AmaijaI walk out of my meeting feeling nauseous. This is the third time I’ve felt like this in a week. I feel my forehead to check for a fever, but it isn’t warm. I take two more steps before I sway to the side. I grab the glass wall beside me, steadying myself.“Are you alright, Ms. Klein?” Amy, my assistant, asks.“I’m fine, just a bit nauseous.”“Nauseous? Was it the food? Should I...” Amy sounded very concerned. I laugh.“I’ve been raised in Japanese food, my mother has an unhealthy obsession with the culture, so I doubt it’s that,” I reply.“If it were any other woman, I would think pregnancy was possible, but you’re so focused on launching this game I....”“Pregnant?” I pause.The word hits me like a bucket of ice-cold water. I close my eyes swallowing hard as I try to figure out the date of my last period. The last time w
AmaijaI 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
AmaijaI sit by the fridge with a pile of food laid out before me. It's after midnight. Xoi is streaming late, so he'll probably sleep at his office tonight. I woke up starving; this little one keeps me on my toes. Thankfully, my morning sickness has passed now, but these nighttime hunger surges have come to replace it."You're a greedy one, aren't you?" I scoop another chunk of ice cream into my mouth, savoring the taste."My heart..." I jump at the sound of his voice. He's talked to me about having these nighttime meals, but he's not the one carrying his big-headed baby, and Mama's gotta eat. I turn my face to the side to hide, then scoop another spoonful of ice cream and swallow it. Xoi laughs as he walks up to me."Babe, we talked about this; the doctor doesn't recommend it," he says."Babe, you don't want our child to starve, do you? The little one wants ice cream," I tell him."I think Mommy is the one who wants ice cream," he replies."And Mommy gets what she wants," I say back.
AmaijaAn hour later, we are walking through the mall downtown. Zara bought a couple of lingerie pieces and a teddy bear for the baby. She's also purchased a couple of gender-neutral baby clothes that look too cute to pass up. A little exhausted and hungry, we stop at an ice cream stand to get two cones."So, do you think Jaden will be happy if I show up in a trench coat and lingerie?" She's not yet done with her 'Jaden questions.' I sigh."What if you show up and he has someone over?" I ask.She shrugs, "I would just leave.""Wouldn't it break your heart?""No, I'm not in love with him... I'm just trying to see what that mouth does," she replies.I groan. "That is my brother, so I don't want to know that." She laughs."All of y'all are nasty, Mom and dad, Brin, you, every single one of y'all." She is still laughing as something, or someone, catches my eyes. I tilt my head to the side, staring at the person who looks a lot like Xoi. He's walking with someone, and his hands are around a
Amaija“Oni-chan!” I whine. It’s been a week since I found out Xoi is a two-timing piece of shit. Since then, Jaden has discovered that the apartment Xoi films in—well, I own it. He bought it with my money, signed my name on the mortgage, and lives there with his girlfriend of five years.I was the queen of idiots in this relationship, but the worst part is that I miss him. How do I miss someone who lied to me and used me? I feel the tears coming again, but I push them away. He’s not worth my tears.“Oni-chan,” I call Jaden again.“Imoto?! Are you okay?”“Yeah, can you pass me the remote?” He frowns but grabs it.“Imoto, I have a lot of work to do,” he tells me.“Oni-chan, I need a hug.” He sighs, sits beside me on the couch, and pulls me into his comforting arms. After a moment, he pulls away slowly.“We changed the locks on your apartment,” he informs me.“Good.”“We also served them an eviction notice,” Jaden adds.“Good. I can’t believe he was such a piece of shit.” Jaden bites his
AmaijaI’m lying on the couch in my apartment. It’s been a month since I moved back in, and all I do is go to work, come home, and watch movies. My family keeps bugging me to go out, but why would I? Everything can be delivered nowadays—everything except a man, that is. But I’m off those for the next few years.It’s Saturday, and I’m in the middle of my routine: ice cream and N*****x. I chuckle at a joke on the TV when the doorbell starts ringing. Ugh. I know it’s someone from my annoying family. They mean well, but trying to drag me out of the house every weekend isn’t helping.Ding dong! Ding dong!I turn up the TV; they’ll leave eventually.Ding dong! Ding dong!My phone starts ringing. I ignore it. It vibrates—a text from Brin. Ugh, not her. Anyone but her. She and Federico just got engaged, and while I’m happy for her, I can’t show it right now.“Open the door before I break it down, sis!” Brin yells from outside. I read the message, groan, and shuffle to my feet. Stomping to the
EriqI sit naked, my balls freezing, as this man pays me to pose for him. How are we in the same profession, yet he can afford to pay someone while I can barely cover rent?“Higher—lift your leg higher,” Pavlo instructs.“This is as high as it goes, Pavlo,” I reply. He scowls, stands, and walks over, leaning in close.“Hey, hey, no touching,” I remind him.He smirks. “Having fantasies about me, Enrique?”“It’s Eriq, asshole. You’re the one paying to stare at my ass,” I glare back.“True, your body is a work of art. Now spread it wider.”“This doesn’t feel right. I already feel a cold draft on my balls,” I complain.“And what magnifique balls they are,” Pavlo says.I want to punch him in the face, but I’m two months behind on rent, my paintings aren’t selling, and I refuse to ask my parents for money again. So I clench my fist and follow his instructions. He nods, returns to his seat, and continues painting. Another hour of torture passes before we’re done.“Splendid!” he exclaims final
Amaija“Are you sure about this?” Brin asks. I nod as we scan pages of sperm donation information. Krystel emailed me a couple of days ago. It’s been two weeks since I decided I want a baby, and so far, I’ve only told Brin.“I’m positive, Brin. Stop asking.” She sighs.“What if you meet Mr. Right, but you’re pregnant by some stranger?” she prompts.“If he’s Mr. Right, he won’t care,” I reply.“What man wouldn’t… Federico!” Brin calls her fiancé, who pops his head out of the kitchen.“Sì, bellezza?” (Yes, beauty?) He walks in and gives her a long, passionate kiss. Why did I even come here? I should’ve told Zara—we could’ve wallowed in our singleness with ice cream and N*****x.“Miele (honey), would you care if I were pregnant by another man when we met?” Brin asks.“Of course not, bellezza. You’re my soulmate. Even if you were pregnant, you’d still be mine.”“Ahh,” Brin coos before they kiss again.I roll my eyes—ugh, here they go. I should’ve picked Zara. “Can you two stop that?”“Stop
AmiPanic and disbelief crash over me as Brin’s words echo in the night air. Eriq waking up right then doesn’t help. He blinks, dazed, realizing Brin and I are half-carrying him between us.“Ami?” he mumbles, glancing at Brin.My heart races. Did he hear her? How’s he going to take this? Maybe he’ll be happy—I cling to that tiny hope. It’s not the perfect moment, but I was going to tell him eventually, so maybe this is fine.“The baby,” he says, reaching out to touch my stomach.“Eriq—I was going—” I start, but he leans in and kisses me. It’s soft, warm, and sends a whirlwind of feelings through me—confusion, surprise, and something deeper. Does this mean he’s okay with it?“Eriq?” I whisper as our lips part. “Are you…”“I love you.” He smiles, resting his head on my shoulder.Relief floods me, washing away my fears. His second “I love you” tonight hits me hard—he loves me, and he’s fine with being the father. It’s like a boulder’s been lifted off my chest, and the emotions I’ve been
AmiWe stumble out of the tenth store of the day, bags in hand. I didn’t want to come out, but I’ve had a blast. Shopping and lunch with the girls felt amazing—it’s been ages since we’ve all been together like this. Now, though, I’m ready to head home and crash with my man. I wonder how he’s holding up. Dad promised to keep an eye on him, so I hope he’s okay.“Where should we go now?” Aunt Kenya asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.Where should we go? I frown. “I think we should head home. I’m tired, and my feet hurt.”“Tired?” Aunt Kenya raises an eyebrow. “You’ve been sitting most of the time. How are you tired? More like you’re itching to get back to that man of yours. You can survive a few more hours without him.”“Auntie!” I yelp, my face heating up.She laughs, loud and unapologetic, shaking her head. “You’ll see him soon enough. Come on, we’ve got five more stores to hit today.” She strides off.“Mom,” I groan as the others follow Aunt Kenya.“We’ll head back soon, sweetie. We
EriqI can’t stop smiling as I peel the potatoes. Her mother likes me. I’ve got one ally in my mission to win over Ami.“Mom!” Jaden bursts into the kitchen, snatches the peeler from my hand, and glares at me.What’s his problem? He’s acting like he did the first time we met.“Mom, why didn’t you tell me you needed help? Why’d you ask him?” he demands, his eyes still boring into me.“I didn’t ask him. He offered. You can help if you want, but he’s already on the potatoes. Why don’t you make the dough for the fried dumplings?” Mrs. Klein suggests.“Okay, Mom.” Jaden tosses the peeler down, walks over to her, and kisses her cheek.I shake my head, bewildered, before resuming my task. We work together in near silence for a while.“Are you two done?” Mrs. Klein asks after some time.“Almost,” I reply, glancing at the potatoes. “Only three left. Anything else you need done?”“I’m nearly finished, Mom. You can have me do it instead,” Jaden says, rushing over with flour-covered hands.“You ca
EriqI glance back at Ami, and sure enough, she looks worried. Our eyes meet, and I offer a reassuring smile before her mother pulls me away. Judging by Mrs. Klein’s warm attitude toward me, I don’t think this will be as bad as Ami fears, but I know she’s anxious for my sake. It means I hold some place in her heart, even if she doesn’t love me yet. That thought gives me hope—hope that soon I can tell her I love her. I’ve been holding back for weeks, and it’s starting to feel suffocating to keep those three words inside.“I bet he’s Asian,” someone says as we approach the family room.“No, this one’s white,” Jaden replies.“White? That’s new. How old is he?”“I don’t know,” Jaden admits.“I bet two hundred and fifty thousand he’s twenty-four.”“I’ll take that action.”“No, you’ve already met him, so you and Zara are excluded.” I chuckle, amused by their banter. They remind me of my own family. I guess all families are alike, no matter how much money they have.“So, 250—who’s in?”“Ahem.
AmiI pull on my pants, then my shirt, and grab my shoes. We’re getting ready to leave for Jamaica soon. I frown. Two weeks with my overbearing family isn’t my idea of a good time, especially since I’m still a bit annoyed that Mom felt the need to blackmail me into going. She can be so frustrating, but I can’t stay too upset. Eriq was right—the entire family rearranged their schedules just so I could be there. Even if it’s overbearing, it’s sweet.I feel a gentle stretch at the corner of my belly, pulling me from my thoughts. I smile as I reach down and touch my stomach. Every time I feel them move, it fills me with joy. Our baby.“Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you,” I say softly. A sigh escapes me, my heart heavy with the secret I’ve kept. I haven’t told Eriq this is his baby. I meant to, but then his father got sick, and Mom changed the trip’s date, so the timing never felt right. I can’t drop this news on him and expect him to handle two weeks with my family at the same time. I’ll
EriqI inhale deeply, trying to calm myself as I stare at the arrogant jerk smirking at me. I want to punch Flavio’s teeth in for what he pulled today. However, they outnumber me and are probably all armed. I glance at the three men in the room: one by the door, whom I recognize from the picture, and two others standing behind him.“Welcome to the family business,” Flavio says.“The family business is an auto shop, Flav. What the hell was that today?”“This is the new family business. Your little friend will remain untouched if you comply.”Anger surges through my body. I clench my jaw, resisting the urge to lunge at him.“I already told you I’m not interested in whatever nonsense you’re involved in. This isn’t the life I want to live.”“Are you living the life you want now? I’ve seen that pretty little thing you’re with. What will happen when she needs money for her hair or nails, but her boyfriend is broke?” I chuckle at the thought of Ami needing money from me.“You won’t find it fu
EriqMy heart nearly stops. I sprint out of the room, ignoring Glen’s shouts as I race for the door. What if Flavio kidnaps her? I’ve never seen him physically harm anyone, but he once set my apartment on fire to get what he wanted. What else might he be capable of? I should’ve known better than to bring her here. I should’ve suspected he might be watching Glen. I should’ve moved away to keep her safe, but I stayed because I couldn’t bear to leave her. Now she’s in danger, and it’s all because I couldn’t stay away. If he touches her, I swear… I gritted my teeth as I bounded down the last flight of stairs and burst out of the building. I run to the car—she’s not there. I scan the area, but she’s nowhere in sight. Grabbing my phone, I dial Flavio’s number. He picks up after the second ring.“Where the hell is she?” I demand.“So, she is important to you?” he taunts.“I swear, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll bury you six feet under.” My voice shakes with a mix of anger and fear.“Finally
“She did what? How do you know it’s broken?” Eriq asks, holding the phone to his ear. “Well, I’m in the middle of something. I’ll let you know.” He pulls the phone away as his friend’s voice rises in a frantic scream.“What’s wrong? Is it an emergency? We can cut our date short,” I offer, concerned.“It’s…” He hesitates, then presses the speaker button so I can hear.“Are you seriously going to leave me here?!” Glen shouts through the phone.“Yes, call your parents,” Eriq replies coolly.“I don’t want my parents to see me like this!”“Then call an ambulance. I’m busy. I told you to stop picking up random women.” I furrow my brows, puzzled. What does a random woman have to do with this?“She was hot, and you know our health insurance is terrible. I can’t afford the emergency room fee—especially after getting robbed,” Glen whines.“A woman robbed him?” I ask, stunned.“Yes, and she also, according to him, broke his, um…” Eriq trails off, looking uncomfortable.“Broke what?”“His… his… uh
Finally, Ami and I are going on a date. It’s a bit late considering everything we’ve already shared, but better late than never. I just hope she enjoys it. She’s accustomed to the finest experiences, and I’m certain this won’t measure up to some of the extravagant dates she’s been on. Still, I hope it’s enough because she deserves nothing less than the best. My smart, loving, tough cookie with a heart of gold. My little weirdo. The memory of her crawling into my room on all fours makes me chuckle. I couldn’t believe she was the one sneaking off with my shirts, but knowing my scent comforts her fills me with the greatest joy. It means she’s attached to me. Maybe this thing between us will grow into something more than a fling. For me, it already has, but I can’t quite read her. I know she likes me, yet I’m unsure how deep her feelings run. I want to ask, but I’m afraid of what she might say. I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of the future. I need to focus on the present and make to