Chapter 2 — Deja
A couple of nights after the rendezvous, Deja and Malik speak on the phone, avoiding talking about sex and the question that's hanging over both their heads. Deja told him she took a home pregnancy test and wanted to meet Malik on her lunch break to tell him the results.
"I'm not pregnant. The test came back negative."
The lines in Malik's forehead fade when Deja finishes explaining. He exhales and says, "Thank God!"
"Thank God for what, Malik?"
"I mean you know we're still young, baby. A little one is a helluva lot of responsibility."
"I know. You don't have to tell me. My big sister didn't graduate high school because she got pregnant in the 12th grade. She's been stuck home ever since and the father went in the Marines."
"That's fucked up."
"Yeah but she's going back when Brianna turns three."
Malik looks at her and Deja says, "Malik, I don't know what I'd do if I get pregnant before marrying. I'm not ready to be a parent right now."
"You'll be a good one when it's time."
"I hope so." Deja hugs Malik and kisses him before going back to work.
* * *
Mid-summer's humid weather hit the A just days after Deja and Malik met for lunch. Deja shows more with each day that passes—I really like your attitude. A week later after work while chilling out at Malik's condo with Chinese takeout, Deja says to Malik, "I'm late."
"You're—what?" Malik heard and knew what she was implying. "Nah, it can't be. Your test came back negative."
"I'm late, Malik. I don't know but I called the doctor and made an appointment for Thursday."
Malik doesn't know what how to respond. He doesn't want to say the wrong thing like "It's not mine," so he doesn't say anything except "Ok, let me know if you—" If Deja wants him to come with her, she'll tell him.
"I'll go by myself. I don't want you to faint if I'm pregnant."
"Nah, Day—it's not like that. If you want me there, I'll take off."
"Maybe it's just a false alarm. I'll call you when I get out of the doctor's."
Malik asks again and Deja again declines.
* * *
"I'm pregnant."
"Pregnant? What the fuck—" Malik says to himself.
"We'll deal with it. When are you coming over?"
"After work." Deja hangs up.
Malik is in shock but knew the moment the condom bust that this dreaded day was coming.
"Fuck—"
He calls DeShawn, ranting until he is just mumbling, 'Oh my God! It can't be mine,' on the phone. "Bro, I'll be in town on Saturday, " DeShawn says, who was in Austin for a black entrepreneur conference.
"I don't fucking believe this," Malik says.
"Calm down, bro. You're going to be alright."
* * *
"You're pregnant," Malik repeats, sounding the word out like he's never said it before.
"Yes, so—" Deja says, waiting for Malik to say something good.
Malik opens and closes his mouth a few times, almost speaking but never finding the right words.
"Are you gonna—keep it?"
"What?" Deja looks down at her feet. "Why would you ask that?"
"I don't know…I mean…Are we ready for a child?"
"I—don't know," Deja says. "I think I should go."
"You don't have to—"
"No, it's been a long day. I'll call you."
* * *
"I can't have a child out of wedlock. I'm going to ask her to marry me, DeShawn," Malik says while DeShawn is in the airport on his way back to Atlanta.
There's a pause as DeShawn gathers his thoughts. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, Malik. Just because she's pregnant doesn't mean she's ready to be committed. You're twenty-three years old. Shit happens. Take your time with her."
"I know, I know. It's just that we fucked up and now I have to make amends with the Lord for this shit." Malik fidgets, pulling and stretching his t-shirt. "I don't want my damn kid to grow up without both parents."
"You're not. Just be patient."
"I know but we were raised up in the church, bro. Mom and Dad will kill me if they find out—"
"Bro, this is a different time. Not saying I'm justifying the shit but people are starting families early." DeShawn doesn't believe he's coaching his 'big brother.' "Bro, you're making money moving up. Those long-ass business trips. Why get married now?"
Malik sighs, knowing once September comes, it will be hell as basketball season kicks in high gear. Malik job is to manage investments of a few big-time FIBA players.
"DeShawn, I'll feel better, if I ask her at least. If she wants to keep the baby, I'm here no matter what."
"Do what you gotta do, bro. You know I'm always here for you. I'll be there in a couple of hours."
"Thanks, DeShawn." Malik after hanging up decides to go to Deja's place.
* * *
"So, I was thinking since we're agreeing to keep the baby—" Malik's on the floor leaning on the edge of Deja's couch, picking up strands on the rug. "I was thinking maybe we should get married before we have the baby." Deja's puzzled. "I mean we're going to be a family and I can take care of us with the money I make."
Deja hums.
"I don't mean you can't take care of you and the baby, but—" Malik realizes he's digging himself into a hole but can't put his feelings into words the right way.
Deja hums again. "Malik, please stop talking. Let me think for a second."
Malik keeps picking at the rug while Deja's leaning into the cushions, hands folded over her stomach. Her mind is rewinding the scene a hundred miles a minute from the condom breaking, the false negative of the pregnancy test, to hearing the doctor contradict the results and now Malik telling her that they should get married. Her mood's been up and down for days. What Malik's offering is good to know and all, but Deja knows she isn't ready to be wifey. However, she knows no matter what, Malik will always be the right person to father this child. At the moment, it is too much for her to handle.
Malik shifts, wanting to know what Deja is thinking, but her body language is mixed.
"Yes, I'll do it. Just give me some time."
"Okay!"
"Thanks, Malik. I think you're right." She cuddles up to Malik. "Baby, I had plans on going to California before I met you."
"I won't stop you."
"I know but if this family's where I'm going to be, so be it. I made that choice that night I gave up my virginity." Deja kisses Malik. "We'll have to figure it all out along the way."
"Yes, baby. We will."