Megan & Natalie Read online

I couldn’t believe all this shit is happening to me. I need to hire a good attorney. Foster is playing so dirty. I pray my baby continues to grow healthy because all this stress is taking a toll on me. The man I fell in love with, I now couldn’t stand.

  Chapter 18 - Natalie

  I’m in the middle of vacuuming when my door bell rang. I’m cleaning up and the smell of bleach floated throughout my apartment.

  I answer the door, its Nana and Courtney.

  “Hi mom, how are you?”

  “Hi son, I‘ve missed you.”

  Nana and Courtney walk inside. I hug my son. Courtney went straight to the refrigerator and grabbed the leftover fried chicken. He started to make himself a plate.

  “Courtney, you just ate at my house! You can’t possibly still be hungry,” Nana says in disbelief.

  “Nana, I’m a growing young man. I need my strength,” Courtney playfully says.

  Nana and I glance and smile at each other. My son is growing so fast. I can’t believe he’s almost twelve years old!

  After Courtney made him a plate full of leftovers, he retreated to his room to eat and watch his favorite movies.

  “Now that Courtney is out of the room, I have to tell you what I saw honey.” Nana’s face is stern and serious. I instantly get nervous. My palms are sweating. I thought maybe Chauncey is in trouble or what if she found out about his “occupation.” What would I say? Damn, calm down she hasn’t said what it is yet!

  “What is it mom?” I’m nervous as hell.

  “I saw Bernadette and she looked awful! She’s lost weight; her eyes look all sunken in. I think she’s on drugs baby. I have to tell my son.”

  My heart starts beating so fast.

  “Well mom, I found out that Bernadette has been cheating with my best friends’ husband Foster. According to Chauncey, she’s on cocaine. The worse part, Bernadette got Foster hooked on drugs too! It’s a mess mom. Foster has kicked Megan out of the house because the drugs have him so moody and angry.”

  “Sweetie that’s not the worse part, my hairdresser Patty told me that Bernadette has started using heroin and is HIV positive. She’s been selling her body and losing weight. She doesn’t even look the same. I’ve been calling my son and he’s not answering. He hasn’t called me back either. I’m so worried.”

  I feel like the room is closing in on me. I couldn’t breathe. HIV? Bernadette? I’ve been sleeping with Chauncey but it’s been protected since I know what he does for a living but I’m still worried. I tried to be rational.

  “Mom, you know how gossip can be when you hear it in the beauty salon. Maybe it’s not true. We have to tell Chauncey and Megan so they can get tested though, just to be safe. Megan just went for her annual and said she got tested for everything. Oh my gosh mom, I hope neither of them have HIV, Megan is pregnant! Oh my God mom, I need to call her and tell her.” I’m talking so fast that I couldn’t even catch my breath.

  “Baby, calm down. Take a deep breath and try to relax. We will tell Chauncey and Megan right away.

  ***

  Megan came home after a day of shopping and pampering. My nerves are still on pins and needles.

  “Hey love. How was your day?” Megan looks exhausted and stressed.

  “Um, it could’ve been better. Meg, sit down. I have something I need to tell you.”

  “Nat, I don’t need to hear anymore bad news please. I almost got arrested today!

  “What in the hell Megan? Arrested for what? What did you do?” I couldn’t believe what I’m hearing.

  “For breaking into my own damn house! That bastard Foster had the locks and alarm code changed. I only went because he froze all my credit cards Natalie. What makes him think he can do something like that? I’m his wife! We said vows and he’s just throwing everything away for that woman and his drugs.” Megan started to cry. I hated that I have to add to her stress to tell her about Bernadette.

  “Why would they try and arrest you for breaking into your own damn

  home?”

  “They said I should’ve contacted an attorney because it’s a civil matter,

  with the alarm code and locks being changed. They found Foster’s cocaine on our coffee table and confiscated it. Foster is the one doing wrong but it seems like I’m paying for everything. I’m the victim so why is everything happening to me?” Megan wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

  “Don’t cry Megan. I’m here for you. God doesn’t like ugly. Foster will get his. Just focus on you and your unborn baby, my god baby.”

  Megan cracked a slight smile.

  “Everything is going wrong Nat. I should be happy and glowing about my pregnancy. Instead I’m crying all the time, stressed out and feeling sad.”

  “This baby is a blessing. You need to focus on you and the baby. Speaking of you and the baby, Nana told me something disturbing today.” I looked at the floor because I didn’t want to see her reaction.

  “What Natalie? You’re scaring me.” Megan is shaking her leg and her eyes are red from crying.

  “Nana told me that she overheard that Bernadette is using heroin now. Even worse is that people are claiming she’s HIV positive. Now before you say anything, Nana heard this in the beauty salon so it might not be true. I just wanted you to know so that you can get tested. I have to tell Chauncey too. Were still sleeping together but it’s been protected but I’m going to get tested too.

  Megan put her face into her hands and cried like I’ve never seen her do before. My heart feels broken. I hate seeing my best friend so down and upset.

  Chapter 19 - Megan

  I’m frozen with fear. Bernadette might be HIV positive and I’m pregnant. Bernadette and Foster have been cheating and sleeping together. I obviously still have been sleeping with my husband. What if I have HIV? What about my baby? Too many thoughts are starting to cloud my mind. The room feels like it’s closing in on me.

  I immediately run to Natalie’s bathroom and throw up everything I had eaten earlier. I keep hurling and gagging, I feel so weak.

  Natalie ran into the bathroom and caressed my back while I’m on my knees, throwing up into the toilet. I threw up all the contents in my stomach so at this point I’m just dry heaving. I can’t hold back the tears. I hate throwing up because once I started, I couldn’t stop.

  Later that night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept tossing and turning.

  ***

  The following morning I’m awaken from the sound of my cell phone ringing. It startled me from out of my sleep. I rolled over, sat up and grabbed my cell phone that is charging.

  “Hello? I had a frog in my throat and my voice sounded so deep.

  “Hello, is Megan Edwards available? The polite receptionist asked.

  “Um yes, I’m Megan Edwards. Whose calling? I’m annoyed that someone has interrupted my rest. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m so tired. I feel like I could sleep all day and still not be well rested. I look over at the clock on the end table. It’s 10:23a.m.

  “Mrs. Edwards, Dr. Pinelli would like you to come in tomorrow to discuss your annual test results. Is tomorrow at 11:30a.m okay?”

  I instantly got nervous thinking that maybe my HIV test came back positive.

  “Um, why can’t you tell me what’s going on over the phone?”

  “Mam, I’m not liable to discuss patient records through the phone. All I know is that Dr. Pinelli has requested to speak with you. Is tomorrow at 11:30a.m feasible for you?” The receptionist seemed to be getting annoyed.

  Reluctantly, I reply that tomorrow is a decent time for me to meet Dr. Pinelli. I’m dreading tomorrow’s appointment.

  ***

  The next morning, I woke up on Natalie’s couch. I still can’t believe I’m sleeping on a couch instead of my 1000 thread count sheets and satin pillows. The couch is giving me a crook in my neck. I retreat to the bathroom to shower and freshen up. I’m nervous as hell about going to this appointment. I’ve never have to go in person to get my results for my annual. I’m hoping for the
best but prepared for the worse. Nowadays I wasn’t sure about anything in my life. I never knew what’s going to happen or what I’m going to find out next. I no longer lived my same routine life.

  After showering and brushing my teeth, I walk over to my luggage and search for something to wear. I settle on a black and gold romper with some gold sandals. I touch up my hair and put in my gold hoop earrings. I’m dreading this appointment.

  Chapter 20 - Natalie

  There’s so much going on that I feel like I’m in a horrible dream. I feel terrible for Megan. Her life is completely upside down and in shambles. I even have problems of my own. I’m falling in love again with my son’s father who’s practically selling his body for money. No matter what way he put it, he is still prostituting. I know what Chauncey is doing is wrong but everything feels so right. Now Nana is saying Bernadette might be HIV positive. Bernadette is now cheating with Megan’s husband and their both doing cocaine. This shit sounds like a damn soap opera!

  I’m rushing to work when I spot Bernadette darting in between traffic! I slam on my breaks but I didn’t have enough time to swerve or avoid her. My vehicle and Bernadette’s body collided. She hit my window shield and slid off the hood of my car. I can’t move. My front window shield is shattered. My airbag has deployed from the steering wheel. I have a few cuts on my arms from the glass shattering. My head is throbbing from hitting the airbag. I’m paralyzed with fear. Go check on her! Snap out of it.

  I unbuckle my seatbelt and ran to Burnie’s aid. She’s bleeding from her head. A crowd formed around us. I can’t do anything but scream.

  “Somebody please call 911! Hurry…please! Bernadette stay with me. Can you hear me?” I’m scared to move her so I tried to make sure she stays perfectly still. She appears to be slipping in and out of consciousness.

  Eight to ten minutes later, paramedics finally arrive. It seems like I have been waiting for hours instead. Once they arrive on scene they begin to work on her immediately. They give her oxygen and try to stop the bleeding. She’s put on a gurney and loaded into the ambulance. I decide to ride with them since my car isn’t drivable. I refused medical treatment at this moment. I have to make sure Bernadette is okay. I couldn’t believe this.

  Arriving at the hospital I feel like I need to call Chauncey. I’m scared and don’t know if this girl is dead or what status her condition is.

  I pull out my cell phone and dial Chauncey’s number.

  “What up gorgeous?”

  “Chauncey, Bernadette was in an accident! Were at the hospital downtown.” I hear Chauncey tell some woman he has to leave because of an emergency. She starts fussing at him that she paid to be satisfied. I hear a few sounds and the woman yelling to never throw any money at her again and he will regret ever disrespecting her.

  “Stupid trick! Hello? Are you there Nat? Are you okay?”

  “I’m okay, slightly banged up with a few scrapes and scratches but I’m a trooper.”

  “Okay baby, well I’m leaving now. I’m glad you’re okay. I’m about twenty minutes from the hospital now. What happened? Do you know?”

  “I’m on my way to work and saw Burnie darting in and out of traffic. She ran right in front of my car! I tried to stop in time and avoid hitting her but I couldn’t Chauncey. I’ll never be able to forgive myself.” I start crying and sniffing on the phone.

  “She’s strung out Natalie. It isn’t your fault. You have to stay strong. Keep me posted. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  ***

  I sat in the waiting room of the hospital and couldn’t wait for Chauncey to arrive. No doctor or nurse has come to update me on Burnie’s condition.

  In comes Chauncey through the automatic doors. He races towards me and gives me a strong hug. He assesses my wounds and kisses me on the lips.

  I definitely wasn’t expecting that at all. Especially in public because Chauncey never shows PDA. He wouldn’t even hold hands with me when we were younger. He hates showing any type of public display of affection. I guess he has changed.

  “Are you okay? Where’s Bernadette?”

  “I’m okay. They took her and nobody has told me anything.”

  Chauncey walks over to the receptionist desk and inquires about Bernadette’s condition. The receptionist told him that someone would speak to us shortly and to have a seat. They wouldn’t want to have a seat during a situation like this.

  Even though Bernadette and I never got along, I never wish harm or death upon anyone. I silently prayed that she would pull through. Chauncey and I sit down in the waiting chairs. He grabs my hand and holds it tightly. We wait patiently for the doctor to tell us something.

  Chapter 21 - Megan

  I sat in the waiting room of my gynecologist and I’m sweating because I’m so nervous. I have been waiting for over ten minutes and I was on time for my appointment. I hate waiting. I flip through a women’s health magazine and could barely concentrate on reading. The words feel like they are floating across the page.

  “Mrs. Edwards, Dr. Pinelli will see you now.”

  I’m led to my room, wait for a few seconds and in walks Dr. Pinelli.

  “Hi Megan, good to see you. I’m glad you could make it today.”

  “I’ve been on pins and needles the entire time since you’ve called me yesterday. What’s going on?”

  “Well, I’ve received your annual test results and you’ve tested positive for Chlamydia.”

  “Wait, what? What about my baby?” I couldn’t process this information. My hands have started sweating.

  Thank God I’m sitting down or I would’ve fainted. I started sweating and it feels like the room is spinning. I’ve never had an STD in my life and to think my husband gave it to me!

  “Mrs. Edwards, I’m going to get you some water. Just lie back and try to calm down.“ Dr. Pinelli went to get me some water. After a few minutes I’m able to collect myself.

  “First things first, we’ve detected the sexually transmitted disease fairly early in your pregnancy which is the great news. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics that are safe to take during your pregnancy. We will retest you again in three to four weeks after completing treatment to make sure that the infection is gone.”

  I couldn’t wrap my mind around any of this.

  “How long have I had Chlamydia and has my unborn been harmed?”

  “Since you aren’t that far along, I say the risk of something seriously being wrong with your unborn is slim to none. Although Chlamydia is serious, it’s best to get treated before delivery to prevent your baby from becoming infected. I’m going to call you in a prescription at your pharmacy. Start taking the antibiotics right away. Now please don’t be offended but how did you get this sexually transmitted disease?”

  “Well, it isn’t because of me stepping out on my marriage. My husband is cheating on me and he’s doing drugs now. I’m terrified that you were going to tell me I’m HIV positive because the women he’s cheating with might be a carrier of the virus. Oh my gosh, do I have HIV?”

  “No sweetie. You tested negative for HIV. If it makes you feel better we can retest you again in three months.”

  “Yes, please schedule me for a retest. I just want a healthy baby. I’ve been with my husband for 9 years Dr. Pinelli. I’ve known you just as long as I’ve known him. I never thought I would be in this predicament.”

  “I’m terribly sorry for what you’re going through. I do think you should notify Foster about getting treated for the STD. Otherwise he might continue spreading it to others.”

  “I’m not telling him anything. He gave me this without any regard for my health and body so why should I care about his health?” I’m starting to get annoyed. I know she’s just doing her job but damn I wouldn’t dare tell Foster shit.

  Dr. Pinelli talked to me a little longer and gave me a big hug. She genuinely cares for me. She tried to convince me to notify Foster and Bernadette but they can go to hell for all I care. I ain’t telling them squat!


  I look down at my cell phone and notice that I have three missed calls from Natalie. Before calling her back, I check my text messages. My mouth drops open and I quickly make my way to my car and in the direction of the hospital.

  Natalie: Bernadette ran out in the middle of the street and directly in front of my car. I hit her Megan. I don’t know if she’s okay or not. Chauncey is here with me at the hospital downtown. Please come.

  Chapter 22 - Natalie

  Megan walks through the hospital doors looking stressed and frantic. I hug my friend and she said hello to Chauncey.

  An African American doctor approaches Chauncey in the emergency waiting room. I feel like my heart is about to explode.

  “Are you the family for Bernadette Wilson?”

  We nodded.

  “Bernadette is in critical condition. She has some bleeding on the brain. During the impact of the accident, she took a major jolt and blow to her head. During impact, her brain crashed back and forth against the inside of the hard skull, causing bleeding and shedding of the brain. Her spinal cord is severely damaged and I’m afraid she might be paralyzed from the waist down. Were hoping she can make a full recovery. Most people who suffer a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will need rehabilitation to recover and relearn skills. It’s going to be a long road to recovery if Bernadette pulls through. Were doing the best we can. I’m sorry.”

  I couldn’t believe that Bernadette is going to be paralyzed from the waist down. She was such a beautiful woman and drugs have literally crippled her. I glance at Chauncey who is showing no emotion. Megan is sitting in a chair with her face buried into her hands.

  “Look Nat and Megan, Imma holla at ya’ll later. This is too much for me right now.”

  “Wait Chauncey, I need to tell you something.” Megan glances from me to Chauncey. I’m anxious to hear what Megan has to say. I’m hoping it isn’t any bad news.