I had never felt more awkward in my life than I felt as I stood by Rick at the neonatal critical care unit window, gazing at his baby boy, Rick Jr., as he fought for his life. He was in an incubator and had tubes going in and out of his little body. I felt so bad for the baby. It broke my heart, and the tears welled up in my eyes. For a moment, I didn’t think about Nina being my adversary. If she were here, I would actually give her a hug. I saw this precious little soul fighting for his life and my man hurting to see his firstborn so vulnerable and clinging to every breath.

“How’s the baby?” Rick frantically asked the first doctor who came out of the room.

“And you are?”

“I’m his father, Rick Bryant.” Rick pulled out his ID. “My name is on the birth certificate.”

Before the doctor, whose badge identified him as Dr. Jeff Henson, could pull Rick aside, we heard a loud irate voice.

“Rick, no you didn’t just sneak up here with this bitch!” I looked up and there was Nina, hands on her hips. The last time I saw her was when she was pregnant, and we came to blows. I balled up my fists, ready to beat this bitch’s ass and have her laid up right next to her son.

She always had to be disrespectful whenever she saw me; when in all reality, I should be the one that was pissed off. Rick was my man first! And regardless of anything, if he didn’t want to be with me when he found out I was alive, then he wouldn’t have. So, her anger needed to be towards him not me.

RICK

“Nina, that is my son in there. Why aren’t you answering your phone? I told you I’d be on the next flight out.”

“I knew you were going to do this, Rick. Why did you have to bring her? You just keep making shit worse. This is a matter to be dealt with within our family. Not me, you and ya homewrecking skank!”

“Watch your mouth, Nina. She is carrying our baby’s sister, so you might as well get used to it. I think we got bigger things to worry about. Like for instance, what’s wrong with my son?”

“Rick, you really got me fucked up! If you don’t get the fuck out of this hospital and take this hood rat with you, I swear I’m about to lose it. Leave me alone to worry about making sure that my son lives to see another day.” Then she turned to Kyra, “I suggest you get your bitch ass the fuck away from here before I tear you a new one.”