The news.
Mia's POV.
The sun streamed though the window. Glistening off the mirror, waking me out of my sleep.
I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I looked at the time. Nearly 8am.
I yawned, stretching my body. Getting out of bed, I walked into the bathroom, starting the shower. I waved my hand underneath the water, checking its temperature. Steaming hot, just the way I like it. I smiled.
I stood up, stripping my clothes off and stepped into the shower. I picked up a wash cloth and my favourite coconut body wash and slowly lathered my body. I moaned. The hot water penetrated my soar muscles, making them relax.
Relax, I thought. But my mind kept racing. I was late. Not late as in running late for an appointment late. Late. Like woman late. My cycle had not "arrived" in over a week.
Relax, I repeated to myself again. It could just be caused by stress.
I quickly finished up and stepped out of the shower. And slowly began to dry the water from upon my body.
Why am I so nervous? I thought out loud.
I opened the cupboard and pulled out the white paper bag, I had bought the night before. I took a deep breath before opening it and pulling out the pink box inside. Tossing the white bag into the nearby garbage, I begun to open the pink box. Once the one side was open, I tipped the box and let the pregnancy test side into my hand.
Don't panic. I told herself.
As I walked over to the toilet, I popped the lid off the test. Squated over the toilet, and began peeing on the test. After finishing, I put the lid back on and set it on the counter and quickly cleaned myself up.
I grabbed my towel hanging on the hook, wrapped it around my body and walked back to my bedroom. I heard muffled voices coming from the livingroom. Great, they're here. I rolled my eyes and continued on my mission. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to my closet and grabbed a pair of blue jeans and my favourite oversized sweater. I threw everything on and did a quick check in the mirror. Satisfied, I continued out of my room, past the livingroom and into the kitchen to retrieve myself a glass of milk. I looked out the window, above the sink that overlooked a park. Kids were out there playing already and it made me smile. They're innocence, not having to worry about anything. How I wished my world could be like that again.
"Good morning." A deep voice startled me out of my thoughts.
I turned and smiled, seeing it was Ray. The man I loved.
"Hey." I squeaked.
"You okay?" He asked.
I smiled. Finishing my last gulp, I put my glass into the sink and replied, "I'll live." And I walked past him, into the livingroom.
Upon entering, I noticed Kayla and Danny sitting on the couch, watching what looked like the news.
I picked up the remote and changed the channel to the music channel.
"Sorry," I smiled, "Too early for that."
They just shrugged they're shoulders and began a conversation of their own.
I was'nt in the mood to watch that gang violence again. I knew they were all coming over today to discuss what happened, but that was more than enough. I had to much on my plate this morning.
The door slammed and I looked up, seeing Aaron, Justin and Taylor walking in.
"Sorry, Mia." Taylor apologized. He new how much I hated doors being slammed. I think that originated from my childhood. Whenever my parents had fought, my father would always leave, slamming the door behind him. But that was a long time ago. Before they were murdered.
"Where's Tyler?" I asked, shaking myself out of my thoughts. Tyler was always following them around.
"Right here." He said, walking in with the rest of the group. Wives too.
I smiled, sitting on the arm of Ray's chair. Suddenly, I looked down at my watch, realizing I left the test on the counter in the bathroom. I quickly darted back to the bathroom, slamming the door behind me and snatching the test off the counter. I took a deep breath and sat myself down on the counter top.
Someone knocked on the door.
"Mia, are you okay?" Ray said from the other side of the door. I could hear the worry in his voice.
I sat the test back down and opened the door, inviting him in. He came in closing the door behind him. He sat down on the edge of the tub, across from me. He looked at me.
"What's wrong?"
I took a deep breath and looked back at him. His eyes drifted to the pregnancy test, sitting on the counter beside me. His then came back to me, with a puzzled look in them. Then, it quickly changed to worry.
"Are you..." he trailed.
"I haven't looked yet." Suddenly, a flash of heat had come over me and I quickly drove to the toilet. Bringing up that milk I had drank not that long ago.
He gently grabbed my hair and held it back, "I guess that answers my question."
I smiled, pulling back to look up at his face. "Do you think we should double check?"
Ray looked at me blankly for a few seconds, then glanced over at the test. He let out a sigh, nodded and handed it to me without looking at the results.
Still kneeling beside the toilet, I accepted it from his hand. I fell back against the wall letting out a loud sigh. I closed my eyes, only for a second, and reopened them as my eyes made their way to the test strip. I handed it back to him. He quickly glanced at it, smirked and then tossed it into the trash. He slowly helped me to my feet. He held me tight in his arms and slowly breathed out, "I'm not sure what to say."
I pulled back, still holding onto to him, mainly to keep my balance as I was feeling a little dizzy. I replied sternly, "What do you want me to do?" A tear streamed down my face, I was afraid of his answer.
I was nowhere near ready to be a mom, but I didn't just want to throw it away because of that either.
He cocked his head to the side,"Why would you ask a question like that?"
"I... I..." I stammered.
"Stop" he said, cutting me off, "This is our child. There is no way in hell that i would just let you get rid of it. No matter what happens, I will be here, every step of the way."
"Really?" I said as a smile struck across my face.
"Of course. But, in the end it is your choice. So I will have to live with your decision either way."
I looked at him and laughed in my head. This is not the Macho Ray, everyone sees on a day to day basis. This is the Ray that only I am allowed to see.
"You are not doing this alone. I'm here." He pulled me back in tight. I hugged him back, not wanting him to let go. I felt safe in his arms.
Another tear rolled down my cheek, "I love you." I whispered into his chest.
He nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck and replied, "I love you too."
I looked up at him and his hand swept across my cheek and held my chin in place as he lightly kissed my lips.
I pulled back and smiled at him, "I should probably brush my teeth now." I giggled.
"Yes, you should." He chuckled.
I quickly brushed my teeth and walked back into the livingroom, following behind Ray.
He sat down in the arm chair and pulled me down onto his lap. Following my instincts, I left my hand make it's way to his hand. Our fingers intertwined. This felt perfect.
Kayla was the first to pipe up," Is everything alright?"
I smiled, "Of course." I looked up at Ray, as if asking for his silent approval. He nodded.
"Actually, now that everyone is here. Ray and I have some news."
The room fell silent and all eyes were on me.
I paused. That's a lot of eyes on me. I thought. My eyes drifted around the room. All eyes seemed to be locked on me. My hand began to tremble. But quickly felt Ray's reassuring squeeze.
"Well, Ray and I are..." I trailed.
Vikki piped in, "you and Ray are what? Eloping?"
I giggled at her response. "No. Ray and I are pregnant."
It was quiet for a few moments. Rose was the first to speak, "What?"
"We just found out ourselves." Ray chimed in.
Kayla and Vikki squealed in excitement. "We're gonna ne aunties!" They said in unison.
That made me smile. Ray wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me tight. I held his arms in place as I looked around the room at all of their faces. I looked back at Ray and frowned. He looked around the room as saw what I did. Disappointment.
****
I sat in my room, crying into my pillow. I had ran into my room as I could take it. The look on everyone's disapproving face. Isn't this supposed to be mine and Ray's choice? Weren't they supposed to be happy for us? I thought to myself.
"Mia, calm down. They were just shocked." Vikki smiled, rubbing my back.
I know she was just trying to make me feel better.
"Did you see their faces?" I stammered.
Kayla grabbed my face so that I was looking at her, "Chill. This is between you and Ray. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. Besides," she paused smiling, "Ray is probably screaming at all of them right now. You know he doesn't like anyone upsetting you."
I smiled. She was right. Ray was very protective over me. And I didn't mind. I had lost my whole family due to this gang life, he was all that I had left. He made me feel not only protected, but loved.
Someone suddenly knocked on the door. All of our heads looked over. Ray peered his head in. "Babe? You okay?"
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Kayla answered, "We'll leave you two be."
I smiled, "thanks."
The girls got up and left as Ray sat down beside me, wrapping me in his arms. I laid my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. It always soothed me. He stroked my hair. We remained silent for awhile.
"I know there's nothing I can do or say, but I don't care what they say. I love you and I will love our child too. My mind is made up."
I looked up at him, holding his hands in mine, "I don't know what would've happened to me if I never met you. I owe you my life Ray."
"Its you who saved me, Mia." He paused, scanning my face, "Can I kiss you now?"
"Always." I said, grabbing the back of his neck pulling him down to my face and kissing him with all the passion I could muster up. He accepted my gesture, and I could feel his hands move to my back pulling me closer to deep our kiss.
This man. This man who is strong, dangerous, intimidating, but most of all kind. This is the man I love.
