Open Opportunities

Chapter XIX

TAMEKA

I looked down at the paper in shock. My dad died. Something shattered in my heart, causing me to reread the papers over and over in disbelief. Despite the things that happened during my pregnancy, my parents and I were really close.

Growing up, I was a preacher's daughter. I grew up in the church and it was all I knew. My life was severely sheltered. I was homeschooled up until I was sixteen and I begged my parents to go to a real school. They eventually agreed, but they made it clear that I had to attend private school. The idea was cool with me, as long as I went to a real school and I got to interact with children my age.

Adjusting to school was terrifying, to say the least. The teachers were strict, the food was bad, and kids were mean ass hell. My sister and I were the only children and we got along fairly well, so I really wasn't exposed to that. It definitely got easier when I became friends with James.

James was the sweetest guy I've ever met. He was caring, compassionate, and charming; the three C's. He made my life a hell of a lot easier in school.

I was young and in love. It's everyone's excuse, but what I felt was was authentic, and the feeling was mutual. By junior year our relationship had developed, and the feelings had gotten deeper. That's when the s*x started. I was afraid at first, and for a reason, because it hurt like hell, but when I got past that it felt amazing..like we were connected on a deeper level.

My parents admired James and they learned to love him as much as I did. By twelfth grade, s*x became a regular thing, but we always were protected. Condoms were worn, and birth control pills were taken.

One night we had s*x and unfortunately, the condom broke. I knew what was going to happen because just a week before I stopped taking my birth control because the side effects became too much.

James took it easier than I thought but I was distraught. I eventually informed my parents and they were livid. They said they didn't raise me this way, and I disgraced the family. It hurt me to the core, but I still had the support of James and that's all that mattered to me.

Now I'm sitting here reading this letter and I don't know how to feel. It's like my body went numb and I broke down.

"Baby, baby what's wrong?" I felt Morris' arms wrap around my shoulders.

"M-my m-my." The words were there, but they were failing to come out. Morris sighed and grabbed the paper out of my hand.

He read it quickly, then engulfed me in a hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and let all of my tears go.

"Babe I'll go fix some breakfast. Just lie down." I nodded and fell back into the bed, lay my head on a pillow.

I sat on the bed thinking that I should call my mother and send my love. I was nervous, but I'm glad I would be able to talk to my mother. I just wish it was in different circumstances.

My phone started shaking in my hand as I dialed the number that I hope she still had.

"Hello." Her voice came through the speaker; it was filled with sadness.

"Hey, m-mom."

"Tameka! My baby is alive!" I chuckled at the dramatics.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. It's been eight years. Oh, how I've missed you."

"I missed you too mama. I'm sorry about everything, and dad."

"What about dad? He's just as stubborn as he was when you left, but misses you dearly. And it was our fault honey, we love and care for you and we hope we can make up for lost time."

"B-but I got a letter saying dad had passed away. I thought you sent it."

"I didn't send a letter. Your dad is as healthy as he was when you left, if not even healthier!"

"So if you didn't send it, who did?"

"I don't know who play such a cruel joke. That isn't funny by any means."

"Exactly, why would someone do this?" I sighed, it seemed like everyone was out to get us, for no reason at all.

"I don't know but they are a disgusting person that needs help. How is my granddaughter."

"She's amazing..and by the way, you have three now." I whispered the last part quickly.

"Three! Damn you been busy Tameka. What the hell?"

"Mama! I didn't necessarily have all of them. My boyfriend has two."

"Two children? That's a lot of baggage, but how is he treating my baby?"

"I know mama, but I love the girls like they're my own. He treats me amazing. He's the three C's and more."

"I haven't heard you say that in years honey and he seems like a great guy that your father and I need to meet. What is this guy's name."

"You probably don't know him, but his name is Morris Chestnut he-." She cut me off.

"The billionaire lawyer? Ooh, baby, he is scrumptious! If I was twenty years younger, and I wasn't married to your father. I would-."

"Gross mom kill the visuals." I looked up to see Morris coming into the room obviously confused by my now cheerful mood.

"I'm just stating facts."

"Mom that's disgusting." Morris smiled probably happy I was talking to one of my estranged parents.

"It's the truth. But your dad and I are coming so don't fight me on this. Send me the address."

"Okay, mom. I'll text it to you."

"Thank God I learned how to use this new technology. Things were so much easier back in the days. These days all people want to do is text and f*******: all the time."

"Mom no one gets on f*******: anymore but I'll text you later."

"Okay, I love you, baby."

"I love you too mom."

******

"You seem to be in a happy mood." Morris eyed me oddly.

"I am because my dad isn't dead." I replied.

"But what about the letter?"

"It was all a hoax my dad is alive and well according to my mom, and they're coming down if you don't mind."

"Why would I? You don't complain when my mom shows up willy nilly." I laughed knowing it was true.

"But who would send that?" He asked wiping Ziah's mouth.

"I don't know but I'm going to get to the bottom of this."

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

"I was thinking of that psycho Rachel, but she doesn't know my family."

"Do you have any siblings, or family that would do this type of thing."

"I have Tamara, but we got along great. I promised to come back for her. She had bad trust issues and probably added to that when I didn't return. After I left she sent me a text saying I "ruined her life". It may be her, now that I think of it."

"It might be, I guess we'll have to see how this plays out."

"I guess so."