Special Thanks to Midniterain, acosta perez jose ramiro and Anonymous Latina
(Loving you has made my life so beautiful and every day of my life is filled with loving you) (Patty's thoughts for Harold)
(Loving you…I see your soul come shining through. And every time that we…..ooooohh….I'm more in love with you) (Nadine's thoughts for Sid)
*The title of this chapter is named after a song by Minnie Riperton*
At nearly one o clock in the afternoon, Patty was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, dressed in a short-sleeved beige shirt and a pair of black pants. Aside from the fact that she was pregnant, she was always a full-figured individual; therefore, she knew it wouldn't be long before she had to do a lot of shopping for maternity clothes. Patty was waiting for Harold to pick her up so the two of them can have lunch together. It took a while but he finally warmed up to the fact that he was going to be a father. Patty wasn't too worried; she had faith that Harold would eventually accept it. Patty actually fell in love with their unborn child. She felt truly honored to be the first bearer of Harold's seed. She loved him with all her heart and despite the fact that her pregnancy was not planned, she was happy nonetheless. A text from Harold brought her out of her daydream.
Harold: Babe. I'll b there in 2 mins.
Patty texted back: OK.
She put her cellular phone into her purse and left the bathroom. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, were sitting in the living room. Due to a deficiency of the anterior pituitary gland, both of them were very small-statured people. Almost everyone wondered how the two of them wound up with such a large daughter, height and weight wise. In truth, Patty was adopted by this dwarf couple at the age of twelve. Despite the lack of DNA matches and the fact that she came into their lives as a preteen, Mr. and Mrs. Smith loved Patty dearly. Also, they were looking forward to the birth of their grandchild.
As Patty walked through the living room, she said goodbye to her parents.
"Before you go, sweetheart, there's something I'd like to give you," Mrs. Smith told her.
"Sure Mom," Patty nodded." What is it?"
Mrs. Smith stood up from the sofa, holding a little black box. She walked over towards Patty and extended the box to her. Patty stared down at her tiny, smiling mother and took the box. When she opened the box, she saw a beautiful, antique-looking pearl necklace.
"Wow, it's really pretty," Patty said.
"It belonged to my grandmother," Mrs. Smith explained." My grandfather gave it to her when she became pregnant with my mother. My grandmother passed it on to my mother when she was pregnant with me. My mother planned on giving it to me when I became pregnant but of course, that never happened for me. So, she held on to it. When your dad and I went to visit her at the home this morning, she told me that she wants you to have these pearls once I told her that you were pregnant."
"Wow, tell Grandma I said thanks," Patty responded." I'm sorry I couldn't come with you to visit her."
"We let her know you had to work this morning," Mr. Smith said.
"She understands," Mrs. Smith added.
"I see that this necklace was something passed on to generations of daughters," Patty stated." But what if this baby turns out to be a boy?"
"Well, don't you plan on having more children later on in the future?" Mrs. Smith asked.
"Maybe…but what if they're all boys?" Patty asked." It is possible."
"Interesting point," Mr. Smith said.
"Well, you can always give it to his wife," Mrs. Smith suggested." Anyway, we'll worry about that when the day comes. In the meantime, darling, let me put this on you."
Patty had to squat to accommodate her mother's height in order for her to fasten the pearls around her neck. When she was finished, Patty stood up.
"It looks very nice, sweetheart," Mr. Smith commented.
"Thanks Dad," Patty responded.
"Take a look for yourself, sweetie," Mrs. Smith told her.
Patty headed towards the mirror and smiled. Although she felt that this old-fashioned piece of jewelry was a better fit for an elderly woman, she realized the significance and value it had in her family. Therefore, she planned on cherishing it just as dearly.
"Well, thanks again," Patty said.
"You're welcome, dear," Mrs. Smith said.
Patty crouched down and gave both of her parents a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm going to spend the day with Harold and then we're going to our friend Lorenzo's party tonight," Patty told them.
"Okay, have fun," Mr. Smith said.
After that, she said goodbye, she exited the house and headed outside where Harold was waiting for her in his mother's burgundy Ford Taurus. He was dressed in a black tank top(one that actually concealed his large belly), jeans shorts and sneakers. He was loudly blasting the latest album by "Children of Bodom" as he tapped the steering wheel. As soon as he saw Patty coming his way, he smiled and unlocked the car door. Patty sat in the passenger's seat and shut the door.
"Hey baby," Harold said.
"Hey," Patty said.
They shared a quick kiss on the lips. When she smelled a hint of marijuana on his clothes, Patty grimaced a little.
"Harold, are you stoned again?" she asked.
"Yeah," he replied, honestly." I smoked a joint before I left. Not too much though."
Patty shook her head and rolled her eyes. However, her disappointment was very vague. She didn't like the fact that he smoked marijuana but she tolerated it nevertheless. However, Harold knew that Patty strongly opposed to him driving while high, so before she even asked, they simply switched seats. After fastening their seatbelts, Patty pulled away from the curb and drove onto the street.
"Don't tell my mom I'm letting you drive her car," Harold told her.
"Oh please, your mom loves me," Patty insisted.
"True."
Indeed, Harold's mother thought very highly of Patty. She admired her sense of responsibility and the common sense she possessed. Mrs. Berman has stated on several occasions how lucky Harold was to have her and how much he could learn from her. They drove to the restaurant that Mr. Hyunh worked at, ordered some food to go and then they drove to the park to have their lunch together. They took a seat on a bench near the pond as they ate their food.
Patty glanced at Harold and realized that he was already halfway through his meal while she only took about three bites of hers.
"Babe, slow down," Patty commented." It's not going anywhere."
"I'm starving, babe," Harold insisted, with a mouthful of chicken.
"That's because you smoke so much weed," Patty pointed out." But then again, you're always hungry."
"This food is awesome," Harold mumbled.
Patty smiled and shook her head as she ate a spoonful of rice. Considering how deeply in love she was with Harold, it seemed as though almost everything about him made her melt, even the annoying traits such as his gluttonous appetite and his proneness to confusion.
"By the way, where'd you get that necklace?" Harold asked.
"My mother gave it to me today," Patty told him." It originally came from my great-grandmother. It's one of those special family items. You know?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, I still can't believe we're having a baby," Patty said, softly.
"Me neither," Harold said." My mom is getting more excited about it every day. Even my dad is not being such a fuck-face about it anymore."
"Oh, that's good," Patty nodded.
"Patty?"
"Yes?"
"Do you…want to get….you know….?" Harold said.
"Do I want to get what?" Patty asked.
"Married," Harold said.
Patty's smile spread even wider, her heart fluttered with joy and her soul instantly said "yes". However, her deep-thinking mind led her mouth to say something completely opposite.
"No Harold, at least not now," she answered.
"But….don't you love me?" Harold asked.
"With all my heart," Patty assured him.
"So, why don't you want to marry me?" Harold questioned.
"Before I answer that question, I have one for you," Patty stated.
"Okay."
"Why do you want to marry me?" Patty asked.
"I guess it's because I love you," Harold shrugged.
"Well, I know that," Patty said." But let's be honest here. You were scared to death of committing to the idea of being a father yet you really think you're ready to be a husband too?"
"Um, I don't know," Harold responded." Marrying you was my mom's idea."
Patty chuckled softly and said." I should have known."
"Well, you know my mom is religious," Harold pointed out." She knew that I was having sex before marriage and she didn't freak out about it much. But she was just hoping that I'd at least marry you given that you're pregnant."
"Well, for one, I'm not Jewish, I'm technically Christian," Patty reminded him." But I don't even go to church nearly as often as your parents go to temple. So, I'm not exactly super religious. And to answer your question, I don't want to get married just because I'm pregnant. When we get married, I want it to be because we know in our hearts that it's really want we want to do. Of course, we love each other but neither of us is ready to get married. The time just isn't right. Sure, the same thing can be said about our baby, but this was an accident. No one gets married by accident."
"Yeah, that makes sense," Harold nodded.
"Besides, I don't need a ring to validate how I feel about you," Patty told him.
"I feel the same way about you, babe," Harold assured her." You're the only girl who's for real. You've been by my side for so long. I'm lucky to have you. I mean, Rhonda could have had a chance with me but she was always so worried about her reputation even though she took me to the cheese festival twice in fourth grade. She didn't want to be seen with some big, fat slob but now, she's pregnant with Curly's baby! Curly Gammelthorpe of all people!"
Patty raised her eyebrow and stared coldly at Harold as if to say 'shut the hell up already'.
"Okay, I understand why Rhonda dated Lorenzo; he's smart, rich and…..well, I'm not gay or anything but he's good-looking," Harold continued." But what the hell does she see in that psychotic ass Curly Gammelthorpe? How insulting! I mean, I may not be cool like Arnuld or smooth like Gerald but I'm much more popular and better looking than Curly!"
Harold paused and stopped babbling when he saw the slightly aggravated frown on Patty's face. She did not exactly appreciate him ranting about another girl, especially if that girl happened to be one of her best friends.
Patty was well aware that once upon time Harold and Rhonda had a thing for each other. Sometimes, she still wondered if that mutual crush was still lingering. For the most part, however, she trusted that both of them had moved on way beyond their little elementary school fantasies.
"Oh, sorry Patty," Harold apologized." I just sort of trailed off topic."
Patty sighed and said." It's okay. Anyway, I feel lucky to have you too. Just promise me one thing."
"What?" Harold asked.
"Don't ever break my heart," Patty replied.
"Okay, I won't," Harold said.
"I may be big, tough and sometimes short-tempered but my heart isn't exactly made of steel, you know?" Patty stated.
"Patty, we've been together for a long time," Harold responded." I know this already, babe."
"So, do you promise?" Patty asked.
"Promise," Harold agreed." I can't wait 'til our baby comes."
They smiled warmly at each other for a few seconds. Patty reached up and wiped a spot of sauce from Harold's chin with a napkin. After that, they leaned towards each other and kissed passionately. For the time being, Patty was quite happy. Her parents are dotingly supportive of her pregnancy. Harold was beginning to share her joy and enthusiasm for their approaching parenthood. Above all, Patty loved Harold more than life itself; he meant the world to her. The child she was carrying inside of her made her feel closer to him than ever. He also promised never to break her heart and she believed him; however, some things are much easier said than done. Patty would surely find out the hard way in the future.
Meanwhile, Sid borrowed his father's car and drove to Nadine's house. He had a dozen, multicolored tulips sitting in the passenger's seat. He purchased them from Mrs. Vitello's flower shop and he was hoping that Nadine would like them. Ever since the revelation of her pregnancy, Sid was getting more and more comfortable with it as time went passed. He and Nadine spent more time together, talking to each other, eating out together and various other things. Even though they haven't had sex again, it would be safe to say that they were officially a couple. Fate is funny at times.
Sid approached the front door of Nadine's house and rang the bell. A few seconds later, a young boy's voice asked." Who is it?"
"It's Sid."
Nadine's twelve-year old brother Noah opened the door. He was a short, skinny kid with coarse blond hair, gray eyes and a light-brown skin tone.
"Hi Noah," Sid said, extending his hand.
"What's up, Sid?" Noah responded, giving him a five.
"Is Nadine home?"
"Yeah, she's in her room," Noah told him.
He let Sid inside of the house and shut the door. To be respectful, Sid stepped into the living room to say hello to Nadine's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson was quite a unique-looking married couple but they loved each other very much, nonetheless.
Mr. Robinson was a tall, lanky blond-haired Caucasian man with a 'hippie's' sense of style. He was very laid-back yet fun-loving. Before he married, settled down and had children, he was a notorious party guy who experimented with marijuana, alcohol and occasionally cocaine. Now, he earns a living as a counselor at a rehabilitation center.
Mrs. Robinson was a tall, plump black woman with an afro. She born and raised on the island of Trinidad. Her Caribbean accent seemed to come out stronger only when she was angry or excited; however, for the most part, she was a very down-to-earth, open-minded and straightforward woman. She was the owner of a small Trinidadian restaurant somewhere in the city.
Based on their personality types, it was no surprise that Mr. and Mrs. Robinson didn't give their daughter such a hard time when they found out that she was pregnant.
"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson," Sid greeted them, courteously.
"Sid, how many times did we tell you to cut the proper, formal bullshit?" Mrs. Robinson said, playfully." This ain't no London tea party, boy."
"Yeah," Mr. Robinson agreed." We may be getting old but you don't have to be too polite, pal,"
"Okay," Sid agreed.
"Baby, I think he's tryin' extra hard to mind his manners 'round us after he knocked our daughter up," Mrs. Robinson commented, with a smirk.
"Good point, babe," Mr. Robinson said, with a chuckle.
Sid nodded, nervously. Nadine's parents laughed at him for appearing so paranoid.
"Oh calm down, boy, we're just playin' with you," Mrs. Robinson said.
"Yeah pal, don't shit your pants," Mr. Robinson added.
"Anyway, Nadine is upstairs in her bedroom," Mrs. Robinson pointed out." I'm sure she'll like them pretty flowers. Go on up there."
"Okay, thanks," Sid responded.
"Hey Nadine!" Noah shouted mischievously, from the staircase." Your baby's daddy is here!"
"Noah, you better get the hell off of them stairs and mind your own business before I bust your little ass up!" Mrs. Robinson yelled, using her thick accent.
Knowing that his mother would surely make good on her promise, Noah bolted down the stairs as if his life depended on it.
Damn. I sure wouldn't want to piss Nadine's mom off, Sid thought.
Suddenly, Nadine walked down the stairs, rolled her eyes at her annoying little brother and stepped into the living room.
"Hey Sid," she said.
"Hey."
He handed her the tulips and gave her a hug.
"Thanks," Nadine said." They're pretty."
At only two months pregnant, Nadine's stomach already formed a small lump, unlike Rhonda, who wasn't showing quite yet. Considering that Patty was already big, it was difficult for anyone to tell that she was pregnant. Nadine was wearing a lime-green tank-top, blue tennis shorts and a pair of bumblebee slippers. Although she was in the comfort of her home, Rhonda would have surely written Nadine a fashion ticket for failing to wear matching attire.
"Nadine, just to let you know, I found a spider in the kitchen and I let it outside," Mr. Robinson told her.
"Okay," Nadine said, with a shrug.
"Well, since we know how much you love those things and how emotional you'd get with your pregnancy hormones, I decided to let it go free instead of killing the little fucker," Mr. Robinson explained, coolly.
"Well thanks, Dad, I appreciate that," Nadine responded.
Being very superstitious, Sid commented." It's bad luck to kill spiders anyway."
"Oh, shut up, boy," Mrs. Robinson remarked, playfully." I can't stand them things. Lord knows I don't know who my daughter gets her passion for them from."
Sid and Nadine chatted and laughed with her parents for a few minutes longer before heading upstairs to Nadine's bedroom. Shutting the door behind them, Sid looked around Nadine's room for the first time. She had a glass tank with her pet tarantula in it. Her walls were covered with posters of various different species of insects and arachnids. She still slept with a stuffed, colorful butterfly she received as a Christmas gift at three years old. Although most of her posters consisted of insects, Nadine also had a few posters of musicians she truly admired such as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Nirvana, Steely Dan, TLC, India Arie and Tracy Chapman.
"Cool room," Sid commented.
"Thanks," Nadine said.
"I tried to call you before I came," Sid told her." But I kept getting your voicemail."
"I shut my phone off because I was sleeping," Nadine said.
"Oh."
"So, do you have to work tonight?" Nadine asked.
"No, I swapped shifts with somebody," Sid replied." There's no way I'm missing Lorenzo's party. Are you still coming?"
"Yeah, Rhonda's supposed to pick me up later so we can go," Nadine told him.
"Well, since I'm here, you can ride with me," Sid suggested." My dad won't need the car today."
"Okay."
Sid looked at her tarantula tank with a look of disgust on his face.
"Gross," he said.
"Sid, there is nothing gross about them," Nadine insisted.
"Okay, I heard that pregnant women get grossed out easily," Sid stated." How does that not gross you out?"
Nadine shrugged." I'm too fond of them to get grossed out, I guess."
Sid shuddered and silently prayed that the tarantula wouldn't somehow get out of the cage. Nadine climbed onto her bed and sprawled out on her side.
"Instead of standing there like a petrified chicken, come lie down with me," Nadine told him, patting an empty space on the bed.
Sid nodded, removed his shoes and lied down on his side next to Nadine. They stared at each other as they talked.
"I want you to know that I'm really proud of you," Nadine told him.
"For what?"
"For being so strong and mature about becoming a dad," Nadine replied.
"Yeah, it's getting less scary every day," Sid said.
"There's something else I want you to know too."
"Oh yeah, what's that?"
"I love you," Nadine told him for the first time.
Sid paused for a moment, smiled and responded." I love you too, Nadine."
Nadine lovingly reached out and touched Sid's face." I know the circumstances that brought us together weren't the best, but let's make the best of it."
Sid chuckled." Now, you sound like Arnold."
"Wow, have you spoken to him too?" Nadine asked.
"Who the hell hasn't?" Sid shrugged.
They laughed for a few seconds.
"Oh, you're so beautiful, Sid," Nadine told him.
"Okay, you're making me sound like a girl."
"Okay fine, you're so handsome, you're so fine," Nadine corrected herself, rolling her eyes.
"Um thanks," Sid responded." I think you're beautiful too."
Nadine smiled at Sid, revealing her pearly white, evenly-spaced teeth. Sid never found himself very attractive. He hated his nose and the fact that he was so scrawny with barely a hint of muscle tone. However, Nadine's heart caused her eyes to see him as the most beautiful person in the world. Indeed, that was the magic of love. Suddenly, they found themselves kissing each other tenderly on the lips and softly touching each other.
Nadine's left hand slowly slid underneath Sid's shirt, caressing his skin. Her body heated up with desire as she yearningly pulled him closer to her. Sid hesitantly climbed on top of her, careful not to put too much of his weight on her stomach.
"Wait. Your parents are downstairs," Sid whispered.
"So?" Nadine insisted." I'm already pregnant."
Sid shrugged and then continued kissing her. Considering how cool her parents were, he was quite sure that they couldn't care less what went on behind their daughter's bedroom door. However, something else concerned him, so Sid froze.
"Wait," he said.
"What is it now?"
"Are we supposed to be doing this while you're pregnant?" Sid asked." I don't want to hurt the baby?"
"He or she is going to be fine," Nadine assured him." My doctor said it's perfectly okay to have sex while pregnant."
With that, Nadine reached up and helped Sid remove his shirt. Eventually one thing led to another and they made love. This was their second time together and it was much more beautiful than the first given that they declared their love to each other and finally solidified their relationship. The passion that Sid and Nadine shared for each other was absolutely wonderful but surely, time was going to test their love for each other and challenge their hearts. The "road" was smooth for the time being but the "bumps" and "potholes" lying ahead were inevitable.
(La la la la la. La la la la la. La la la la la la la la la la. Doo doo doo doo doo doo. AAAAAAAAHHHHH) (Patty and Nadine's thoughts for Harold and Sid, respectively)