I'm sweating like a sinner in church.

Ha, you like that princess and the frog slash the kink series reference? No? Okay, so anyways the time has come to have dinner with my parents and I'm a wreck.

I look good but inside I'm screaming. My parents didn't want Maya and I moving out on our own anyways because they felt like we weren't responsible enough.

So telling them about my dilemma will prove them right and I hate when they're right. My mom pulls me in for a hug as does my dad before we sit down.

The smell of garlic is heavy throughout the restaurant and I can feel my mouth watering, and not in a good way. As soon as the waiter sits the pitcher of water on the table I go for it.

Dad: How have you girls been?
Maya: Good just working and studying.
Mom: Great! You go back to school in a few weeks right Jasmine?

I nod while still downing the water.

Dad: Still at that laundry mat?
Me: Yes, only part time though. It's enough to pay bills and focus on school.

He hums.

Dad: And you're still doing hair?
Maya: Wow, try to sound a little less disappointed dad.

Here they go. Maya loves our dad but she bickers with him twenty-four seven whenever she can. He is a little bit picky about our lives but I genuinely think it's out of concern.

Regardless Maya is right. We're doing the best we can. I mean employed, in school, have our own apartment and car? Isn't that enough?

Mom: Let's just enjoy tonight, no arguments please.
Maya: Sorry mom.
Mom: Doing hair isn't easy and many people earn lots of money from it. Being in college isn't easy either and she'll gain a career from it.

She flicks my dad's nose.

Mom: Stop bullying my daughters.
Dad: I'm just worried.
Me: There's no need to worry.

Oh no there's need, there's definitely need!

Me: How's the bank mom?
Mom: My coworkers aren't the most pleasant to be around. They all hate their kids and marriages, I can't relate.

I laugh.

Maya: How's the law firm dad? Still protecting criminals?
Mom: Maya!

My dad is a defense attorney, something that never really sat right with Maya for many reasons. I understand both sides so I don't say much as far as that goes.

Dad: Unfortunately she got her attitude from me so I can't even be mad.
Mom: At least you know it.

The waiter brings our food and the smell is God awful to me. I try to grin and bear it but I begin to sweat again. I put the piece of steak in my mouth and immediately gag.

My mom's eyes widen, and Maya facepalms.

Dad: What's wrong? Is it cooked wrong?

I shake my head while covering my mouth. I aim my thumb towards the bathroom and race off. Thank the lord I wore my smaller heels because I ran like a track star.

My body feels weak because there's officially nothing in my stomach. The baby rejected everything except that water. I splash cool water on my face and the bathroom door opens. Maya smiles at me.

Maya: You okay?
Me: This shit is not it.

She rubs my back gently as we leave the bathroom. I stop dead in my tracks once I recognize one of the workers, we make eye contact for a brief second.

His eyes glare into mine before going back to helping his coworker.

Maya: What was that about?
Me: Baby daddy number three.

Motherfucker.

____

let's get this starteddddd!