Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Luke 18:17
As she approaches her second trimester, Zora contemplates over and over about being a new mother, but her new marriage to Jabari Montague allays those fears. Before, she thinks that if the baby is placed in a loving home with a loving couple, the baby would want for nothing in this world. However, Zora now realizes she and Jabari are a loving couple who can provide a loving home. Yes, she and Anton are no longer together. There is a human life growing inside of her; it is a life she creates out of love. Plus, there are signs. Zora keeps seeing babies everywhere…on television…on the train… Was God trying to tell her something? Sometimes when she feels the baby kick, Zora smiled. She is beginning to grow a bond with her unborn child, and even though she will have to struggle to take care of someone else, Zora will still have support from her friends and family.
Jabari and Isaac accompany Zora to her doctor's appointment at Saint Anne's OB/GYN Clinic. It is a little strange for Isaac and Jabari.
"How does your mother feel about the pregnancy," Isaac asks softly?
"Well…she was not happy…at all," Zora starts, "She called Tony's house and spoke to his mother. Then, they got into an argument. She has been trying to call them until she got a message that their phone was disconnected."
"My wife does not have to worry about the past, and neither does my mother-in-law," interrupts Jabari, "They are in good hands. What about you and Fab?"
"I met her downstairs at the lobby of Zora's apartment building. I suggested that we go get a second opinion from a doctor. So…we saw the doctor…he gave her a pregnancy test…and…"
"And…"
"We'll get the results in a week."
"Oh…ok…I…hope, it works out for the both of you."
"Me too."
"Wow," Jabari whispers to Zora, "There's a lot of women here."
"Of course, there is," Zora softly confirms, "This is the OB/GYN."
"Oh, …ok."
Jabari's eyes wander around at the pictures; he is in awe of all the babies, pregnant women, and women nursing their children on the walls; Zora can tell by the look on his face that he feels unsure of being in this kind of environment.
"You know if you feel uncomfortable---"
"No. No. I'm cool," Jabari assured Zora.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah! Um…you got a snack machine around here?"
"It's on the first floor."
Jabari got out of his seat.
"Cool. You guys want anything?"
"No. I'm fine…for now."
"Yeah, man," Isaac interjected, "Could you get me a can of…anything?"
"No problem."
Jabari walks out of the office and starts his way to the elevators.
Meanwhile, Zora shakes her head and giggles.
"What's so funny," Isaac asks?
"Jabari's reaction to being in an OBGYN clinic. It's so cute."
"Cute? Aw, man. Why is that cute?"
"I have never seen that side of Jabari, in my life. He is always so level-headed and calm about situations. Now, that he is…here, it shows that…well, he is not tough; he is human."
"Ok. Speaking from a guys' perspective, this is a woman thing. This has nothing to do with men."
"It has everything to do with men. How do you think you got here? From a catalog?"
"I know…that. I talking about the other stuff…your…you know."
Zora has a puzzled look on her face.
"Please don't make me say it."
"What are you trying to say, Isaac?"
Isaac takes a deep breath.
"Fab calls it her…" monthly visitor."
"Oh, that! What about it?"
"I hate the fact that she asks me to go to the store and get her pads. I remember the first time. I think I went to the drug store five times until I bought her the right ones…thank God for that receipt."
Zora laughs.
"That's not funny."
"I'm sorry, Isaac," Zora replied with laughter, "but now you see a woman's trials and tribulations as well as their reaction to those trials and tribulations. It's not easy."
They sit quietly for a while. Then, Jabari comes back into the office with some snacks. He gives Isaac his can of soda and Zora and a small bag of candy. Jabari then sits down at his regular seat.
"Do you feel better," Zora asks sarcastically?
Jabari nods. Zora smiles.
"Have you've been thinking about what you're going to do with the baby?" Isaac ask.
"Over and over again," Zora says, "I know that I'm not alone, but it feels like it."
"Look…," Jabari begins, eating between bites, "…I didn't want to tell right away because…I know you've been super sensitive these days, but…I saw Jay that other day, and he asked about you."
Zora quickly looks at Jabari; her heart drops.
"He wanted me to meet up with him, to…invite me to his wedding and give you this letter. I didn't tell him about the baby or that we got married."
"Why not?"
"That's not my place."
"It is your place. You are my husband now. He has to know."
"I only told him that you were doing fine."
"He needs to know that we are now married, and there's a baby on the way."
"Just like that. We are married, and there's a baby on the way."
"Exactly."
"Zora, it is not that simple. Have a little compassion for the man."
"Compassion??? What about me????? Ark left me for another woman, while I am pregnant with his baby. Plus, his family will not acknowledge the baby and me."
Jabari pulls out a letter. Zora looks at it. He tries to give it to her, but Zora pushes it away.
"Come on, Z.Z."
"Get it away from me…please. I don't want to hear what Anton has to say."
"Fine, but whenever you're ready, it's right here."
"…You know what...give it to me," Zora says to Jabari, taking the letter from his hands.
She looks at the sealed envelope. She sees her name written in his handwriting. Zora then slowly runs her finger along with the imprint where she wrote her name. Then, she abruptly shoves it in her purse and closes the flap.
"You still love, Tony," Isaac concludes.
"A little bit," Zora confesses.
"No. No. No. No. No. You either love someone or not."
"Ok. Fine. I still love Anton. I…I'll always love him, but it's over."
A tear runs down her face.
"No…no…Z.Z. Please don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you, but it's time to move on with your life. God will send another love your way. Just be patient and let the man find you."
"I told you the same thing the other night," Jabari adds, "Right now, your focus should be the love that is growing inside you. The Lord has blessed you with an amazing gift. And we will be here to help you take care of this gift. You know what the Bible says, 'it takes a village to raise a small child.' We would be happy to help you raise this little angel."
'Yes, my baby is a gift. My baby needs me,' Zora says, rubbing her stomach, 'Why I am still so scared?'
After a thirty-minute wait, the sonographer calls her into the examining room. Zora gets up to follow the sonographer.
"Good luck, Z.Z.," Isaac says.
Zora looks back and smiles at her two friends.
"You'll be fine," says Jabari.
She follows the sonographer into the examination room. As always, she gets ready for her examination; Zora is also a little apprehensive of her unborn baby's progress.
"Ok, Ms. Grant. Are you ready to "rock 'n roll"?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
"Well, today, we are going to finally see what kind of bun you're baking in that oven. Do you want to know, or do you want to be surprised?"
"Um…I…I want to be surprised. My main concern is my baby's health and development."
"Very well then," the sonographer replied, squirting the jelly on Zora's stomach.
'The guys are right. My baby is a gift.'
She thinks of the last time she and her ex-boyfriend made love. Their bronze and tan bodies laid skin to skin with each other. Their souls become one with the power of love.
'I miss Tony so much but can't be mad at him forever,' she thinks to herself, 'I have to accept that he is with another love. We may not be together, but he has given me a wonderful gift; a gift of love. Our beautiful baby of love.'
Later, Zora comes out of the examining room to meet with her friends.
"Well…," Jabari asks?
"What did they say," Isaac asks anxiously?
"Um…I want to be surprised at birth."
"Aww, man," Jabari and Isaac say.
"What? Don't you want to be surprised too?"
"Well, …it's nice to know if it's going to be a boy or a girl," Isaac replies.
"The important thing is that the baby is healthy and…I decided to keep my baby," Zora replies with a warm smile.
The guys cheer.
"Now that calls for a celebration," Isaac replies, "Let's get out of here. This place gives me the creeps."
As they walk up the block, Zora mentions, "Hey! I have something to give you guys.
She goes into her purse and pulls out three small envelopes. Zora gives one the Jabari and two to Isaac; the other was for Fabiola."
"A baby shower," Jabari asks?
"Yeah," Zora agrees, "My mom is putting together a baby shower in two weeks. You guys are invited."
Isaac and Jabari agree to come to the baby shower.
"Great! There's going to be lots of games and food…music and food and…did I mention food."
"You mentioned food three times," Isaac says.
"Oh. Sorry," Zora says with a giggle.
"Don't pay no mind to him. You're supposed to have food on the brain."
"I don't know about you guys, but I feel like eating Chinese food."
"Sounds good to me," Isaac says.
"Me too," Jabari agrees, "I know a great place where we can get the family special for $5."
"Oooohh, lead the way," Zora says.
Two weeks after the pre-engagement party, Anton goes to meet with Nataline for their date. After getting off the subway, he stops at a flower shop and picks up a single red rose. When he left the flower shop, he takes a deep breath and continues his way to see Nataline. Things are going fine between Anton and Nataline, but they are still strangers to each other. Most of all, Anton knows, for a fact, that there is no chance that he and Zora will rekindle their love. Therefore, he has to move on with his life, especially if it means spending the rest of his life with Nataline.
When he reaches the front door, he realizes that his hands are sweaty again. Anton hurriedly places the rose under his armpit and wipes his hands on his Jeans. He takes a deep breath, holds the rose by its stem, and rings the doorbell.
"Who's there," a woman asks?
"It is Anton Braganza. I am here to pick up Nataline for our date."
"Oh! How wonderful!"
A slim woman dresses in a yellow and red saree, opens the door. Her hair is pulled back in a long braid with a red Bindi between her eyebrows.
"Anton, dear! It's so good to see you, again" The woman greets.
"Thank you," Anton says shyly.
"Come into my home," she says, bringing him into her home, "Excuse my matters. I'm Nata's aunt, Tina. Please, have a seat."
"Um…Nata?"
"Oh, yes. That's what we called her; it is short for Nataline."
"Oh, ok. Thank you for welcoming me to your home, Miss…"
"None of that "Miss" nonsense. You can call me Aunt Tina, like everyone else. Besides, we are practically family, anyway."
"Yeah…that's right."
"Would you like something to drink while you wait?"
"Oh no…Aunt Tina. I'm perfectly fine."
"Ok. Well, I'll go get Nata. She should be almost ready."
As Aunt Tina vanishes up the stairs, Anton waits patiently for his date. The wait feels like an eternity until he hears footsteps, rushing down the steps. Anton's pulse begins to race. He thinks it was his date, but it is another young lady. Her name is Mari, Nataline's older sister. She wears a purple jumpsuit with red earrings, a big red belt with matching red boots. Her hair is loosely pinned, and she hardly wears any makeup except for the noticeable cherry red gloss that glistens on her lips. Mari is already married for two years to her husband. She and her husband met while they still attended college. After college, they were married in a lavish, traditional Indian wedding.
"Hiya, again," Mari greets as she sat in the chair next to Anton.
"Hey, I'm---"
"I know who you are…brother-in-law," Mari says as she plopped down in the chair next to Anton.
Mari sees the look on Anton's face but assures him, "Hey, you're not the only one who is nervous. Before you got here, she tried on six outfits, already."
Anton looks at Mari with awe.
"It's true," Mari insists.
Mari sighs.
She then starts, "I remember I was like her when my husband and I went on our first date. I was so bloody nervous, and I fancied him."
"You fancied him?"
"I liked him…a lot."
"Oh, yes. I wanted to show I was dishy."
"Dishy."
"Attractive."
"Oh."
Then, the moment of truth comes slowly down the steps. When Anton sees Nataline, he is amazed by her appearance. Nataline wears a white lace T-shirt with a stonewash denim jumper. Her shoes are white flats with bows on the back of the heels. Her hair is in a side ponytail wrapped with a white lace bow. Like Mari, Nataline does not wear any makeup except for her pink bubble-gum lip gloss, which gives a slight shimmer. Anton rises from the couch, with the rose in his hand.
"…Hi," Anton greets her.
"Hiya," Nataline replies.
"You…you look very pretty."
"Thank you," she says, shyly playing with her hair.
"Oh. Um…this is for you," Anton says, giving the rose to his date.
"Aw, how sweet."
He watches her sniff the rose and thinks, 'Wow! She's more beautiful in regular clothes.'
"…we better get going if we want to make that movie on time," Anton suggests.
"Oh yeah! Mari, are you ready," Nataline asks?
"Mari? Oh! She is our chaperone," Anton asks, "Does this mean she will be staying in the states with you?"
"Oh, no. The family and I are going back to the U.K. next week. I miss my husband. After I leave, Aunt Tina will be the chaperone, until the big day," Mari explains.
"Oh, ok."
"Don't worry about me. I'm no bother," Mari assures Anton.
"Well, ladies, off we go to the movies," Anton says.
Mari announces, "Aunt Tina, we are leaving."
"Ok, children. Have a good time."
Anton, Mari, and Nataline take the train to Sea-Beach Island. Sea-Beach Island is a recreational part of the city by the sea; it's a tourist attraction with restaurants, hotels, and recreational spots. Also, there is always live entertainment performed at the beach. As the train makes its destination to Sea-Beach Island, they see the lights of the island illuminate like the lights of Alaska. It is beautiful. When they walk up the stairs, the lights become brighter and brighter. When they finally reach the surface, they are surrounded by the lights of the rides of the amusement, restaurants, lounges, and the infamous Sea-Beach Movie Theater.
"Wow! This is amazing," Mari says with astonishment.
"Yeah. I don't know what to do first," Nataline says.
"Well, let's have some dinner. We have enough time until the movie starts," Anton suggests.
"Nosh sounds jolly good! So…where should we go," Mari asks?
They walk and search for a restaurant. While searching, they are intrigued by the lights and people enjoying themselves without a care in the world. Suddenly, Mari spots a restaurant called "By the Shore." They go inside and find a booth. They start with drinks and appetizers. It does not seem to be a date with a chaperone. It is more like three friends having fun together.
"Could you excuse us for a minute," Nataline says to Anton, pulling her sister with her, "You know how girls like to travel in packs?"
They ask where the bathroom is located, but when they reach the bathroom, Nataline immediately pulls her inside.
"What is it? What's wrong with you," Mari asks?
"Nothing. Nothing. Everything is wonderful," Nataline says, "I thought this was going to be nervous, but…I feel so relaxed."
"Well, …that's brilliant, yeah?"
"I want to say, "Thanks, sister."
"Your welcome, Nata. So, does this means…that…maybe…there's sparks?"
"Well…yeah, especially the other night."
"The other night?"
"I had this queer dream about Anton."
"What was so queer about it?"
"…we were shagging…"
"What? Shut up!"
Mari cannot stop laughing.
"Come on. It's not funny," says Nataline.
"Yeah, it is," Mari exclaims.
"Mari!"
"…alright…I'm sorry. So tell me. Did Anton love playing with your knockers?"
"Shut up, Mari!"
"Alright. Alright…How big is Anton knob?"
"Mari!"
"Alright! Sorry! Well, this makes it official."
"What official?"
"I think...Anton is the new ruler of your heart."
"…Perhaps."
"Oh, c'mon. Your time with Mingel has been over for a while. Allow yourself to have feelings for this bloke. There's nothing wrong with fancying this him. Besides, the rose…very posh."
"Yeah…it was but Mingel is my first love."
"Mingel is not going to be your husband. Nata, give it some time to get to know Anton. Stop being afraid of having feelings for another."
"I suppose you're right."
"Hey, I know this is scary. I did not know if Lazar and I would have a wedding, but it worked out for the best."
"You and Lazar were arranged to marry, Mari."
"That doesn't mean it was love at first sight. We had to get to know each other, and once we found some common interest, we became friends. Then one day…Lazar kissed me. It was like magic. I want that to happen to you."
"Thanks, Mari. Anyway, we need to get back to our table. Otherwise, he will think that we flushed ourselves back home."
"Alright. By the way…nice one!"
Nataline rolls her eyes.
They leave the bathroom and return to the booth.
"Is everything ok," Anton asks?
"Oh, jolly good," Mari replies, "So let's eat!"
They order their food and spend the entire time eating, laughing, and joking. When Anton, Nataline, and Mari are done with dinner, they make their way to the Sea-Beach Cinema. Throughout the movie, Mari sits between Anton and Nataline.
Anton thinks, 'Nataline…Nata…she looks so pretty tonight. I would love to sit next to her. Maybe kiss her…touch her…'
'I do fancy, Anton,' Nataline thinks to herself, 'Perhaps Mari was right. This could be a sign. He does look fit, very fit. I hope my sister doesn't open her big, fat mouth.'
When the movie is over, they realize that it was getting late. Anton, Nataline, and Mari take the train back to Aunt Tina's house. Mari goes inside the house, but she spies on her sister from the window.
"I had a brilliant time tonight," Nataline says.
"Me too, Nata," Anton replies.
"You're starting to sound like my relatives."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Oh, don't be sorry. I prefer Nata, anyways. Nataline is mouth-full."
They both laughed.
There was a short pause.
"…um…cheers."
"Good night, Nata."
The days turn into weeks, and Christopher cannot find a potential candidate for his bar. Every candidate seems qualified for the position, but they are not the right fit for the bar. Christopher is getting discouraged.
"This is getting frustrating," Christopher says, talking to his wife on the phone, "They are either a yuppie, or a skinhead, or----"
"--- Sweetheart, beggars cannot be choosers. Remember, patience is a virtue," Valentine assures Christopher.
"I know. I know…but we need help! I am so stressed I am about to pull my hair out of my head."
Suddenly, Christopher hears a knock at the door.
"Hold on for a minute, Val," Christopher tells Valentine on the phone.
"Ok."
"Yes," Christopher shouts.
"It's Johan. I need to tell you something."
"Come in, Johan."
"Hey," Johan starts, "There is someone who wants to see you for the manager position."
"Oh, ok! You can bring the applicant to my office."
"Ok. Oh, Chris!"
"Yeah?"
"Isham called and said he would be about twenty minutes late."
"Twenty??? That son-of-a…ok. Ok. Fine. Um…tell, the applicant, to come into my office."
"Ok…"
While Christopher tries to get his thoughts and papers together, there is a knock at the door.
"The door is open," Christopher shouts.
He continues to fumble with the papers on his desk until something catches his attention. It is the smell of coconut and mango lingers in the office. He looks up and sees a young, petite woman standing in front of his desk. The bangs from her mushroom hairstyle could not hide her big, brown eyes. Her 14K gold Dolphin earrings chandeliers through her soft, shiny hair. Her lips are lacquered with gloss, and her fitted jeans play the Ying to her hips' Yang.
"Um…hi…um…I'm so sorry for the mess. Please have a seat," Christopher insists.
The young lady sits in the chair.
"Forgive me," he continues, "As you can see, I am in desperate need of some help. It can get crazy around here and---"
"---No need to explain," she interrupts, "I can handle crazy, which explains why I am here."
"Ok, well…do you have a resume?"
"Yeah."
She hands the proprietor her resume.
"Lacey-Crystal" Culver. "Lacey-Crystal." That is a very unusual name. My wife has a unique name too."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. Her name is Valentine."
"As the holiday?"
"You got it."
"Well…that is unusual."
They both laugh. Christopher continues to look over her resume. Although she does not show it, she sits and waits anxiously for his response.
"Well, Miss Culver…your resume is impressive. You have extensive managerial experience, and you have a little bit of a serving background."
"Thank you, Mr. Newkirk."
"However…I have a concern."
"Yes?"
"Do you have an I.D. with your date of birth?"
"Sure."
She goes into her purse and pulls out her I.D. She hands it to Christopher, and he thoroughly examines it.
"Ok. You are fine."
"Great."
"No offense, but I had a former team member who turned out to be underage."
"Wow."
"Yeah…but she is doing ok now."
"Good for her."
"Can you mix drinks?"
"Mix drinks?"
"Yeah…like…alcohol…stuff like that."
"…oh, yeah! Sure! Absolutely!"
"I see."
Christopher looks at his watch; the interview is twenty minutes long.
"Excuse me for a minute," he tells the young woman.
"Sure."
He rises from his desk and leaves the office.
'Damn, why did I say that,' "Lacey-Crystal" thinks to herself, 'I do not know anything about alcohol.'
"Lacey-Crystal" is in a panic.
'Why am I here? Ok. Ok. You need a job,' her thoughts continue, 'this is not the job you want, and your family would probably disown you for being at a bar…and wearing these tight jeans.'
Meanwhile, Christopher is getting very impatient with Isham.
"Isham said…he can't make it today," Johan says with regret.
Christopher is so frustrated and angry, he pulls out his hair.
"I don't believe this guy. I do not believe this guy," Christopher exclaims, "This is it! I have had it with him. The next time he comes into my bar, I am going to give him a rude awakening."
"So…what are we going to do?"
Christopher is disparate; he has to act fast.
"You don't have this kind of experience, and I don't want to ask Val. She has been working here a lot lately…"
Then it dawns on him.
"Hey! Maybe the girl in the office."
"Are you sure about that, chief?"
"Jo-Jo, I'm desperate. What else can I do?"
"Well, …you're the boss. I hope, for you and the bar's sake, you are making the right decision with this chick."
"Me too," Christopher says with a sigh.
Christopher walks back to his office while Johan goes back to bussing the tables. Before he opens the door, he takes a breath.
"Lord," Christopher prays, "please be my guide."
Christopher opens the door. Lacey-Crystal turns around abruptly with her heart full of anxiety.
"Hey," Christopher starts, "My bartender bailed on me. Do you think you could fill in for him?"
Lacey-Crystal is speechless; she was like a deer in headlights.
"…sure," Lacey-Crystal lies, "…but I am here for the manager's position."
"A manager has to be able to multi-task. Can you do it?"
"….yeah! I can do it."
"Ok. Great! We can get started now."
"Now?"
"Yeah, now! The bar opens in less than an hour, and everything has to be prepped and ready."
"Oh, …ok. Let's do it!"
"Alright."
While Zora converses among her classmates in the hallway, Anton happens to walk by her. He is bewildered by what he saw; Zora looks a little different. Anton stops and briefly turns his head in Zora's direction.
'Maybe I'm imaging things,' Anton thinks.
He continues his path to his next class. When he reaches his next class, which is Business 307, he happens to see Isaac Gonzalez. Isaac is sitting in his chair, listening to his Walkman, before class starts. He taps Isaac on the shoulder.
"What's up, Tony," greets Isaac, looking up at Anton while taking the headphones off his ears.
"Hey. How is Fabiola doing?"
"She's great!"
However, Isaac can sense something is wrong with his friend.
"What's wrong," Isaac asks, "Don't tell me the date with…Nataline was a bust."
"No. It was great. I met Nataline's aunt and Nataline's sister. Nataline's sister was the chaperone."
"Oh…so if your date went well, what's with the look on your face?"
"I saw Zora…"
"Of course, you saw Zora; the two of you attend the same school. That's going to happen sometimes. As your friend, I'm telling you to let Zora go. She has made it clear that's over, and YOU, my friend, are about to embark on a new relationship with another woman."
"I know all of that…but…"
"…but…"
"…Zora looks…different."
"How so?"
"…Has Zora…put on weight lately?"
Isaac begins to panic.
"Um…I don't know. Why do you ask," Isaac asks?
"Don't tell me that you haven't noticed. You still hang out with Zora, right?"
"…Come to think it, Zora's appetite has been like a monster lately…but one thing I learned about women is that a man never mentions their weight. NEVER! However, if she mentions her weight…well… let's say you're answer should be…right."
"Well, …what's the right answer?"
"I have no idea. Anyway, you're going to need this advice when dealing with Nataline."
When classes are over, Anton has a one-hour break until his next classes. He decides to go to the lounge to do some studying. Meanwhile, Jabari happens to be going to the lounge, too.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Braganza," Jabari says, walking up to Anton.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Another day at college."
He sits with Anton at the table, but Jabari sees something is bothering him.
"Are you ok, buddy?"
"…I saw Zora on my way to my first class. Has she gained a few pounds," Anton asks, "Is she ok?"
Jabari is very hesitant; he does not know what to say.
"…why do you ask," Jabari asks?
"She looks a little bit…fat."
"Aaaww, don't worry about her. She's probably going through some things. I'm pretty sure it will pass…as well as those pesky pounds. Of course, I would never mention a woman's weight. That's suicide."
"I know. Isaac told me. I guess I will use that advice towards my marriage."
"So you are looking to marry…Nata-li-na?"
"Nataline. Why not? Zora's is gone, and I have a potential wife…waiting for me. I still have my uncertainty but…there she is. I like her, and I guess I am attracted to her."
"I'm glad you said that. You need to get on with your life. As far as Zora is concerned, …there is a reason why she has put on some weight."
"What's the reason?"
"She's having a baby."
"SHE'S WHAT!!!! She's having a baby? Who is the father of the baby?"
At that moment, Jabari wants to tell him the truth, but he thinks this is not his place to tell Anton. Zora should be the one to say to him that he is the father of their unborn child, despite Anton's marriage to someone else.
'Dammit, Zora,' Jabari thinks angrily, 'you were supposed to tell Tony.'
"…me…"
"You???? Are you kidding me???? How did you? How could you?"
"I wish I was kidding you, and do I have to explain how it happened?"
"I…I don't believe this. When did this happen?"
"Well…I think it was after you guys broke up."
"You son-of-a-bitch! You took advantage of my Zora."
"Wrong! When you broke her heart, she was no longer your Zora. Plus, she's a human being; she belongs to no one."
"You did not treat her like a human being when you have sex with her. You took advantage of a young lady with a broken heart…"
"…and you are responsible for giving her that broken heart. Remember?"
"You know, I have no control over this…arranged marriage."
"Speaking of marriage…we are that too."
Anton is lost for words. Although he does not show it, Jabari's heart is breaking. Anton is one of his best friends, and Jabari is emotionally slaying him.
"Jabari…I thought we were friends."
"We are friends."
"No. No. No. I'm sorry. My ex-girlfriend has your baby. Then, you marry her, and I'm supposed to be ok with that?"
"Look, man, my intention was not to take advantage of my friend who was extremely vulnerable."
"But---"
"---Hold on for a minute. I am not done. I don't expect you to buy this, but…it just happened. One thing led to another, and here we are."
Anton cannot stand to look at Jabari. Anton is so angry, he can feel himself getting warmer to the point he broke a sweat.
"I know that you…want to rip my head off, but I can assure you I was not going to leave her unmarried and pregnant. Zora and the baby did not ask for this. Most of all, they don't deserve to be abandoned like used goods. I will do right for my family. Besides, I love Zora."
"You are full of it! I would love more than anything to toss your back-stabbing ass out of a window. I love her too, man! Doesn't matter if we broke up, she was still my girl! That's why it still hurts. I could have a…trillion loves in my lifetime, but Zora Grant will always be my number one. Not you, Nata, my family, or anyone else can take that from me. At this moment, you both betrayed me, and both of you disgust me. If I ever get over this, it will take a very, very long time."
Anton angrily grabs his things and proceeds to storm out of the lounge until he turns around to retort, "Oh, and…congratulations."
Then he storms out of the lounge.