“Yep, somewhat.”
“Yay! I can’t wait!” Jasiel jumped up and down, just as Belly rose to his feet. He dapped me up then went over to get into the ring where Victor was. Now that he saw me claiming my son, we’d been cool.
Jasiel and I sat down to watch Belly and Victor practice, and Jasiel was so into it that he could barely eat the snacks I’d brought for him.
Lately, I’d been feeling like an actual father, and I guess that was because Jasmine was forcing my ass to put in more time. I hadn’t realized how much I wasn’t doing until now. I was improving, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me that more and more people were finding out about Jasiel. I just wanted to be his father in private. And shit, I still hadn’t taken that drive and told my mama yet. Damn.
About two hours later, Belly was taking a ten-minute break.
“I’m going to this liquor store right out here,” he announced, putting a shirt on.
“Can I come?” Jasiel quizzed.
“Nah, chill—”
“Yeah, come on.” Belly waved him over, and he hopped down off of his chair to run off.
“You gon’ take him out to the store? Niggas over there know you and they may think he’s yours.”
“I don’t give a fuck what them niggas think. Only people I give a fuck about what they think are the niggas who sign my damn checks, and Blaise, ’cause that’s who sucks my dick.”
“Aight, man, suit yourself.”
I shrugged it off, taking out my phone to pass time. It was better they thought Jasiel was his versus mine anyway.
About five minutes later, they returned since the liquor store was right across the street. Jasiel was chomping on some gum that Belly had clearly given him, as Belly entered the gym behind him holding a brown paper bag.
While they were gone, Victor’s nephew Carl got dropped off, so when he saw Jasiel, he introduced himself. Carl was a few years older than my son, so around seven.
“What’s your name?” Carl asked Jasiel. They were a little bit away from me, closer to the boxing ring that Belly had climbed in after drinking some of his water.
“Jasiel. What’s yours?”
“Carl. I’m seven.”
“Wow. I’m only four. I can’t wait to be seven.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool.” Carl smirked. I laughed, ear hustling. “Is Belly your dad?”
“Uh—”
“I saw him on TV! He beat the guy up so good! He’s so cool!” Carl exclaimed.
“Yes, that’s my dad.” Jasiel nodded with a smile, shocking the fuck out of me.
“Jasiel! Get over here and sit down!” I barked, pissed the fuck off. Looking like a deer in headlights, he ran over and sat down in the chair beside me. “Why did you tell him that Belly was your dad?” I spoke lowly, still pissed.
Jasiel shrugged, still looking down.
“’Cause he’s cool. I’m sorry, Daddy.”
In a flash, my fury subsided as I realized he’d done to me what I’d been doing all his damn life. And I realized just how bad the shit felt to see someone you love deny you and make you feel like you weren’t good enough to be connected to them. I deserved the shit though.
“It’s okay.” I brought him into my lap and kissed his temple. “You wanna go to Chuck E. Cheese?”
“Right now?”
“Yeah, right now.” I grinned.
“Oh yes, please!” He clamped his small hands together.
“Aight, come on.”
On the way out, I made sure to let Carl’s little ass know who Jasiel’s real father was.
Blaise
Today was Island’s birthday and she was having a big bash inside of Disneyland. Her daddy paid to have the whole park cleared out for the day so Island could enjoy whatever she wanted for however long she wanted.
My initial plan was to give her two separate parties, one from me and one from Five-Star, but I knew he wouldn’t do anything for Island if I went about it that way. The most he’d do was drop off a butt load of toys, luxury designer clothes and shoes for her, then try to fuck me.
I really wanted Island to bond with her father. I always have because I wanted her to have something I didn’t. But now that Belly and I had become closer, I felt like it was pivotal that she be able to distinguish the two men from one another. And her calling him ‘daddy’ that one night did not make me feel any better about the disconnect between Five-Star and Island.
“Damn, yo’ mama look good as fuck, Island.” Five-Star met me before I reached the tables the park had set up for my baby. Some of his friends and their kids were here, as well as mine; Priscilla and Mindy, since they had children. Mindy’s daughter was only a baby though.
“Stop it, Jelani.” I placed Island to her feet, and she ran right over to the table covered in presents.
“How much stuff did you buy her?” I frowned, looking past him at about twenty gifts. “She’s a toddler.”
“So. I can’t get a hug, baby mama.” He tried to push up on me, but I stopped him.
“It’s her birthday. You should be focused on her and not me.”
“I’m focused on the both of y’all.” He watched me as I rubbed my belly, stretching a little bit because my back was in pain. “Why you do this shit, Blaise?”
“Do what, Jelani?” I walked off to go greet my friends, but he followed me of course.
“Get pregnant by that nigga. I told yo’ ass I would marry you, but you’d rather be a two-time baby mama. Not to mention you chose a muthafucka that don’t even treat you as good as me.”
“Stop acting like you’re so hurt because you love me so much. You’re only bothered by this because you’re a possessive asshole with too much pride. You don’t like the fact that one of your baby mamas moved on from your ass and didn’t stay locked in the stable like the rest. You hate that everyone can see that you ain’t got it like that.”
“That’s not true. I love you.”
“Well I don’t love you. I care for you out of respect for Island, but that is it. And how do you love me, but you be posted up with Tahani all over the gram and fucking on Liza still? Not to mention, the new girl, Sybil.”
“Blaise—”
“Exactly, nigga. Now get away from me before Cortez shows up.”
“You invited that nigga? Fuck you invite him for? He ain’t got no muthafuckin’ reason to be here!”
“Yes he does—”
“He don’t have kids, so why the fuck would he come here?” Five-Star’s chest was puffed up and his face was bloodshot red as he stared down into my eyes, looking like he was ready to slap me up.
“The one in my belly is his. And I hate to say it, but he is a father figure to Island; she wants him here.”
“She don’t want him here. The fuck?” Five-Star looked at me as if I were an idiot. “She’s a little ass baby. She don’t fucking know him like that.”
“She definitely knows him, and she definitely wants him here.” I gave Five-Star a knowing look, making him slip past me to go grab up our daughter.
“Hey, finally that nigga got off of your bumper.“ Mindy laughed, standing to hug me.
“I know. He’s annoying as hell.” I hugged Priscilla.
“I hope you don’t mind that I invited Sly.” She looked to me as I inspected the cake for Island. It had three tiers and princesses all over it. I simpered, seeing her name written in icing.
“Girl, no. I do not care who comes as long as it’s not any bitches I don’t like. Does he have kids?”
“No, that’s why I almost didn’t tell him.”
“Oh okay, it’s fine. She didn’t need this whole big ass park for the day, but her daddy never misses a chance to show off how much money he has. So the more people, the better.”
As the ladies continued to talk, I glanced over my shoulder to see how Five-Star was doing with Island. She was calm, and I guess because he was allowing her to play with his iPhone.
I wanted him to let her down so she could play
with the other kids or get on some rides, but I didn’t want to intervene on their time or seem overbearing. It was 10 a.m., so she had all day to play.
“Hey, I’m Claire, your party host for today! Are you Island’s mommy?” A pretty white girl with long blonde hair walked up. She was dressed in a uniform.
“I am.” I smiled.
“Great, this pin is for you.” She handed me a pink badge that read Island’s Mommy.
“Oh, so cute!” I beamed before handing it to Mindy to pin on me.
“Yes it is.” The girl giggled. “Is it okay for us to do a show for her now?”
“Right now, like this minute?” I started looking behind her a little bit for Belly. He was supposed to be here in about ten minutes, and I didn’t want anything huge to start before he got here.
“In about twenty minutes. I have to let the crew know so they can get into costume.”
“Okay, that’s fine.”
“Great!” She rushed over to Five-Star to hand him a blue pin reading Island’s Daddy and then left the area to go get the performance crew ready.
I was hungry, so I made myself a little snack, and by the time I was done, I spotted Belly coming in with Manny and his son. I smiled seeing the little boy, whose mouth was wide open at the sight of Disneyland.
Then my eyes drifted to Belly, looking so fine and solid with his deep brown skin glistening in the sun. He wore a Gucci polo, jeans, and some Off-White Nike collaboration shoes. His hat was low over his eyes, and I licked my lips when I saw him lick his. The jewelry on his neck and wrists were just the right amount. As my eyes traveled down his muscular arms, admiring his tattoos, I felt someone tap me.
“You’re already pregnant by him. Calm down.” Priscilla smirked, sending Mindy, herself, and I into a fit of laughter.
“I wasn’t even looking at him.”
“I saw the drool about to drop.” Mindy nodded, before we chuckled again.
I hopped up just as Belly got closer and felt myself grinning like a child, making him do the same before he kissed me.
“You smell good,” he whispered against my neck, as his strong arms held onto my body.
“You too.”
“Okay, are we ready!” Claire returned with the whole damn Mickey Mouse crew, along with some other Disney characters. All the kids began to clamor about and cheer.
The characters got in position and began to do the show, so I looked over at Island to be sure she was enjoying it. She was, but then we made eye contact, and she spotted Belly. She tried to get out of her father’s lap, but he wouldn’t allow her to, making her burst into tears.
“Jelani, let her down,” I told him, and because Belly was here, he just sucked his teeth and did what I said.
Once Island got her feet, she rushed over yelling, “Daddy! Daddy! Hi, Daddy!”
I felt like all the blood had been drained from my body as I watched Belly pick her up, kiss her face, and then turn her so she could continue watching the show.
I sensed Five-Star glaring at me, and when I turned to face him, I got confirmation. His homies were shaking their heads at me, and I felt like shit. Island was laughing and dancing right in Belly’s lap as the performers continued, pretending they didn’t hear her call someone else daddy. And everyone knew who her father was because he had on the pin that said so. I just wanted to put a bag over my head.
“Let me have her.” I turned to Belly once the song switched, so he passed her to me. I avoided eye contact with him, and he knew I was purposely doing so.
“You aight?” He kissed my neck since he was seated behind me in a way. We were on bench tables but facing the left to watch the show.
“Yeah, Cortez.” I moved from his touch.
The show was over about ten minutes later, and we continued on with the party, opening gifts, taking pictures, conversing, and eating cake and food.
Belly left me alone after our encounter earlier, and even though I was bothered by it, it gave me a chance to make Island be around her dad. I tried to discreetly get her to call him daddy, but she wouldn’t do it. It’s like she’d ignore me. And when Five-Star would mention he was her daddy, she’d just look at him uncomfortably like she thought he was lying.
I made sure Five-Star and I took Island on rides, along with my friends. Unfortunately, she cried a few times for Belly, so we let him take her on the train. I was ready to go, so when 5:30 p.m. hit, we all called it a day.
Manny had given Belly a ride, which I suggested because I wanted Belly to come home with me. I was too tired lugging this belly around the park, so I asked him if he could drive us home. The first ten minutes of the drive was quiet, especially because Island was asleep with cake icing still around her little lips and on her chubby cheeks.
“I was thinking since you can’t fly anywhere, we could go up to Lake Arrowhead; you, Island, and I. It’s a resort spa, and it’s nice as fuck. We can take her on the boat ride and all kinds of shit. The presidential suite is the one I booked, so when she goes to sleep, we can fuck and shit.”
“No, I don’t think so. Maybe just you and I can go.”
“Why?” He frowned, glancing from the road to look at me for a second.
“Because I don’t think it’s a good idea for Island to come. Did you not hear her call you ‘daddy’ in front of everyone? Jelani was right there, and she threw a fit to come sit with you. I don’t like it, and going up to this lake place will only worsen it.”
“Oh, so that’s why you was acting funny style.” He nodded.
“Yeah, because you could have at least said something instead of just picking her up. That’s why she thinks it’s okay to call you that.”
“What the fuck am I supposed to say? She’s a baby; I ain’t about to go the fuck off on her because she’s calling me daddy. And the only fucking reason she’s calling me that shit is because her actual one is a fuck nigga. If he was doing what the fuck he was supposed to do, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
“Like I said, she can’t go. And the next time she calls you daddy, do not respond.”
He pulled into the driveway of our home then parked.
“I love you, I wanna marry you, and I respect you, but like I told you a long time ago, watch who the fuck you talking to. I’m not the nigga you wanna come out the side of ya neck at. Just ’cause I fuck you slow occasionally don’t mean I won’t shake yo’ ass the fuck up, Blaise.
Now if you want a nigga that’s gon’ alienate ya daughter and only fuck with you and the baby in yo’ belly, let me know, ’cause that ain’t me. That type of muthafucka is yo’ first baby daddy. Get yo’ little rude pregnant ass the fuck out the car.”
He got out, so I did the same, wanting to cry for some reason. I stood there stuck on stupid as he got Island out of the car seat, and started toward the front door. I followed like a puppy, and he pushed one side of the double doors open for me. I thought he was gonna leave my ass out here.
I entered, and he locked the door behind us before putting the alarm on.
“I have to bathe her.”
With no questions, he handed Island over then jogged up the winding staircase.
I stayed put for a few seconds, then went upstairs so I could give my baby her bath. Once I helped her brush her teeth, I put her to bed then headed to our bedroom.
I heard the shower running, so I undressed and slipped into the bathroom. Tying my hair up, I pulled the shower door open, watching the water cascade down what was comparable to a Greek god. His reddish-brown skin was amazing.
“I’m sorry.” I looked up at him, but he didn’t say anything. Getting down slowly, I massaged his dick, which got hard in record time. Taking it into my mouth, I sucked slowly, then once my saliva had built up, I bobbed on it while caressing his balls.
“Mmm,” he grunted, lips tucked in. He was so handsome, and the sight made me go even harder, slurping his dick like a veteran hooker.
Gripping my bun tightly, he began fucking my face, and I took each stroke in stride. H
e had complete control, sliding in my mouth slowly occasionally, then going at a medium pace at other times. Tilting my head back, he stared down into my eyes with his teeth sunken down into his lip as he fucked my mouth. A sexy, raspy moan burst through, as his grip got tighter before he released right into my mouth.
He started washing his body as I rose to my feet, and I just stood there, wondering why he hadn’t said anything.
“Cortez.” I touched him as the water rinsed the soap off of his phenomenal physique.
“Get off me,” was all he said before pushing the shower door open, snatching the towel he had nearby, and then wrapping it around his bottom half.
I felt like a whore.
Once I gained a tiny bit of composure, I washed myself off and then got out to brush my teeth. As I was leaving the bathroom, I saw Belly was already in bed, so I shut off the bathroom light and padded over to my dresser. I kept looking over at him as I slipped my gown over my head.
Climbing into the bed, I waited for him to face me, but he didn’t. I stared at his tattooed back, before lying on my back because of this stomach. I couldn’t help it, so I began to cry as quietly as I could, but he heard my sniffling.
“Fuck you crying for?” He looked over his shoulder, frowning his sexy face.
“Because you’re being mean to me,” I whined, feeling tears roll down the sides of my eyes.
Groaning, he turned to face me, placing his big hand on my belly before slowly kissing my lips.
“How was I mean to you?”
I shrugged, not knowing what to say, so he adjusted himself to move closer to me.
“I said I was sorry about today, and you still don’t like me.” I sniffled, making him chuckle.
“I do like you. I love you too. You just pissed me off.”
“I know. I just feel like a bad person because I gave Island such a trash father and my son a good one. I don’t want her to grow up thinking she didn’t matter to me.”
“She ain’t gon’ think that shit, Blaise. That nigga being garbage don’t have shit to do with you. You know how many females was fucking on good niggas, just to get pregnant and he turn out to be a whole new muthafucka?”
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