Thomas and Jonni stopped when they entered the cafeteria. Jonni surveyed the room to see if she recognized anyone. Only one woman caught her attention, but she ignored her. Darnell’s ex-girlfriend was probably here just getting a prenatal checkup. Jonni sighed and turned around. “He’s not in here so I’m going to head to the chapel. You may want to get Masa some coffee or something to calm her nerves. If he’s not there, I’m going back to the other side of the hospital in the children’s center to see if Rob’s over there.”
Thomas was in a daze for a moment then he finally stuttered, “Um, yea sure I can. I’ll, um be there in a few minutes to check on all of you guys. I’m just going to get something hot…to drink.”
Jonni walked out and followed directions once again, but this time to the chapel. She knew that only God could help them now. She had no clue what was going on, but she knew He solved all problems.
As Jonni walked away, Thomas turned around to ensure she’d left the area completely. He walked over to a woman holding a cup of hot water and opening up tea bags. “Be careful, or you may get burned.”
“What,” she said turning around to see what stranger was approaching her. “Ugh, what do YOU want? I told you, I’m not interested in you and can we leave it at that? How the hell do you find me? Why are you just popping up? I think you’re a stalker…”
“Sharon,” said Thomas. “That’s my baby you’re carrying, and I don’t know why you are lying to that man telling him that it’s his.”
“You don’t know that for sure. I told you I had a man when you met me and for all we know,” she whispered. “He is the father. If I’m going to be labeled a whore while I’m trying to be in church, I may as well have a baby by someone who is not a minister…”
“I’m not a saint. I messed up and I want to make it right Sharon. Marry me.”
“No,” she said. “Do me two favors. Can you go to hell and also go away? Or just plain go the hell away.”
“No. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve been through too much just to get a woman like you.”
“I’m not your type,” said Sharon. “I have a man.”
“No you don’t. He dumped you when you told him you were pregnant. I don’t know what made you think telling him was going to give you the happy ever after, but it didn’t. Do you want to be happy for a moment, or for the rest of your life? I’m willing to make you happy for as long as you walk this earth, woman. You’re not dealing with some bum ass nigga. I’m a grown ass man, and I handle my responsibility.”
“This isn’t your responsibility,” she snapped. “This is my problem. And I’m not carrying your baby. We only had sex once, and that doesn’t make you the father of my child. That just makes you a horny, weak, and sinning holy-roller.”
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