Chapter 5 — Antonio

Later that afternoon, Destiny's cuddled up watching TV with a cup of tea in her living room. I can't get Antonio out of my mind. Why that boy got me like this?" 

That one-night stand was so good that Destiny's dick-whipped. Antonio had Destiny crawling up her bedroom wall saying, "Please—Please." 

"Daddy, daddy—" he told her to say, and she did so. "Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh my God!" Destiny says as Antonio hit it from the back. When she came, she couldn't stop shaking.

* * *

The appointment at Planned Parenthood is in two days and Destiny still doesn't know if she's going. The longer Destiny sits in front of the TV, the more she realizes this decision will be her hardest ever.

This is not about Antonio. Why would it be? This is my life. I just won't tell who the father is. The only person who'll know is Nikki. I know she ain't going to say anything.

Destiny sighs, putting her cup down. There's only one thing left if you cancel the appointment; have the baby. She picks up her phone and makes a call.

"Antonio, this is Destiny. We need to talk." She doesn't care if Kelly's next to him. "You were right. I'm not getting an abortion. It's your baby too and I'm sorry if I said I was going to—" She pauses, exhaling and continues before he can say anything. "Just wanted you to know. Bye." She hangs up then rubs her belly. She's going to be a mother, which leaves her light-headed.

* * *

Destiny can't be unhappy about her pregnancy anymore.

"I'm pregnant," Destiny says, rocking in the chair across from the team manager's desk. She knows Coach is behind her, and Ms. Vance looks up to Coach. Destiny's already told Dr. Matthews that she's keeping the baby now.

"How far along are you?" Ms. Vance says. She doesn't sound happy for her. "How did this happen, sweetheart?"

"It happened over a month ago," Destiny says like she's holding the secrets of the universe. 

"It was an accident." Coach interrupts. "Destiny has answered enough. We don't want the child to feel discomfort. We will put Destiny on the injured reserve."

"Of course, Coach. I agree."

Destiny bites her nails. 

"I don't think we should inform the team just yet, especially if Destiny's not comfortable saying who the father is," Ms. Vance says.

Destiny sighs. "It's more complicated than that and it's my business," she says. "I messed up and slept with a married man—" She puts her hand over her mouth. Coach and Ms. Vance now know who the father is likely. "I can't ever, and I do mean ever, tell anyone who the father is."

"Does he know?" Ms. Vance says.

"Yes."

"Who else knows about this? Please tell me. Just in case, we have to deal with any rumors," Ms. Vance says.

"Nikki, but she won't say anything."

Destiny's phone beeps and she almost jumps out of her seat. It's a text from Antonio.

"Well, all right, Destiny," Ms. Vance says. "Please stay healthy. Take care and come back as soon as you can. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."

Destiny almost doesn't hear her, so confused by Antonio texting her.

"Ok, Ms. Vance and Coach. Thanks."

Destiny looks at Antonio's text: We need to talk.

These are four words that would strike at the nerve of anyone's heart.

Then he texts: Meet me at your place.

"Okay." What could Antonio possibly want? Destiny shoulders her duffle bag and heads for her car.

* * *

Antonio's waiting on her steps when she pulls up. He looks like he's been there awhile. Destiny finds it strange because he looks so serious. Nikki texted her on the way home telling her that Antonio left practice early. Sheesh! I can't imagine Kelly letting him leave her sight.

"What are you doing here?"

Antonio's hands are in his pockets and he's fiddling with something inside.

"I was wrong looking at you while I was with Kelly," Antonio says. "If she finds out, she's taking the baby and my son. I'd be in family court without a doubt."

"Yeah, so—" Destiny starts up the steps, sidestepping Antonio to unlock the door.

"Des, I want—Look, we can't tell anyone."

"You think I don't know that, fool?" 

"I know. Can I come in?"

"I think it's best if you don't." Destiny opens the door. "You've definitely done enough, as they say."

"Come on," Antonio says, looking like a puppy. "I just want to talk."

"So far," Destiny steps in, "all I've heard are excuses and not a single apology. Go home and be with the family you love so much."

"Yeah, I love them and I love you, too. So—"

"Yeah? Well, that's too bad. Now can you get off my porch?" 

"I'm sorry, Destiny."

"Ok, you've said that a million times," she says, holding the door open. "You got what you wanted, didn't you? I'm having the baby. And yet somehow, I'm going to be with this child by myself for the rest of my life."

"Please."

"Just leave. I'm tired of you." She shuts the door in Antonio's face and leans back against it, wondering if his hand is on the knob. Somehow, she thinks she'll feel the heat of his palms.

Antonio can sweat me a bit more. He's going to appreciate this here or else