Jazmine stirred in her sleep at the sound of a loud noise coming from the side of her bed. It was a baby's cry. The volume made had her jump out of her sleep. Even with her eyes barely open, the shriek made her heart beat against her rib cage. She climbed out the bed and walked over to the cot but when she looked inside, she couldn't find her baby. It was empty.
She was confused because it sounded close to her but it was just her alone in her room. The crying just got louder despite it now sounding further away from her so she ran out the room to try and find her baby. The house was oddly empty besides the cry of her baby. She needed to find her baby.
Frantically, she ran into the living room but the sound wasn't coming from there so she ran into the kitchen. She felt relief when she saw the bouncer sitting on the counter. That was where Malcolm always sat when they were in the kitchen. The crying didn't stop so she ran over to hold her son but he wasn't there either.
"Ahhhhhh!"
She screamed as she looked at the bouncer, the crying now stopping.
The once white and baby blue bounce was now covered in bright red liquid. The metallic smell in her nostrils confirmed her belief, it was blood. She had no idea what happened but the guilt that over took her body made her feel like she had something to do with it.
"No! My baby! Where is my baby?! I want my baby!" Jazmine screamed over and over again. She wanted her baby, she needed her baby.
"Jazmine. Jazmine wake up, it's a bad dream."
The young girl shot up out of her bed, breathing heavily and damp with sweat. Her eyes searched around the room frantically trying to find her baby.
"Where is he? Where is my baby?" She repeated.
Huey used his free hand to try his best to hold her steady. "Jazmine look at me. He's here, he's fine." He told her. Her eyes finally rested on Huey's before looking down in his arms. There Malcolm was just staring up at Huey. "Here, hold him."
As carefully and as quickly as possible, Huey handed Malcolm over to Jazmine who immediately wrapped her arms around the baby, holding him close to her. She could feel the tears forming in her eyes and her heart doing its best to slow down. "Oh my gosh... oh my gosh... my baby. He's here, he's fine." She repeated what Huey had told her. She pulled Malcolm back so she could get a good look at him. His curly ginger hair was still there and his blue eyes with now flecks of gold were still staring at her wide. He was still here.
Huey cautiously sat on the side of the bed next to Jazmine who just looked at their son. This was the 2nd nightmare she has had in the past month. The anxiety of not being a good mother was catching up to her and haunting her in her sleep. Today's one was the worse one because she was mumbling in her sleep all through the night. He felt useless because he didn't know what to do and Huey Freeman always knew what to do. "What did you see?"
Jazmine's tear-filled eyes looked up at her boyfriend for a second before turning her gaze back to her son. "Blood. Blood everywhere. I couldn't find my baby."
"It's okay, you're holding him now."
"I need to hold him all day. I need to feel him with me." Jazmine told him.
He nodded in understanding. "Alright, we don't have to go to dinner tonight if you don't want to."
"No, I'll be fine. He's going to be with me so I'll be good. I can't cancel plans last minute because I feel anxious. It's not fair."
"I mean you can."
She gave him a look which just made him sigh at her. Tonight was the night that Jazmine would sit down and have dinner with her father's girlfriend, Farrah. The two have still been going strong and it was time that Jazmine was officially introduced to her son and had a proper sit down with them. The two had talked as she helped plan her baby shower but this was different. The most important person in her father's life was meeting the most important person in Farrah's life, it needed to happen and run smoothly otherwise Tom would feel guilty that Jazmine didn't like what Farrah was bringing to the family, no matter how many times Jazmine said she liked the lawyer. Tom took great consideration in his daughter's opinion so he needed Jazmine to be on board too.
As much as Huey didn't really want to be there, Jazmine had convinced him to come, saying that she was going to need help with Malcolm, making him give in.
"You shouldn't stress yourself if you can avoid it."
She rested a hand on Huey's shoulder, feeling better than before. "I'll be fine, I just need a bath and I'll feel better."
He nodded before standing from his bed. "I was planning on working out, will you be fine on your own?"
Jazmine gave him a look. "You really think I am incapabl-"
"Not what I meant." He quickly cut her off.
"I thought as much." She smiled at him. "Go enjoy your work out, do some for me too."
Huey smirked at Jazmine before going over and planting a kiss on her lips and walking out the door.
She sighed and looked down at her baby boy who looked as if he was about to cry. She saw his head was turning towards her breast so she guessed it was time for a feed.
"Okay I guess you're hungry." As she began to feed the hungry baby, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through to see what was happening on social media but was cut off not long after when the bedroom door burst open.
"Mari- ah shit a titty!"
"Riley!"
Riley slapped his hands over his eyes, hurting himself in the process but he didn't care, he did not want to see what he wants to forget he thought he saw. "I didn't see anything!"
Jazmine rolled her eyes. "I know you didn't." The only breast that was out was occupied by her son feeding. "You should've knocked, what if me and Huey was getting it on in here?" She asked as threw a blanket over her shoulder to cover herself out of respect since Riley seemed to be in here for a reason. It wasn't every day the boy would come bursting into the room, looking for her at that. "You can move your hands away now."
"McHater hasn't clapped no cheeks for months with his gay self and I saw him leave the room when I went to the bathroom." Jazmine looked at Riley in disgust at him even knowing about his brother's sex life. Everyone in their friendship group knew each other was active (it was very clear for Huey and Jazmine) but it was just something they didn't keep tabs on with each other.
"Whatever, I know you didn't come in here to discuss your brother and I's sex life. What do you want?"
"Damn, you cold as hell today." Riley commented as he sat on the bed diagonally from Jazmine. She rolled her eyes again at the irony but kept her mouth closed. "When was the last time you heard from Royalty?"
'That's why he burst in here acting weird.' She realised. Royalty has been away for nearly a month and it was really starting to take a toll on Riley. He spent a lot of his time glued to his phone, waiting for a call or text from her. They were in the same time zone so it wasn't like he would miss a call or text because he was sleeping, it was just harder than usual to contact her. Jazmine had to admit that the girl has been quiet lately but she did make effort to make conversation and check up on her nephew.
She shrugged. "Yesterday. Why?"
Riley laid on his back to look up at the ceiling. "I just miss my girl man. It's been a month, how am I supposed to handle longer without her and her birthday is next week so that's even worse."
"You act like you don't have any friends."
"Half are getting ready for college."
"And the ones actually your age?" Jazmine raised an eyebrow at him and saw his lips tighten together. "Exactly. Stop being a baby and call up your friends. I'm sure there's a party this weekend. You don't need Royalty to have fun. Sure you did fun stuff together but you can do those things without her too. No need to be guilty or anything." Jazmine shifted Malcolm so that she held onto his chin and neck and worked on burping him once she felt him finish.
"Damn. How the fuck have I not been to a party yet? It's summer! What is a nigga doing?!" Riley pulled out his phone and immediately started typing. She guessed he was texting his friends to make plans. It was about time, Jazmine was tired of seeing his face around the house so much. She did feel bad since she moved into his house but still, everyone needed a break from Riley.
"Anyways, it's not like you would want to be stuck babysitting."
"Gimme my nephew." Riley playfully 'snatched' Malcolm away from Jazmine's arms who just laughed. "I have no idea what your mama is talking about. You know you a real nigga." He gave him a light fist bump against the baby's tightened grip. "Yeah. I mean, I wouldn't trust me to babysit you on my own until you could at least eat some fried chicken."
"Riley, he doesn't even have teeth yet!" Jazmine shook her head at the only biological uncle to Malcolm.
"So? He will eventually and he will eat good." He shrugged, irritated.
"Yeah good food. Like fruits and vegetables." She told him.
"A waste."
Jazmine raised her eyebrows at him. "You're never being left alone with my child, ever."
Riley kissed Malcolm's cheek as he replied back to Jazmine. "You say that now but when you and gay nigga wanna fuck, you're going to be running to me to take Malcolm to give you some time alone." He laughed but when he saw Jazmine's face unmoving, as in not even a scowl, he knew he said something wrong. "What? Y'all still ain't fucked?"
"Riley! Stop swearing around my baby." She started to blush as she started to get embarrassed. "You don't need to know all of that. We don't talk about that."
"I know because you're basically my oldest sister." He shrugged. "But ain't none of us got our people's with us right now so you might as well, I told you my problem. No pressure though."
The young mother sighed as she looked down at her son in his uncle's arms, quite comfortably too. Riley and Jazmine have been close in the sense of friends who have grown to become like siblings. Her having his nephew just solidified their relationship and they both knew that they were really family now. She guessed it wouldn't be that bad to confided in him, at least a little bit.
"Well, you're right. We haven't been... intimate in that sense but he understands! I'm not ready yet, more mentally. I just need to wrap my head around this whole new mother thing still because it's getting a lot for me. I know it's a lot for him too with being a new father. I am scared that the lack of... intimacy, will drive him away." She confessed and was surprised with herself for even speaking on the issue, especially to someone who happened to be Riley Freeman, the most unserious person she knew.
Riley gave her look before shaking his head. "You must still have baby brain." He started to play with Malcolm's hair as he stared up at him with his big blue eyes. "The nigga loves you and will never leave you. It's impossible for him to. He would probably have a breakdown if you even attempt to leave him."
"You're just saying that."
"Have I ever lied to you?" Riley asked her.
She had to laugh in his face. "There was the time you tried to deny that you believed in Santa but was the same boy that went to the mall to shoot the Santa there. More than once at that. You said you didn't eat my chocolate that I know Huey and grandad wouldn't touch but I found the packet in your jacket pocket. Also-"
"Okay damn girl I get it." He cut her off. "What I was trying to say before you rudely interrupted me was that Huey is never going to leave you. As in, the boy is whipped too much to break up with you. If you do wanna leave, I'll hold him down while you make a run for it."
Jazmine laughed and began to feel better already. Not much was said but it still helped her to be put at ease. Riley never showed his caring side to people outside his friendship group and close family and she sort of wished he allowed himself to be nicer to other people. Then again, she was talking about someone who's middle name was Escobar. There wasn't much kindness to come with him.
"Trust me, your kind service will never need to be used."
"Welp, just remember I gotchu whenever you need a nigga to be jumped." He handed Malcolm back over to the rightful owner before standing from the bed. "Now if you excuse me, I got an outfit to find for the party tonight."
"Have fun!" Jazmine called out to Riley. Just then, Huey walked though the door, looking behind him weirdly.
"Was Riley just in here bothering you?" Was the first thing he asked.
Jazmine rolled her eyes. "No. He just wanted to have a little talk."
Huey raised an eyebrow in speculation but kept his mouth closed on the matter. "This came for you." He handed her the package she had just realised he had in his hand.
She immediately sighed in relief as she took the package, once she laid Malcolm securely on the bed. "Yes! My outfit came for tonight. I was scared that it wouldn't come today I was 2 minutes away from missing the next day delivery time slot when I ordered it last night."
"Jazmine, you have so many outfits already, you don't need anymore. You could've just picked one out from the wardrobe. Or even go back over the street to check your wardrobe there."
The look she gave him made Huey realised he made the wrong choice. "I do not have a lot of clothes to choose from. Plus, there isn't an outfit for meeting your dad's girlfriend and their son for the first time now is there? And I only keep my clothes over there because we both know not all my clothes can fit in the wardrobe along with your stuff and Malcolm's stuff."
"Which is why moving to your dad's seemed like a better idea." He shrugged. When Jazmine was pregnant, they discussed the possibility of Huey moving in with her but it just didn't seem right to do. Her father and Huey would be busy while grandad stayed at home for majority of the day before Riley or Huey would come home. That meant some type of assistance if completely necessary. The Dubois house was larger in size and space but having Tom's watchful eyes everywhere they moved was not something they needed or wanted. They already had their hands full enough with a new baby, they didn't need Tom breathing down their necks all the time so they didn't produce another grandchild for him. However, if they did move, it would be to their own apartment once Jazmine started college if anything but that depends if they can afford and handle a new place, child care and luxuries at the same time. Their plans for now were to stay in the Freeman residence and see what happens over the next few months before making other decisions.
"Huey, we already know that wouldn't work out." Jazmine reminded him which he couldn't help but nod slightly in remembrance and agreement. "Anyway, go shower, you stink." She demanded him. She screwed up her nose in disgust and started ripping open her delivery.
Before Jazmine could even grab her item inside, Huey snatched it away from her, making her jump up.
"That wasn't very nice of you."
"Huey! Give it baaacckk!" She tip toed and jumped to try and get it back but she still was too short to reach his hand stretched in the air.
"Not until you apologise."
"No!" She tried again but he still didn't shift. He had a smirk all over his lips as he watched her struggle to reach his hands.
That's when Jazmine thought of something. With a smirk of her own, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into slow kiss, their favourite type of kiss. She felt him respond and grew excited when she also felt his arm lowering. His arm got lower and lower until Jazmine believed her beloved package was at a height she could reach, she jumped up to grab it but was only met with air.
"No fair!" She stomped childishly as Huey continued to smirk at her with the package still in his hands.
"You thought you was smart huh? Just for that, I'm going to need more of that." He dropped the package to the floor and grabbed her by the waist, making her giggle. This time when they kissed, there was more anticipation behind it. They ended up on the bed with Huey on top, between her legs that were hooked around his hips.
Just as they were getting into it, they stopped.
"Do you- do you smell that?" Jazmine asked. They both started sniffing the air in confusion before they saw the red-faced Malcolm lying next to them. "That explains it."
"Welp, I will be getting in the show-" Huey went to move away from her but she kept him locked in between her legs.
"Nope! Change him. Now. I gotta get his stuff ready and try on my outfit which you just disrespectfully threw on the floor so you can change him." She reached down to the floor to grab the diaper and wipes and held it onto his chest. "Have fun."
With a roll of his eye, Huey said nothing but obeyed what she had said. He grabbed the stuff as well as the changing mat that Jazmine got for him too. He slightly pulled the baby's legs to bring him closer and took a deep breath, knowing he was going to be left with a very nasty surprise with how red Malcolm's face went.
When evening came, Jazmine was checking over her baby bag once again. They were only crossing the street and she had a few little things there but she needed to know she had everything necessary.
"You ready to go?" Huey asked as he walked over to her, holding Malcolm in his arms.
Jazmine turned to them with a big smile on her face. "Awww you two look adorable! I am seriously going to love putting us in matching outfits."
Huey had on an all-black outfit which was a shirt and some jeans while Malcolm had black dungarees over a white vest. Jazmine wore a black pencil skirt with a white, off shoulder body suit. Her baby weight has slowly been dropping off which she was happy about but she wasn't too comfortable with it yet which is why she decided against a crop top.
"Please don't." He slightly begged her.
"Why not? We can take cute Instagram pictures." She grinned.
He shook his head and handed Malcolm over to his mother. "For what?"
"Because why not? Say cheese." Jazmine picked up her phone and took a few pictures of them against Huey's will. "Alright, we can leave now."
Once Malcolm was strapped in his car seat, they made their way across the street after letting grandad know they were leaving. They didn't see an extra car in the drive way so knew that she hadn't arrived yet which meant they wasn't late. Since Jazmine still had her key, she used it to unlock the door and walked inside.
"Dad! We're here!" She called out as she held it open so Huey could walk through.
"Honey!" She heard him call from the kitchen. She could smell amazing food being cooked and was confused. Her father's cooking never had a such a rich smell, especially one this good. "I am glad you could make it."
He pulled her into a hug which she gave back but she still had a look of confusion on her face. "I told you I would come... um, is that you cooking?" She had to ask.
"Oh heavens no. You know I can't cook that good. Come come." He gave Huey a quick greeting who nodded in response before guiding them towards the kitchen. "I hired a chef."
The chef waved at the new comers as he mixed whatever sauce he was making.
"Hi, um, the food smells greet. I guess we should come out of your way." Jazmine smiled before walking into the living room. "You really went all out dad."
Tom started to get a little shy as he sat across from his daughter. "Well I really want this to go well so I made sure I at least go the food right."
"Aww that's so sweet, isn't it Huey?" Jazmine turned to Huey.
"I guess." He shrugged, not sure what he wanted her to say.
"You're not going to put a little more effort into that?"
"Nope."
"I should've known better." Huey smirked at her understanding and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"So." Tom cleared his throat. "How has my grandson been treating you?"
The two shared a look before looking back at Tom. "Well, he certainly knows what he wants and how to get it."
"Now you will understand why it was so hard to say no to your adorable face. It's not easy." Tom told her.
"Well he is still a baby but I know he is going to be extremely spoiled. Hopefully not the unbearable spoiled otherwise I will feel terrible for allowing him to get that bad." Jazmine admitted.
"I mean, it will be kind of hard when he is the only baby around and has such a loving village raising him." Tom reminded her which was true. He was going to get love from the older and younger generation which meant a lot of different things and experiences were about to come his way. He sure was going to grow quickly with so much older influences around him.
"At least we all know Huey will be the one to spoil him the most." Jazmine smirked as Huey looked down at her in confusion.
"I don't see how I got dragged into this conversation and that's not even true. I won't spoil him." He denied.
Jazmine didn't let the smirk move from her face. "Sure, we'll see about that." Huey said that now but Malcolm was going to be just like him which means he could be very convincing when he wanted to. Plus, not even stone-cold Huey could say no to such an adorable face.
Just then, they were cut off by the sound of the door bell ringing.
"They're here."
Huey and Jazmine watched the colour drain from Tom's face as he looked off into the distance at the front door. The time had finally arrived.
Not only was it Jazmine's first-time meeting Farrah's son, it was Tom's first time too which meant he was panicking and it was all over his face right now.
"Daddy!" Jazmine clapped her hands in front of his face to snap him out of trance. "Don't keep them waiting, open the door!"
Tom shook his head and shot up from his seat. "You're right, you're right." He swiftly walked to the door with his head held high but you could still tell he was nervous. He walked to the door while Jazmine and Huey waited for them to walk in.
"You nervous?" Huey asked her as he watched her smooth out her skirt.
"A little, what if he doesn't like me?" She quickly asked, now having her father's nerves rub off on her. "Or what if Malcolm starts crying and he won't calm down and she thinks I'm a terrible mother?"
"... I'm not even going to answer that." Huey shook his head because he knew Jazmine was now talking crazy. Her self-doubt really was her biggest enemy.
They heard mumbling and then the sound of heels and other footsteps walking towards them, so they stood.
"Hi!" Jazmine greeted with a large smile on her face as she was brought into a hug by Farrah.
"Hello Jazmine, it's so nice to see you." Farrah stepped back from the hug to get a better look at Jazmine. "Wow! You look amazing! Can't believe you gave birth only a month ago."
Jazmine smiled politely. "Thank you. The one in question is taking a quick nap in his car seat." She pointed over to where Malcolm was sleeping.
"So beautiful, I remember when they were that small." She held her hand over her chest before greeting the other person in the room. "Huey, it's nice to see you again."
"Like wise." He nodded in greeting.
"Well, I guess it's time for the formalities." Farrah smiled sweetly. "Everyone, I would like you to introduce you to my son, Tevin Campbell-Jones." She stepped to the side and revealed a dark skin boy who looked to be in his early teens at least but what was shocking was how tall he was for his supposed age. He was at least 5ft 5 already. "Tevin, this is Tom's daughter, Jazmine Dubois, her boyfriend, Huey Freeman and their new born son Malcolm."
"It's nice to meet you Tevin." Jazmine smiled at him.
He studied her for a second but slightly smiled back. "Nice to meet you too."
Before they could continue with any other conversation, the chef came into the room.
"Dinner is ready." He announced.
"I guess I have good timing." Farrah commented, making Tom lightly laugh.
"Well, let's eat!" Tom smiled.
Once everyone was seated at the table, they all dug into their food which was amazingly prepared.
"So Jazmine, how is motherhood treating you so far?" Farrah started off.
"It has definitely been a journey already. Malcolm is relatively a good baby, he just gets the fussiest during the afternoon time. Just trying to learn as much as I can so I'm ready for when Huey has to work and starts college soon as I'll be on my own then."
"That's right, I heard that you'll be working at Tom's firm soon. That will surely help you to start your college career."
Huey cleared his throat, not really expecting to be involved in the conversation. "That is correct."
"And Jazmine's going college to study medicine next year." Tom added.
"Don't you have to do science for that?" Tevin spoke up for the first time since he came.
"Yes I do."
"I don't know how you do it, 7th grade science is enough for me." He said annoyingly.
Farrah laughed at her son. "You're starting 8th grade soon so you better be ready for that."
Tevin nodded before looking between Jazmine, Huey and the car seat that was sat on one of the spare chairs in the dinning room. "Can I ask?" He started out, not sure how rude the question he was going to ask was going to be. Jazmine nodded, sort of knowing where he was going with it from how much he kept looking at them and Malcolm. "You're only like, what, 18? And your both parents now?"
"Tevin." Farrah was ready to tell off her son and apologies for his comment but Jazmine shrugged it off.
"It's fine." She assured Farrah. "Yes, we're both 18 and have a baby together. Advice, don't be like us."
Tevin nodded in understanding. He did not expect to meet his mother's boyfriend and his daughter, son in law and grandchild. He knew he would have a story to tell his friends when he got home.
"Does that mean I can ask you a question?" Jazmine asked.
Huey raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what Jazmine would want to know.
"Sure."
"So I heard your name and I'm guessing you was named after-"
"The singer Tevin Campbell. Yes, yes I am." He nodded, having heard the question may times before. "Apparently, when my parents met in the club, 'Can We Talk' started playing and while my dad was singing it, he made eye contact with my mom. After that, they got together and had me."
"Aww that sounds so romantic." Jazmine pouted as she started to tear up a little. It was so sweet to hear how Farrah met Tevin's father and ultimately came up with a name for him but it also made her wonder what happened to his father since Farrah was smiling so fondly at her son retelling the story.
Farrah saw the questioning look on both Huey and Jazmine's faces so went on to explain. "His father, Reggie, was a firefighter and died on one of his calls. Tevin was only 8... Tom is the first man I have dated seriously in years."
"I'm glad I remember some things about him though. He was a cool guy."
"I understand just that." Huey spoke just about a whisper. As much as he gave everyone a blank expression, Jazmine could see the understanding and pain in his eyes.
Tevin nodded. "Yeah... and a brave man."
"That's sweet that you have some memories with him. My dad is a nice man, you will like him. He's a little paranoid but he's cool. Just keep him away from jails." Jazmine reassured.
"Why?" Tevin dared to ask.
"Because he believes he will..." Jazmine had no idea how best to say it while still being appropriate because she didn't know if Farrah wanted her son to be talking about Tom's fear of prison which was a valid reason to be honest.
"Drop the soap?" Tevin answered for her. Tom began to choke on his wine as if not expecting the answer but he didn't expect it from Tevin. The boy seemed very blunt which was weird to see because Jazmine was nothing like him when she was the same age as he was now.
"Precisely." Jazmine laughed. "Well, I don't know much boys your age but you might just be alright. Wait, do you go to Woodbrown Middle school? My friend's little sister goes there."
Tevin nodded. "Yeah, what's her name?"
"Melissa Caesar."
"Yeah I know her, she's cool. Rumour has it she likes my friend but that would be good because he likes her." He laughed.
"Awww young puppy love. I am definitely not going to forward that information onto Caesar because I am sure you like your friend alive and that boy is protective."
"Good looking out."
"No problem."
Farrah and Tom shared a look across the table. They were glad to see their children getting along with each other despite just meeting and not knowing anything about each other prior to meeting. As well as the age gap and different upbringings but they had faith that over time they could become friends.
"Oh my gosh I almost forgot, how is Mr William's? I still find it weird that my dad's girlfriend is my old English teachers step sister." Jazmine asked.
Farrah smiled. "He is doing well, just trying to spend time with his family, especially his daughter because we all know in a blink of an eye, them babies are not babies anymore."
"Please do not remind me." Jazmine begged as she looked over to the car seat. As if knowing eyes were on him, Malcolm began to stir. "His timing is always perfect." She reached inside and pulled him out. His eyes were squeezed shut but they knew he was going to open them soon. "Malcolm." She said his name as she lightly kissed his face. She made a promise to herself to smoother her son with love and affection like how her parents did with her. She just hoped Huey showed just as much or at least somehow close to how much she was going to give but she would give him time. It took him awhile to be affectionate with her but now, he always accepted her affection so it was only a matter of time before Malcolm was smothered in kisses by his dad. "Can you heat up his milk please?"
Huey nodded before excusing himself from the table, bottle in hand.
Farrah took it as a time to get more serious. She knew that Huey was now their family but she also knew he was only there because Jazmine asked him to, so she saved him the sentimental talk. "Jazmine, Tevin. You both understand you are the most important people in our lives right?" They nodded. "And now for me, Tom has become very important to me too and vice versa. We understand you're old enough to have your own opinions but we just wanna say that can we at least try and slowly bring our families together." Tom held onto Farrah's hand that was rested on the table which their child took note of. "We both are new to this but are positive that this is going to work out. You're both amazing children and it is not like we're are forcing you to get along or live under the same roof. Jazmine has her own little family anyway. We just want everyone to at least be on one page together."
"We hope this doesn't feel like any pressure. That is the last thing we would want any of you to feel." Tom told them.
Jazmine and Tevin gave each other a brief look before turning to their parents. "I guess I'm cool with that." He shrugged.
"Yeah. I am just glad to see my dad smile the way he does for someone else." Jazmine told him. The father and daughter smiled brightly at each other and it took everything in them to not burst out in tears in front of everyone at the table.
Huey walked back in with the warmed-up bottle and it was as if Malcolm could smell it because he began cry. "I'll take him in the other room." He offered.
Jazmine nodded in agreement and handed her son over, who could still be heard a couple of seconds later when Huey left the room until he began to feed.
"So, where was we? Right, we all on the same page now? Is there anything you want to discuss?" Farrah asked the children.
They both thought about it for a couple of seconds.
"Will you guys be getting married?"
"Will you be moving in with my dad?"
They both asked at the same time, making their parents eyes go wide, not really expecting those questions when they should've.
"Well to begin with, we have discussed possibly moving in together but since Tevin is still living with me, it would mean that he would have to move with me. Tom still wants to be close with you so it would be the case of me moving in here yes but that wouldn't be until a little while now. I want Tevin and Tom to have some time becoming familiar with each other before I move them in the same household or whatever."
"And for marriage..." Tom and Farrah shared a look. "It is not off the table, but not right at this moment."
The son and daughter nodded, satisfied with the answers. "We understand."
"If you do move, at least then I can keep my room." Jazmine laughed.
"You have an extra room?" Tevin asked.
She nodded. "Yeah, it's there for a guest room but if you do move in you can do as you please with the room."
"I'm guessing your room is bigger though?" She nodded again. "But you have your own family across the street, can't let a brother get a big room?"
Jazmine laughed. "Nope! I am not giving up my room, all my stuff doesn't fit in the Freeman's. It is much smaller over there than here."
"Jazmine, I told you that I would help you two find your own apartment." Tom reminded his daughter.
"Daddy I remember but at this current time, we both need as much support as we need and just being close to home is the way to go. There are no apartments around here, the closest one is about 13 minutes away but at least it's in the same direction as the college I will be attend and where Huey will start." She sighed. "Just want to see how the first year goes but even then, we might move before then."
"Alright. Just remember, I will be here to help you look."
"Thank you dad." The two smiled at each other but turned back around to see Huey walking back in with an alert baby. He handed Jazmine the empty bottle so that she could put it away and was shocked at the bottle being completely empty. "Damn, he was the hungry?"
"I guess so." Huey answered as he sat back next to her.
That's when Jazmine thought of something. "Tevin, have you ever held a baby before?"
He looked up at her and looked over at his mother before back at her. "Last baby I held was my little cousin." Tevin told her, reminding her of her teachers' daughter.
"Would you like to hold Malcolm?" She asked.
He shrugged. "Sure."
Jazmine took Malcolm from Huey and walked over to where the young boy sat. "Here, make sure you support his head."
Tevin took the advice on board and held the baby in his arms who cooed away as he sucked on his pacifier Jazmine gave him before she handing him over. "Aww you guys looked so cutteee." Farrah pouted as she gave Malcolm her finger to hold which he grabbed onto. "Babies are so precious and this baby boy is beautiful. Your daughter will look just as beautiful too."
Tom began to choke as soon as Farrah said those words and it took him nearly 2 minutes and some help to get back to himself. "Um, please. I would love nothing more than to have a granddaughter but please, please, I beg of you, not now." Jazmine looked at her father's watery eyes and had no clue if it was from him choking or the pure emotion of him begging her not to have another child soon.
"Dad, we have been through this many of times."
"I know, I know, just... please."
"And on that note, that is when I hand the baby back over to his rightful owners." Tevin announced and went to hand the baby over but Jazmine stopped him.
"I'm sure your mother might want to hold him."
"Oh yes I do." Farrah swooped in and comfortably held onto the baby close to her, loving the baby smell. Jazmine sat back in her seat and watch Farrah interact with her son. It was weird to think her father's girlfriend might spend more time and bond better to Malcolm than his own grandmother. If that does happen, the only person Sarah had to blame was herself because it wasn't as if she moved far away, she really had a lot of chances to visit but so far, nothing and these were supposed to be the times Jazmine would have to fight her mother off to give them time alone. She guessed not. Divorce really changed the woman in a second, or maybe, that was how she was always like.
The rest of the night went on without any hiccups. They all laughed and shared stories as time went on. Even when Huey decided to exit, he took Malcolm with him but Jazmine stayed. She was really enjoying spending time with her Farrah and Tevin. Their company was very warm and welcoming which was surprising for a boy his age, you could tell he had a very smart woman raising him right. He was very respectful but Jazmine knew he still had the sneaky charm that was similar to Riley's when they were the same age, only Tevin's was a lot less dangerous and a lot more innocent.
Jazmine never had a sibling, never had a brother but then she met her friends and all of a sudden, they were all siblings. However, when it came to a younger brother, she only had one, Riley Freeman. So, she was sort of prepared to what to expect with Tevin but it was different and she liked that. Don't get her wrong, she loved Riley but man was he a piece of work. With how serious his father and Farrah were, there was no telling when Tevin would officially be her brother and she wasn't even mad about it. It would be nice.
A week passed and Riley was bored out of his mind.
So far, he was enjoying his summer whenever he could. Spending time with his friends from his class, chilling with his other friends and brother, spending time with his nephew, practicing basketball. It was all well and good but he missed someone, Royalty.
It was her birthday tomorrow and he was missing her like crazy. He wished that she stayed because he had a whole plan for her. He was going to take her out to buy her a cute outfit that she could wear to the restaurant he was going to choose and then take her to a hotel where she was going to be greeted with presents and decorations. Yes, he was going to do the whole thing, now, he had to settle with a Facetime call. He felt selfish for wanting her here when she had a whole family back in Jamaica but he loved that girl, she drove him crazy and in a good way.
"Riley." He heard someone call his name and looked up to see Jazmine looking at him in concern. "You alright?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" He answered back almost immediately.
"Because you're just sitting there with a lost expression on your face." She told him. She shifted her one-month-old baby in her arms as she looked at the younger Freeman.
He sighed. "Royalty's birthday tomorrow."
"I know, did she tell you her plans for it?" She understood why the boy looked so glum. There were times when she would catch him silently doing something like playing the game or looking at his phone. His other half was really out the country and it affected him worse than anyone expected, worse than he expected. Riley was really a sweet boy deep down.
"Yeah, she's going to a party. She's been hyped up about it for the past couple of days."
Before Jazmine could say anything else, Huey walked into the room and Riley's attitude instantly switched.
Huey went to open the fridge but stopped when he noticed Jazmine and Riley both staring at him.
"What?" He questioned as he looked back and forth between the two.
"Nothing." They answered back.
"Okay..." He said awkwardly before going back to the fridge to get the fruit cup he was craving.
That's when Jazmine thought of something. "So, you're both not doing anything today. Why don't you go to the mall or something and spend some quality time together? You can take Malcolm with you."
Riley and Huey shared a look.
Riley burst out into laughter while Huey just shook his head in disbelief.
"Quality time? Damn you funny Mariah."
"I spend enough time with him already Jazmine."
She placed the hand not holding her baby on her hip in annoyance. "You do realise you are brothers."
"Sadly."
"Unfortunately."
She rolled her eyes at their answers. "Whatever. My son needs some time outdoors, take him."
"Where we even supposed to go?" Riley asked her.
"I don't know and I don't care. I am tired so I will be taking this day to sleep. Take Malcolm and get out of here. The Freeman boys should have a day together." Jazmine handed Malcolm over to Huey who tried to protest but she ignored him and walked straight out the room, not giving them a second glance.
The brothers stood in the kitchen in silent, sharing confused looks.
"So, whatchu wanna do?" Huey was the first to speak.
"Nigga I don't know. You making it sound gay."
Huey rolled his eyes. "Of course everything is gay to you." He walked out the room to get himself and his son ready reluctantly as Riley did the same.
20 minutes later, the two boys walked outside towards the car. Huey saw his brother walking towards the passenger seat and stopped him.
"Nigga what now?!"
"You need to sit in the back." Huey told him.
Riley looked at him in confusion. "What?"
"You need to sit in the back." He repeated.
"For what? There's only two of us."
"Because Jazmine always sits in the back. Someone needs to sit in the back with him and I'm the one driving so it has to be you."
Riley wanted to throw a fit about it but with one look at his nephew, he knew he couldn't deny such a cute baby.
"Fine but I'm connecting to the Bluetooth." He jumped in the backseat before Huey could protest.
Doing the best to hold his tongue, Huey strapped Malcolm in securely before getting in the driver seat and driving off to the restaurant they decided to go to.
"You better not poison him with the dumb ass music."
"Nigga shut up. You know you lowkey like it so stop being a hater and enjoy life. Damn. You finna suck all the youth out this baby and he only been out for a minute." Riley shook his head. "I'm disappointed bro."
"Whatever." Huey mumbled to himself but it was drowned out anyway once Riley started to play a rap song and instantly jumped into the music.
The whole car journey, Huey was ignoring his brother and Malcolm drifted off to sleep while Riley just bopped along to his music. No words between the brothers were exchanged.
They arrived to the restaurant and took their seats after Riley requested a bigger table so quote on quote, "he didn't look gay sitting across from Huey with a baby with them" which Huey could 100% agree on.
"Man them BBQ ribs are sounding smacking right now." Riley licked his lips hungrily.
"I hope you know you're paying for your own shit." Huey reminded him.
"Nigga I know that, if you paid then it would be gay. Don't make this gay."
Huey took a deep breath. "Why is everything today gay to you?"
"Because when I'm around you, everything just becomes gay." He answered back with no hesitation.
'I don't even know why I asked.' Huey thought tirelessly to himself.
"Are you two ready to order?" The waitress came up to them with her notepad and pen ready.
The brothers ordered and once she left, they sat in silence awkwardly so Riley decided to go on his phone. That's when he got a strange Facebook notification and quickly took a screenshot of it. He only had Facebook to keep in touch with older relatives, well, Aunt Cookie but he would post here and there just for them to see his growth. Aunt Cookie loved showing off her growing family and would comment, like and share everything the boys posted but that's not what the notification was.
He opened the app and went on his notifications but it disappeared. Good thing he took the screenshot.
"Ay bro look at this." Riley handed his phone over to his brother who was confused at first but took the phone, when he saw the notification, his eyes went a little wide like Riley's did.
Riley had a picture posted of himself holding Malcolm when he was first born and Huey was in the back keeping a watchful eye which was the last picture Riley posted on there but the person who liked it was a family member, one they hadn't seen in years.
'Matthew Johnson liked your photo' the notification said.
"What? This can't be true." Huey tried to deny.
"The evidence is right in front of you. Nigga was lurking on my page and accidently liked the pic, he took it back before I could see it on the actual app... but why the hell is our uncle lurking on my shit?"
"You know them people ain't our people." He spoke sternly as he sat back in his seat.
"I know... they never really were when they were supposed to be our people anyway." Riley agreed.
Matthew Johnson. The youngest brother to Mackenzie Freeman, previously known as Mackenzie Johnson. The son to Aiden senior and Simone Johnson.
Riley and Huey's only official aunt and uncles came from their mothers' side but it never felt like that. There was the eldest, Aiden Junior, the one that followed his father's footsteps as a surgeon rather than his mother as a real estate agent. Mackenzie was next who was the doctor. Anastasia was the prosecutor of the family, while Matthew, the youngest was the sports therapist. They all earned good money and was comfortable. When Huey told Jazmine they were wealthy, he meant wealthy.
The brothers sat there wondering why their so-called uncle was on Riley's page, it made no sense.
"They know about Malcolm." Huey spoke after a few moments went by since they were interrupted by their food arriving.
"Damn, yeah they do. I wonder what they're thinking."
"Probably finding a way to blame our dad. Saying we keep ruining people's lives." Huey shrugged carelessly, knowing that was exactly what they were thinking.
"Man this some bullshit. Why they wanna trouble us now?"
Huey sighed. "Because they ain't shit."
"True dat...So what do you think I should do? Should a nigga ignore it or confront it?"
The brothers sat there unmoving as they thought about what best to do. If they did confront them, then they were about to be met with unwanted questions and conversation but if they ignore it, it was going to bug them for not saying something.
"I think we should just leave it. Maybe he was just checking on us." Huey suggested.
Riley nodded, believing the same thing. It didn't make complete sense but that was what they were going to go with so they didn't turn crazy trying to figure out why. They would find the answer soon just not now.
Before they could say anything else Malcolm began to cry which was unexpected because Huey didn't even realise he was awake. He tried to soothe the baby by putting the pacifier in his mouth but he didn't want it. Huey realised he was hungry so he called over the waitress they had before.
"Excuse me, can I have bowl of boiling water please?" He requested politely. She nodded and left the table to retrieve the water.
As Malcolm continued to cry, people's heads started to slowly turn towards their table as they watched this young black man with a baby that looked nothing like him at first glance, crying. It did not look good for him. Huey tried his best to calm down the baby who was clearly hungry.
"Damn, Malcolm sounds louder now than ever." Riley commented which didn't do anything good for Huey's mood.
Huey glared at him before focusing back on the task at hand. He managed to finally calm down Malcolm but he was still very fussy. He needed the waitress to come back with the water asap.
As if hearing his thoughts, she walked back carefully with the water and Huey immediately shoved the bottle into the water, hoping it warmed up quickly.
"Trust him to scream down the place when he's with me." Huey breathed out as Malcolm looked up at him with his blue eyes which Jazmine and himself started to notice had hints of green in it.
"The baby doesn't even look like his." He heard someone whisper behind him.
"Should we call the cops?" The person with them asked.
Huey closed his eyes to calm himself down.
He had a feeling this was going to happen to him at some point, especially if Jazmine wasn't with him too because at least then people on the outside could see some type of similarity between the mother and baby.
Deciding to ignore it, he checked the bottle and saw it was at the right temperature and fed his son.
"I got niggaritis now. I could go into a deep ass sleep." Riley commented as he finished his meal, clearly satisfied.
"Good because I am ready to go back home asap." Huey said annoyed.
"What got you so pissed off?" He asked, noticing how quickly he switched moods. He knew his brother was grumpy but the perk of being his brother was knowing when he was just being grumpy and when something got him to become grumpy suddenly. This was the time when something caused him to be grumpy.
Huey softly shook his head. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."
Riley didn't believe it and went to leave the matter until he saw two women sitting behind Huey, whispering and glancing at his brother and nephew. For some reason, he automatically understood what was happening.
"Whatchu whispering and looking over here for?" Riley glared at them past Huey's shoulder.
"Riley-"
"Nah because they seem to be having a problem since they keep looking over here. Y'all got a problem or what?"
Heads started to turn in the restaurant as they saw Riley's face screw up in annoyance.
"Um. We were just concerned about the baby's safety." One of the women dared to confess.
This caused Huey to whip around in his chair with a glare on his face, being mindful his son was still feeding.
"And why is that?"
They started to open and close their mouth but no words were formed.
"Speak up, you had a lot to say about a nigga when you thought we couldn't hear." Riley told them.
The other woman got angry at that comment. "Well if you must know-"
"We did ask-"
"We were worried about the baby's safety because he does not look like the baby's father, let alone a relative and neither do you." She confessed their suspicions.
There were a few audible gasps that went around the room once they heard that.
Before Huey could open his mouth to express his anger, three women walked up next to him.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but hear your dumbass comment from my table and I just arrived here too." One of the women said which happened to be 1 of the 2 black women standing next to his table.
"It's not dumb if we're concerned." They tried to defend themselves to the new comers now.
"It is because your assumption isn't based on the child's wellbeing but rather their skin tone."
"Exactly. Leave that young boy alone." Her friend added.
"I still think we should-" The first one tried to speak again but this time another black woman had come over which Riley and Huey had instantly recognised.
"But nothing." Caesar's mother, Keisha, stepped in. They had no idea she was even in the restaurant too, let alone in the country. They'll ask Caesar about it later when they tell him about what happened.
"Can't believe they accused this young man of kidnapping."
Keisha looked shocked then angry. "Is that right?" Everyone around nodded. She glared at the two accusers, making them squirm in their seats. "Let me tell you something, I know these two boys since they were young so I really know them. That baby in his hands in my sons God child and the man holding him is his father. I'm not even going to give you the satisfaction of explaining how DNA works because your grown asses should know better. Now, I'm glad you never called the feds because then I'll be the only 1 walking out here in handcuffs with an assault charge in hand too. So next time you want to think out loud, don't because one day you'll cross the wrong bitch on the right day." She slowly leaned up and crossed her arms across her chest as she looked at the two women pale and frightened in front of her.
"Dammmnnn. I didn't know Mrs Keisha had it like that." Riley laughed out loud, making the two women to become embarrassed. It was the last straw as they started to pack their things up to hurriedly leave the establishment.
Huey just sat there in shock. He did not expect that to happen at all. He expected to say some few words of his own but it was taken care of before he could add some input. It was weird. He usually did the defending so it was different that others were doing it all for him. For once, he was glad he didn't have to say anything.
"Thanks." Huey thanked the women who stood up for him.
Keisha placed a motherly hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. "No problem. I'll do it again if I had to. You're all practically family at this point, you know this." She reached out and gave Malcolm a little playful poke. "He's too cute... I'll leave you two now. Enjoy the rest of your day."
The brothers said goodbye to Caesar's mother before looking at each other with knowing smirks. Keisha was always classy whenever she would put someone in their place.
"Glad I didn't have to say anything." Huey rolled his eyes as he began to burp Malcolm.
"Good because then you would've made them white ladies cry and no one has time for them white tears." Riley told him seriously and jokingly. "Anyway, now I wanna treat myself to some new sneakers. Drive me to the mall. Thanks."
Huey looked at his brother in disbelief. That was the last place he wanted to go, it was a struggle to even get him to agree to come out anyway. Going to the mall wasn't on his list. Then he thought about it. This gave more time for Jazmine to have time to herself, especially since it was going to become extremely rare for her to get soon. He sighed and regrettably applied. He hoped he didn't have to punch his brother today.
Elsewhere, Jazmine sighed blissfully as she made her way downstairs to prepare dinner. She was in a good mood today. She caught up on some sleep and took a very hot candle lit bath with music playing while having a face mask on. It was truly an amazing experience. She loved the Freeman's, and she meant every one of them but sometimes she just needed some quiet. She was the most anti-social, social person you could meet. Loved to be around people but when she wanted to be alone, she wanted to be alone.
She looked into the living room and saw grandad sitting in his favourite chair watching something on BET. She knew if Huey was here, he would talk granddads ear off about how bad it was until he gave in and changed the channel.
"Hey cutie pie. You enjoy your bath? I was getting worried from how long you was in there for, thought you had drowned." He asked her once he spotted her at the bottom of the steps.
"Hey grandad. I'm good don't worry, just needed some time to think." She told him as she walked towards the living room.
"Come, sit. Tell me what's on your mind." He guessed to the seat next to him and she couldn't say no.
"Just thinking. Life as a young mother, what the next year is going to be like. Things of that nature." She briefly explained.
"Ah yes, the first year of a baby's life is the best because before you know it, you gotta beat their ass because they're causing trouble."
"I don't think Malcolm is going to be so bad." Jazmine laughed.
"You never know with boys, they'll surprise you... my son, the boy's dad was a little evil child. Just caused trouble everywhere. It wasn't until he was around 8, he changed. He was still trouble but he listened more. You should just never get on his nerves otherwise he would let you have it." Robert sighed. "Then his mother got breast cancer which was more aggressive than anyone thought it would be and died not long after he turned 10. He was so young. There are times I would feel bad for never giving him a little sibling so he didn't feel so alone but I didn't want another child if it wasn't with my wife." He said sadly. That's the first time Jazmine has heard about the boy's grandmother and you could see that she was his one true love. He may have all these women when he wanted but it wasn't his wife, the love of his life. "Whenever I thought I wasn't doing something right, I could just hear my sweet Mary, telling me I was doing a good job. I didn't believe it until Christian met the boy's mother, Mackenzie and she became the daughter I never had. She took good care of me when she didn't have to, they both did which is why when they died... I had to take the boys. I owed it to them to take them and get out of Chicago. They may have hated me for it, probably still do but then I don't believe they would be able to focus as much as they would have wanted. Riley would've easily gotten stringed into the gang and drug dealing lifestyle. He always tried here but it never worked out, it wasn't what he believed he wanted. They weren't the same as the Chicago gangs he wanted to be with. He had no access to it so he focused on something else, basketball. Huey would probably still be the same, well, he would probably be in a lot more trouble because he would be chasing after his brother, making enemies on the way."
Jazmine sat their shocked. "Wow, you really think Huey and Riley would've gone down that road?"
"Sadly, believing that is normal in Chicago. I love my city and it is the best city but it needs some work. I'm too old to be ducking from gun fire and these youth don't know their head to their ass." He spoke sadly.
"Wow, I never thought of it like that."
He softly smiled. "It's okay. You've never had to. Now that you're a mother, every single fear you may not have had is going to come to light and it's going to drive you crazy. Lucky for you, you have a big ass village behind you to get you back in check."
"Big is the right word." Jazmine nodded. "Uncles, aunties, grandparents, cousins."
Grandad shook his head. "It's crazy to think that small baby has so many people behind him. Ain't nobody can trouble him in day care."
The two laughed. "Yeah you got the right." She sighed. "Well I was going to make some dinner for ton-"
"Don't bother, we'll order in. You earned your day of relaxation so really do relax. You may be a mother now but you're not alone. On the days you just want to do nothing, we will do everything. I'll make sure my dumbass grandchildren follow that too. When Christian was born via caesarean section, Mary could barely move for days so Cookie and I helped her as much as we could. One of the main reasons I will forever respect the women in my life."
Jazmine nodded in understanding. People would never think that Robert was sensitive but he really was when he wanted to. He only really showed this side to Jazmine and she loved that he did. She loved when he called her cutie pie which he has been calling her ever since they met. Her life really changed the day the Freeman's moved in.
"We back niggas!"
The door opened and not long after closed which indicated Jazmine and Robert's peaceful day was down the drain.
In walked Huey and Riley with bags and a car seat in hand. She noticed that Huey was wearing a different and fresher looking top but didn't question it, yet.
"Looked like you boys had fun." Jazmine commented.
Riley laughed. "You won't even believe what happened today!" He flopped down onto the couch while Huey just shook his head and placed the car seat in front of Jazmine who got to see her sleeping baby. "We were just eating some food or whatever when Mally woke up and started screaming, like more than usual."
"Oh no, why was he so upset?" Jazmine asked concerningly.
Huey shrugged from next to her before Riley continued the story. "So this nigga is trying to calm him down but he was not having it! Just screaming and shit until he got his bottle. Then these white ladies started whispering over some dumb shit about how that baby doesn't look like us and that we kidnapped the baby. Bitch what the fuck is two niggas going to want with a baby?! Fuck out of here. That's when these women stepped in and started cussing them the fuck out. Even Caesar's mom pulled up and everything, rounding them bitches up and putting them in their place. After all that, the two white women dipped like they were about to cry and shit. You know how they are. Then as we were leaving, Mally threw up all over Huey so he had no choice but to stop at the mall when I wanted to go. So you know, it was a pretty chill day."
Granddad and Jazmine just blinked at Riley. The way he was retelling the story it was as if it was an action movie. The boy could really over exaggerated when he wanted to.
"Well, as long as my babies didn't get hurt... and you of course." Jazmine directed to Riley.
"Damn, that doesn't even sound believable." He shook his head in disappointment.
Huey shook his head too only his disappointment was directed to his brother. "Anyways." He turned to look at his girlfriend who was completely glowing for the first time since she gave birth. She looked brand new and refreshed. He guessed he would be taking Malcolm on little trips away from Jazmine more often. "How was your day?" He asked genuinely.
"It was good. I really got to relax and I was just talking to grandad."
"Speaking to him is the complete opposite of relaxing, in fact, that is part of stress."
"You guys need to give him some credit. He's probably just stressed because of you guys." Jazmine joked but granddad took it very seriously.
"See! Even cutie pie knows. Both y'all assess better take care of me when you get big or else when I die, I will haunt your ass in your sleep. Every time you close your eyes, I will be in your dream whooping your ass." He cursed at them. "As a matter of fact, y'all can get out my face while I watch Baby Boy."
Huey shook his head. "Such a toxic film. My child will not be listening to one piece of it." He picked up the car seat and started making his way upstairs but Jazmine stopped him and asked him to come into the kitchen for a while so she could talk to him and cook.
"So, I had an interesting conversation with grandad." She started off.
"What did he annoy you with now?" Huey rolled his eyes.
Jazmine giggled. "You guys have to give that man more credit. He's very nice to talk to... if you were still in Chicago, as in if you never moved here, what do you think you would be doing?"
Huey raised an eyebrow, confused where the question was coming from. He would be lying if he said he hasn't thought about it many times before but that was before. Before he made all these close friends and had such strong feelings for Jazmine. "Probably trying to keep my head out of trouble and Riley out of the streets." He answered honestly.
"That's what grandad said too." She slightly nodded. "Do you think you would've had a baby this age too?"
"I- I don't know. That's a weird question. What view are you trying to go for?"
"You know what, I don't even know anymore."
Huey shook his head and just watched her continue slicing the carrot and peppers. "My family knows about Malcolm." He blurted out.
Jazmine laughed shortly. "Of course they know. They were at our gender reveal."
"Not my dad's side... my mums' side."
Jazmine whipped around to face him and saw in his eyes he looked a little... conflicted. "Oh." When he made eye contact with her, she could definitely see the conflict. "Ohhhhh. I see. How did they find out?"
"Our uncle accidently liked one of Riley's pictures with Malcolm but he retracted it. Riley took a screenshot of the notification before checking so he knew he didn't look crazy saying he liked a picture." Huey briefly explained.
"And how do you feel about it?" She questioned, now completely stopping cutting up the vegetables, giving him his full attention.
"I-" He stopped for a second. "I just wanna know what they were doing checking up on us and how often they have been doing it. I can also hear them saying how I probably ruined your life by having you stuck with a me and Freeman baby."
Jazmine rolled her eyes before walking over to him. "Huey. They may have said those things but I hope you know that's not true. You did not ruin my life. You're my best friend, boyfriend and father of my son, I couldn't be happier to be with you." She assured him. No matter how hard he was and seemed, he still had emotions and feelings and she always made sure that he could feel it, express it, talk about it and be comforted about it. "Don't let that so called family ruin the good thing we have here. We have a baby! Who is one month! Who would've thought?! One thing I knew for sure was that he was going to be adorable and here he is, adorable as fuck. You don't need validation from them so don't go searching for any. Plus, even with his last name being strictly Freeman, they don't know that you told me we should double barrel his name to include my last name and I said no I'm fine with just Freeman."
"I wasn't planning to." He told her, referring to getting validation from his maternal family.
"Good, glad we're on the same page. Better?" He nodded. "Now you can leave so I can finish cooking."
Huey shook his head but reached over to plant a kiss on Jazmine's cheek before picking Malcolm's car seat up and walking up the stairs to his bedroom.
Jazmine smiled to herself. She was so glad she could make Huey feel better, he deserved it. What he didn't deserve was to be disrespected especially from his own family for his own life decisions. They didn't know the Huey she loved, that all their friends loved.
He was really a protector and one of the best people to have in your support system. There was a reason he was on Riley so much about school and staying out of trouble. He didn't want his brother throwing his life away when the boy had skills and it isn't even in just basketball but art too. Serious talent too.
The next day it was Royalty's birthday and it was the second time Riley was calling her to wish her a happy birthday.
Just as he thought she wasn't going to answer again, the call connected.
"Hey Reezy baby." She answered with a grin as she saw his face pop up on the screen.
"Happy Birthday Angel!" He told her.
"Thank youuu. I'm sorry I missed your call earlier, I was helping my family to cook for my birthday."
"So what did you settle on doing?" He asked her. She had been going back and forth about what to do for her 16th birthday which he didn't understand since she had a whole island that had beaches and rivers to go to, the same ones she promised to show him one day.
"We decided to have a little street party. I say little but it's going to be far from that. Food, drinks, music, the whole thing. Gonna have family, friends and neighbour as well as more probably coming out." She explained.
"Wow, that sounds like a lot of people."
"Yeah but I wish you was one of them people. I really do miss you you know." She reminded him.
He sighed. "Yeah I miss you too."
Just then, Riley noticed a shadow come onto the camera which meant someone else was there. "Oh Reezy, I want you to meet my long-time fren Shanice." She switched her accent as the friend came to the camera.
"Hello. You must be the boyfren she always ah chat bout." She smirked as Royalty rolled her eyes.
"I hope so." Riley chuckled but stopped once he noticed how hard she was staring at him.
"Hm, Royalty lucky to bloodclaut." She commented.
Royalty smiled at Riley. "Yeah I know. Can't wait to see him again." Riley smiled back at her. "You busy now?"
"Nah I'm free."
"Okay we can stay on the phone while I do my hair and bring my nephew to the phone at some point."
Riley pretended to be hurt. "And here's me thinking that you were only here for me."
"I mean partially." She laughed as she walked into her room to start to get ready. She placed her phone down and proceed to start doing her hair while Riley started to set up his console to play while she did what she did but they still engaged in conversation the whole time. This was the most they had talked since she left and it was refreshing for them to just take a moment to be them again.
Riley stayed on the phone for another hour until she hung up to let her phone charge while she finished getting ready. She sent him 6 attachments that had her looking cute in her fresh hair and birthday outfit.
Riley: I am so motherfucking lucky my girl is so damn fine!
Royalty: Thank you baby xx. I learn from the best anyway lool
Riley: I hope you know to post all these fly ass pics on your ig
Royalty: Of course but I just need your seal of approval of course xx
Riley: You know you get it every time xx
A couple of minutes later, he saw the notification to say she posted and went straight to it to like and commented. He even reposted a couple of them on his Instagram and Snapchat just to remind everyone to see how good his girl looked. Just as he was going to put his phone down, he saw a notification for a new follower and when he clicked on it to see who it was, he saw it was Royalty's friend Shanice. The one that popped up on the phone. He didn't think nothing of it and put his phone down the continue his games.
The night rolled on and Riley was watching the videos of Royalty enjoy her birthday and was glad she was having fun but which he was there of vice versa. It sounded selfish but he really enjoyed her company.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, he got a DM from Shanice.
*ShanShan sent you a video*
*ShanShan: I felt as if you deserved to see this. I'm sorry*
Confused, he opened the message and clicked on the video.
There was a video of Royalty dancing, as she usually did, and he noticed it was the song she always jumped into the splits to. From behind, he noticed a guy around their age watching her closely and even moving forward. As she jumped into the splits, the same guy ran over and got underneath her. The video dropped down to the person recording feet and ended.
He sent Shanice a message.
Reezy_Chi: Thanks.
Was all he replied. He locked his phone and climbed into his bed, refusing to let the video weigh on him and forced himself into a dreamless sleep.
Somehow, he slept until the afternoon the next day. He didn't know he was that tired. As Riley checked his messages, he saw a message from Royalty.
Royalty: I hope she sent you this video too.
*1 Attachment*
With a raised eyebrow, he clicked on the video.
It was Shanice and Royalty shouting at each other and looked like it was taken not long ago.
"Mi did tink seh mi could trust you but I guess bloodclaut not!" Royalty shouted.
"You tink now that you live inna foreign you're better than everybody!" Shanice shouted back.
"Mi never say dat! You nah right inna ya head. Maybe mi should box some sense inna it."
"Mi would love fi see you try." Shanice told her before jumping towards her swinging.
The video went on of the two fighting and by the end of it, Royalty was dragging her across the floor by her leg and punching her before her brothers came over to break it up, ending the video.
Riley: Ft?
She read the message and called him straight away. He noticed the little scratch mark on her face but knew she wasn't fazed by it.
"You really whooped that girl's ass." He slightly chuckled.
"I had to put her in her place." She shrugged carelessly. He could see the annoyance all over her face.
Riley sighed. The mature side of him was shinning through because if he was the Riley going down the player route, the two would already be screaming at each other because he accused her of cheating but Riley was better than that. He may act immature but when it came to his, he didn't play and was very mature. "What happened?"
Royalty moved her braids out the way which was surprisingly still fresh even after the fight. "So, I overheard her talking to one of our friends how she followed and then DM'ed you the video of what happened. What she didn't show you was me getting right up and hitting him. The guy is a guy I have known since I was 5. He's always had a crush on me." She explained. "Anyway, I asked our mutual friend to get the girl to send her the video she took which she did and she sent it straight to me. I knew it was her because of the angle and at the end it showed the shoes she was wearing so I called her out. She was mad at me for leaving Jamaica so wanted to ruin my relationship with you. Saying that I don't get to act like I am yard when I live in the states now." Royalty saw the slight confusion on Riley's face when she got to the end. "Issa Jamaican thing."
"Right." He nodded. "Well, I ain't got nothing to say... other than you beat the shit out of that girl!" Riley laughed out loud, no longer being serious once she explained the story.
"Baby I had to! I wasn't going to let her tarnish my name like that!" She laughed with him and just like that, not a thing changed like Shanice thought it would. They were better than that and this just proved that they were meant to work. He didn't accuse her, he just let her explain what happened. "You know I wouldn't disrespect you and us like that."
"I know Angel." Riley nodded. "You busy?"
"Not for you. Come on, tell me everything that's been happening with you. I feel like I talk too much about my time here."
Riley went onto explain about what happened with his uncle. "So you know how my mama side of the family basically ain't shit since basically forever. I got an aunt named Anastasia and 2 uncles named Aiden Jr and Matthew. Matthew is the youngest and he liked a picture of me and Mally when he was born but removed the like before I could really see it on the app. Them niggas are lurking in our business and we don't like that shit. They haven't done jackshit since before our parents were killed so they don't even get to see my little nephew grow up."
"Damn, you guys have been through it. A dead-beat family too? Ain't that some shit. And it's always the family members that don't give a fuck about you that always wanna be preeing your business but be hating on the side." Royalty shook her head in disappointment.
"Well, you may not be able to choose who you're related to but you sure as hell can choose who your family is." Riley spoke serious.
"A fucking word!" Royalty applauded.
Riley shook his head and chuckled. "You're so dramatic."
"You're the one to talk! You're dramatic all the time about little shit. Anyways, that means they must know about me now right." Royalty realised since she knows she has about 2 pictures of just her and Riley on his page. Yeah their relationship was that serious.
"Must be. They must have been trying to see what's happening with me and McHater. Nosy ass people."
"Do you think they will message you?" She asked.
Riley had to think about that before answering. He didn't know why he didn't think of the possibility of them messaging him but what would they say? Congrats to your brother for having a baby?
"Nah. They too pussy to do it. You saw how he was quick to delete that shit. He didn't want me to know so I'm sure as hell know he's not going to send me a message."
"That is true. Don't think too hard about it. You'll see what they do eventually because that can't be a consequence that he liked the picture. You're on their mind. When is the next time you planning to go Chicago?"
"Not sure. It might be Christmas time like we planned. Malcolm first Christmas to be up there and he'll be a bit older then. I don't know. We'll see."
"Alright. Wasn't we thinking about me coming down with you this year also?"
"I mean that's only if you're up to it."
"Yeah, of course I want to see where Riley Freeman started from." She laughed. "You're always telling me about Chicago, it's only right I pop up there."
"Good because you're going to love it." He told her but then remembered something she definitely wouldn't like. "Besides the weather. You are going to be cussing. You better hope the snow ain't terrible when we down there."
"Okay fuck that, I am not coming." Royalty back tracked, making them both burst out in laughter.
They then just decided to sit on the phone and talk like how they would if they were face to face. Royalty realised how much little time Riley was getting with her so dedicated the whole day to ensuring she stayed on the phone with him which basically worked out. Anywhere one of them went, the other did too through the camera. She knew she missed him but she just never realised how much she did until her birthday. She was dying to just sit in his arms and here him comment on all random things. She loved coming home but she also couldn't wait to see Riley again. If the two came together then she would be at peace but she knew that day would come. One day, just not any time soon but when that day did come, it will be a very big thing.
Hey guys! I never realised how long it has been since I have updated this story, once again I am sorry about how bad my updating has been. The worse thing was that this chapter was basically just sitting around completed, I legit juswt added the last part of the end in now. Terrible behaviour.
Well, I am looking forward to hopefully writing more about (young) Huey and Jazmine as parents like I've always orginally planned to do. I hope you guys are still interested to see what happens. And with young Riley and Royalty too. If you're reading Gangster Love too you see the difference but little similarites between the characters in these stories.
Let me know what you think. Read and review!
Until next time
-TBG