Capricorn
Chapter 39

Yin Tendencies:
* average weight or slender
* often tall
* smiling face
* likes strong colors
* delicate health
* individualist (free spirit, independent)
* introspective (introverted, self contained)
* responsive (reacts quickly)

*

Despite Ron's warnings, Craig and Adena couldn't be happier. In all actuality, Ron was wrong about everything. Adena's libido actually did the opposite of what he said it would. Every night Craig came over after a gig, she would want it. Probably because she had hours of rest before he got there, but man, did she have the energy. Craig decided to take advantage and teach her some new things, and new positions, and Adena was a ready and willing student. Once she started showing and growing, he wouldn't be able to fold her into a pretzel like he wanted. Adena was learning more about herself sexually, she was becoming the lady in the streets but a real freak in the sheets like all the rappers talked about. Craig didn't mind one bit.

He loved it. He loved it so much that he stopped going home and went straight to Adena after gigs, no matter what time it was. He had a key now. This gave Ron and Missy the privacy they needed. It allowed Missy to be as loud and crazy as she wanted to be. They were trying out a dominatrix phase right now, all over the apartment.

"Dude, she's literally beating my ass and I actually really like it," Ron told him.

Craig's eyes widened, "You two always take shit too far. Fucking weirdos."

Since Craig was always around, which she didn't mind at all, Adena made some space in her closet for him. She was starting to outgrow a lot of her clothes and it was time for spring cleaning anyway. It was getting a tad warmer out and all the big winter coats were being packed away, leaving more room for him. Craig really appreciated it. It was starting to become a hassle to go home to just get changed. He soon moved into her bathroom, having his own section for all of his things. He then moved into her fridge, having snacks and foods he loved to eat. Some Adena didn't like but whatever, more for him. The fridge was always filled with leftovers from Dragon City. They were very happy.

Then it happened. Overnight it seemed. Adena stood in her bedroom in her bra and panties and rubbed her hands over her stomach. She had gained an extra 7 pounds. She didn't feel fat but she could tell she was starting to look different. Outgrowing bras wasn't a problem and Craig loved it, but growing out of her favorite jeans and having to go more maternity made it all seem so real. She was really pregnant, there was really a baby in there.

She stood in front of her full-length mirror in her bedroom and rubbed her growing stomach. She took a mirror selfie and then continued to stare at herself. She stood there for who knows how long. She was so mesmerized that she didn't hear Craig come in. He stopped short in her bedroom doorway when he caught her looking at herself. He was just as mesmerized. Her body was beautiful, she was absolutely glowing and she was thick in all the right places. Her back was to him so she didn't even know he was there.

"Wow," he said breaking the silence. She jumped and turned around to look at him. He laughed.

"How long have you been standing there?" she said as she reached over and put her robe back on.

"Nah, leave that off," he said as he walked in and walked up behind her. He put his arms around her waist and laid his chin on her shoulder and stared at her in the mirror. "You look absolutely beautiful you know that?"

"That's because I'm practically naked," she said with a smirk.

"Girl please, you could be wearing a muumuu and cowboy boots and I'd still feel the same."

She laughed. "Sure," she said but soon her smile faded.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, it just seems really real now. Even after that first doctor's appointment, it didn't seem real."

"You only believe it when you see it."

"Definitely," she said as she rubbed her stomach. "You're sure you're alright with this?"

"Yes baby," he said as he kissed her shoulder and then her cheek. "How could I run away from this? I know I have before but I was scared and stupid I guess. I'm definitely not scared anymore."

"But you're definitely still stupid," she said and winked at him through the mirror. He started to tickle her but she couldn't handle it. "Craig I swear I'll pee! Ok! I'm sorry!"

"You're lucky this time," he said as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. She rolled her eyes and went to put her robe back on. "No, leave it off."

"I'm over being half naked now, I want to be more comfortable." She just wanted to put on a baggy shirt and some sweats and chill out.

"Let me get a picture of you first," he said. It was golden hour and the sun was shining brightly through the windows, giving her a stronger glow. She looked mythical. She rolled her eyes and shrugged. He got his phone and started taking pictures. Putting her in different poses.

She was surprised when she looked at them. "Wow, these are actually really good."

"Don't think that was the compliment I was looking for" he said sarcastically.

"Seriously, you could hang these up somewhere."

"Really? Well, it's not because of me, it's because of you."

"If you say so" she chuckled.

"I'll talk to Donatella then," he said and she looked at him. "About hanging these up."

"Whatever."

"I'm serious. What an artsy fartsy way to tell her you're pregnant?! With some bomb photography."

"No."

Craig looked at her, surprised at her quick and flat-out disagreement. "No? Seriously?"

"I'm not going to tell her yet," Adena said as she put the robe back on and scooted onto the bed.

"Wait why not? You're definitely keeping it so...she's going to find out sooner or later."

"Yes but not right now."

"I'm curious as to why?"

"Curiosity killed the cat you know."

"But satisfaction brought it back, everyone leaves that part out." She glared at him, not liking being proved wrong. "Just rip the band-aid off now and tell her. The longer you wait, the worse it'll be."

"I don't HAVE to tell her anything you know."

"But why-"

"What if she lets me go?"

"One word: lawsuit. So she won't."

"She's done it before."

"That was just a sabbatical. Look now you're back and promoted-"

"And I don't want to jeopardize that," Adena said as she looked down at her belly. "I can see it now, she won't let me travel, especially overseas to any events. She'll probably keep me locked up in the gallery."

"Well, you gotta prepare for that anyway, at some point you're going to have to slow down. She's going to have to give you maternity leave."

"No...Donatella...she's just weird. I just got this promotion and I don't want to lose it. She thought I couldn't handle working just with the divorce, imagine a baby? Anyway, I know her. I have a feeling having an art dealer the size of Santa selling art in her prestigious gallery will turn her off."

"You being pregnant isn't going to turn her off. This is different."

"If it has a chance of ruining her business or reputation...or even ruining the way I work. It's all the same thing. I don't want to tell her now. Not yet. Besides, she hates kids. She only lets high school kids visit the gallery."

Craig shrugged. "Ok suit yourself," he said and then quickly changed the subject as he adjusted the blinds behind the bed, "Don't move," he said. "Ok sit like this," he said and then he adjusted the robe so it fanned out around her as she sat on her bed, legs tucked under her. He took a few more pictures. He smiled as he looked at them. "Wow, I AM good."

Adena smiled. "These are great. Send that one to me. I wanna send it to Mom. I can't send her the bra and panty ones." As soon as she pressed send, her phone rang, and they both laughed. "Hi Mom, I guess you got the picture?"

"Yes! Huney you look so gorgeous. Did Donatella set up a photo shoot for you?" her mother said excitedly, close to tears.

"No Craig did. He actually took the pictures himself."

"I didn't know he was a photographer! I thought he was a musician."

"He's a DJ mom and no he's not a photographer, he just has a great phone-"

"And good lighting!" Craig interrupted her. He couldn't help himself.

"What was that? Was that him?"

"Yes don't mind him."

"Actually, I don't mind if I do. Put him on the phone."

"What?"

"He's there, right? Put him on the phone Adena."

Adena looked at Craig in shock. He laughed a little, "What?"

"She wants to talk to you," Adena said covering the phone so her mother couldn't hear. His eyes widened and then he shrugged, holding out his hand so she could hand him the phone. She hesitated. He waved his hand impatiently.

"Adena? I know you didn't hang up" her mother said as Adena gingerly handed him the phone. "Adena?"

"Hi, there Mrs. Capricorn" Craig answered as he put it on speaker.

"So this is the infamous Craig. How are you?"

"I'm doing great. I hope you're doing the same."

"I'm ecstatic, these pictures you took are amazing. They truly brightened my day."

"Thank you that's good to hear and it was no problem. It was easy, I had a beautiful muse and lighting. The picture took itself."

"Modest too," her mother said and Adena covered her face in her hands. Could she be more embarrassing and gushy?? "Well since these are your photos, I'm going to ask permission for me to print these out in every size I can and send them out to the family-"

"Mom. NO!" Adena shouted.

"Adena! The pictures are beautiful! You look fine!"

"I KNOW that! I just don't want anyone knowing just yet."

"Huney, you're showing, it's going to be hard to keep this under wraps. We're seeing your Aunt Dana this weekend. I can't even tell her?"

"Please don't Mom, please?" Adena begged. "Can I let everyone know when I'm ready? It's my body, my baby."

Her mother sighed, "Fine suit yourself. Can I show these to your father or do you want me to keep this a secret from him too?"

"As long as he can keep a secret sure."

"Well anyway, Chris it was so nice talking to you-"

"It's Craig, Mrs. Capricorn."

"Oh! Sorry! Oh, and by the way, that surprise party you threw for Adena was very nice of you. I hope she didn't beat you up too much about it. She actually hates surprise parties, did she tell you?" she said with a laugh.

Craig chuckled. "Ahhh, let's just say she let me off kinda easy," he said. If cutting him off for a month was easy but it was more complicated than that.

"Ok Mom, we're hanging up now."

"Feel free to send more pictures! I need more pictures! Oh and let me know when your next appointment is" her mother said before Adena finally got her off the phone.

*

The Tiger is the next animal, following the Ox. Associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, tigers are viewed with both fear and respect. The Chinese actually see the tiger, not the lion, as the King of animals.

*

By the beginning of Adena's 4th month of pregnancy, she still had not told Donatella. She bought long, baggy, and flowy clothing and maternity options that she could wear to work. Donatella was pretty busy as usual so she didn't even notice. Adena knew if she did, she would have said something.

She was also glad she didn't tell her. Donatella was sending Adena to various art galleries and festivals and soon she upgraded her to go to auction houses. Adena smiled. She could easily do this until her baby literally popped out. All she had to do was show up with the most money and outbid everyone on the works of art Donatella wanted, without even having to get up out of her chair, unless she wanted to dip out.

"Going once, going twice, sold to the woman in all black!" the auctioneer said as everyone clapped and glanced back at her. Adena smiled proudly, putting down her paddle. Her work was already done for today.

Donatella was giving her a small commission for each of the pieces Adena was able to get, but since they were pretty expensive, a small percentage was still big for her. Better yet, she got to go home early. Which was great because her back was hurting and her ankles felt like they were swelling again. A nap would be great right now. Or a hot bath.

She said hi to the doorman and was about to go straight to the elevator when she saw a sign at the front desk: 10% OFF FIRST MONTH RENT FOR 2 & 3 BR APARTMENTS.

She paused. Oh yeah, that reminds me...

She walked up to the front desk. "Hi, I'm Adena Capricorn in apartment 1103-"

"Yes Ms. Capricorn," the front desk receptionist said with a smile. She knew who she was. She saw her every day. "How are you doing today?"

"Tired but thanks for asking. I've been meaning to ask if there were any 2-bedroom apartments available. I see there's a discount going on."

"They're booking up fast because of the discount. 2 bedrooms are $3100 a month but the first month would be $310 off and since you're already a resident you won't have to pay any extra fees." Adena winced at the price. The discount couldn't apply to every month? "Wait, you haven't been here that long already have you? Your lease is almost up?" she asked as she looked at her computer and started typing.

"No not even but um...let's just say that I have a new roommate coming around September/October and my 1 bedroom won't work."

"I see," the receptionist said as she glanced at her and back at her computer. "Well, we certainly don't want to lose you as a resident." She not only paid her rent on time but early and she gave their manager a referral for the fabulous new artwork they had in the lobby. "However, this discount expires at the end of next month so if you want a 2 bedroom to accommodate the roommate they'd have to pay their half soon. Very soon actually, we only have 3 left and they're going fast."

"I'd have to be moved out by then too?" Adena asked and she nodded. Adena sighed. "Ok, I'll have to think about that."

"Here's a brochure. You can take a virtual tour on the website or we'd be happy to do one in person." Adena thanked her and looked at the brochure. As she walked away, the front desk phone rang. "Williamsburg Deluxe how can I help you? Yes, the 2 bedrooms have a 10% discount right now for the first month..."

Shit, if she wanted to make room for the baby, she had to act now. Waiting until next year when her lease was up wasn't too bad but she wouldn't get the discount, the baby would have to sleep in the master bedroom with her but who wanted to plan a move with a 3-4-month-old? The thought gave her anxiety. As she stood in the elevator she wondered if she should ask Craig the big question.

Did you want to officially move in and help me out with rent?

It would really help her out. Really really.

What if he said no? What if he wasn't ready for that financial commitment? Maybe she should try to make it work on her own.

She sighed as she unlocked the door to her apartment, calming down some knowing she could relax for the rest of the day.

However, when she opened the door, she was not expecting what she saw.

*

The tiger itself is a Yang animal, however, its striped coat represents the union of both Yin and Yang forces - a balance that gives great power.

*

Adena stopped in her tracks and thought she was being transported back in time.

There was Craig, lounging on her couch, playing video games?! His feet were propped up on her coffee table as well as a large box of pizza and a 6 pack of beer. He had the controller in his hand and had on a headset and was talking to someone.

Adena only walked forward just to make sure that it wasn't Taye. Thankfully it was Craig, but he looked a hell of a lot like Taye right now.

Please don't tell him that...

"What are you doing here?" she asked and Craig jumped. He pulled his feet off the coffee table but knocked over his beer in the process and it spilled all over the floor. She froze and stared as the liquid pooled off the table onto her spotless floor that has never had any accidents. Until now.

"Whoa babe, what are you doing back so early?" he asked as he took off his headset. He put down the controller. "Shouldn't you be at work? Are you ok? You sick? Not feeling well?"

"What are you doing here?" she asked again as calmly as she could. "Didn't you have a gig?"

"Man they canceled on me at the last fucking minute," he said as he threw his arms up in the air with frustration.

"Are they rescheduling it? You were going to get a nice chunk of change from that gig..."

"You wouldn't believe what happened. I told you it was a divorce party right?"

"A divorce party??"

"Yes they do those, they're like bachelorette parties but more bitter and sarcastic. Guess what happened? You'll never believe this."

She wished he would go ahead and say it. She just stood there and glanced down at the spilled beer that was still on her precious floor.

"Ok...get this. The fuckers eloped! Can you believe that shit?!" Craig asked and started laughing. Adena didn't understand what was so funny about it. "She plans this huge divorce party, invites everyone and their damn mama, hires me, hires caterers, the works! All to get right back together with the guy and fly to Vegas!! The two just got on a plane and disappeared. Her MOM had to tell me because they didn't know either. Called me a few hours ago. They're just finding out themselves. They thought she went missing!"

"So you aren't getting paid?"

"Oh no, I am. They aren't getting their deposit back and now they got my cancellation fee. I should double it because of the stupidity. She told me why they divorced in the first place. You know why? You'll never guess."

Adena just stood there staring at the puddle.

"Ok fine. Her ex...well not anymore, knocked up her best friend! And now she's marrying him again!?" Craig said incredulously and started laughing.

"So you aren't getting paid in full?"

"No," Craig said with a sigh. "You ok?"

"Aren't you going to clean that up?" she asked as she continued to look at the spilled beer.

"Oh, my bad," he said, noticing that she looked really bothered by it. "Enough about me. So did Donatella give you the rest of the day off?" he asked her. She only nodded as she watched him clean up the mess. "Oh yeah, you had the auction today. Was it just like in the movies? Fast-talking guy, everyone with paddles?"

"When did you get an X-box?" she asked him, noticing that's how he was playing the game.

"Today," he said. "The one at my place is Ron's so now I got my own. Well, I'm willing to share it with you if you wanna play."

"How much did that cost?"

He shrugged, "The usual price. A couple hundred."

She replied by shaking her head and walking straight into her bedroom. She slammed the door behind her. Shit. What did he do? Was it the beer? He cleaned it up. "Adena you ok? You want some pizza?" he asked through the door.

"Just leave me alone, please! I'm taking a shower."

He left it at that. She was probably just tired. He sat back down on the couch and then heard a small voice. "Craig? Craig? You bailing on me, B?" He picked up his headset.

"My bad Ron."

"Adena got home early?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Scared the shit outta me."

"You gotta go now huh?"

"No, she needs some "her" time." At least he hoped that was all it was.

"Uh oh, trouble in paradise?"

"Nah we good. She's just tired you know" he said as he unpaused the game and killed him, changing the subject before he could give him another pregnancy lecture.

"Yo motherfuck-! You cheated!" Ron shouted at him.

Adena sighed as she put everything on top of her dresser, got undressed, put on a big t-shirt, and some leggings, and got into bed. Taking a shower or bath felt like too much work now. She could feel her anxiety rising. Craig really just threw her for a loop and it had her pretty shook. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to ask him to move in. She felt like she was having a deja vu. She might as well call Taye at this point and tell him to help out, it would probably be the same thing. Which disappointed her because she didn't want to tell him. She didn't want him to have any say over her baby.

But it was obvious that Craig just wasn't ready and that disappointed her.

*

Capricorn tigers are endowed with the ability to avoid their usual pitfalls, such as thoughtlessness.

*

https://youtu.be/reG7Iu8seos