Shaping Up
"C'mon - work it, work it, build them squats. Get deep - deeper - we got another fifty to do today and I'm gonna be checkin' they'se all fo' real."
Dee felt the sweat on her brow. It wasn't much consolation to know that the others in the class were feeling as tired as she was, feeling their muscles scream from the work-out proscribed for them.
LaTreya was being merciless today. "That one was half-assed Dee - now we all gets to do another five real deep squats just for that. You work half-assed and half-assed is what you'll keep. Skinny white butts only fit for your husbands." She laughed and her long braids tossed on her head. She half-turned and slapped the big rounded surface of her firm booty as if to taunt the pink-faced sweating women in front of her.
"Now don't you dare slack. Five deep, DEEP, ones to finish. Get down like you mean it - like I am." To be fair LaTreya did perform every class they did. It's just that after the session she looked ready to go again while they just wanted to lean against the wall or collapse on the floor and gasp for breath.
"Two minutes and then the next session's starting." LaTreya laughed at the half-stifled moan of protest. "You all thinks you needs a rest? You all thinks you deserves a rest? No, no, no. You gets to rest when you prove you deserve a rest. Like Anna and Charli over there."
Those two were seated in comfortable chairs after their thirty minutes of gentle pilates and yoga. Charli, her blonde hair braided into two long pigtails, lifted her glass of cool liquid in mock salute. Her work-out gear did nothing to hide her pregnant belly. Anna's baby-bump remained cutely modest by comparison.
Yes - they had earned their rest. Their bellies gave them status - they had proved their dedication to the cause. Proved their belonging and worth in this project that they had all stumbled into in their various ways. Mr Taylor's project.
"Right - back on yo' feet and in position." LaTreya's voice was smooth - strangely contrasting with her formidably sculpted physique. "Alison, Becky, Brooke - up straight now. C'mon Dee - be plenty of time to rest once you've earned it."
Ah - that was the thing wasn't it.
Dee had a feeling that she HAD earned it.
Could a woman tell, I mean really and genuinely know, when they were pregnant. Before science or old wives' tales could make a ruling. Dee had suspected before and then maybe had it confirmed or denied by a test.
This time she KNEW. She'd known it from that moment. When Jessica, her old pupil and now friend, had brought her to orgasm while full of her Black daddy's seed. She had known what they were doing and welcomed it. She had shook and howled her approval and desire - all fuelled by the knowledge that then, at that precise moment, she was making new life. Her fourth child, the first of her own new existence which would begin when the news of her pregnancy shattered her old life forever.
"Dee - whatcha dreamin' about. We starting girl!" LaTreya broke through her thoughts and Dee swung herself into the new exercise alongside her class-mates. She loved these sessions every day after school. She determined to make the most of this one. She'd soon be having to take it easier for nine months or so.
Plans and Preparations
The arrangement had been made. When she was sure then Dee was to text Jessica an invitation for a meal. That would set everything into progress.
It had been the first thing she had done - except for safely disposing of the pregnancy test of course. The two lines were crisp and clear, stark against their white background. They spelled out the necessity for action. A part of her had wanted to be able to keep it for ever but she had settled for a photograph. The risk of premature discovery was too high. The text to Jess was the name of a place. The answer, received seconds later, was a time and a smiley face emoji.
A smiley face! It didn't really do it justice. The mix of excitement and exhilaration and sheer blind terror that was coursing through every part of her. The knowledge that the day she had known would come, had hoped and longed for, was finally here.
The place was close enough to home to be quickly accessible but far enough away to be discrete. That had made it perfect for her previous meetings with Bill too.
On arrival she took a seat and was greeted by the server. She'd half-expected it to be the same young girl as last time but realised that was silly. It was probably a different shift for the staff entirely. This woman was also fair-skinned and blonde haired but probably in her early twenties. She was very professional, easily catering for the needs of all her tables. Not that the place was very busy at this time of day.
Dee sipped a cold drink and watched the parking lot. It was only a few minutes before Jessica arrived and then swept her way in. She was obviously fresh from work dressed in a perfectly-cut dark Pallas Paris suit. She looked every inch the successful lawyer that she was.
Jess spotted her, moved swiftly over to the table and took hold of both Dee's hands. The younger woman's eyes were shining and her warm smile said all that needed to be. Congratulation and acceptance into the 'sisterhood'. "You're sure," was all Jess said.
"As sure as a woman can be - I was even before I, um, confirmed it."
Jessica's smile widened and she gave a significant nod. "That's wonderful - have you told anyone else?"
"Only Bill and Shaka."
"Keep it that way for the moment. Have you decided on joining us - you and the girls?"
It was as simple as that. Ending her old life and moving forward with her new. The acceptance and the sacrifice. It would not be a new life that would be good for a young white boy - Davey couldn't have a permanent place in it. All that raced through her mind - as it had a thousand times in the last few days - during the time it took her to say,
"Yes."
Jess's eyes sparkled with pleasure and anticipation. "You won't regret it. Give me a time when the coast is clear for James and Tyrone to come down and collect your stuff. Which has to be mainly clothing and the girls' possessions. Anything else is better left."
"I know that. But David - I know that he'll..."
Jessica's hand moved forward to cover Dee's. "Don't worry about that. I've drawn up the papers as I suggested and you agreed."
"But you don't understand my husband. He would never..."
Jessica tapped Dee's hand with her long perfectly-proportioned fingers. "Haven't I told you not to worry. That is all in VERY capable hands. Now I just need you to sign these."