The Deceiver’s Handbook

Chapter Six

“No weekend at mine will have you counting your calories honey,” she said and we both let out a loud round of laughter after which we continued to devour our delicious meal of scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes.

The weekends at my aunt’s were always the highlight of the week for me, and I think her tantalizing meals were a plus on the menu.

“I need to watch the plates though; I’m forever never beating the missing waist allegation”, I added and she almost choked on her glass of water.

“Easy ma’am," I said in sarcasm and comfort at the same time as I rubbed gently on her back, making soothing circles on it.

We took the remaining bits of food in silence and when we were done, I sluggishly stood up and cleared the circular dining table on which we’d just feasted.

“That was so delicious! No one does it like my mama,” I exclaimed while fixing my gaze on her to see her smiles. I loved gassing her up, and I knew she deserved every bit of the words and hype and I loved it for her.

“Thank you, my baby,” she muttered gently, wearing a wide grin. “Now go wash those dishes ma’am," she said, s******g me hard in my ass as I walked out with the tray containing the plates in my hands.

“You really love the girls, don’t you,” I teased while I walked into the kitchen. “Who wouldn’t sweetie? They’re such a sight for sore eyes”, she responded and I giggled hard as I laid my hands on the sink.

Washing dishes was a core memory for me as a child. My aunt made sure to get us involved in a house chore or two. She always said she was never raising spoiled and permissive children, as she knew her sister, my mom would never do that.

After washing every single one of them, I drained the water off and stacked them carefully in the dish rack. Her kitchen wasn’t so aesthetic and modern but it was neat to the core and always perfectly organized, with every item sitting just in the right place.

As I wiped the wet surfaces, thoughts about how I would break the news to her ravaged my mind, scaring the life out of me. Who would think that I’d come with such a bomb when I made the atmosphere as lively as possible at first.

I was so scared to see a look of disappointment on her face, and I wasn’t prepared for it. When I was done with the chore, I walked briskly to the restroom which was just some distance from the kitchen, and locked the door behind me.

I paced around, reciting how I would frame my sentences, my heart’s palpitation increasing. When I was sure I was going to make a big mess of everything, I released the door knob and walked out abruptly into the sitting room to meet with the fear of the unknown.

“I have something to tell you”, I said out of nowhere to my aunt who was changing TV channels with the remote in her palm.

Something? Something like what? She enquired, putting down the remote and focusing on the new subject which was me.

I stood there fidgeting with my face bowed to the earth in embarrassment. “Come sit," she beckoned to me, shifting slightly to the side to create space for me beside her on the couch.

I walked like a zombie to her and sat right beside her, my both hands pressed in between my thighs. “I’m all ears now, you know me better than this, so speak,” she affirmed, cheering me on.

“I…….am……..preg……pregnaaaaant.” I let out, dragging my words like slime. I raised up my head and looked in her face for an answer even though I had not asked an exact question.

Ok, for who? By who? She questioned, maintaining a calm demeanor. “Mmmmmmm…” I mumbled, fearing to make mention of the name of the culprit.

“Baby, I need you to say who it is that did this to you. Did you hook up with someone else recently, is there a new guy I know nothing about? Spill the tea, she said, me for a concise response.

“Drew… It’s for Drew.” I muttered silently and my eyes betrayed me, finally letting down the tear I'd been holding in.

“Oh my goodness!” She mentioned under her breath, nodding her head in absolute sadness. I saw the look on her face, and it wasn’t that of disappointment, which relieved me a great deal.

“I am so disappointed in myself. I had no idea I was pregnant all these while, three months gone now, and I wish it never happened. But not to worry Aunt, I would just get rid of it as soon as possible; I don’t need a baby, and I’m also not second guessing Drew’s answer to this,” I said, clutching my fists while slightly shaking my wobbling legs.

“Come here," she said, motioning to me, and I moved closer into her warm embrace. I leaned on her for a minute, all my emotions crashing into the moment and my tears endlessly flowing out.

“It’s okay, it’s okay," she said, tapping me gently on the back. We all make mistakes, but I can’t even say this is one, so give yourself some grace. And no! I would not have you beat yourself up for this, rather I’ll leave you with the sole opportunity of making your own decision; To keep the pregnancy, or abort it.”

There’s no pressure whatsoever on you girl, so take your time and weigh the options in the balances. If you’re keeping it, I would be too glad to have a grand baby and give you all the motherly support you deserve; If you decide to terminate it, I will acknowledge the fact that you’ve made your best decision, and I would not dare stand in your way.” She said, while I still held on to her and then she released me from her grip to look in my teary face, her palm wiping every tear that had run out.

“Thank you mama bear,” I responded, feigning a faint smile just to lighten her heart.

“You’re welcome, and don’t forget to keep me posted on your final decision. I won’t make mention of this topic anymore, but I will be waiting to hear from you still,” she said in a final tone and I nodded my head in affirmation.

“But I was also thinking daughter; I know we now have beef with his family and want no communication with them but I would advise that you reach out to them, if not for anything but to let them know that the child being conceived in your womb is legitimately theirs. I would never have anyone blame you in the near future for keeping their offspring from them, and that’s if you decide to keep it.”

My aunt’s suggestion was a little uneasy but there were elements of truth in it. “What if I get embarrassed again? I do not want to be faced with another round of rejection,” I said to her, relaying my fears.

“I feel you, but that’s the worst they could do. Reject the baby; but neither I nor your siblings would do that to you. Whatever the end result is, I would be right here waiting for you with my arms wide open.”

“But never let the fear of what may happen stop you from making the necessary move, so that those fellas do not get an excuse for not taking responsibility. I wish you well darling,” she said, tapping my left lap mildly.

“It’s quarter past 9pm already, let an old lady retire to bed while the youngsters stay up late watching TV and surfing the media,” she said, getting up sluggishly from the couch that had already been pressed down from being sat on for too long.

“I will join you soon, I replied amidst chuckles. “Sweet dreams,” I said and she turned around and blew me kisses, making me rumble with laughter. If it wasn’t for this unexpected happening that caused a rift in the atmosphere, I would be rolling on the floor in laughter from her funny jokes and gestures.

I paused for a minute, thinking of how blessed I was to have her. “I love you mama bear,” I whispered to myself, but I got a response, “I Love you too” and I grinned wildly.

I watched her make way into the hallway that led to her bedroom and I settled properly into the couch gaining full comfort for myself.

I rubbed my hands on my flat belly, still unsure that there was something growing inside of me. The woman's body was such a mystery that I could never seem to get a full grasp of.

I twisted my body on the couch endlessly, thinking about how I would approach my opponent’s family. “This is such a hard thing to do!” I exclaimed.