Capricorn
Chapter 56

Fire Element's Positive/Negative Effects -
Chinese Astrology Fire Signs (Snake, Horse, Goat)
* cheerful/destructive
* passionate/cruel
* honorable/impatient
* loving/tempestuous
* charismatic/excessive
* dynamic/reckless
* exciting/demanding
* courageous/radical
* decisive/headstrong

*

The two lovebirds groaned once Taye made his unwelcome announcement. Adena forced herself to pull away from Craig. "Keep your voice down," she whispered loud enough so Taye could hear.

"I wouldn't have to shout if I were in the room with you." He then opened the door and peeked in. The scene looked innocent. Craig had gotten off the bed, was leaning on the sink, and looking irritated. Good.

Craig looked at his watch. "I promise you, if you need anything, no matter what, I'll be here," he said to her. She nodded appreciatively.

"Have a nice one," Taye prodded as he leaned against the opposite wall. Craig made sure to leave quicker than he had wanted to. He couldn't get arrested again.

Taye closed the door when Craig stepped out, almost hitting him. "Taye, was that necessary?"

"Yes, we have things to talk about."

"About how the baby's yours now?" Adena said with a roll of her eye. "It always has been."

"Well, I asked the nurses, and it's too early for a DNA test-"

"No one is touching my baby without my say-so, especially for some stupid test," Adena said. "You need it that badly? Like a permission slip to be a good father?"

"I need proof. Wouldn't you?" he asked her. "Besides, once my name's on the birth certificate, that's it, right? They haven't brought one around yet, have they?"

"They have, but I turned them away," Adena said.

Taye sighed with relief. "I appreciate that."

"It wasn't for you. It was for me. That would include naming her, and I won't until I can bring her home."

"Adena, that's crazy. That's a month from now. What are you going to do in the meantime?"

Adena smiled a little. "She'll be my little Princess Thumbelina for now." She looked back toward her adoringly. Taye gave her a weird look. "Please tell me that's not all you needed to say. If so, call Craig back."

"No, and no," Taye said with a sigh. He cautiously approached Adena and the tiniest baby he had ever seen, sleeping peacefully in its crib. "I've been given an ultimatum."

"Oh, I wonder by who and why?" Adena said, uninterested as she stared at her Thumbelina. "Did she have the audacity to say me or her?"

"I mean, of sorts. I wasn't honest with her about seeing you and helping you with your Lamaze classes."

"You don't say!" Adena said sarcastically. "Taye, I figured all of this. It's not rocket science. But somehow, you haven't learned that keeping secrets and lying always comes back to bite you in the ass?"

Taye sighed, "Oh, LuLu came by yesterday, but you were in therapy. She says the group chat misses you." He decided to ignore her comment. "And she told both of us congratulations."

"Both of us, huh? So she knows you've only been pretending to care about your child to get me back? That's a huge plot twist. Does Kim know?"

"Kim doesn't know I still have feelings for you, but I think she may suspect, with the sneaking around and all. I haven't been pretending to care about you, Adena. I love you, and I always will. I've tried numerous times for us to become a family again, but you refuse. So don't complain about being a single mother or that you don't have anyone to help you because I tried-"

"You mean to tell me that if I ran back into your arms and wanted you back, you'd drop Kim?"

"Yes, how many times do I have to say it?"

"Probably forever because I don't believe you. I never will. Besides, didn't you say Kim was better than I was?"

Taye sucked his teeth, "Adena, I didn't mean that. I was trying to hurt you. To piss you off. To spite you. Kim and I could've been a thing then, but we weren't. We had to wait. She was destined for me, but you'll always be my first love. After everything, you'll always be my first. You helped me learn a lot about myself, how to love, and how not to love. But you missed your chance. I've tried, and now that Kim knows, she wants me to stay away for a while. I promised I would. Besides, no one respects me in this place except for the nurses. You've all been begging me to act like a father, but it isn't enough when I do. You've all been really ungrateful. So I think she's right, I should stay away, stay where I'm wanted. Once this calms down, we can talk about DNA and the legal shit. But you've made your choice, and now so have I."

"Yeah, it's best to stick with those who care about us and our best interests. I know someone that wouldn't have done the things you've done. He would never purposely want to hurt me, spite or not. He truly loved me. Loves me. I may not have been his first love, and he wasn't mine, but I think about him when you say 'destined for each other.' It was never in the stars for us."

"You mean that psychopath? You guys aren't even together. He wasn't there for you when you truly needed it. Do you think any of this would have happened if he hadn't left you? I honestly think it wouldn't. He has a lot of apologizing to do. To you and her," he said as he glanced at the baby. He couldn't look at the baby at all. He didn't know why. He wasn't disgusted or anything, but the baby made him uncomfortable. Probably something he and Dr. Osbourne would have to unpack later down the line.

"Well, he was there for me that night somehow. I didn't have to call him. If he hadn't brought Ron, who knows what would've happened." She wondered what brought him to her place during the blackout. She never got to ask. Did he have a hunch she was in trouble and came by? She needed to ask him. "He's made some mistakes, but his weren't even half as bad as yours."

"Fine, whatever. I'm not playing 'Which Ex Was Better' with you now. I got to get back to work," he said, then paused. He walked over to her. "Look. I truly fucked up, Adena. I know that. I'm in therapy because of it. I'm trying to be a better person, a better boyfriend, a better man because of it. I'll probably apologize forever, and you'll never forgive me, but...I regret what I've done to you. That's something I have to live with every day. You'll be on my mind, though. Always. I hope you two can get home early and start your life together. Mother and daughter. I mean that."

Adena nodded; she knew he was telling the truth right now. She could tell; what he had just said meant a lot to her. 

He reached his arms out to her. "Truce?"

Adena thanked him softly, then walked over to him and hugged him lightly. However, he held on to her longer and tighter than she wanted, and suddenly she was overcome with emotion. But held it back. "I love you, Adena." She only nodded. He kissed her cheek, left the room, and closed the door behind him. As soon as he left, tears rolled down her face. She felt the chapter of her and Taye's life together was finally over. 

It still made her feel so alone.

*

Natal charts show where each planet's position was at birth and provide more interpretations and key factors. You may be a Capricorn, but the Moon may have been positioned in Aquarius when you were born. This also has a significant meaning. Every planet is essential and represents different parts of your personality.

*

The first few weeks at the hospital went by slowly for Adena, and she was anxious every moment. Once she and the baby started making a routine that worked for them both, things began to run more smoothly. The hours and, eventually, days went by faster. As every day passed, Adena got more hopeful that "Thumbelina" would be fine. They both just had a rocky start. Once Adena learned how to breastfeed her, Thumbelina gained an extra pound. 

"There you go, Adena, that's good! Feel the difference?" the doctors asked her as they walked into the room to find her breastfeeding the baby independently without any assistance. Gladys sat there next to her, beaming from ear to ear. Every day made her more hopeful as well. In a few weeks, her granddaughter can finally go home. The two talked about having Adena and the baby move in with them on Long Island to keep tabs on them and help Adena with anything she needed. Adena refused the idea at first; how would she get to work? 

However, Donatella said work was still out of the question. Her maternity leave was supposed to start once the baby came in October officially. Donatella ensured it would begin after the two were discharged, giving her six more weeks with the baby. This new maternal side of Donatella surprised her, but she liked it. She wasn't so bad. She just had her moments. 

Donatella was even ok with Adena and Kehinde opening their art gallery together. Adena felt guilty at first since she never got to tell herself. "You were going to have to leave the nest one day. I didn't think so soon."

"It's still a ways off. I can't think about the gallery opening until the baby is ok."

That didn't stop Kehinde from getting the ball rolling for them. He was already looking at real estate, and they finally found a place that would be perfect. He Facetimed Adena to keep her in the loop, which she appreciated.

"You're irreplaceable," Donatella said as she hugged her and said bye to the baby. "I'll be back when I can."

"Oh, and Donatella?" Adena asked her, and she paused. "Don't count Lloyd out just yet. He's made great strides. I don't know what I would have done without him while you were in Paris."

"I'll think about it," Donatella said with surprise. 

Once she left, Adena checked her text messages. The Lamaze class group chat was constantly blowing up. She and Craig were in contact now but through text. He never really had a day off and worked every night. She understood, but it also meant that they couldn't honestly talk about where their future would lead them. Something she daydreamed of constantly. She's talked about it more with her therapist than him. She felt she would need to keep seeing her therapist once she was discharged. Her personal life required a lot of work after this roller coaster ride of a year.

One thing her therapist did say that bothered her was: "You and Craig didn't work out because it may not be your time yet. You met him two days after you broke up with Taye, and now you've had Taye's child in the most stressful way. You need to heal from all of that before you can truly give him the love he deserves."

Adena didn't want to agree, but she hated that it also made sense.

What Adena didn't know was that Craig and Rich kept in touch with each other regularly now. After their 'coming to Jesus' moment outside the hospital that night, they've been close buds ever since, which will amaze her if she finds out.

Beverly also came by occasionally, and when she did, she brought food from her favorite local Hamptons restaurants. "Hospital food will depress you." She was right, though. The two have gotten close. Beverly filled the void that Kim left behind and that Missy tried to fill. Beverly was rooting for her and Craig to try again, but she had to agree with her damn therapist too. "Craig has stuff he's still healing from. I've been trying to get him to therapy for years."

"If my ex can do therapy and stick with it, Craig can. He has to make the time," Adena said as she ate the best flatbread pizza she's ever had. "He's so busy too. Fever asked him to come back, but he can only do it once a month for special events. His plate is absolutely full. I'm happy for him."

"I'm happy for him too. I'd be happier for him if he didn't use it as a coping mechanism."

"That's a good thing, right?"

"He's filling his schedule to the brim, sometimes double-booking himself because he isn't ready to deal with his demons. At least he admits he has them now, but still. He's overworking himself. He's going to make himself sick. I've had to be his assistant because he's horrible at keeping track."

"I can't exactly talk. I'm the same way. It's good you're helping him."

"I can't exactly talk either. I couldn't even say Amanda's name six months ago. Therapy is doing us all some good. How about that?"

"Look at us, taking care of our mental health," Adena said, and they both giggled, "But working keeps you healthy, too. It keeps you moving and gives you purpose. 

"Are you crazy?" Beverly asked her. "Working makes you sick. Come on, get with the Gen Z generation; who raised you?" she laughed.

"Says the chick who never had a job?" Adena said, and Beverly threw a napkin at her. "Who raised me? Two old school Gen X's who swear that working hard will give you everything you need in life."

"As much as I love them, they're wrong. We're in different times now," Beverly said to her. "Brandon even agrees, and he's got his startup. I think he's going to change the industry he's in. He's hired some more people. He opened the office space. He's ordered everyone not to wear business casual. They love it, but the 'Board' doesn't. Especially his father."

"I can imagine, and I guess I can agree. Overworking is why we're both here," Adena said as she glanced at the baby sleeping in its crib. It made her anxious that that was all she did. She yearned to play with and talk to her; she wouldn't even mind hearing her scream and cry. 

"Blaming yourself will make you sick, too," Beverly said as she reached across the table and held her hand. "So, did you think about what I asked you last time I was here?"

"I forgot what you asked me, so no," Adena said guiltily, and Beverly threw another napkin at her. 

"You gotta get out of here!! Go home and sleep. Go out to eat. Go out and see a movie or two. Do some tourist shit. Ride the subway. You never leave. Hospitals make you sick if you never leave them. It's not natural for us to stay here for extended periods."

"I don't have a choice."

"Yes, you do! You said so yourself she's doing better. She's 4 pounds now. You've earned some independence. Get some fresh air."

"I can't. I'll get all the fresh air I need once we leave."

"Ok, I'll drop it only because I gotta go," Beverly said as she stood up. "Enjoy your gifts from Mama. We'll see our next movie on Netflix instead of an actual movie theater."

"There's so much more to choose from on there anyway," Adena said as she hugged her. "Tell Mama thank you for the gifts, and she's hilarious," she said as she looked in the bags Beverly brought. Mrs. Hill gave her a few baby outfits. From Gucci of all places. "They may be too big for her for a while."

"I thought it was funny too. Call me if you need anything."

"Of course, tell him I said hey if you talk to him."

"If he fucks up his calendar, as usual, I will," Beverly said with a shake of her head. "Tell Missy to call me too. Bye, love you."

"Love you back," Adena said. She sat beside the baby as a doctor entered the room right after Beverly left.

"She's right, you know," they said to her, and Adena gave her a questioning look. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but you should go out and get some air. Get something to eat."

"Already ate," Adena said.

"Once the two of you leave this godforsaken place, you will have to leave her alone sometimes. You have to start battling that separation anxiety now while you have the time. Take a walk. If anything happens, we'll call you. I promise you. It will do you good."

"It's late now," Adena said as she glanced out the window. The sun set a while ago. 

"Yeah, you need some sun, but that's something to tackle for another day."

"I need some sun?"

"Yes, the sun boosts your mental health. You're lacking Vitamin D. You also have what we call the 'hospital tan.' Your skin tone has lightened and dulled a lot since you arrived. All this energy-efficient lighting can cause acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema. Look up atmospheric skin aging."

"Great," Adena said with a sigh. 

"I can talk to some dermatologists upstairs for you. Makeup isn't bad, either. Especially the foundation, which can block out all this blue light. It can also boost your spirits. When you look good, you feel good. Getting away from it will help Miracle Baby some."

"Yes, please. That would be great," Adena said as she got up and looked at herself in the mirror. She did look different. That 'glow' everyone said she had was long gone. 

"Take a ride for 15-20 minutes; it'll do you good. She's doing fine. We got her covered for you. I promise."

*

We're all made up of many different sign combinations. Our Sun signs are the most influential. Knowing our Ascendant, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter signs add more layers to us. If any of these planets are in the Capricorn sign on your chart, you have a little Capricorn in you too!

*

Adena timidly walked out of the hospital. A breeze blew, and she inhaled. New York City still smelled like New York City, a combination of everything, good and bad, under the sun. She shoved her hands in her pockets as she watched an ambulance and its blaring sirens pull up to the emergency exit. Her phone dinged as a black Corolla pulled up to the curb. "Daria?" she asked them once they confirmed she got in the back.

She decided to take the doctor's advice and take an Uber ride. It was less work. Let someone else drive and enjoy yourself, supposedly.

"Do you mind listening to the radio?" Daria, the driver, asked her.

"No," Adena said with a shrug as she let her window down. 

"What would you prefer to listen to?"

"I have no idea," Adena said.

"I'll scan through, and stop me if you hear something," she said. "Oh, there's mints and gum back there if you need anything. You want any water?"

"I'm fine, thanks," Adena said and popped a piece of gum into her mouth. She barely paid attention as the radio changed its channels every 30 seconds. She scrolled through her phone and opened her Notes app. She opened a note and sighed as she looked at all the baby names she liked. Half she picked was out since the baby was a girl, and as every day went by, she would remove a few more. She looked through and stopped at one name. Every time she looked at her list, she would pause when she saw this particular one. 

Meanwhile, the radio station played Top 40. Jazz. Car accident commercial. Rock. Reggaeton. Car accident commercial. And then...

"That was 'The Canvas' by SIR, dedicated to the woman that is such a work of art. And we're continuing with our dedications tonight. I have another dedication of my own, so I would like-"

Adena sat up—that voice. Then the radio switched to another station playing yet another car accident ad. "Wait can you go back?" she asked her. Daria nodded.

"...special someone myself. She may not be listening. She has better things to do and more pressing matters to attend..." Adena had sat up in her seat, hanging onto every word. It was Craig. Was he dedicating a song to her? "I just want to let her know she's always on my mind. Always and I'm rooting for you. And only you. Here is 'You' by Jesse Powell. Rest In Peace to him. You're listening to DJ CD on WKNA 106.7. Come Through And Chill, now every night after 10 pm."

As the song started to play, Adena sat there in shock. Craig said he had a new DJing gig that kept him busy but never said what it was. This was big! And she was so very proud of him. "Do you know where this station is?"

"It's 106.7."

"No, the address," Adena said to her. She looked at her phone. Fifteen minutes went by quickly.

"I have no idea, ma'am."

"I'm looking it up right now. I need you to take me there ASAP." 

*

Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign of the zodiac. It can be likened to the oldest and most valuable tree in the forest.

*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Next...
The second book
in the Zodiac Series
AQUARIUS

Aquarius
The Water Carrier

January 21 - February 19
The eleventh sign of the zodiac is concerned with:
* scientific analysis, experimentation, detachment
* friendship, courtesy, kindness, tranquility
* mystery, intrigues, magic, genius, originality.......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

https://youtu.be/4YGOEgFwXl0