FEVERISH UnbRoken

stopped midway. “No, you shouldn’t. You have absolutely no business in a kitchen anywhere unless it’s to get bottled water.”
Imani arched a brow. “Heeeeeey . . . none of that. I’ve gotten much better in the kitchen over the last couple of years.”
“Riiight.” Aaliyah rolled her eyes and grabbed her sister’s free hand. “Come on, let’s go. We’ve got a lot to catch up on.” She yelled out. “Ma! Imani and I are going to sit out on the porch, but before we go, she wanted to know if you needed any help?”
A chorus of voices hollered back, “NO!”
A cheeky smile appeared on Aaliyah’s rounded face exposing a deep set of dimples.
Imani rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”
They went out onto the porch. Aaliyah still held her sister’s hand as they sat down on the two-seat wicker chair. Imani couldn’t help but think pregnancy looked really good on Aaliyah. Her caramel complexion was silky smooth and definitely had that pregnancy glow. She hadn’t gained a lot of weight. The few pounds she had put on were mostly concentrated in the center of her stomach.
She spoke in wonder. “I can’t believe my baby sister is going to have a baby. You’ve got to tell me everything. Especially why you didn’t call and tell me!”
Aaliyah rolled her head around her shoulders. “Honestly, there’s not much to tell.”
Imani wasn’t buying it. “Nuh-uh. You’ve got to do better than that. Who’s the father? Do you love him? Is he still in your life? I have so many questions, but I’ll start with those.”
“He’s a nice person. We’re in a complicated situation.”
Imani’s eyes narrowed. “Oh. My. God! Is he married? Who is it?”
“You’re always so dramatic. No! You know I’d never knowingly sleep with a married man. Your imagination is too much.”
Imani turned her body so that she was facing Aaliyah and pulled her leg up onto the seat. “Then, what’s up? I don’t see a ring on your finger.”
“You don’t see a ring because we’re not engaged. I’m not sure if I want to be.”
“So, he asked?”
Aaliyah nodded. “Yes. He wants to ask Daddy for my hand.”
“I hear a but in your voice.”
“I’m not sure if I love him enough. We didn’t plan this pregnancy. It sort of happened.”
“Wait? I’m confused. You’re having a child together with this man who shall remain nameless, because you haven’t given it to me, but you’re not interested in marriage?”
Aaliyah blew out a breath. “I don’t have a ten-point plan for my life like you and mama. I don’t live that way. I met Drew—” Aaliyah exaggerated his name, “where I work at the Art Carousel. He owns the gallery. We were immediately attracted to one other, and within weeks of meeting, I found out I was pregnant. We’ve spent the rest of this time trying to get to know each other. If—and I mean if—after I have the baby, provided we can still stand each other, maybe I’ll think about moving on to the next level.”
“What’s the next level? Marriage?”
“God no. You sound like Mama and Daddy. I’m thinking we can try being exclusive.”
“Exclusive?” Imani couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice. “Aren’t kids more permanent than a husband? I mean, you’re pregnant, and you need to consider being exclusive? No offense but seems like you would have a hard time dating right now anyway.”
Aaliyah swatted her thigh and smiled as if she had a secret. “You don’t have to be in a relationship to have sex and get preggers. And, you’d be surprised at how many guys have a fetish for sexing up pregnant women.”
“Wow. Okay. Moving on. I’m just going to ignore that last comment. I will say, no one can blame you for wanting to take your time building a relationship. Would I have liked it to happen in order, marriage first, yes, but shit happens. I will say you’re brave.”
For the first time, her smile disappeared. “No, I’m not. I’ve already made one choice without thinking clearly. I want to ensure Drew is the one.”
Imani searched for the right words. “You live in this house with Mama and Daddy. You’re pregnant and not married; that is brave. I know Mama’s got to be losing her mind, and I’m proud that you’re taking control of your life and not letting life control you. Make the decisions you think are best for you and my niece or nephew.”
Aaliyah’s eyes flew to Imani’s. “Really? You don’t think I’m making a mistake?” She’d always looked up to Imani and telling her she was pregnant without being married was almost as painful as telling her parents, which was why she hadn’t said anything until now.
Imani dropped her foot to the ground, placed an arm around her sister’s shoulder, and touched her forehead with hers. Her words were soft but heartfelt. “Considering I’m still at point one in my ten-point life plan, who am I to tell you how to live yours? Whatever you decide to do, I’m here for you.”
Aaliyah whispered, “Thank you.” It was obvious Aaliyah was trying to be tough but was more than relieved after talking with Imani. She cleared her throat. “You took it better than Maddon. He was ready to kill Drew.”
Imani bobbled her head. “Of course, you’re our baby sister and, he’s your brother. He probably went all caveman on you, and rightfully so.”
She laughed. “You guys have this thing, and I just knew once he found out, you would automatically know or something.”
“We do, but not this time. At