my best friend balls deep into my girlfriend.

 “Are you two fucking serious?”He jumps off on her.

“Eriq, I thought you were in jersey with your folks,” Greg, my best friend, tells me.

  “Apparently, since you’re fucking my woman in my apartment,” I sarcastically reply. I clench my fist.

  “This isn’t what it looks like,” Greg says.

  “Do I look stupid to you?” I ask him.

   “I don’t know why you’re lying to him, babe,” Nami opens her mouth and directs this to Greg. She gets out of bed and walks over, and hugs him. I feel like my heart has punched a hole through my chest.

  “Babe?!”

  “I’m sick of this, Eriq; a real man needs to take care of his woman,” she fires back at me.

   “I tried, I’m trying,” I say, feeling anxious all of a sudden.

 “Not hard enough. The last painting you sold was three months ago. There’s an eviction notice on our door every month,” she says.

I feel my blood boil. “You know what, you’re right. So get the f**k out!”

 “What?” Nami is now confused.

 “I can’t take care of you, so get your shit and get the f**k out,” I tell her.

 “We’ve been best friends forever; you’re not going to stop that over some chick,” Greg blurts out.

“F**k you, get the f**k out too,” I tell him.

 “Where am I going to go?” she even dares to ask me.

“I don’t care, but you sure as hell can’t stay here,” I just reply.

She turns to him.

 “Hey, don’t look at me,” Greg tells her. I grab my keys.

“Next time you’re fucking someone, you should probably check if he can pay your rent,” I storm to the door. “You two assholes better be gone by the time I get back.” I slam the door and jog downstairs.

  How long have they been fucking, granted we have only been together for years? I’m begging my parents for money to keep a roof over our head, and she’s fucking my best friend in my bed.

I exit the building, “F**k!” I scream as I punch the air. My life is total shit right now. I’m broke, single, and my paintings aren’t selling. Ugh, I can’t catch a fucking break.

----------

Amaija

We pull up to my parents’ house. It’s Friday. Xoi brought mom some roses and dad a bottle of scotch. I inhale and exhale before I get out of the car.

  “It will be fine, baby, relax,” Xoi assures me. I nod. “Your parent loves me; they’ll love the news.”

I chuckle nervously; where did he get the idea that they love him? They like him apparently but not us together. I sigh as he takes my hand into his arms and leads me to the door. “Okay, let’s go.”

We stand at the door and press the bell. I have a key, but I have no interest in walking in on my horny parents. No one answers after a couple of minutes; I told them we were coming at two. Ugh, I bet they’re having sex. I groan and press it again. Finally, the door swings out, Juliet, the maid, smiles at me.

“Ms. Amaija, it’s great to see you.”I enter and hug her.

  “It’s great to see you too; where’s mom and dad?” I inquire.

“Mr. and Mrs. Klein are upstairs; they’ll be down soon.”I nod as we walk into the living room.

  “Do you want anything to eat or drink?” she asks me.

  “Water will be good.”

   “Water?” Mom walks in looking gorgeous; I’m surprised she’s so well put together. I stand up as they walk up to me.

  “Yes, water, mom, I drink water.”

   “Amaija, you’re my daughter. I’ve known since I’ve pushed you out that the only time you drink water is when you’re sick.” She then feels my head. “Are you sick?”

 “No, mom, stop making me sound like a drunk, and can you not treat me as a baby in front of my boyfriend?” I tell her. She tilts her head slightly to look at Xoi.

  “Xoi, I didn’t see you there.”

 “Hi, mom,” Xoi replies. I sigh. Why did he say that? He knows how she is.

  “Xoi, are you married to my daughter?”

 “No, Ma’am.”

 “Okay, so it’s Mrs. Klein for you,” my mom retorts.

 “Mom...” I interrupt.

 “Mom, nothing, let’s go; your father is waiting in the sunroom for your news,” she brushes me off. I follow her; we get to the sunroom, and dad pulls her into his lap. 

                “My love, your lips get sweeter every day,” dad tells mom. “Only because you nourish them,” mom answers back. I roll my eyes.

“Don’t make me throw up.”

“Baby girl, you lovely.” Dad finally notices me.

“Yes, she’s glowing,” mom adds. I hug my dad and sit down. Dad sits on the Sofa across from us; mom joins him on his lap.

   “So, what was this big news?” mom begins.

   Dad follows up, “Yeah, baby girl.”

  “Umm, so...” I am at a loss for words.

     “Speak properly and with confidence. Are you ashamed?” Mom retorts. I look up and glare at her.

   “I’m pregnant,” I just blurt out.

“Oh my god, you’re going to be a mother; that’s beautiful!” Mom exclaims. She stands and pulls me into a hug.

  “You’re happy?” I ask her. I am sure they would say something about me being unmarried.

 “Yes, I’m going to be a grandma. I’m so excited.”

 “But I’m not married,” I remind her.  “Ok? I wasn’t married when I had Jaden,” she asserts.

“Xi's so young, and he doesn’t have a stable job,” I tell her.

  “Babe?” Xoi is surprised.

“That’s your choice, love,” mom nonchalantly replies. I sigh and drop into the chair.

 “Dad?"

  “I’m happy as long as you’re happy,” he simply says.

 “What is with you two? Your daughter comes to you unmarried and pregnant for someone who’s barely into adulthood, and you’re happy?” I ask them.

  “Baby, isn’t this good?” Xoi tells me.

  “I… I don’t know.”

 “Xoi, can we speak to our daughter alone for a moment?” mom tells my boyfriend. He nods and exits the room. She walks over and sits beside me.

  “Baby, what’s the matter?” my mom asks me. Dad follows, sitting on the other side. I look at my mother, and all the fear I’ve been feeling comes.

“Mom, I’m scared.” She pulls me into a hug.

“I was 21 when I had your brother, and I was terrified. You’ll be a great mom, sweetie,” she assures me.

 “What about Xoi? He’s only 21.” I tell her.

  “Baby, I already told you I was 21; your dad was 22. He’ll be a great father.”

 “What if he isn’t? He doesn’t have a stable job,” I ask her again. My fears are starting to eat me up.

  “It doesn’t matter; you don’t need his money; you just need him to be there,” my mom tells me.

  “Yeah, baby girl, you have us,” dad tells me as well.

 “And if he thinks he’s going not to pull his weight, I’ll cut him,” my mom said, lightening the atmosphere. I laugh, wiping my tears.

 “Okay, Mom, put away the knife,” I tell her. “I love you, guys.”

 “We love you too,” dad responds.

   We all sit and hug, then call Xoi in to join the hug.

----------

Maija

I wave goodbye to Amaija and sigh.

  “Are you ok, my love?” my husband asks me. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his lap.

 “I’m worried about Amaija,” I honestly tell him.

“We raised her to be strong; she’ll be fine,” he assures me. I nod.

  “I don’t think Xoi is right for her,” I tell him, putting off the mask now that they’re gone. He starts kissing my neck.

                “She has to make her own mistakes, just like you,” he simply replies.

I roll my eyes. “It’s been 30 years; you think you’d let the Danuel thing go.” He starts nibbling on my neck, which makes my nipples harden.

 “He stole two years of my time, of course, I’ll never forget it,” he tells me, clearly not getting over it after all these years.

 “Jealous and petty since the day we met,” I tease him.

 “Also incredibly turned on by since then,” he retorts back. He pulls my face toward him and kisses me passionately.

 “You’re lucky you’re a good kisser,” I tell him.

 “Race you to the bed,” he smirks.

“Okay, let’s go,” I jump off his lap and run towards the bedroom. He catches up in two steps, picks me up, and swings me over his shoulder. “Let’s go, my love.”