FEAR

FAMILY

I was having such a great day. My boss gave me a raise, my best friend made me her baby girl's godmother and I found the perfect home I want to buy.

Then, my younger sister showed up at my apartment to give me her great news.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Symone...I can't visit my big sister?"

"Sure, but you usually call first."

When we were younger, Jalia was so shy. She used to get bullied in school many times, and I would always be there to fight her battles.

As the years passed, I made sure to let her know how amazing and beautiful she is. I'd give her fashion and make-up advice, allowing her to feel comfortable with expressing herself around me.

Once Jalia became a senior in high school, no one could mess with her. I was so proud of the confident woman she had become. She started dating, and a whole new world opened up to her.

Now we're both adults and remain close.

"So, what's up?" I asked, putting some things away in the kitchen.

"I'm pregnant."

I looked at her, then laughed. "Yeah, right."

"I am."

"Oh wow. Does Tyler know?"

She looked down.

"You're going to tell him, right?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's not his baby."

I always knew my sister to be very loyal in her relationships, so I was surprised.

"Did y'all break up, and you didn't tell me..."

"It's been over for a while now. At least for me."

"So who is the father?" I stood behind the kitchen counter.

"You're judging me."

I touched her hand. "Jalia...I'm not."

"Evan."

"Okay, where is he from, and how long have y'all been dating?"

"Westmont and for a while."

"Oh okay...does he know you're pregnant?"

"He will, I wanted to tell you first."

I walked around the counter and gave Jalia a hug.

"Well, I'm here if you need me. I'm going to be an aunt!"

She smirked, then shook her head.

"You really are full of yourself."

I was confused. "What?"

"You didn't question that the guy's name is Evan and from Westmont like your boyfriend?"

My heart began to race because I didn't give it a second thought. There was no reason to think she was talking about my Evan.

"Jalia, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Is it that hard to believe that I'm pregnant by your hot doctor boyfriend? Are you that smug?"

Her words hit me hard. I was in complete disbelief.

"You've been messing with my boyfriend?!"

"No, he's been messing with me."

"Are you insane?!"

She chuckled with the most evil look in her eyes.

"Remember my senior prom. I told you my date bailed on me and you were too busy to come get me. So you sent Evan to pick me up."