You Again

Chapter 4

~Flashback~

Adisa ran down the trail to the riverbank. Her footsteps padded by the mudded ground. She ran full speed up the rising incline. Watching the rushing waters get further and further away until she reached the peak of the falls.

When she reached the lookout she paced, looking at her watch. It was four in the morning. She’d have to get ready for school soon. He promised to be here so she waited.

Time seemed to pass her by slowly as she waited for his arrival. Her nerves caused her to pick at her nails. She wasn’t supposed to see him. But he deserved to know.

She heard footsteps ten minutes later. They were cutting through the thicket of shrubbery. Her heart soared when she saw his smile. She rushed to him and held him tightly.

It had been almost 4 months since it was decided by the judge that the pair would not be allowed to have any contact what so ever for the next year plus. This was a risky endeavor, but she needed to see him. Speak to him.

He took in the sweet scent of her hair rosemary and sweet almond. Her hair had gotten longer. She wore it in a taut and sleek ponytail the skimmed her shoulder blades.

She was wearing Bobby’s Hoodie. That perturbed him. Ernest reminded himself that Adisa wasn’t his girlfriend any more. It was a miracle she didn’t hate him like everyone else seemed to. Or he felt the world hated him, because he hated himself.

“Ira, said you needed to talk to me and that it was life or death.”

“I just wanted… I don’t want you to be mad.” She was stumbling over her words trying to find the right ones.

“I talked to Bobby the other day. I know you guys are going to Albany. It’s what you always wanted right?”

“This has nothing to do with Bobby. It’s about us.”

“Isse, you need to stop holding on to us. I’m nothing. I can’t give you anything. I don’t think they’ll let me into a college after this. I don’t have a future. So, there is no future for us.”

She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. It felt round, hard, and firm. “I’m pregnant.”

If it was possible his broken heart shattered. His mouth grew dry and he struggled to speak. She was having Bobby’s baby. Everyone was right.

“Congratulations. I hope you and Robert are happy,” Ernest turned to leave.

She grabbed his arm and forcefully pulled him making him stumble. “I’ve never slept with Bobby.”

The fury in her eyes set him ablaze. Like hell she was going to sit here and lie to him. “Com’on you don’t have to protect my feelings. I know, everyone knows.”

She slapped him across his face. “I don’t give a damn what anyone is saying. Listen to me. I’m having your f*****g baby and I want you to be in her life!” she yelled.

His cheek hurt like hell, but the joy rising in his chest made it mute. He cupped her face in his hands. “Are you sure it’s mine?”

“Ask me that again and I will push you off this cliff.”

“And you want to keep it?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because, I’m a monster,” he said with a tear falling from his eye.

She wiped it away. “You’ve saved me more times than you hurt me. And I’ll never love anyone the way I love you. Ever.”

He kissed her. “When are you due?”

“February 19th.”

“You’ll be in Albany then.”

“I’m not going. I’m staying here… with you.”

“Adisa, stop being stupid. There is no way we can raise a kid together. We’re not allowed to speak to each other. For the next 2 years” –

“There’s sixteen months left.”

“Who cares. It isn’t happening. You need to go to school and make something of yourself. Be someone our kid can be proud of. Not a disappointment like me. Don’t let her know I'm her father.”

“Ernest that’s ridiculous what do you want me to say.”

“What everyone else is saying. Bobby already claiming it’s his kid.”

She kissed him. “Let’s leave we’ll go somewhere, just us and start over. Please don’t leave me.”

He held her close. “You need to leave me. It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay. Nothing is okay. I… Don’t make me do this alone.”

“Just because I’m not there, it doesn’t make you alone. You’re never alone.”

~end flashback~

I woke up and decided to go for a run. It had been a while since I’ve gone on the old trail and it was the best way for me to start my day. I ran to my old high school and past it to the woods. I followed the narrow trail to the river. It was starting to freeze over and soon this portion would be covered in a thick sheet of ice. I continued to the peak of the falls noting how unkempt everything seemed.

Then I saw him sitting at the look out. Ernest must still take the wooded path here. It was rocky and filled with down tree limbs. He felt like it was a challenge to navigate and that made it appeal to his sense of adventure.

“Hey,” I said pulling him away from his thoughts.

He was still facing the falls and wiping at his face. “Hey Adisa.”

I walked over to him. He had been crying. I hugged him. He pulled away from me. “I’m fine.” He insisted.

I looked him over. He looked disheveled and he was wearing dress pants. “Ernie, do I look stupid or something?”

“How about, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

“Better.”

He nodded and headed back to town. I followed him. He wasn’t okay and I wanted to know why. It wasn’t my business, but I wanted to make sure he was doing okay. With mom gone I wasn’t sure if he was seeing anyone. I didn’t even know if he still kept in touch with his sponsor.

“I wanted to know if you’d have coffee with me? I was going to see the center with Mr. Holland.”

He stopped. “You’d have coffee with me?” he asked amused.

“Yes I would…”

“And you’re not worried about Cheyenne finding out?”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure she knows I’m here and not going anywhere.”

“There is a favor I wanted to ask of you?”

“Well, let’s get out of the cold. I’ll race you there,” I took off sure he’d try to worm his way out of it, but the Ernest I knew was always game for a challenge.