Goof
Not long after Tony took Xavier home my brother’s fired up the grills. Yes, we always have to use at least two grills when we cook out. Sometimes three if Merigold makes ribs. But for the lake, we just use two portable ones. We do hot dogs and sausages on one and burgers on the other. Then there are the coolers full of fruit, assorted veggies, potato salad and condiments. As I helped my brothers I kept my eyes on Silvy as she sat with Ailee, Lilly and Trina. I wasn’t that far from them so I could hear their conversation. Trina asked what sort of things Silvy was doing to prepare for the baby.
Silvy told her about the nursery she was working on and the supplies she was about to order. “ And I have joined a prenatal yoga class. When I hit six months I’m going to do childbirth classes the hospital offers.” Silvy said. “ Silvy, I wouldn’t buy too much. You will get plenty at your baby shower. At least enough to cover the first three months.” Lilly said. “ Why would I have a baby shower?” Silvy asked. What the hell? Why wouldn’t she? “ Why wouldn’t you?” Ailee asked. “ They girls threw me one after we got Katrina. You know that because you were there. You have been to all of our baby showers. So you should have one too.” Ailee continued.
“ I don’t see my dad throwing me one. He already agreed to be my birthing coach and go to the classes so I’m not about to ask him to throw me a shower.” Silvy said. Trina looks like she is about to say something but Lilly shakes her head slightly. I know Lilly has something in mind. I can see the wheels turning from here. I have mine going as well. I’m going to ask Tony about these classes and go to his place. I am going to help Silvy through the birth of our baby.
I had to go to one of the coolers to grab some more burgers when I felt someone beside me. Merigold is standing beside me with her back to everyone else. “ You want to tell me what is going on with you and Silvy,” she asks. I open my mouth but Merigold stops me. “ The truth Goof. Not whatever story you two came up with,” she said. “ Not here,” I said. “ Fine, just answer me two questions and I will leave it alone for now,” she told me. I know there is no way I’m getting out of this. The last thing I want to do is piss the princess off. “ Go for it,” I told her. “ Do I need to start making designs for a kutte and mark? And is there more to this pregnancy story than Silvy is telling us?” she asked.
I don’t know why but I feel like there is a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I don’t have to keep this all to myself anymore. I didn’t notice how hard it has been on me to keep all this to myself. “ Yes and yes, princess,” I told her. “ Alright. Meet me and the ol’e ladies at my shop Monday morning. We will want the entire story. Maybe we can help.” she said. “ I’ll be there,” I said before she walked away.
Once the food was done I went to Silvy to let her know. After the kids got their food I helped Silvy get hers and I got mine. We sat side by side on a blanket eating with Lilly and Tank. I couldn’t wait until it got dark. I had a surprise for Silvy. “ Any cravings yet?” Lilly asked. Silvy snatched a grape off my plate before answering. “ Just cereal so far. I have eaten more in the last two weeks than I remember eating during my childhood.” Silvy laughed. “ Like the other night, I wanted some granola for my yogurt but was out so I crushed up some frosted flakes on top instead. It wasn’t bad,” she said.
Tank laughed “ That is mild compared to some of Lilly’s. Like her pickles and peanut butter when she was pregnant with Lita.” Silvy gagged at that. “ I hope I don’t have any weird ones,” she said. I laughed. I hope so too but I will get Silvy whatever she wants. Like now she grabs another grape from me. “ Hey,” I whined. I don’t have a problem with Silvy taking food from me. I got the grapes for her anyway. But that isn’t going to stop me from giving her a hard time about it. It is what we do.
Silvy playfully slaps my shoulder. “ Hush. You love sharing with me and you know it.” she giggles. It is true. I would give her anything her heart desires. I just wish she would realize it. Hopefully, she will soon. I know Lilly and Tank are us with curiosity. They will know the deal soon enough. I kissed her forehead and we finished eating. But by the time we were done and got everything cleaned up the sun was setting. I grabbed the bag I packed and two bottles of water before I went back to Silvy.
I wrap my arm around her shoulder while she talks to Lilly. “ Hey babe, will you come with me for a little while?” I asked her. Silvy looks over her shoulder at me. “ But I thought we were going to watch fireworks,” she said. Silvy pouted and looked genuinely upset. I can’t have that. “ We will, babe. I promise. I just have a spot up the hill for us. There we can watch the ones Axel sets off and the ones the town sets off.” I told her hoping that would cheer her up. Silvy smiles “ I can see both shows?” I nod. “ Then yes. Let’s go.” she giggled.
We said bye to Tank and Lilly. I took Silvy’s hand and guided her through the trees to a clearing I found. It was only a ten-minute walk from the group. I wasn’t going to risk wearing Silvy out. It pissed me off that she pulled two double shifts last week. She was so tired when she went home I found her asleep on the couch still in her scrubs. I’ve never been happier that I stop by every day to check on her. When we get to the middle of the field I set the bags down and pull out the blanket I packed.
I laid it out making sure it wasn’t on any rocks or sticks that could poke Silvy. I stood back and grabbed Silvy’s hand to help her sit down. “ Goof, I’m only four months along. I don’t need help getting up and down yet.” Silvy said. “ So,” I said. I don’t care if she needed help or not, I was going to do it anyway. Silvy huffs but doesn’t say anything. I grab the bag and sit down beside Silvy. “ What’s in the bag?” Silvy asked. “ It is a surprise. Are you hungry?” I asked. Silvy shakes her head “ No. Not right now.” I move the bag aside. I hold my arms open. “ Come here,” I said. “ What?” Silvy asks. I grab Silvy under her arms, lift her up and place her between my legs.
“ Goof, what the hell?” Silvy huffed. I ignore her and place my hands on her swollen belly. I still can’t believe our baby is growing in there. I know it is too early to feel it moving but I’m looking forward to it. “ How’s the little one? Not making you too tired or sick?” I asked as I rubbed her belly. Silvy relaxed under my hands and rested her head against my chest. Silvy sighs “ Just some nausea from certain smells. And a little more tired than normal. Goof, you know all of this from when we went to the doctor last week. She is fine, I promise.”