Almost a week later, Mark returned to L.A. from his holiday vacation in Italy, called Michelle and they grew inseparable. I began classes a couple of weeks later and decided to put the ordeal behind me just as I suggested to Michelle while at the hotel.
I threw myself back into my studies. The funny thing about it was I did better that semester than the previous one. Michelle became engulfed in Mark, so much so that the next time he proposed she accepted immediately. Because I understood how difficult the whole date rape thing was on her, I was extremely happy for her. They set a date for the following year and we started planning her wedding right away.
After my second semester, I began looking for housing. After all, I was making a decent enough salary to have my own. It’s just that L.A. is so huge that an East coast girl could easily get lost. The terrain is beautiful and widespread leaving so much to choose from. What narrowed down my options was the cost. Michelle lived in a development where we had around the clock security on the grounds and maintenance. I’d love to continue with that but I also wanted to get out and explore the area, in addition to wanting to spend modestly so that I could also purchase my own car. Michelle had been allowing me to borrow her old high school Audi since I arrived in the City of Angels. I had to get my own. After the spring semester ended, I purchased a nice little hooptie, a 1998 black Chevy Cavalier, coupe that was within my price range. I tipped into my savings just a little to get it but didn’t mind because I knew I needed a car and not a note.
A week after the close of the semester, I flew to visit my brother, Akeem, in prison back in Jersey. Michelle gave me a lift to the airport. As she hugged me goodbye I realized she put on a little weight. I knew she complained of gaining a few pounds over the past few months but now it was in her face. She also quickly withdrew from the embrace. I dismissed it and said goodbye. I flew in and right back out per usual. It was great seeing Akeem, yet difficult parting ways. Of course, I had my usual bout with guilt seeing him confined. Somehow, I managed through it without breaking down and promised to visit soon. After refueling his commissary, I made my way back to the airport.
I found an apartment two weeks after visiting Akeem. I was beyond elated. Mark gathered a few of his friends to help move me out of Michelle’s place and into my own. My new apartment was about twenty minutes away from Michelle. I couldn’t go any further than that, Michelle saw to it. I settled in a week after getting the place. I hated leaving her at that time because she wasn’t herself. She was moody and isolated.
Months after I moved into my new place, I was tackled by drama. Michelle learned she was six months pregnant. One morning she let herself into my apartment while I was asleep in my bed and broke the news.
“Na-Na, wake up! I have something to tell you!” she demanded as she annoyingly poked me in the back while I was laid out on my stomach.
“Huhn?” I answered groggily after jumping up. I didn’t hear her come in. She looked like death with bloodshot eyes and huge dark bags underneath. I was scared of her.
“RAYNA, UP!” she yelled.
“Okay!” I struggled to maneuver onto my behind attempting to give her my full attention.
“I’m pregnant.” Her eyes were stapled to mine wearing an impassive expression. If she didn’t look like shit, I would’ve thought she was pulling my leg. As the seconds passed and I’d begun to process her words excitement rose from my belly.
“CONGRATULATIONS, SHELLY!” I screamed after digesting the news. Kids were not for me, but I always knew Michelle would be an excellent mom.
“No! Not good at all!” she screamed hysterically, reminding me once again that she’s a valley girl.
When she began to cry my heart tore. I hated to see my dear friend so out of sorts. She meant the world to me, was all I had in life. I went to hug her. She let me console her for a few seconds and then pulled away.