Jelani's (P.o.V)

I sighed, placing my phone into the front pocket of my jacket. Then I pulled my dark brown hair into a messy bun, which was hard to do, but I always did so, because it was easier for me. I then picked up the car seat that was set beside me with a sleeping child in it. My baggage was rolling behind me when the line started moving.

I was next in passport control, and then gave them my and my baby's passports. It took a minute before they gave them back to me, but then I walked out through the two automatic doors. I was greeted by the area where the baggage rolls from the airplanes. Sighing, I looked down at my bags behind me. I put the car seat down to re-adjust my bags on my shoulder.

I picked up the car seat and walked over to the baggage claim. While waiting for mine and Cecilia's, my phone started ringing, so I picked it up as I saw our bags coming my way. I took it off the railing and made my way to gate 12 with the bag rolling behind me and one on my shoulder.

"Hello, Mom... yes, ma'am, we just got off the plane." I said into the phone, trying to sound cheerful. I glanced down at my daughter. I was exhausted and worried. "We're fine, Mom. Don't worry. The flight was smooth, and the airport wasn't all that crowded. We'll be at the apartment." I said as I started walking around looking for Aiden. I heard my mom sigh on the other end of the line.

"I'm so glad you're safe, honey. I'm so proud of you. You're brave and strong. You'll make it through this. I love you so much, and don't hesitate to ask either one of us for help if you need it."

I felt tears stinging my eyes. "I love you too, Mom. Thank you for everything. I'll call you again when we get to my new place. Bye." I hung up the phone and smiled. I was finally in New York, a place I had wanted to go for the longest time. "Jay!!!!" I looked up to the voice calling me, and when I did, I smiled, seeing Aiden squeezed in between a group of people. He waved enthusiastically with a wide grin. I smiled and then made eye contact as he followed my lead.

When we met, he pulled me into a hug, but I couldn't hug him back due to my hand being full. "Oh, I missed you so much, and you have grown, and oh, look at this cutie." Aiden said as he pulled away and looked down at Cece, who was still sleeping. "I missed you too. And please don't wake her up... I just got her to sleep." I said with a small smile on my face. She was up for the whole plane ride here and just now is going to sleep.

"C'mon, let's go get your new home. The truck is almost there." Aiden said as he picked up my bags. "You know, I can do that myself." I replied as we started walking toward the double doors of the airport. "I know that... I just want to help." He said with a smile on his face. "Wait, who's going to watch out for the moving truck? If you have to come and pick me up?" I asked as we started looking for his car in the parking lot. Aiden looked at me with a childish smile on his face.

"Oh...I got a coworker to watch out for the truck...we live right across from you." Aiden said as I just looked at him, wiping the smile off his face. "Hey, I had to come and pick you up...and Diggs is a great guy." Aiden said as he got in the car. While I strapped Cece safely in the back, next to me.

" I can't stay mad at you. Come on Bubba, let's go...also do you know were I can get a car." I asked as He pulled out of the parking lot." I know a place...I'll take you when you get everything settled." Aiden said as he pulled up to a red light. The car ride wasn't all that long, or i was just too busy watching the flashing light pass as we drove past them. We then pulled up to theapartment buildings just as the moving truck pulled up.

"See...he didn't even have to look out for it." Aiden said as we all got out of the car. "Shut it, dipshit." I said as I pulled Cece out of the car. Just then, three different men came running out the front door with big smiles on their faces, while the two behind them shook their heads.

"Diggs...why is everyone running down here like they have lost their minds?" Aiden asked, staring at the tallest guy among them, who just looked back at him. "Because they have." The tall guy I've learned is called Diggs replied, and the others looked offended. "How dare you! We haven't lost our minds!" The shortest one said, looking over at me. "Nope...not dealing with this shit today." I walked away from the group and took the elevator.

Once I got to my floor, I unlocked my new apartment and sat Cece on the counter in the kitchen." Don't put her right there; she could fall." I turned to see Aiden walking into the apartment." Where do I put her? Because I'm not putting her outside. It's cold out there." I said as Aiden just smiled at me. "One... you're still healing from giving birth. So you're not doing anything." He said as he picked up the car seat." Yes, I am...you're not moving any of my stuff in here by yourself." I protested as I watched him walk out of my apartment.

"Who said it was just going to be me?" Aiden said as I followed him to his apartment. "Oh hell no… I'm not letting people I don't know move my stuff without my help." I said as we walked inside his apartment. "You called before getting on the plane and said you were in pain… I'm not letting you lift heavy boxes." He said as he put the car seat down on the couch, making sure she wouldn't fall. Aiden looked at me before sighing. "They aren't going to like that, so just be ready to get picked up." He said with a smirk on his face as he walked out of his apartment.

I rolled my eyes and walked into the hallway. "I'm helping, and you can't stop me." I said as we started for the elevator. "You're right. I can't stop you, but your jet lag is too much." He said as we got to the bottom floor and just like that, the tiredness hit me. "Shut it, dipshit," I yawned out as we walked outside. Aiden just smiled as he watched me as we walked out of the elevator.

"I'm tired." I yawned again while covering my mouth. "I know you are that's why you should rest." Aiden said just as the world started spinning. "I'm fine...I'll be fine." I said just as the world went dark.

Third Person ( P.o.V)

Jelani passed out and started falling forward, just to be caught by Diggs, her best friend's neighbor. "I guess jet lag won." Aiden said as he watched Diggs pick Jelani up bridal-style. Diggs looked over at the others, who was helping unload the truck. "Just take her to my apartment while we unpack the loading truck." Aiden said as he went to help them unload the truck. Diggs walked to the elevator.

Diggs nodded and carried Jelani to the elevator, pressing the button for the fifth floor. He felt a strange sensation as he held her in his arms, like a warm flutter in his chest. He saw as she got out of the car, and Aiden always talked about her. She was Aiden's childhood best friend, who had just moved back from Montana after finishing her studies. She was a choreographer and a stage manager, but that's all he knew. He wondered what she was like when she was awake.

He reached the fifth floor and walked to the apartment next to his, which belonged to Aiden. He unlocked the door with the spare key that Aiden had given him and entered the living room. Diggs saw the car seat with the sleeping baby in it and quietly walked over to the couch.

He gently laid Jelani on the couch and covered her with a blanket. He looked at her peaceful and relaxed face. She had long curly hair, caramel skin, and full lips. She was beautiful, he thought, and suddenly felt a need to kiss her. He shook his head and scolded himself. She was his neighbor's friend, and he barely knew her. He shouldn't be having such thoughts.

He decided to leave a note for her, in case she woke up before he came back. He grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and wrote:

Hi, Jelani. I'm Daveed. Aiden's neighbor. You passed out in the parking lot, so I brought you here. Don't worry, you're safe. Aiden is downstairs, unloading the truck. He'll be back soon. Hope you feel better. - Daveed

He placed the note on the coffee table, next to her phone and keys. He took one last look at her and smiled. He hoped she would like him when she met him. He turned around and left the apartment, locking the door behind him. He went back to the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor. He was eager to finish the unloading and see her again.