AFTER A BROKEN MARRIAGE .

chapter18

Aliyah sat on the couch her head in her palm as she think it has been nearly two weeks since she learned she was pregnant and not only didn't she see lloyd she haven't heard from him she try texting but he have not yet to reply,
Lloyd leave work a bit earlier today he swings by aliyah's house to see her, it has been a while he haven't seen her and thought of doing so, to be truthful he was feeling for her they haven't had love in a long while and he was feeling for her really feeling for her he and his wife made out but because he didn't want to seems he was pressuring her with all she had been through, then again mark and shelly was supposed to come down this weekend and they haven't talked about it as yet, since things were good with him and his wife he wasn't sure how hanging out is going to be he understand the reason for her behavior and now he didn't want to do anything to ruin what they got,,
Aliyah opened up at the first knock surprise to see Lloyd standing there in her door way, she stepped aside to let him in
"Hey" he said
"Hi" she responded going back to sit on the couch, "I know I haven't called or see you in a while I'm sorry"
"Yeah" she said dropping back her head in her palm,
"Are you feeling OK?"
"No I'm not"
"What happened?"
"I'm pregnant" she said
Lloyd look up the way he was surprised his pulse started racing his throat became tight "you're what?" He asked clearing his throat "but how could you be pregnant, how could you even let that happen I told you it wasn't a possibility I could make a commitment, but a child how are we going to bring a child into this"
"How could I? I didn't do this will fully so why are you blaming me"
He hissed dropped his head, on the couch, "oh god,
I'm currently a mess I can't take that on, not now, So how long, how long as it been since?"
"Six weeks!"
Aliyah look at him
"It's not like I wanted it to happen and we haven't really been careful either" she said Calmly
Lloyd look up at her standing a little over him after getting up from next to him,
"I understand you got your life and I don't want to drag you into anything you don't want, I'm sorry" she said walking away but he held her back she heard him sigh,
"I hope you understand I'm not in this stage because I'm trying to get you to make any commitment I just thought I would tell you before I make any decisions, I'm sorry I'm truly am" she said turning from him,
He was in a stage now where he wasn't sure what news to take as good or bad but this news was shocking it's only been two week he learn that his wife took an abortion because of complications now he's learning the girl he's seeing is pregnant, things are starting to get back on tracks with himself and his wife after the miss understanding,
Aliyah was wondering if that was the case if things were fix between him and his wife if it has been the reason for him doing less visits or barley call she wonder why he was even here now, for he haven't come by and he haven't called like use to he let out a huffty breath got up to hold her at the shoulder, she turned into him "this news came unexpectedly you I hope you understand, it's not that i don't care about you but I'm married i wish you had been more careful"
Aliyah wonder why she has to be the one to be careful,
He shook his head hold it and there were a dozen deep sighs that followed, it seems to aliyah she was the only one that was doing it for she should be careful and not we, she turns her back
he turned her to face him once again kissing her he was upset but he needed her, that too bad,
She wasn't sure what he wanted right now for he's upset and in the mode she had never seen anyone upset and in the mode before but they made love makes aliyah wonder why he asked how could she be pregnant it's not like he was doing anything to prevent it himself making love to her like he does
"And then you wonder why I'm pregnant" she said he lift his head to look at her he think he had that idea why she said it, he didn't really have control over himself when loving her she was just beautiful, "but it already happens why bother"
"You neva bother before but you blame me"
He was just surprise to hear this after learning his wife took an abortion because she was sick and a baby would complicate her life, after awhile he got up from the couch he was getting dress as if leaving,
"Stay with me please" she beg him,
He sat next to her looking at her she look more beautiful than ever, he could acturally see that glow neither of them were talking and aliyah try not to meet his eyes, they were on the couch for a mighty long time before they went into the bed room, they climb into bed together when his phone rang aliyah didn't miss it said wife calling she look at him when she saw him switched the phone on airplane mode, they didn't talk any at all throughout the night but he held her in the morning he made love to her once more,
It is today she's to pick her car up and asked that he dropped her, "so you not working?"
"Not before next week"
he had the feeling it was because of the baby that's on the way he wasn't even sure what she did except she said it was at the gym and she got pay working out, before going off to work he drop her off to pick up her car, he kiss her and watch her in the building, he was on a new job now so he was on site most of the time throughout the day, he didn't know why but he swing by aliyah's later in the evening,
"I fix dinner, are you going to have something to eat"
"Yeah, Why not?" He said
They sat at the table together ate in silence they avoid talking about the pregnancy as if it wasn't there it wasn't that he wouldn't want a child but to think of the circumstances he wasn't interested,
Thursday evening he went home since he came and saw his wife doing the laundry he thought she would do his since they were on good terms once again but his basket haven't been touch, and to avoid a out burst he didn't ask her about them, he knew Aliyah said he can take them to her but with her in that stage now he didn't want to pressure her with anything much to do, he thought maybe if he take them over there she could assist him and tell
him what to do, he wasn't going over tonight anyway he did call her ask how she was after her reply they stay silent until he said goodbye and she said OK, before work on Friday he went over,
"I don't want to work you out the stage you're in so I'm thinking that after work you can assist me to do these"
"Sure I can do that" aliyah told him, wondering what stage she's in but didn't ask
he left the bag down the laundry room and came back to the living room, "I see you got your car"
She nods,
"So you're picking up mark and shelly?"
"Yes" she answered
"He lean in to kiss her as she let him, the simplest touch from him got her heated, he kisses her deep rubbing his palms over her butt squeezing up her butt cheeks underneath the shirt she wore nothing he felt her nakedness, he can only recall seeing her in underwear twice and he seems to like the feeling of her with out any, he rub and squeeze on them bringing her closer to him pressing her on his hardness, aliyah moans he kiss her another deep kiss "I don't want to be late" he whispers near her lips,
"Who's saying you should?" She asked him,
"Your body" he said lifting her to him bringing her to the couch he make it quick as he had to go, he rub his forehead against hers playing with her nipples "I have to go" he said
"We'll talk later"
"About what!" She asked
He shrugged not sure what they will talk about he kiss her slightly then left,
Aliyah clean did the laundry for Lloyd hang them out on the terrace to dry she later pick up mark and shelly at the train station they meet up with Nelisa and odane, as Lloyd plan to meet them he came and they walk around aliyah did less talking shelly notice, before going home they stop to eat as their plan was to stay into night for tomorrow Roma was having the grand opening and she invited Lloyd and aliyah both could bring a friend, to night it was going to be marshmallows by the fire and white wine,
"I got excited news" nelisa said with a giggle "and since we're all here I think of sharing
"Oh yeah Something new that you haven't yet told me?" Aliyah asked
"I'm pregnant" she blur out "and we're getting married"
"Oh my god!" Aliyah said screaming going around to hug nelisa who was grinning from one ear to the next,
"I'm so excited for you, we got to print the best invitations do you want a big wedding?"
"Hold up aliyah what's your definition of big I know you when you say big, but odane and I can't pay for your kind of big"
Aliyah grin "Don't you know about thrust fund?" Aliyah asked coming back to sit down "when my aunt meg was getting married the only thing she and her husband did was to prepare food and space"
"Really how?" Shelly ask
"She has an account at the bank and people lodge in that account aunt has been married for years now and she still has money from it"
"You got to help me with that one"
"Ok" aliyah said as she take nelisa's hand and they giggle once more,
"Well it seems wedding is in the air for shelly and I are getting married" mark said shelly show the ring,
"Well it's about time she deserves it" aliyah said
"I agree" nelisa said
"Couldn't agree more" shelly said and mark hug her,
"Well congratulations man" odane said
He and mark shook hands, "same here"
Lloyd pat his shoulder "it really is about time" he told mark congratulations to you guys" he look at Aliyah since they all were sharing he though maybe she would announce her pregnancy but she didn't say aword about it,
"I'm happy for you guys I am seriously I would cry right now but I'm saving it for the wedding day"
Odane laugh
"She's going to cry" nelisa said
"Yeah it is in my nature to cry at weddings, aliyah said, Are you going to say your own wows? If you're going to you should start writing them down soon"
"Aliyah we haven't set a date yet, thanksgiving is around the corner" nelisa said,
"And Christmas is in the air" Shelly added
"Halloween is coming soon who's up for a bloody mary!!!" Aliyah said changing her voice and moving like a zombie
"Stop it" nelisa said
"Are you scared?" Aliyah ask
"Now we can't go to any Halloween parties"
"Why?" Aliyah question,
"Because of the pregnancy we don't want the baby to be born scared"
Aliyah laugh thinking she was being ospissious "so what will we do on Halloween?"
"I don't know cuddle on the couch"
"Who's couch?"
"Mine you're a better visitor than you're an host"
"Your couch it is then"
They all grin,
"We should actually go home and tomorrow we'll be ready for the party" Aliyah said
"Probably should get myself a pretty dress we should go out shopping tomorrow" nelisa said
"That sounds like something i would want to do" shelly said
"Maybe apart from jym suits and skimpy dress we might find something so aliyah will get to cover her butt most of everything she wore left her butt out"
They laugh
"I won't have a problem with my butt hanging out It's what I'm selling"
Nelisa and shelly grin,
"Well now my maid of honor dress can be lest revealing but my wallrobe is just fine, anything else will rob me of my dignity"
Shelly laugh "as long as you're selling stock girl you got to advertise"
"See what I'm talking about"
"So it's dress shopping and later head to roma's we eat all we can drink all we can" nelisa added
Aliyah nods to settle,
"As long as they're serving gingerale" odane said
"That will be good enough" nelisa said
"On that final note I'm sure we can go home" aliyah got up and started walking away they all got up to follow she was behind mark and shelly when lloyd caught up with her,
"So how comes everyone being sharing exciting news apart from you?" He ask
"What is so excited about my news when It's already causing so much pain, i don't want to be the cause of any ones discomfort" she said walking away from him, she was in the car park when they joined up, they separated as they said goodbye to nelisa and odane and aliyah invite shelly to ride along with her,
Lloyd travel mark with him, He congratulate him once more
"Thanks man, so tell me how are things?" Mark asked
Lloyd sigh
"I'm sencing some tension between you and aliyah"
Lloyd sigh again
"She's pregnant"
"She is?"
"I didn't expect it and I guess I didn't took it so well, besides thinks are good between me and Monique once again and I want to keep it that way"
"So what's the plan?"
"I'm not sure man but she knows I'm unable to make any commitments"
Mark nods he wasn't sure what to add to it so he said nothing,
He wonder how though did he and Monique came to be alright once again to the way he'd been telling him he didn't get involved
They got to the house a head of shelly and aliyah they were waiting out front,
They went in together mark started a fire in the fireplace and aliyah got the wine, she serve it for them mark and shelly for Lloyd refused as she wasn't drinking but fill herself with Marshmallows and water
Time went by with them there sharing jokes until mark pull shelly off to bed,
The door closed and Lloyd sat closer to her she turned to look at him then turn away,
"You OK?"
"What you even care?" She asked him,
"If I didn't would I be asking?"
"I don't know, so you can start getting upset again"
"You think I want to get upset"
"I don't know but I do know I don't want this to be a reason we have to fight"
"I am not fighting, I just wasn't expecting that it's all it is to it"
"I was sure you heard the terms that once you are in a relationship expect the unexpected"
He sighed, "maybe I should just go"
"Maybe you should"
Lloyd got up and walk to the door, she watch him there, he turned to look at her so she hang her head, he close the door behind him and she went into her bed room,
He got home to find Monique in bed he lay next to her, she turned stretch and hug him "where have you been?" She asked resting on his shoulder,
"Work a little late" he told her,
"Oh" she said smiling up on him,
Aliyah fix breakfast in the morning and set the tablet mark notice he didn't see Lloyd he wasn't expecting him to be sleeping up until this time it was shelly who asked and aliyah told her he didn't stay,
Mark call him to hear Monique in the back ground both having a conversation,
They went shopping Saturday except for Lloyd who didn't turn up saying something has came up, Monique Came down the hall as Lloyd was getting dressed to go out, "you're going out?" She asked
"I got invited to a party" he told her
"By whom?" She asked
"A woman I work for"
"I'll get dress"
"Wait a minute"
"I can't come?" She said pitiful
"Of course you can"
"Monique quickly dress in her best dress left after Laurence men invade her place destroyed her belong it wasn't fancy like she used to when he was suplying her fancy dress and diamond fur coat with quilt and mitten, She miss all the fancy things now she has to crawl back to her husband that she doesn't even want,
"Lloyd said that he'll catch up with us there"
"Ok" shelly said
Aliyah came from the room only she wasn't dressed,
"What happened you're not ready" shelly said
"You can take the car I don't feel like it, nelisa they'll wait for you"
"Are you sure?" Mark ask
Aliyah nods she gave mark the key they left Nelisa and odane wait for them to arrive they went in for Lloyd said he'll catch up, they were all at the bar when shelly gave out,"I'll be damned" she point and everyone look to see Lloyd with Monique on his side,
They came straight to the bar where they were,
"Hey" he greet Monique and shelly met eyes but didn't call to each other mark greeted her but she just waved at him,
"This is odane and nelisa" Lloyd said
"Hey" odane said but nelisa didn't say anything,
"I'm his wife" she said looking right at nelisa
"No one asked" nelisa grumble and odane pinch her,
"Nice place" Monique said
Looking around "can we go walk around?" She asked,
"Sure" Lloyd told her, "I'll be right back shortly" Lloyd said to the others, nelisa roll her eyes,
"What a turn around" shelly said
"Leave it alone shelly" mark said
"Yeah leave it alone, she's his wife, and him her husband, we came to have a good time, let's have a good time" she took odane's hand and drag him to the food table she wasn't going to leave aliyah out so she package for her, later to found shelly has done the same,
Aliyah lay on the sofa until two mark or shelly didn't show up she fall a sleep for she couldn't wait up,
At three thirty the party finally over and they gather outside,
"Architec" someone said they all turn to see laurence Monique hang her head ignored him he pushed by her to shake Lloyd's hand "hey" Lloyd said has he greet him, he kept a eye on Monique and nelisa didn't miss the way he looked at her she still wondered if they were into a relationship the other day they both were in a heated conversation neither she or aliyah got to hear,
"So how was the party did you and the little lady had a fine time?" He asked
Lloyd look at Monique who has her head in his shoulder,
"I know you say you're busy right now but that job offer still stands if I hadn't listened to that woman who said you were no good for the job like roma I would be relaxing"
"What woman?"
"Maybe some one who didn't want you getting the job" he looked at Monique who looked at him quickly then turned away shelly caught that look at mark but he wasn't paying attention,
"Maybe one day I'll stop by your work place and you and I can talk man to man"
Lloyd nod,
"I'll call to see when you'll be in"
"He nods once more,
"I haven't seen miss pretty" he said looking to nelisa for an answer as he spoke about aliyah
"Who aliyah?" Nelisa asked
"She's the pretty one right?"
"She was under the weather"
"Tell her I still want her" he said then turn away,
Lloyd look at Monique who finally turned around when he left,
"What is he saying?" Shelly asked "who could not want you to get the job?"
"I have no idea but I don't think I want to work with him anyway"
"You're afraid he'll pimp you?" Nelisa ask grinning
From the minute he got in his car Monique phone started ringing as she ignored it since she knew it was him, he later text her, I see you showing off with your man now"
She ignored the text put the phone back in her bag,
"Aren't you reay to go?" Monique ask
"When ever you're"
"It's late and I need my beauty sleep" she said pulled Lloyd away,
"Nelisa twisted her mouth then hiss, "beauty sleep as if she's beautiful" shelly laugh a loud and they saw when monique turn around, lloyd went home taking his wife as she requested leaving the others who later part ways
Nelisa was glad her friend wasn't there tonight because of what had happened she knew she couldn't be the one to tell her that he showed up with her she's not going to believe it when she learned who his wife really is,
"What's the turn around she heard her has some one new or she learn he's making money again so if aliyah was there that's how he would just show up with her"
"They are married" mark said
"I don't even see her wearing a ring"
"Of course Lloyd did bought a very experience one for her"
Shelly look at him then straight a head,
They got to the apartment to found aliyah a sleep on the couch shelly shook her she lift her head
"We are back"
"How was it?"
"It was good"
"As expected"
"We couldn't party for you but we brought goodies for you this is from me and from nelisa" shelly hand her two different bags
Aliyah smile "thanks" she said getting up she got to the kitchen and although it was nearly five in the morning she make her way through all she could eat,
"She's expecting a baby but please don't say anything" Mark said
Shelly look as if she wasn't getting it,
"Aliyah, she's pregnant"
"Aliyah is pregnant?"
"That's what I just told you now keep it down"
"I noticed there was something different about her"
"Lloyd and Monique are good once more so it's complicated"
Shelly sighed, she sat on the bed unsure what to say,
Sunday aliyah almost didn't go out but nelisa constantly beg her to Monique went out with her girls so Lloyd was free to join them they were dinning at odane's work place since he had work they just meet him there after his hours were up,
"What can I get you to drink?" A waitress ask on coming over,
"A bottle of burban for us men" odane said
"I'll have a apple flavor fruit wine" nelisa said
"I'll have whiskey" shelly said
"Nothing here" aliyah told her
"A glass of water?"
"No I'm fine"
She left and came back with their order they have their drink while talking for they weren't quite ready to order just yet,
"Lloyd" a woman said touched his shoulder as she came around,
Everyone look up with him as the woman smile her hand remain on him,
"Sally" he said
"How are you?"
"I'm alright"
"I heard about the incident"
Aliyah look at lloyd then to the woman having the feeling she was talking of the robbery at his place up to this date he haven't told her it happened,
He nods
"I hope everything is well"
"Yes it is thanks for asking
"You do take care"
"yes I will see you"
"Someone rob your house?" Shelly asked Surprised Lloyd mark haven't told her, He nods
"What did they took?"
"My wife jewelries and trashed her clothes leaving just her work clothes throw her underwear on the lawn"
"Really!" Nelisa said, "so they like kick your door off and break windows?"
"The front door a bed room door and one window"
"And ramble through the entire house?" Shelly asked
"It was just the front room"
"I'm sorry to hear" nelisa said,
Lloyd look at aliyah who haven't said anything about it he haven't told her anyway,
"If sounds as if that they know what they were looking for" odane said
"Mom thinks it has something to do with my wife" Lloyd said
"Your wife" both Shelly and nelisa asked
"Why would she think that?" Shelly asked
Aliyah went back to think on that woman the one they had met at the salon, the one she saw with Laurence she can't fight the feeling of her being his wife, for someone she didn't know nothing about put her in mind of someone she saw just a few times, nelisa wouldn't though Aliyah's instinct were right wondering how she could just have the feeling and it turned out to be so she's still shocked about seeing them together last night, and she introduced herself as his wife to her and to odane, She's actually the same one who ran aliyah off the road she saw them together the other day but wasn't yet convinced until last night, she haven't told aliyah as yet hopefully she can soon for they also saw her with Laurence and wonder if she is seeing him too,
"Aliyah, pretty little aliyah, everytime i see you I want you more can't you make up your mind and spend a little time with me I'll make it worth your while" Laurence said coming to stand over them a huge smile on his face,
"How, with a fancy diamond and pretty dress?" She asked "like you gave all the other women in your life"
He smile, "for you I'll give some much more having you in my life I would definitely settle down"
"You have nothing else to do?"
"You have something for me to?"
"Don't bother"
"Why for you're already seeing someone, I hope that some one knows you're special as I say having you will be my reason for settling, no offense" he said looking at lloyd, "you should definitely love this one more I bet she has some better qualities in her wifey don't have, by the way dinner is on me" he took out the money left it on the table, he left and aliyah hissed
They later order after dinner aliyah pay the bill from her own pocket and allow the waitress to take the money Laurence left she was really serious about not wanting anything to do with him "as I say everything about Laurence comes with consequences"
Mark laugh
"You might not believe it now"
"I believe you" mark said laughing once again
They walk to the car park
"So when are you coming back?" Nelisa ask shelly who look to mark for an answer
"You should come for the Christmas holiday and bring your dau" Aliyah said
"Son" shelly correct
"I'm sorry, I'm upset with daughter that's it, I am the only girl among the niece and nephews clan maybe it's why I think of girls all the time"
"Don't worry nelisa will definetly have a girl"
"Ah she'll be like the charmed ones froze you in mid air" aliyah said
"You don't need a girl?" Shelly ask
"Every girl greatest wish is for a son who they can name after their father, but I'm already prepared to call that baby odanea" she giggles
Nelisa slap her
"I'm sure what ever child you got you'll both love it the same"
"Yeah" nelisa said and she and odane hug
You should come before Christmas, come on Halloween I'm more than glad to walk your dau, son around the block",
They laugh
"You'll get it right soon"
I know my mom would love to come to Atlanta" shelly said
"Didn't you once live here? What happened to your home?"
"We move me and my mom"
"Your mom?"
"My dad passed so we had sell the house?"
"I think I too want to move soon, but I'm thinking to but a house then I think I want to watch it go up, I'm looking somewhere for kids that when you guys come over the kids will have back yard and enough out door space I need a big pool"
"You need a mansion?" Shelly ask
"Yes something big"
"Why you even bother want a house aliyah look where your parents live and they live a lone" nelisa said
"That's the thing they have a big house but not enough out door space"
"I'm sure you'll afford to build the type of house you want"
"I've been saving for it"
"So when do you want to move?" Shelly asked
"Next year, early next year"
Lloyd look at her wondering if it was because of the baby why she want to move early next year they haven't exchange words all Day and to think they haven't really talked about, about it he wasn't sure what to say for he can't make a decision for her he wasn't in the position to commit to her but if she decided to have the baby no way he wants to leave her to do something on her own, he knew he already complicated things but he believe it can be fix.