What We Learned Along the Way (40 page)

“Because,” Malikah said with a big huff.
“I’ve got other things on my mind. I’m done spending every waking
hour thinking about getting a man. There are other things in life.
Men will always be there.”

“What could be more important than a man?”
Aliya said jokingly. “No, I get what you’re saying, but you still
could have gone out with him this once. He might be the one. Or, if
for nothing else, just to get that Indian food. That stuff is
good.”

“What do you think of this?” Malikah asked as
she held up a little black dress for Aliya to inspect.

“It’s cute for you. I’m not buying anything,”
she said in a sad voice.

“What do you mean you’re not buying anything?
The Aliya I know wouldn’t dare wear a pre-worn outfit to an Eid
dinner,” Malikah said in disbelief.

“The Aliya you knew wasn’t pregnant,” she
replied plainly. It took a second for the statement to register.
Malikah was still looking through the racks when it hit her.

“Oh my God, you’re pregnant! That’s great!
I’m going to be an auntie,” Malikah said, doing a little happy
dance. “But I thought you were on the pill?”

“I thought I was too. Remember when I was
sick and had to take those antibiotics? Turns out the doctor forgot
to tell me that antibiotics and birth control don’t mix.”

“Wow. You’d think a doctor would make it a
point not to forget something like that. Oh well. This is good
news, isn’t it? You guys could use the pitter patter of another
pair of little feet around the house.”

“What we could use is a better doctor that
doesn’t forget vital information,” Aliya said with an attitude.
“I’m sorry. I’m just a little frustrated.”

“I know this wasn’t planned, but you guys are
in a good position. You’re financially set. Your relationship is
solid. You’re naturally thin so you know you won’t gain much
weight. What’s the problem?”

“Langston and I aren’t as solid as you
think.”

“What do you mean? I thought that trip to
Vegas did the trick” Malikah said.

“Vegas is a magical place, but it ain’t that
magical. I’m not even sure anymore. It just seems like we’ve been
drifting apart. And then that She’tay woman keeps lurking
around.”

“She’tay? From the mosque? She’s lurking
around who? Not your husband!” Malikah sounded like she was ready
to fight.

“I know, girl. I don’t know what to do. She
called his phone while we were out of town. I asked him about it
and he lied. Said it was a business call.”

“You heard him talking to her? What did you
do?”

“I didn’t hear him talking to her. I heard
him talking to someone that he said was a business associate. But
when I looked at his incoming call log, I saw her number. And I
know it was her number because I called it from my phone, private
of course. Malikah, I’m not used to having to play detective with
my husband. I’ve never doubted him before, not even once. But that
night when he said it was a business call, there was something
about his face I just couldn’t believe.”

“Did you ask him about it after you knew it
was her?”

“I want to, but no. I don’t think I’m ready
for that conversation,” Aliya said with a sigh.

“Maybe it was a business call. She might have
been trying to get a job at Chapter.” Malikah tried to think
positively.

“No, you don’t call my husband on his
personal phone in the middle of the night because you need a job.
You get your butt online and fill out the application like every
other person with some sense.”

“I don’t know. I’m just saying let’s not
assume the worst. I like Langston. I don’t think he’d cheat.”

“He better not.”

The mosque was decorated beautifully for the
Eid dinner. Everyone was dressed in their finest and wearing big
happy smiles to match.

“Mariam!” Malikah said as she approached her
with open arms. I’m so glad you guys could make it.”

“Yes, I’m happy we came. I haven’t been to an
Eid dinner in years. It used to be so much fun when we were
little.

“It was. I’ll never forget those days. Have
you seen Jaime? She said she’s coming too.” Malikah looked around
and tried to spot her.

“She told me she’d be here, but I haven’t
seen her yet. I haven’t been here long though,” Mariam said.

“Okay, I have to ask you this. You’re okay
with her being here?” Malikah was curious.

“I’m getting there. I still have my days when
I want to strangle her and kill him, but I’m making progress. I
have to. I don’t think I’ll ever be as close to her as I used to,
but it is possible to be civil.”

“I really admire you. I pray I can handle my
hardships with such class and wisdom,” Malikah admitted.

“There you girls are,” Aliya said. “And look
who I found.”

“Jaime,” Malikah said excitedly as she gave
her a hug. She turned her attention to Aliya. “You’re right, Aliya.
You are starting to show.” Malikah’s eyes were fixed on Aliya’s
slightly protruding belly. “It looks cute, though. Pregnant Chic.”
Jaime and Mariam hadn’t been informed yet.

“Oh, you’re pregnant!” Jaime said. “How
beautiful! I’m sure you’ve gotten tons of good practice with
Harlem.” They all huddled around Aliya and her forming belly. They
were all so happy, everyone except Mariam. She couldn’t believe
that, after all the work she’d put into getting pregnant, Aliya was
the one with the baby bump. She was happy for her friend, but she
was also jealous that it wasn’t her. She didn’t let it show though.
She hadn’t seen her friends in a long time and she wasn’t going to
ruin the moment.

“Congratulations, Aliya. I’m sure you’ll be a
wonderful mother,” Mariam chimed in. The tables were filling up,
but they didn’t bother scrambling for seats. They were perfect
right there in the middle of the floor, talking and getting
reacquainted. It was just like old times, almost.

*****

THE END

Note from the author:

Thank you for
reading What We Learned Along the Way! I hope you enjoyed the book
and found at least one character you could relate to and/or benefit
from. It is very important to me to connect with my readers, so I’d
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Nadirah Angail