Drama Queen by La Jill Hunt Page A

be.”
    â€œAnd your father?”
    â€œHe doesn’t know. I told Mama I would tell him later. I’m not ready to tell him yet, Ron.”
    â€œTell who what?” Tia asked as she and Yvonne came in. Roni looked at Kayla and she looked back.
    â€œWhat are y’all talking about?” Yvonne sat in the chair across from Kayla.
    â€œNothing. Have either of you heard of knocking?” Roni asked quickly.
    â€œFor what? I got a key.” Tia shook her head. She looked too cute in a white cotton short set. “You got any juice, Ron?”
    â€œIn the fridge. I think it’s some in there. Use one of the glasses on the top shelf.”
    â€œWhat aren’t you ready to tell, Kayla? Geno and Craig obviously already know about each other.”
    Yvonne giggled. Kayla decided she would just go ahead and tell them about the baby. There was no point in keeping it from them. They were, after all, her best friends.
    â€œI’m pregnant,” she announced. The sound of breaking glass startled all of them.
    â€œTia!” Roni yelled, looking at the broken pieces on the floor.
    â€œSorry.” Tia continued to stare at Kayla as Roni picked up the mess.
    â€œWhat did you say?” Yvonne wanted to make sure she heard correctly.
    â€œI’m having a baby,” Kayla confirmed.
    â€œWow. Is that why Geno was at your house?” Tia questioned.
    â€œNo, it’s not his baby.” Kayla knew what the next question would be, so she answered before it was asked. “It’s Craig’s.”
    â€œKayla,” was all Yvonne said.
    â€œOkay, I’m confused. When did you sleep with Craig?” Tia reached for another glass.
    â€œValentine’s night,” Kayla told her.
    â€œWhere was I?” she continued.
    â€œObviously not having as much fun as she was,” Roni laughed. Tia gave her a high five.
    â€œWhat are you gonna do?” Yvonne had been quiet the entire time. Kayla expected this reaction from her.
    â€œI am gonna be a mother,” Kayla told her. She fought the urge to look away from her girlfriend; she knew she had to keep her pride.
    â€œSo, you’re gonna have a baby by him ? You don’t even know him like that, Kayla.” Yvonne continued, “You mean you slept with him without using protection, Kayla? That’s so irresponsible.”
    â€œI know it is and I’m not trying to make any excuses, Yvonne. I’m accepting responsibility now, though.” Kayla felt the tears swell in her eyes.
    â€œIt’s too late to be responsible. You’re about to have a baby by practically a stranger you met in the club , of all places.”
    â€œHold up, Yvonne. You’re outta line, girl.” Roni stopped her.
    â€œShe’s right, Von. You can’t judge her like that.” Tia added, “You’re out there living it up too.”
    â€œThe only difference between you and her is that she got caught. Shit happens. But that doesn’t mean I love her any less or think I’m better than her. I thought I knew you better than that, Von,” Roni frowned.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Von. My life is so screwed up right now that sometimes I feel backed into a corner with nowhere to turn.” Kayla cried.
    â€œThat’s your choice, Kayla, because you can always turn to us. We have always been there for you.” Tia reached out to Kayla.
    â€œAnd I need you to be there for me, Von. Be here for me right now. Please.” Kayla put her head in her hands.
    â€œI am here for you, Kayla.” She felt her friend reach and rub her back. The women embraced each other and Kayla knew she would be okay.
    â€œHappy Mother’s Day, Mama.”
    â€œHi, Baby. I told you I’d call you. How you feeling?”
    â€œI’m fine, Ma. I wanted to call because I’m about to go to the store and I didn’t want to miss you. You know how you think I’m dodging your calls.” Kayla