It's been a minute... but you know... life and shit.
Missed you crazy kids (proper thank-you's coming soon):
KateyBee42, QuestionyTheQuestionMark, SpicyWifey, ladyrere1985, kingofmonsters1, byegonegirl, clockwork'sFinest, RileysGirl123, Katie, Guest(1), Guest(2), and Cai-the-potato.
Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now. No time to waste with this intro. Read author's note at the end. Or don't lol. Same old ish XD
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"Nigga, if you ruin this party for me, I'll put my-"
"Ruin the party? They love me. These people aren't worried about us. They're not worried about anything. They're rich. No matter what happens, these people just keep applauding."
[Applause]
Robert Freeman (AKA Granddad) and Huey Freeman; The Garden Party
Week 19
Friday, October 19th
Riley's POV
His brow inadvertently wrinkled at the loud noises he continued to hear behind him, but he was too preoccupied with the screen in front of him to turn around. It wasn't until the sighs resumed again (louder this time), that Riley finally took the bait.
"Babe," He spoke slowly, eyes still on his laptop. "...Whatcha doing?"
"The same thing I've been doing for the past thirty minutes, Reez." He heard Cindy's mumble from the corner of the room.
"...You still ain't find nothin'?"
After the ten seconds of intense silence, Riley finally had the sense to turn around. The death stare she gave him was just on the borderline of sexy and scary.
"NO, I haven't found anything. And your aunt is going to be here in less than two hours!" Cindy exclaimed, balling up a shirt and throwing it back into the current disaster of a closet.
"C, she is not going to care what outfit you wear."
"No, she's not going to care what you wear. This is her first time meeting the girl who recently came back into her great-nephew's life, accidentally got pregnant with him, and is planning on getting married to him in less than a month's time, barely two weeks!"
"...Well when you say it like that..."
"Exactly." Cindy sighed, running a hand through her hair. She was stressed, not that Riley couldn't see why. Aunt Cookie was on her way in from Chicago as they spoke, coming in a day early to help prepare for the baby shower tomorrow, another reason Cindy was probably anxious.
If Riley was being honest, he was kind of looking forward to it. They had agreed early on that they wanted it to be very informal, more like a party as opposed to a traditional shower. For one thing the party was going to be co-ed with no baby games at all (Cindy was adamant about that), but there would be plenty of food and music to pass the time while they celebrated.
To try and keep it simple, although Riley didn't know how well it was going to work out, Cindy and Jazmine had decided that they wanted to throw a combined shower for the two of them. They had planned to invite the same number of people to keep it even, and had already expressed to their family and main crew that they didn't want any new gifts; only passed down or sentimental items. There was no telling if they would actually listen though.
"Fuck it, I'm getting Jazmine." Cindy rolled her eyes as she grabbed her phone.
"For what?"
"I'm going to the mall to find something, I want her to come with." She told him simply, already texting.
"You're really going to leave here, go pick her up, drive all the way to the mall, to buy a brand new outfit for just one day?" Riley spoke slowly as he stared at her.
"Don't be silly, whatever outfit I buy I'll wear more than just today." Cindy replied with ease, throwing on an oversized hoodie over her tank top and leggings. She glanced back at her phone as it chimed again. "Even better, she's picking me up. And she's gonna drop off Huey and Jamilah here so they're around when Aunt Cookie gets here."
Riley shrugged with a nod before turning back around to his computer. "Have fun."
"Doubt it." He heard her grumble from behind him. "...What are you doing by the way?"
"Just research."
"...Name research?" Cindy asked with interest, her head suddenly over his shoulder.
"Maybe." Riley smirked, glancing over at her. "We ain't thought of jack shit yet, girl. We need to get a move on."
"It's not like I haven't been thinking at all, we just haven't talked about it yet." Cindy pointed out, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck from behind him. "What ideas do you have?"
"I want them both to have strong names, obviously. And I want them to be unique, but not like the same shit everyone else names their kids."
"I loved the name Jaden before everyone got on that bandwagon."
"I used to really like the name Jordan."
"That one's too basic."
"Girl please, like Jaden's not."
"Whateva." Cindy giggled. "You know... I never mentioned it, but I've always liked your middle name."
"Oh word? You don't think Escobar would be too intense for a baby name? I mean, don't get me wrong, I dig it. But you know Granddad and Aunt Cookie and sensitive-ass people gonna be like-"
"Not Escobar." Cindy cut him off with a slight chuckle. "Your real middle name."
Riley got quiet. "...That is my real middle name."
"Riley, I know your middle name is not really Escobar."
"Uh, what you talkin' bout? Yes it is."
"Stop that lyin' boy, I already know." Cindy snorted, standing up straight with a hand on her hip. Riley turned back in his seat to face her directly.
"Well if you know so much then tell me what it is then."
"Elijah."
"WHO TOLD YOU?!" He shouted dramatically, making Cindy laugh.
"Everyone's been known, Reez." She told him with fake sympathy. "I don't know why you tried to hide it for so long, it's a nice name."
"Please girl, what would my niggas in the street say if they knew my full name was Riley Elijah? I'd lose all my street cred."
"I'm sure." She smirked, reaching down to give him a quick peck. "Bye babe." She winked before starting to strut her way out. But he couldn't let her get away that easy.
"Just know that whenever we have a girl, I'm goin' by your middle name for her."
As expected, that stopped her in her tracks. "Oh hell naw you ain't."
"Why?" Riley asked innocently. "Soleil is a nice name."
"You are such a brat." Cindy giggled. "Elijah is a nice name for either a first or a middle name. Soleil is definitely not a first name. I would never." She shook her head.
Riley shrugged. "Maybe. Good thing I've already started doing research on girl names."
"For what?" Cindy beamed in surprise.
"Because I want a girl." He stated plainly with another light shrug. "And whenever we have one, I'll have the dopest name. One that will complement Soleil, which for the record translates to 'sun.'" He replied smartly before swiveling his chair back around to face his screen. He took pride in the stunned silence he got in return.
"Shouldn't you be finishing getting ready?" He questioned aloud.
"...I'm gonna eat something quick because I'm fucking hungry, but this name conversation isn't over!" She shot back before her footsteps quickly left the room.
"It's only just begun."
"You think Aunt Cookie will like my picture, Unca Reezy?" Jamilah asked, holding up the crayon drawing she'd been working on.
Riley looked up from his own work and could barely hold back his stifled laughter. "Definitely, Mila." He said with a big grin as he studied it. "Show your Dad."
"Daddy, look!" The toddler said, turning the drawing to face Huey across the table. Huey lifted his eyes from his book, slightly smirking as his eyes skimmed over the paper.
"I'm sure Cindy will love it even more." He commented slyly, noticing the way Jamilah had drawn the "stick" figures that were obviously supposed to represent Jazmine and Cindy. "Why are the two on that side so round?" He questioned knowingly.
"That's Mama and Aunt Cindy with their baby bellies." Jamilah explained with a smile as she pointed. "Aunt Cindy's is way bigger than Mama's though."
"So much bigger."
"Aiight, McHater." Riley gave his brother a look, but couldn't hold back the smirk either. "Read ya book."
"I have. Twice."
"Of course you have." Riley replied with the roll of his eyes. "You ready for tomorrow?"
"You know how I thrive at social events." He replied dryly, making Riley snicker. "Are you ready for Aunt Cookie?"
His laughter stopped immediately. "...Always."
Not even a moment later, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket at the same time that Huey's did on the table.
"Hm. Good to know." Huey commented thoughtfully to himself after he glanced at it, starting to stand from his chair. "Aunt Cookie's outside."
"What?!" Riley exclaimed.
"Yay!" Jamilah cheered, sliding down from her seat.
"She wasn't supposed to get here for another hour!"
"Apparently her plane got in early. What does it matter? Granddad said to come help bring her stuff in." Huey told him, following Jamilah as they left the dining room.
"Dammit." Riley muttered, sending a text to Cindy to give her the heads-up. He already knew she was going to be pissed that she wasn't there for her arrival.
He took a deep breath as he came to the front door, preparing himself before he pulled it open. Granddad was already approaching as he stepped outside.
"G, why didn't you text us to let us know y'all were on your way back from the airport?" He asked, holding the door open.
"Maybe because I was helping her load all her shit into my car." Granddad hissed at him immediately. "Now get your slow ass out there and help your aunt with her bags. Don't know why the hell she packed so much." He grumbled as he made his way in, only carrying one small gift bag.
"You gonna come back and help us?" Riley asked sarcastically, already knowing the answer.
"Negro, who?" Granddad demanded, turning to look over his shoulder. "I'll be damned if I throw my neck, back, and arm out over the bricks she put in her damn luggage. Lost your damn mind, that's what I have you for." He snapped, moving back down the hallway. Riley rolled his eyes and headed to Dorothy. Huey looked like he was struggling pulling a bag out of the trunk as Aunt Cookie stood nearby fawning over Jamilah. She looked just as he always remembered, aging about as slowly as Granddad seemed to be. The only difference now was that she seemed to be losing weight in size and plumpness in her face.
"You are just too precious for words baby! And getting so big!" She cooed in her slow drawl, leaning down at eye level with her.
"That she is." Riley grinned, managing to capture her attention.
"Oh Riley!" She smiled, standing upright and hurrying over to embrace him.
"Hi Aunt Cookie." He chuckled, just barely able to breathe at the tightness of her hug.
"Oh baby, look at you!" She beamed, pulling back to look up at him from arm's length. "You look well, honey."
"And you look beautiful as ever." He flashed her a smile, trying to stay on her good side.
"Oh boy, please." Aunt Cookie practically snorted with the wave of her hand. "I know butter when I hear it. If you ain't just like your grandfather. Don't worry, we'll chat later." She smiled, giving him a firm pat on his shoulder before walking past with Jamilah in tow. "There's a few more bags in the backseat, baby. Is Cindy inside?" She called over her shoulder.
"Uh, she should be back any minute." He answered, dragging his feet as he approached the car, pulling out his phone while he did so. He was surprised to see that she hadn't called or responded to him yet.
Where are you?
Cindy's POV
-20 Minutes Earlier-
"Thank God for Old Navy." Cindy exhaled happily. "All I needed was a cute but simple blouse, fresh new jeans that actually fit, and a new pair of comfortable flats, which I found."
"Yes you did... not that there probably wasn't something similar in your wardrobe." Jazmine grinned.
"There wasn't, I checked."
"If you say so." She shrugged. "And it's only 6:15."
"Perfect. Plenty of time to get home and change. Aunt Cookie shouldn't be in for another hour."
"Sweet. Speaking of sweet, can we stop at the Dairy Queen in the food court on our way out? I think I need an Oreo Blizzard." Jazmine said, eyeing the DQ sign as they approached.
"Girl yes. I need a pineapple sundae in my life right now."
"...That sounds surprisingly good."
"Right? That and some potato skins."
"Huey would not be happy with me, ordering something with that much sodium."
"Huey ain't here." Cindy smirked as they stepped into line.
"...I really want that pulled pork sandwich." Jazmine said in response, her eyes practically glistening at the menu.
Jazmine stayed silent as Cindy ordered for them, quickly becoming delighted when they received their ice cream treats first. They stood off to the side while they patiently waited for their food. Cindy was about to check her phone when she thought she felt a vibrate, but was distracted by Jazmine nudging her.
"Isn't that Tyrone over there?" She asked with a nod while taking a bite of her Blizzard.
Cindy followed her gaze, easily confirming that it was him not just by Tyrone's profile, but by the pair of eyes seated across from him that were fixed directly on her.
Kelly.
"Yep." Cindy popped her 'p' as she kept eye contact with Kelly. Jazmine seemed to notice and gasped slightly.
"...Is that her? The one who-"
"Yep." She repeated again. She watched as Tyrone suddenly turned around, seeming to notice that Kelly's attention elsewhere. When he spotted Cindy and Jazmine, he waved easily and gestured them over.
Shit.
"What should we do?" Jazmine muttered to her, grabbing their bags that had just been set on the counter for them.
"Go over and play nice I guess." Cindy said quietly through her teeth as they walked.
"You've got to at least act like it, Cin."
"...I'll do my best. Not that I have a choice."
"Oh Lord." Jazmine mumbled quietly as they advanced upon their table.
"Hey ladies," Tyrone greeted them kindly. "Didn't expect to see anyone else I know today."
"Neither did we." Cindy forced a chuckle. "How you doin' today, Tyrone?" She smiled at him, finally shifting her eyes to glance back at the woman across from him. "Kelly." She stated as civilly as possible.
The girl had the audacity to stare at her blankly, propping a manicured hand under her chin as she rested her elbow on the table.
Don't let her test you today, Cindy.
"Hi Tyrone!" Jazmine spoke up, as bubbly as ever. She cleared her throat and turned to Kelly, already exuding a friendly smile. "Hi, I don't think we've met, but I'm Jazmine. You must be Trey's mother. Gosh, he looks just like you." She said genuinely.
Kelly remained silent as her eyes narrowed, now pinned onto Jazmine. Cindy felt her jaw clench and had to fight the urge to ball her fist up.
"Oh, my daughter Jamilah goes to daycare with Trey. She adores him, even calls him her best friend. He's so sweet and well-behaved." Jazmine added, still smiling forcefully. Still, Kelly remained silent.
"Thank you, Jazmine." Tyrone spoke up while glaring at Kelly. "Excuse her, she's suddenly forgotten how to speak as it seems. But anyway-"
"I haven't forgotten shit, Tyrone." Kelly snapped harshly at him. "I certainly haven't forgotten how someone tried to jump me in the bathroom recently. I sure ain't forgot about that." She added, turning her eyes back onto Cindy.
It wasn't try, bitch. I did. And we can go there again. Cindy thought to herself, managing to hold her tongue.
"What are you talking about?" Tyrone asked her in confusion.
"Ohhh, so your new bffs ain't told you that story?" Kelly asked him sarcastically. "Well damn, do you wanna tell him or should I? Bein' as though you wanna now include my son in shit, I guess we're all supposed to be besties."
"Kelly," Cindy finally spoke, trying to choose her words slowly and carefully. "It was a long time ago."
"A couple months ago is a long time to you, white girl?"
"Kelly!" Tyrone hissed in reprimand.
"It's in the past." Cindy continued, trying to keep her cool. "I'm not proud of it now and I shouldn't have done it then. There is no excuse. I want to apologize."
"Oh please." Kelly sucked her teeth. "Because you wanna get my son involved in your little wedding?"
"Because I was wrong." Cindy corrected through her gritted teeth. "Now I am sorry. I'm asking for your forgiveness."
"Are you?" Kelly raised a brow, prompting a nod from Cindy while she extended her hand.
Kelly glanced down at it, looking between her, Tyrone, and Jazmine. Finally, she slowly stood from her seat with her purse and fountain drink. She stared at Cindy for moment in quiet contemplation. And just when Cindy thought she was going to shake her hand or say something in response to her apology-
SPLASH!
Cindy let out a gasp as Kelly swung her large cup with enough force for the lid to fly off and the contents of the orange drink to spill all over Cindy's face and down her white hoodie.
"KELLY!" Tyrone shouted in horror as he jumped to his feet, while people in their surrounding vicinity all turned to look. Kelly kept her eyes on Cindy as she simply shrugged a shoulder.
"I don't accept." She said simply, spinning on her heel to march away.
"Why you..." Jazmine uttered, not finishing her sentence as she whipped her frozen Blizzard at her turned back.
"OW!" Kelly cried out as it audibly cracked her in the back of the head. The crowd in the food court "oooh-ed" as she turned around in an instant, and Jazmine lost all color to her face.
"Omigod I didn't mean it, it was just a reaction, I've never even done anything like that in my life and I-"
"You bitch, that fuckin' hurt!" Kelly shouted at her as she began stomping back towards them.
"Take another step and I'll fucking hurt you!" Cindy yelled even louder, her shock now gone. Without a second thought, she hurled the sundae she was holding directly at her, hitting her square in the face.
"OHHH!" The crowd sounded loudly.
"BITCH!" Kelly screamed, sliding a partial scoop off her face as her eyes landed on Cindy again.
"Don't you dare Kelly, enough!" Tyrone ordered trying to put some distance between them, but he got in the way and got hit by the ice cream instead.
"YOOO!"
"You psycho!" Cindy shouted, grabbing Jazmine's sandwich without looking and throwing it at her. Kelly managed to barely catch it and hurled it right back. Unfortunately for her, Cindy and Jazmine ducked and as she threw it, the wrapper unfolded, causing the sandwich to fall apart wildly in the air and smack into someone at a neighboring table.
The crowd gasped as the guy sat there in silent shock, shredded pork and barbeque sauce sliding down his chin and the front of his shirt. He sat a table with five other guys, equally as shocked, that looked to all be in high school. After a quick glance between them and the other people he was sitting with, the guy jumped to his feet along with the others.
"FOOD FIGHT!" His table shouted, wasting no time in hurling their food towards their direction.
One Hour Later
Cindy looked over at Jazmine as they stood on the porch of the Freeman house. Jazmine gave her a wry smile in return.
"She's going to love you."
"Looking like this?" Cindy gestured to her body.
"Looking like anything. If you're important to Riley, you're important to her."
"So much for first impressions." She mumbled. "Can't believe I lost my bag of clothes. Though they'd probably have a bunch of shit on them by now."
"We'll go back tomorrow and find it. Maybe it was turned into lost and found."
"Let's go back right now." Cindy slightly whined, but Jazmine shook her head.
"Cindy... it's fine. Just be yourself."
"This is as 'me' as I can possibly get." Cindy sighed, turning the door handle and stepping inside with Jazmine following behind her.
"Finally." They heard Riley say from the living room. As they entered, they also heard chatter and the smell of food being prepared coming from the kitchen, no doubt by Granddad and Aunt Cookie. Thankful for the short distraction, Cindy took a deep breath and quickly stepped into the living room.
"What took so-what the FUCK happened?!" Riley's sentence instantly changed as soon as his eyes landed on her. Huey who was seated in the sofa opposite from him turned towards the door, his eyes doubling in size before he stood from his seat, in front of them in an instant with Riley right beside him.
"What happened?" He demanded, his eyes shifting between them. "And give me names."
"Where the fuck they at?" Riley added, just as serious.
"Keep your voices down." Cindy hushed them both.
"And names aren't necessary." Jazmine muttered.
"The hell they ain't." Huey and Riley replied in loud unison.
"Shh!" The girls shushed them again.
"It's a long story and we're both fine, but it's not important right now." Cindy told them quietly.
"You're both covered in food, Cindy." Riley shot back. "Did this happen at the mall? At the food court?" When Cindy hesitated, Riley's eyes narrowed. "Kelly fucking did this?"
"I. Will. Kill a bitch." Huey's eyes turned into slits. "I do not care."
"Huey it's food, we're not even hurt." Jazmine rolled her eyes. "And it's not completely her fault."
"Are you saying Tyrone was involved?" Huey raised an eyebrow, eerily intrigued.
"What do you mean 'not completely?'" Cindy frowned at Jazmine in disagreement.
"I'll kill him too."
"If I hadn't reacted, it wouldn't have gotten so out of control." Jazmine rolled her eyes, ignoring Huey.
"Nah, it's too late for that, man. It's about to go down." Riley shook his head, still looking pissed.
"You and the babies could've been hurt if things would've escalated." Huey added gravely.
"But they didn't! So you both need to get a grip!" Cindy hissed at the two of them. "We are fine! Now the only thing I care about is making a good first impression on Aunt Cookie. So do me a favor and just stall her while I go upstairs and find something to-"
"Boys, is everything all..." Aunt Cookie trailed off as she suddenly came into the archway of the living room, her eyes falling onto the girls immediately, but mostly focusing on Cindy.
Fuck.
Cindy's heart sank and she felt her face warm as she locked eyes with Aunt Cookie, who seemed to stare back at her in utter disbelief. Cindy was a mess. Jazmine was too, but Cindy looked to take the brunt of it as she had been wearing a clean white hoodie, now practically undistinguishable by all the intermixing stains. It was done for, along with her shoes that were disgusting and soaked through, and her hair that had been washed and curled for the day. It was now a disaster of food and drink remnants, still visible through her hasty bun.
Cindy was mortified.
"Hi... M-Miss Cookie," She spoke timidly as she broke the stark silence. "I'm Cindy. And I'm sorry I wasn't on time when you got here. Jazmine and I got... held up."
"Definitely not the plan." Jazmine mumbled sheepishly. Cindy felt her face heat up even more by the way she just stared at her, barely glancing at Jazmine. As if she didn't already feel humiliated enough.
"Well, I would shake your hand or hug you, but you probably wouldn't want that at the moment." Cindy muttered, averting her eyes to the ground as she approached the door. "If you'll excuse me," She said as she slipped out of the room, narrowly missing Granddad holding Jamilah as he came to the doorway.
"What in the hell?" He said aloud, glancing from Cindy ascending the stairs to the group in the living room surrounding an equally messy Jazmine. "What the hell happened?" He demanded in confusion.
"...Food fight." Cindy managed to hear Jazmine reply. "...Between me and Cindy, I'm the one who started it... no seriously."
Cindy rolled her eyes at the confession before stepping into the bathroom, closing the door shut firmly behind her. She wasted no time in stripping from her unsalvageable clothes before hopping in the shower, wanting nothing more than to drown herself in it. Unfortunately, it didn't seem long before there was eventually a knock at the door.
"In the shower." She spoke aloud, assuming Jazmine was going to come in anyway.
"I figured." Riley's voice answered her instead. "You alright?"
"I'm embarrassed, Riley. That wasn't the impression I wanted to make."
"Babe, Aunt Cookie don't care about that."
"Really, cuz she stared at me like she kinda did."
"She was just surprised. We all were. None of us expected y'all to walk in like that."
"It doesn't matter, Reez." Cindy sighed. "She's either going to like me or she's not and that's it. There's nothing I can do about that."
"Baby... look at me."
"The cold air will get in." She mumbled in return.
"You already been in there for over twenty minutes, you ain't clean yet?"
Cindy popped her head out while she tried to keep the light glare on her face, but failed immediately as she looked at him. Riley stood directly across from her, casually leaning back against the sink with his arms crossed, his trademark smirk breaking down her wall as usual.
"Cindy," He spoke, still gazing at her affectionately. "I'm gonna tell you this for the last time today. She... is going... to love you. Know why?"
"Because I'm carrying your kids?" She guessed calmly.
"Because I love you." He told her, taking a step to close the gap between them before pecking her lips. "The kids are a bonus." He said in between giving her another kiss. "Extra points for how fucking cute you are." He snuck in quietly before nipping at her bottom lip.
"Boy," Cindy giggled, pulling away with a blush. "You're too much."
"Do you feel better though?" He asked her, grinning when she nodded at him. "Good. Then come out of there before I come in."
"Riley Freeman!" Jazmine's voice sounded suddenly from outside the door in complaint.
"Mind ya business, Mariah." Riley retorted while Cindy laughed, turning off the water.
"Hand me my towel please." She grinned, blowing him a kiss as he did so before wrapping it around herself.
"Coming in." Jazmine announced a few moments before strolling into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
"The hell you doin', freak?" Riley asked her in surprise. "And why are you wearing my clothes?!"
"I needed something to change into while I've been waiting to use the shower." She shrugged, dressed in one of his baggy white shirts and basketball shorts.
"Why didn't you grab one of Cindy's, y'all wear the same size!"
"Why would I get her clothes dirty?" She scoffed.
"Oh, so you don't care about gettin' my shit dirty?"
"No. Anyway Cindy, I picked this out for you from your closet." Jazmine quickly shifted her attention to Cindy as she showed her the small stack of clothes she was carrying. "Simple and casual, but still cute. And totally you." She explained, holding up her scoop-neck terry gray pullover, white tank to wear beneath, and black leggings.
"It's perfect." Cindy let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Jazz."
"You're welcome." She smiled at her in return. "Now please get out." She added sweetly.
15 Minutes Later
Cindy bit her lip as she finished securing her hair into a braid to air-dry. She was now in her bedroom, dressed her in her clothes and feeling a lot less anxious. Riley had gone downstairs to help his grandfather with something, leaving Cindy to finish getting ready. And she finally felt it. Ready. Calmer. All she had to do was go downstairs and—
"Cindy?" A southern drawl spoke as there was a light knock at the door. "May I come in?"
The nerves returned in an instant and Cindy had to fight to keep them at bay as she answered. "Yes ma'am." She spoke immediately as she faced the door, her voice slightly cracking.
Aunt Cookie opened the door slowly, stepping inside before pushing the door behind her so it was only cracked open. Cindy didn't know what to make of that, as Cookie's face remained neutral. She was about as hard to read as Huey.
"I'm sorry for coming in just now." She spoke finally as she walked further into the room. "But I thought it'd be better to talk after your shower. You look like you've had a day." She said with a half-grin.
"It's... definitely been a day." Cindy nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry I was late getting here, by the way. I really wanted to be here on time to meet you." She added quickly.
"I won't pry," Cookie answered respectfully. "And don't worry about it, honey. You're here now and it's a pleasure to finally meet my future grand-niece." She told her, making Cindy smile widely.
"I'm really happy to finally meet you too. Jazmine and I need another woman in the family to keep the boys in line."
"That's for sure. Those boys were nothing short of a disaster growing up. My brother included." She chuckled. "How have you been though, dear?"
"I've been feeling well." Cindy told her honestly, unconsciously resting her hands at her belly, a frequent habit for her lately. "Today, of course, was the day that had to go from zero to sixty out of nowhere." She said with the roll of her eyes. "I'm just not really sure what to do. All I want is a simple and traditional wedding. I may have to change a few things now though."
"I wouldn't stress over it, Cindy. Just take things as easy as you can. Everything will come together, I'm sure."
"...So the problem is this," Cindy blurted, plopping down onto her bed as she found herself ready to unload without warning. "There's this girl who I don't have the best history with." Cindy began, trying to keep her cool.
"Mm. I don't like her already." Cookie said disapprovingly, taking a seat beside her.
"Anyway, her son Trey goes to daycare with Jamilah and they are the absolute cutest together. I wanted to invite him to be the ringbearer in the wedding."
"How sweet." Cookie cooed fondly.
"I didn't know at the time that the girl, Kelly, was his mother. I had only met his father who is a normal human being, which is apparently where Trey got ALL his personality from."
"I see."
"Anyhow, today was the first time since... the last time I encountered with Kelly that I saw her." Cindy explained, choosing her words carefully. "I tried, Miss Cookie. I really did try to be nice and let bygones be bygones. But did she? No. Not even close. Instead, her choice of action was to throw her orange-freaking-drink in my face." Cindy vented, almost losing her composure.
Aunt Cookie placed a hand over her chest, her jaw dropped in shock. "Has she no sense? The hell her parents raise her to be, a damn monster?" She let out, clearly appalled. "Please tell me you returned the favor." She added to Cindy's surprise and amusement.
"Surprisingly, Jazmine was the one to return the favor first." She grinned.
"You're kidding." Cookie smiled.
"I'm so serious. Took me all the way by surprise." Cindy giggled as she remembered it.
"Clearly pregnancy has taken a toll on her in more ways than one again."
"Right?" Cindy agreed. "And I know it has for me too, but I just don't know. Because the old me... would've dropped her if I'm being 100% honest. And honestly, the current me might've done the same thing had I not been in shock." She admitted. "I've always just been fierce when it comes to myself or my family, which includes my friends. When Kelly reacted like she was about to even approach Jazmine, all bets were off."
"And you had every right. She sounds like a downright, no-good hussy. And she better hope she don't cause any more scenes while I'm around. She's messin' with the wrong kids, I'm tellin' you." Cookie stated warningly, her expression so serious it almost made Cindy laugh.
"I believe it." She replied happily, definitely trusting her word.
"Now then, moving on from that," Aunt Cookie said. "Tell me how Riley's been. And how he took the pregnancy news. I know I probably won't get the whole story from him."
"He's been wonderful." Cindy replied with a big smile, stroking her belly. "He's already 110% invested and devoted and they're not even here yet."
"He better be."
"He is." Cindy chuckled. "And I know the news shocked him initially by the way he fainted." She grinned as Cookie let out a hearty laugh. "The news came as a shock to both of us though. But ever since I told him, he's been nothing short of incredible. He's going to be a great parent. He's already an amazing one to Jamilah. I feel so lucky and blessed."
"Aw baby, that's so good to hear. I wouldn't imagine anything else." Cookie smiled warmly.
"You must be so proud of him and Huey both. As much as the two of us butt heads, he's an amazing father and husband to the girls too."
"Oh I know. Don't think that's Robert influence, by the way. That's all Cookie." She grinned proudly.
"I'm not surprised." Cindy giggled. "You should be happy to know that your brother has been pretty wonderful too by letting me stay here in the first place."
"Oh he better. Our mama ain't raise no hooligans." Cookie responded instantly, making Cindy laugh again. "The boys always better act like gentlemen. And if they don't, you tell me, y'hear?"
"Always." Cindy nodded. "They are the best men I know."
"And you're the best girl they've had the pleasure of meeting." Aunt Cookie told her with a gentle smile. "Welcome to the family, dear."
Cindy couldn't help the beaming smile that came over her face while she internally blamed the feeling of her eyes welling up at the hormones. "Can I get that hug now?" She asked her softly.
"Bring it in, sugar." Her answer came easily as she extended her arms, pulling Cindy into a loving hug. "And call me Aunt Cookie."
Riley's POV
"Be careful with this one, Riley. It's my baby." Aunt Cookie told Riley seriously as he picked up the massive crockpot from the counter.
"How did you even get this in your suitcase?" Riley asked her instead.
"Because I know how to pack. Now hurry up, we only have a little time left."
"Aunt Cookie, we still have almost an hour before people start showing up."
"We need to be done way in advance before that."
"But why-"
"Boy, if you don't stop asking me a thousand questions and get your tail over there-"
"Yes ma'am." Riley shut up, immediately beginning to walk out of the kitchen.
"Thank you baby!" She called behind him cheerfully. Riley locked eyes with Huey as he was coming down the hall in passing.
"How many more dishes?" He muttered to him.
"At least four." Riley mumbled in return, inciting a quiet groan from Huey as he passed. Riley rolled his eyes with a light smirk, not minding much as he headed out of the open front door and towards the mansion of Thugnificent diagonally across the street.
It was Saturday, the day of the combined baby shower/celebration and the men had been put to work early for it. Thugnificent had eagerly offered to host the party at his home in one of his many large multi-purpose rooms weeks ago. Riley and Cindy had agreed, feeling they might need the extra space. They even agreed in allowing Thugnificent's staff to take care of decorating and setting up the room for them. The only thing they objected to via Aunt Cookie was the food. She had taken full responsibility of that, thoroughly dismissing the thought of a catered meal. The decision hadn't bothered Riley at all. Aunt Cookie rivaled Granddad when it came to throwing down in the kitchen.
"Is that the jambalaya?" Cindy asked as Riley made his way into the party room on the third floor. She was standing near the entrance at the side of the room, next to the extremely long buffet table that was quickly losing space.
"Yes ma'am." He replied, his stomach already growling in anticipation.
"Maybe put that on the other end? At least try. We're about to run out of room." Cindy pointed, shaking her head.
"But we ain't about to run outta food." Riley smirked, making space for it. "We can grab another table if we need."
"I guess so." She nodded, turning to look at the room. "Thug actually has good taste. Everything looks great so far."
"His interior decorators did they thing, that's for sure." He agreed, putting an arm around her. The only parameters Riley and Cindy had given was that they wanted the color scheme to be a blend of dark and light blues. To their surprise, Thugnificent had taken it upon himself to add gold to the mix, creating more of a royal theme... which actually worked. The guest and buffet tables had deep blue runners with gold table-skirts, utensils, and centerpieces. The front of the room had a backdrop behind the two gift tables with a royal blue curtain, an assortment of gold and baby blue balloons, along with white flowers and other complementing decor.
"Don't you just love it?" Jazmine gushed as she made her way over. "I figured we can do a photoshoot behind the gift tables since there's plenty of space. Which reminds me Cin, as soon as Anthia gets here we should get our pictures done before the other guests arrive."
"Y'all are so cute in your planned outfits." Riley teased as they rolled their eyes. Jazmine wore a sky blue maxi dress with pink florals while Cindy dressed accordingly in her own way, wearing a navy sleeveless romper with white flowers instead.
"Can I take pictures too, Mommy?" Jamilah asked from Granddad's sleeping lap at the nearby table, playing contently with the dolls she had brought.
"Of course, honey."
"Heck yeah, my princess has to be featured." Riley winked at her, making her smile cutely. She was wearing a sparkly gold dress with a light pink skirt and sandals, her hair pulled back into a puff matching her mother's.
"Both of those dishes go on the warming stations on the other end there, Huey." Aunt Cookie instructed as she entered the room in front of him holding the dessert.
"Is there anything else you need right now, Aunt Cookie?" Jazmine asked her.
"No baby." She waved her off. "The only thing I need... is for him to wake up." She said, walking over to Granddad and swatting him lightly upside the head, startling him awake.
"What?" He snapped at her immediately, causing her to glare darkly in return.
"Don't get whooped in front of these kids." She warned. "Now get up and do something."
"My back hurts." He said at once, dramatically grabbing his neck.
"The devil is a lie. Start pouring those drinks over there."
"But-"
"I ain't gonna tell you not another time." Aunt Cookie shut him down, turning her back on him as she went back to the buffet tables, clearing expecting him to follow. Granddad mumbled under his breath resentfully before setting Jamilah down and rising from his seat.
"I love her." Cindy said quietly to Riley with a grin.
"Probably because you are her." He replied.
Before she could respond, Thugnificent burst into the room from a side door, Flonominal and Macktastic flanking behind him.
"What y'all think? Sick right?" He asked his friends as they nodded and exclaimed in approval. "Yeah-yeah, this party's about to be lit as fu-"
"FIRE." Riley cut him off loudly, pointing to Jamilah.
"Oh snap, my bad." He laughed. "Y'all like it though?"
"It'll do." Huey answered dryly.
"It looks awesome, Thug. Thank you." Cindy corrected. "We're pretty much all set."
"Leonard's comin' now with the favors, his slow self. Man, hurry up!" He barked towards the door. A few moments later, Leonard appeared through the doorway carrying a big box of overflowing gift bags to the point where he could barely see over it.
"Boss, can I get a little help?" He asked softly, staggering over to the table adjacent to the buffet. Before he could get an answer, he slightly stumbled over his own two feet, losing a bag on the top of the pile that plummeted to the ground. It shattered instantly, the small bottle of Hpnotiq inside spilling blue liquor over the floor.
"Man, look what you did!" Thugnificent yelled at Leonard as he slipped, quickly setting the box down on the table. "Now you gotta clean that mess up before people show up, stupid! Can't do nothin' right, I swear-"
"ENOUGH." The command came from Aunt Cookie who was shooting daggers at him as she marched her way over. "Young man, that is quite enough. You have a lot of nerve shoutin' at him like you lost your mind while he's the one doin' all the work! You should be ashamed of yourself! All three of you!" She scolded, waving a finger at each of them.
Thugnificent gaped along with his friends. "But he's the one who-"
"Hush." Cookie gave him the hand.
"But we-"
"Otis." She narrowed her eyes at him, making everyone go silent as she used his government name. "Not another word. Now you can go and clean up that mess immediately, understood?" Thugnificent nodded quickly, keeping his head low as he passed her.
"Derrick," Cookie turned to address Flonominal, making him wince at his name.
"Ma'am?" He answered meekly.
"I want you and... I didn't get your name, honey." She said, turning to Macktastic.
"Uh, Mack?"
Cookie glared. "Your real name."
"...Mackenzie." He mumbled, blushing as Flonominal barely suppressed a snicker from beside him.
Cookie silenced him with one look before she continued. "Now then. You two can go get another goodie bag and buy another bottle of whatever broke. Or find one. Lord knows how much alcohol y'all probably keep stocked away in here." She said disapprovingly.
"...We can probably find an extra one lying around... somewhere." Mack admitted.
"Go." She gestured. "And Leonard?" She called, looking over towards him.
"Yes ma'am?" He answered quietly.
"Sweetie, come on over here and try some of this food, I know you've been working this whole time. You must be starving."
"Oh thank you ma'am, I am kinda gettin' hungry." He nodded, immediately stepping over Thugnificent who was kneeled down on the floor with paper towels.
"I always get first samples though." Riley complained in disbelief, watching Leonard pass by him.
"Riley, where are your manners? It's not always about you, baby." Cookie shushed him, guiding Leonard to the food.
"I've been telling him that for months." Cindy smirked.
"I've been telling him that his entire life." Huey co-signed, making Riley roll his eyes at him.
"Hater."
"What'd we say about that, Big Hue?" Caesar announced, making his way into the room holding gift bags with Anthia.
"Yay, thank God you're here early!" Jazmine squealed, bouncing over to give his girlfriend a quick hug.
"Aw, glad to see you too, Jazzy." Caesar grinned with a smile. "Reez. Cin. And heyyy Mama Cookie!" He called over to her with a big smile, having met her when they visited Chicago a few years ago.
"Hey there, Michael." She greeted in return, still helping Leonard with his plate.
"It's-"
"Don't bother, she's been singling everyone out all day." Riley muttered, shaking his head.
"Love her." Cindy stated again.
"We'll definitely introduce you in a few minutes." Jazmine told Anthia. "But first, let's all get our pictures done!"
"I brought my good camera today." She smiled, holding up the professional one that was secured around her neck.
"Wait for me!" A voice called out before running into the room. "I'm hereeee!" Lorena announced, bouncing into Cindy with a hug.
"And early." Huey sighed.
"Naturally." Cindy grinned. "I'm so glad you could make it!" She said before letting her go.
"Mm, you're welcome." Lorena sighed distractedly, her longing eyes now shifted from Huey over to Caesar. "You're gorgeous." She blurted out loud, making the other girls giggle.
"Y'all rude." Caesar gave them a look for laughing before turning back to her. "But thank you darlin', I'm flattered." He flashed a smile as he winked, practically making her swoon.
"Picturessss!" Jazmine whined, pulling on both Cindy and Anthia's arms.
"Can I get pictures with the boys too?" Lorena asked before being dragged away by Cindy. "And oh my God, is that Thugnificent?!"
"So we poppin' this when we get back, yeah?" Caesar asked aloud as he admired his goodie bag, specifically the liquor inside.
"Honey, it says right on it: POP when the boys arrive." Anthia told him, reading from the tag attached to the Hpnotiq bottle. "We need to follow the directions."
"Real niggas don't follow instructions."
Riley deadpanned him. "Stop jackin' my shit, nigga."
"Real nigga." Caesar corrected.
"Hey Reez, we're about to head out." Riley turned to see his old boss and co-worker approaching. "Thanks for inviting us, man." Dean told him, extending his hand.
"Thanks for coming, guys." He replied, clasping it with a quick bro-hug. "And for the gifts. Y'all didn't have to do that, for real."
"Please, it was simple." Dean shrugged off. "You guys had a great turn out."
"Hell yeah, they did." Caesar agreed enthusiastically. "Boutta have the flyest kids around." He said, making Riley smirk. He had expected all to go well, but he definitely hadn't expected this type of outcome. Almost all of the friends that Cindy and Jazmine had invited had showed, save for a few. All the tables were filled, their guests seemed to have a great time, there was great food, and Cindy and Jazmine floated around the room the majority of the time as they mingled with their friends telling stories, taking pictures, and gratefully receiving gifts.
Speaking of, Riley could not get over how much they had collectively received. By inviting the same number of people, the turn out had been fairly equal. But holy shit, it was still unreal. They had planned to have two separate gift tables, one for Riley and Cindy and one for Jazmine and Huey, and both were filled to the max and overflowing. As for their family respecting their wishes on no new gifts, some had listened. Such as Aunt Cookie and Granddad, gifting them with sentimental toys and items that had been preserved from Riley and Huey's parents. Tom and Sarah had done similarly, giving Jazmine some old toys from Tom's childhood. Caesar and Anthia had surprisingly followed suit as well with old baby books and clothes that Caesar had pulled together. Hiro had been creative enough to compile a mixtape of baby songs that he put his own twist on.
But then there were their other friends... more specifically Riley and Cindy's friends that had not listened to their request. Dean and Red kept it in check with their gift of a baby ornament maker and a baby finger-paint set, no doubt to make a big mess. But Lorena had bombarded them with new matching baby clothes that seemed to consist of a central theme, such as their favorite: Naps & Gangsta Rap. Xzhibit hadn't been able to make it but had sent his gift to the mansion for Riley and Cindy, a pimped-out double stroller with spinning rims and two personally designed car seats. Thugnificent had supplied three top-of-the-line cribs with high-tech baby monitoring systems for all of them. And Ed, although they had told him specifically about no more surprises, had gifted both Cindy and Jazmine with a five-year subscription supply of diapers... Rummy had just shrugged and passed over his gift of matching Timberlands.
"I don't usually do baby shower shit, but this was tight." Red added with a nod. "And your auntie can cook, boy. That jambalaya was fire." He stated with emphasis.
"Aww thank you baby." Aunt Cookie said in passing as she happened to be in earshot. "It was so nice to meet you boys. You take care and stay out of trouble, Clifford. You too, Dean." She smiled, patting Red on the arm as she continued by. Granddad followed behind her with a scowl, carrying a pile of empty foil pans.
"My gumbo's better." He muttered not so quietly.
"My ass." Cookie shot back without glancing back at him.
"She's awesome." Red grinned.
"Even though she called you Clifford?" Riley smirked, trying to strike a nerve. "That ain't bother you?"
Red just blinked. "Nah. I like her." He shrugged. "Anyways, peace nigga." He said, dapping him before he started walking away.
"He'll probably have an episodic breakdown later about it." Dean commented casually. "It's been fun, man. We'll catch up later." He told him, clapping him on the back.
"Most def." The party was starting to wrap up with most of the guests already clearing out. Aunt Cookie and Granddad had been discarding the empty dishes and taking back their kitchenware (there had been no leftovers) while Tom and Sarah had been helping Huey load gifts into both of their vehicles to take home.
"They're gonna need another car." Caesar commented, watching Tom struggle to drag a box across the floor. He met eyes with Huey who was coming back into the room. Huey signaled him over as he took the box away from Tom, glaring when Caesar only waved at him in response.
"Boy, if you don't get over there and help them." Anthia snorted, giving him a gentle shove as she took his goodie bag away. "And tell him we can load stuff in your truck too."
"Fiiinee." Caesar sighed, rolling up his sleeves while he walked away. As he did, Cindy, Jazmine, and Lorena approached from the opposite side of the room.
"How's it goin', babe?" Riley asked, wrapping an arm around Cindy's waist.
"Good. Just tired." She mumbled as she leaned into him.
"Just wrapped up pictures with the last bit of guests." Jazmine added, propping a sleeping Jamilah up on her hip. She sounded just as exhausted, if not more so than Cindy.
"Here, let me hold her. Y'all sit down and rest." Riley told her, reaching his arms out to grab her. Jazmine smiled appreciatively as she handed her over, taking a seat at a nearby table beside Cindy.
"I'm tired just lookin' at all the stuff y'all have to take home. Stacks on stacks on stacks." Lorena grinned down at them.
"If you didn't already know you were loved, you do now." Anthia agreed with a nod.
"Blown away." Jazmine admitted. "Thank you cards can't even do this justice."
"Right?" Cindy shook her head. "I want to mail Aunt Cookie a gift for when she gets home, but I wouldn't know what to get for Thug."
"Girl how?" Riley asked honestly. "What could we possibly get for the dude who has everything he could already want in this joint?"
"True."
"I got his autograph and a picture with the Lethal Interjection crew!" Lorena squealed suddenly. "Seriously though cuz, how do you know everybody?"
"Small world." Cindy grinned. "You get used to it after living around here."
"I'd love to move here."
"No you wouldn't." Huey said adamantly as he suddenly appeared.
"I definitely wouldn't mind the view." Lorena sighed, her gazing eyes shifting between him and Caesar, who just approached beside him.
"Are you guys almost done, honey?" Jazmine asked, leaning her head against Huey's side.
"Getting there."
"Tom needed a break." Caesar snickered, quieting when he and Sarah made their way over.
"I heard that." Tom wheezed.
"It's true though." Sarah rolled her eyes lightly. "Maybe now's a good time for...?" She eluded to Tom, giving him a pointed look.
"Ohhh, sure if you want to do it now." He nodded, seeming to understand whatever she was referring to.
"Do what now?" Jazmine asked in confusion.
"We have one last surprise for you, pumpkin." Tom smiled at her while Sarah reached into her purse.
"We thought about showing you when you were opening gifts, but decided to save it for later." Sarah explained as she pulled an envelope out of her purse. "Maybe you both should open it together."
Huey and Jazmine shared a look as they took it. Everyone watched as Huey opened the envelope, pulling out what looked to be the back of a Polaroid photo. Huey's brow crinkled similarly to Jazmine's as they stared at it together.
"I don't understand." Huey stated, his eyes not leaving the picture.
"It's... an old picture of your house?" Jazmine said, glancing up to look at them. Her eyes widened as her parents both shook their heads. "...What do you mean?" She asked slowly, prompting Huey to pull his eyes away from the photo as he looked between them.
"Yours."
"What?!" Cindy blurted first in exclamation.
"OURS?" Jazmine echoed incredulously.
"Theirs?" Riley repeated in confusion, snatching the photo to look.
"I don't understand." Huey stated again in clear disbelief.
"It's something we've been discussing for awhile." Sarah chuckled. "You have a two-bedroom apartment, honey. Clearly you were going to need a bigger place with having a son."
"We've got everything taken care of." Tom assured them. "We've already signed the lease on a house still close to the neighborhood. We've got all the necessities taken care of for your house, including the inspection, mortgage, and all the major paperwork. Pretty much the last thing we need to do is get together to transfer the title and deed over."
"...On our house?" Jazmine said quietly, sounding in shock.
"It's yours, sweetheart." Sarah nodded with a smile. She teared up as Jazmine wasted no time in standing from her seat and rushing into both of their arms in an embrace.
"Thank you." She sniffled, her face buried into them. Huey watched them silently, reaching out his hand to Tom who shook it while still hugging Jazmine, mouthing a "thank-you" as he did so.
"That's one hell of a gift." Caesar commented with a grin. "I don't think anything can top that."
"Top what?" Granddad asked, both him and Cookie coming into the conversation.
"New neighbors!" Cindy beamed, standing to hug Jazmine when she pulled back from her parents.
"What?!"
"Oh how wonderful!" Aunt Cookie said in excitement.
"Congrats but I ain't helpin' y'all move, nigga. Tellin' you that right now." Riley snickered as he elbowed Huey.
"The hell you won't help your brother, young man."
"I'm just playin' Aunt Cookie, love youuu." He quickly retracted, sliding over to wrap an arm around her shoulder.
"Mmmmhm."
"If it helps, you can leave some of the gifts at the house since you'll be bringing it there anyway." Tom suggested.
"Daddy, why didn't you tell us the news before we starting piling things in everyone's cars?" Jazmine giggled.
"That... may have made more sense." He responded while the boys groaned.
"It doesn't matter, we're only going right next door." Aunt Cookie hushed them. "Riley baby, come with me. I started just putting a few things in your grandfather's car."
"Aiight." Riley said as he handed Jamilah to Cindy. He walked with her, leading the way out of the room while Huey, Caesar, and Tom followed behind them.
"Take the elevator with me, honey? I don't think I can handle the stairs." She asked as the others headed to the stairwell.
"Sure." He shrugged as she pressed the button.
"I'm so excited for you kids. Especially you and Cindy on having your firsts." She told him as they entered the elevator together and she pressed the button.
"Me too. I think it'll all be good." He grinned, leaning against the wall.
"It will be." Aunt Cookie said calmly as she stared straight ahead, right before pressing another button on the panel, bringing the elevator to a slow stop. "But this has to be done, honey." She said simply, turning towards him as she reached into her purse.
"Wait-whatchu doin', I thought things were good," Riley said quickly, tensing up and feeling pale as he started shifting backwards. "W-we talked over things and-and I called you and told you everything, what changed?"
"Baby, it's nothing personal." Aunt Cookie sighed, pulling out a black leather belt from her purse. "I told your brother the same thing when he got Jazmine pregnant out of wedlock and waited months to tell me."
"But-but-but that was different, I'm different, we didn't even-"
"It's only fair, sweetie. I'm not even mad anymore." She told him gently, advancing on him.
"But Aunt Cookie!" He begged, now cowered in the corner.
"This is out of love."
"Wait-wait-wait-wait-I'M NOT READY!"
"It'll be over soon."
"Just give me a-aahhhh!"
Nothin' like a good ol' Southern whoopin' as promised ;) Poor Riley.
I know this chapter's been a long time coming. There was a lot of Aunt Cookie. And a lot of fluff. But fun fluff. So ya know...it makes it kinda worth the wait... maybe? Let me know :)
Shoutout to my ride-or-die clockwork'sFinest as always for her bomb-ass input and keeping me on track. Love you girl!
Disclaimers: One day I'll actually do this whole spiel again, but for now you already know: I own nothing.
I have missed writing like crazy. I know it's taken a minute, but I'm still here. Life is just... pretty wild at the moment. I couldn't write the drama that's my life. It is what it is though, and we keep it calm and carry on. I'll be back to finish these babies of mine. And they will get finished. One day :)
Thank you all so much for reading. The next update will be from Friends First, Benefits Second as soon as I can. Swear :)
Love y'all!
~Schweetie