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 into the room fully dressed and kisses me on the cheek.

“Goodbye, my heart.” He rubs my tummy. “And my little heart.”

I smile as he leans in and kisses me on the lips before pulling away.

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

“Thank you, I will,” he says with a wink before walking out.

Once he’s gone, I head to the bathroom, pull my hair into a loose bun, wash my face, and brush my teeth. As I pass the floor-length mirror, I stop and examine my still-flat stomach, knowing it will be round in a few months.

“I wonder what it’ll look like?” I murmur to myself.

A brilliant idea comes to mind, so I rush back into the room, grab a pillow, and stuff it under my t-shirt. I turn from side to side, admiring the fake bump.

“It suits you.”

I jump and shriek, then freeze when I see Jaden’s face. I march over and punch him.

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

“Did you let yourself in? I could’ve been naked!” I scolded him.

“And nobody wants to see that,” he retorts.

I roll my eyes and pull the pillow out from under my shirt.

“Your man-child let us in. He assured me you’d just woken up. You always sleep in pajamas, so I knew 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?”

As if on cue, Brin bursts through the door. “Onee Chan, you look beautiful! You’re glowing already.”

“Not as much as you,” I reply honestly.

“Oh, this? I’m just well moisturized. Plus, I have the best boyfriend ever. Frederico ran me a bath this 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 somewhere. He’s hiding something.”

She scoffs. “Don’t hate because your man-child doesn’t know how to treat you.”

“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 snap in Xoi’s defense.

“Don’t remind us,” Jaden mutters.

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

We all head to the kitchen and plop down on the stools.

“So, where was he off to?” Jaden asks, 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 argues.

“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, cutting me off.

“Hold that thought. It’s my honey.”

I roll my eyes as she answers.

“Hey, Hachimitsu! Yeah, I’m at Amaija’s… I miss you too… I’ll be home around five. I have some shopping to do… I love you too. I can’t wait until you do that thing tonight with your tongue.”

I’ve heard enough. I walk to the coffeepot and pour myself a cup. By the time I return, she’s off the phone.

“You and Frederico are almost as bad as Mom and Dad,” I tell her.

“Nobody’s as bad as Mom and Dad,” she counters.

“You’re getting there.”

“You’re just hating because your man is lame, and Oni Chan is hating because he’s single,” Brin fires back.

Jaden laughs, but I don’t find it funny. They act like 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, changing the subject.

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

“Is that a good idea? All the aunts, uncles, and cousins will be there,” Brin points out.

Oh no. If I tell everyone at once, I’ll 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’d wait a day to call them,” Jaden suggests as I scroll through my contacts.

“Why? Today’s Tuesday today. Mom will have plenty of time to plan.”

“Dad just got back last night.”

“Shit.”

Too late. The phone rings, and Mom answers, panting.

“Hello, honey.”

“Mom, I’m sorry—I can call back,” I say quickly.

Giggling, Mom replies, “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,” she says sharply.

What is with my entire family hating on my baby’s father? I exhale sharply as she giggles again.

“Hanibanchi, stop it.”

“Mom, can you stop humping Dad for a second?”

“Zayne, our daughter needs our full attention.”

“Baby girl, what’s wrong?” Dad chimes in.

I sigh. “Nothing. Just wanted to let you know I’m coming over on Friday with Xoi.”

“Okay, baby. See you then. Love you,” Mom says simply.

“Love you too,” Dad adds.

“I love you guys too,” I mutter before hanging up.

Brin and Jaden burst into laughter.

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

“I tried,” Jaden says.

“They’re over 50. You’d think they’d stop humping like rabbits,” I complain.

“I, for one, think it’s beautiful. I hope Frederico and I are like that,” Brin defends them.

“You only think that because you didn’t walk in on them at your college graduation,” I retort.

Brin shrugs. “They love each other.”

“I love Xoi, and we aren’t like that,” I say, still annoyed.

“That’s the problem,” Brin shoots back.

“Don’t start. We both have demanding jobs,” I argue.

They exchange a look but stay silent.

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

“Whatever you say, babe. I’ve gotta go—I have a shoot in thirty minutes,” Brin says nonchalantly.

She kisses me goodbye, and Jaden stands too. “I’m leaving as well. Meeting Dad at two.”

“Okay. Love you both.”

After they leave, I plop onto the sofa, exhausted from defending Xoi. Why can’t they just love him because I do? I rub my stomach—a new habit 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.”

Smiling, I grab my laptop and decide to get some work done.

---

Eriq

I hop off my bike and jog up the stairs to my apartment building. Another eviction notice is taped to the door. I grunt, rip it off, crumple it, and hurl it downstairs.

Fumbling for my keys, I unlock the door—only to hear loud moans echoing inside.

“What the fuck?” I storm toward the bedroom and yank the door open.

My best friend, Greg, is balls-deep in my girlfriend.

“Are you two serious?”

Greg jumps off her. “Eriq, I thought you were in Jersey with your folks.”

“Since you’re fucking my woman in my apartment,” I snap, clenching my fists.

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

“Do I look stupid to you?”

“I don’t know why you’re lying to him, babe,” Nami says, wrapping her arms around him.

My chest tightens. “Babe?”

“I’m sick of this, Eriq. A real man needs to take care of his woman,” she sneers.

“I tried. I’m trying,” I say, anxiety creeping in.

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

My blood boils. “You know what? You’re right. So get the fuck out.”

“What?” Nami blinks.

“I can’t take care of you, so grab your shit and leave.”

“We’ve been best friends forever. You’re not gonna end that over some chick,” Greg argues.

“Fuck you. Get out too.”

“Where am I supposed to go?” Nami whines.

“I don’t care, but you sure as hell aren’t staying here.”

She turns to Greg.

“Hey, don’t look at me,” he says.

I snatch my keys. “Next time you fuck someone, make sure he can pay your rent.”

I storm out, slamming the door behind me.

How long has this been going on? We’ve only been together for two years. I’ve been begging my parents for money to keep a roof over our heads, and she’s fucking my best friend in my bed.

Outside, I scream, “Fuck!” and punch the air.

My life is shit right now. Broke. Single. My paintings aren’t selling.

I can’t catch a fucking break.

---

Amaija

We pull up to my parents’ house on Friday. Xoi brought Mom roses and Dad a bottle of scotch. I take a deep breath before getting out of the car.

“It’ll be fine, baby. Relax,” Xoi assures me.

I chuckle nervously. Where did he get the idea that they love him? They tolerate him, but not us together.

He takes my hand, and we walk to the door. I ring the bell—I have a key, but I’m not risking walking in on my parents mid-romp.

No answer. I press it again.

Finally, Juliet, the maid, opens the door. “Ms. Amaija! So good to see you.”

I hug her. “You too. Where are Mom and Dad?”

“Upstairs. They’ll be down soon.”

We head to the living room.

“Would you like anything to eat or drink?” Juliet asks.

“Water is fine.”

“Water?” Mom glides in, looking flawless. I’m surprised she’s so put together.

“Yes, water. I do drink water, Mom.”

“Amaija, I pushed you out of my body. The only time you drink water is when you’re sick.” She feels my forehead. “Are you sick?”

“No, Mom. Stop making me sound like a drunk, and don’t baby me in front of my boyfriend.”

She glances at Xoi. “Xoi, I didn’t see you there.”

“Hi, Mom,” he says.

I cringe. Why did he say that?

“Xoi, are you married to my daughter?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Then it’s Mrs. Klein for you.”

“Mom—”

“Let’s go. Your father’s waiting in the sunroom for your news.”

We follow her. Dad pulls her onto his lap the second we enter.

“My love, your lips get sweeter every day,” he murmurs.

“Only because you nourish them,” she purrs back.

I roll my eyes. “Don’t make me throw up.”

“Baby girl, you’re lovely,” Dad says, finally noticing me.

“Yes, she’s glowing,” Mom adds.

I hug Dad and sit across from them. Mom stays perched on his lap.

“So, what’s this big news?” Mom asks.

“Yeah, baby girl,” Dad echoes.

“Um… so…” I hesitate.

“Speak properly and with confidence. Are you ashamed?” Mom prods.

I glare at her. “I’m pregnant.”

Mom gasps. “Oh my God, you’re going to be a mother! That’s beautiful!” She pulls me into a hug.

“You’re happy?” I ask, stunned.

“Of course! I’m going to be a grandma!”

“But I’m not married.”

“Okay? I wasn’t married when I had Jaden.”

“Xoi’s so young, and he doesn’t have a stable job.”

“Babe?” Xoi looks hurt.

“That’s your choice, love,” Mom says casually.

I slump into the chair. “Dad?”

“I’m happy as long as you’re happy.”

“What is with you two? Your daughter comes here unmarried and pregnant by someone barely an adult, and you’re happy?”

“Baby, isn’t this good?” Xoi asks.

“I… I don’t know.”

“Xoi, can we speak to our daughter alone?” Mom says.

He nods and leaves.

Mom sits beside me. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

Dad takes the other side.

I look at her, and all my fears spill out. “Mom, I’m scared.”

She hugs me. “I was 21 when I had your brother, and I was terrified,d too. You’ll be a great mom.”

“What about Xoi? He’s only 21.”

“Baby, 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.”

“It doesn’t matter. You don’t need his money—just his presence.”

“Yeah, baby girl. You have us,” Dad adds.

“And if he slacks off, I’ll cut him,” Mom jokes.

I laugh, wiping tears. “Okay, Mom. Put away the knife.”

“We love you.”

We hug, then call Xoi back in to join us.

---

Maija

I wave goodbye to Amaija and sigh.

“You okay, my love?” Zayne asks, pulling me onto his lap.

“I’m worried about Amaija.”

“We raised her to be strong. She’ll be fine.”

“I don’t think Xoi is right for her,” I admit.

He kisses my neck. “She has to make her own mistakes—like you did.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s been 30 years. You’re still not over the Danuel thing?”

He nips my neck, making me shiver. “He stole two years of my time. Of course I’m not over it.”

“Jealous and petty since day one,” I tease.

“And you’ve been turned on by it since day one,” he counters before kissing me deeply.

“You’re lucky you’re a good kisser.”

“Race you to the bed,” he smirks.

I jump up, but he catches me in two steps, swings me over his shoulder, and carries me to the bedroom.

“Let’s go, my love."