by Tiece
“Yeah, but what if we’ve moved on and started our own lil family and she pops back up. Will you have thoughts about leaving me then?”
Zoe stared in Dillon’s handsome face. “I couldn’t leave you,” she assured him. “I’m sorry that I’ve been so uptight about this whole thing anyway. I just don’t like surprises. However, you’ve done all that you can and therefore I’m gonna stand by my man.” She said leaning over and softly kissing him. “Let’s just hope that Rihanna stays in her lane, because if she shows back up talking that foolishness then I might just have to whoop your baby mama’s ass.” She teased causing Dillon to laugh.
“I hope that never happens. And, I also hope that if Delia ever needs a blood transfusion that Rihanna’s husband is a perfect match.”
***
The next morning, Angel sat on the sofa inside of her five bedroom, lavish home. She smiled as she glanced around the room at the two baby swings that sat next to one another over in the corner by the patio doors. Over the past week she’d been getting things in order for the twins and Lil Romeo to come over. She wanted to make their stay there as peaceful and fun as possible. She’d even baked chocolate chips cookies for Lil Romeo in hopes of making a great first impression. This was probably her only chance at actually having a family of her own and she was going to make the best of it, one way or the other.
Mark had left an hour ago to go pick them up and she was feeling giddy inside about it. This was a moment that she’d dreamed about all of her life.
“My God, I can’t wait.” She said aloud as she stood up to walk down the hallway. She passed one of the bathrooms on the right and just had to stop and flip the light switch on. It was decorated with SpongeBob SquarePants window curtains that were yellow and white and had pictures of SpongeBob, Squidward, Patrick, Mr. Crabs, and Sandy Cheeks. The rugs on the floor also matched the window curtains as well as the Shower curtain. She had decorated the bathroom entirely for Lil Romeo since she’d heard that SpongeBob was one of his favorite characters. She’d even put the matching Border up around the base of the bathroom walls. Just seeing how bright and colorful it looked made her smile at the work she’d put in to please him. Without a doubt, she was sure that he’d love it. After taking it all in for the umpteenth time, she flipped the light switch off and headed farther down the hallway.
She stopped in front of the first bedroom on the left and flipped the light switch on. This was the bedroom that she had decorated for Lil Romeo. Spiderman was the theme of the room, because he was another of Lil Romeo’s favorite characters. She and Mark had painted it blue and put the Spiderman border along the base of the walls. The bunk beds were covered with the Spiderman comforters that also matched the window curtains. She had definitely outdone herself in making sure that Lil Romeo would be comfortable. On the bottom bunk was an Apple laptop and a PSP Go sitting on top of it. He also had a 36inch TV and a PlayStation 4 sitting under it on one of the shelves of the TV stand. If none of this put a smile on Lil Romeo’s face then something was definitely wrong him.
She flipped off the light switch and headed farther down the hallway. Once she made it to the next bedroom and flipped the light switch on her cell phone began to ring. Once seeing who it was, she quickly answered it.
“What’s up, big head.” She said with a smile on her face as she glanced around the babies beautifully decorated bedroom.
“What you doing?” Logan questioned her.
“I’m just patiently waiting for Mark to return with the children. Meantime, Shay should be pulling up soon. She’s stopping by to bring the babies a gift.”
“Hm, that’s sweet of her.” Logan said. “Well, do me a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“When she gets there, don’t start prying into Zay’s life. I know they’re cousins and all, but he’s your ex-boyfriend. You’ve moved on and he’s moved on. Talk about something that’s not going to bring up old, unresolved feelings.”
Angel frowned. “What do you mean by old, unresolved feelings?”
“Meaning that you’re not completely over Zay.” He bluntly told her. “You talk about me letting go of the past and moving on. Well, I think you need to also do the same.”
Angel was a little taken back. Logan was always blunt with her, but he had never been that candid. “I am over Zay.” She shot back.
“If thinking that helps you sleep better at night then so be it.” Logan responded.
“I’m in a solid relationship now. I’m soon to be married.”
“So, you keep saying.” Logan told her with a shake of the head. “Just slow down. You’ve been through a lot. Personally, I think you should be taking this time for yourself and not focusing so much on Mark, this marriage, and his children. You’re still grieving and dealing with a lot of unfinished chapters in your life. I just don’t think you’re completely as ready for this as you think are.”
Angel rolled her eyes like she didn’t care to hear that. “There you go with your assumptions. You’re starting to sound like my Psychiatrist.”
“I just want you take care of yourself and quit thinking about the needs of someone else.” He said.
“Fine time for you to say that.” She said thinking that the children would be there soon. She had no choice, but to help take care of them. How dare he come at her sideways like he’d forgotten who she was. “Logan, I think you’re just jealous of the life I live. Yeah, you’re doing good and making lots of money, but you’re not happy. What good is it for you to live in such a big house when you have no one to share it with? See, I am happy and that bothers you. We’ve never been a couple, but you’ve probably wanted me to be your woman that’s why you always end up fucking my friends. Just like I know that you’re back fucking Shay, yet you act like you’re so into Felisha. So, don’t tell me nothing about nothing. I don’t wanna hear it. If you can’t be happy for me then don’t talk to me. I want only positive vibes around me. I don’t need any negative vibes whatsoever.” She querulously said.
Logan sat quietly for a moment. He was shocked that Angel would have the audacity to snap on him when he was only speaking from the heart. After contemplating what he’d say next, he let out a deep breath, and then said. “Okay, I think that this conversation has gone all the way left. So, with that I’m gonna go now. I’ll call you later when you’ve cooled off.”
“Yeah, you do that.” Angel sassed as she ended their call. “I bet he’ll learn to leave shit alone the next time.” She whispered just as her doorbell rang. “That’s gotta be Shay. Finally, some positive energy has arrived.” She said with an unnerving smile. She flipped the switch off in the bedroom and headed towards the front door.
***
An hour later, Olivia and Zay were sitting in the entertainment room of their house while watching the end of Empire. Olivia loved the show, because of Cookie’s wild, unpredictable character. As the show began to display the ending credits, Olivia looked over at Zay with a concerned look on her face.
“I don’t care what we look at, talk about, or do I can’t help but to think about Lil Romeo and the twins. Today is going to be a big day for him. It’s almost like that of starting a new life except with someone that he already knows.”
“That’s true. I’m just glad that he’s really smart for his age and has accepted what’s going on. I know in the beginning it was hard for him to get his thoughts around it, but in the past week he’s really grown to the idea of spending time with his dad. I guess the only good thing about this is that they’d already built a solid relationship prior to the truth coming out.”
“I guess you’re right,” Olivia said. “I’m not really concerned about Mark, though. I’m more concerned about your crazy ass ex-girlfriend. I just hope that she’s right in the head. This may end up too much for her.”
“I don’t know, but we’re gonna find out as soon as Shay gets here.” Zay said as he glanced down at the Rolex on his wrist.
“I’m glad that you asked her to keep an
eye on Angel. We just never know what to expect with her.”
“I agree,” Mark said just as the doorbell rang. Without hesitation, he got up to see who was at the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Cuz.” Shay called out.
Zay opened the door up and smiled. “Damn, that was fast.”
“Yeah, I didn’t want to stay too long.” Shay said as she walked in past him. She went straight into the entertainment room was and hugged Olivia. “Hey Olivia.” She spoke.
“Hey Shay. How are you?”
“I’m good; can’t complain.” She said sitting down on the recliner across from Zay and Olivia.
“So, what’s up? How’s your girl doing over there since the kids are arriving today?” Olivia instantly pondered.
“Well, she’s doing well. I must admit that she’s really happy about seeing them.” Shay said. She always had a soft spot for Angel, just because she knew of her background.
“Are you at least a little bit concerned about her though, Cuz?” Zay questioned. “I mean, after all she has been doing some really strange things, lately.”
“I was concerned about her until I saw her today. She seems to be in a good place in her life. Zay, you know she’s had issues all of her life. First finding out that she was adopted as a baby at the age of nine, and then learning how to cope with living up to her parent’s expectations. Because of that, she never fully fit in. She has lost not one, but two babies. Oh and, let’s not mention the car accident that took her best friend’s life.”
“I’m aware of the things that Angela has gone through which is why I can’t help but wonder if she’s okay. A person can only take so much before they pop.”
“Pressure busts pipes,” Olivia chimed in.
Shay just looked over at them. She knew their reason for being concerned, but for some reason she just wasn’t. “Look y’all, Mark apparently loves her. He put a ring on it and he’s trusting her around his children. If he’s not worried then why should we? I’m sure if something was off about her he’d be the first one to know. I mean, wouldn’t he? Hell, he sleeps with her every night; he should.” Shay explained. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll continue to check on her and make sure that she’s good and that she’s still on her medications. Everything is going to be alright guys. I’m telling you that everything is going to be just fine.”
***
Later that night, Mark and Angel sat in the baby’s room. They were both sitting in rocking chairs while putting the twins to sleep. Mark glanced down at Monae’ and smiled. It was a joy to have his kids be with him now. He never realized how much love he had for them until the moment he’d actually held them in his arms. It was the sweetest moment of all times. Getting reacquainted with Lil Romeo nearly melted his heart as he shed a tear or two at the cutest conversations they shared on the way to Atlanta from Augusta. Just the thought of knowing that his son actually knew who he was made him realize that what he’d done was the right thing. He may have gone about it the wrong way, but luckily for him everything turned out just fine.
As he rocked Monae’ in his arms, he glanced over at Angel to make sure that she was good. She was absolutely beautiful and glowing as she rocked Marcus to sleep while he rested comfortably on her breast. For the first time since they’d gotten there, she’d actually put Monae’ down and was now showing Marcus a little attention. Mark felt somewhat relieved, because the last thing he wanted was for her to get attached to Monae’, because of the daughter that they’d lost.
He leaned forward and glanced down the hallway, and then he looked over at Angel. “I guess he has played himself to sleep.” Mark said with a light chuckle.
Angel grinned. “Yes he have. I’m just so happy that he loves the bathroom and his bedroom.”
“What kid wouldn’t like how you fixed up this place?” Mark grinned. “We really have a kid friendly house now if nothing else. Just in case I forget, I just wanted to tell you that I’ve enjoyed this day with you and the kids. Seeing how you are with makes me know without a doubt that I want you in my life.” He said causing Angel to blush.
“Do you mean that?” she softly questioned.
“I do,” he responded with a smile.
“I think we should push up our wedding date. Why not become a real family as soon as possible?”
Mark shrugged his shoulders. “Well,” he said as he glanced down at his baby girl. “I don’t see why not. I think it’s a great idea. However, I’d like to give Felisha time to hopefully awaken. I’ve already done some dirty things behind her back and I don’t want to add getting married to the list as well. That would probably damage our relationship for good which is something that I don’t wanna do. If nothing else, I’d like for us to be civil co-parents with one another. One thing I like for sure is for her to meet the woman that’s going to help me co-parent our kids.”
Angel sat quietly for a moment, and then she nodded her head like she agreed. “I can understand, but just promise me that as soon as she knows what the deal is that we’ll get married.”
“I promise,” Mark said.
“Okay,” Angel said as she stood up. “I’ve held Marcus long enough. Let’s switch back up.”
The smile on Mark’s face disappeared as he stood up to switch babies, but then he thought about it. “Let’s just lay them down since they’re both sleeping.”
“Well, I’ll lay Marcus down and you can give me Monae’. I just want to hold her a little longer tonight before I turn it in.”
“I think we’ve both had a long day so let’s just turn in together. I’m sure that we’ll be right back up through the night with them.” Mark said as he laid Monae’ in her baby bed. Angel followed suit and laid Marcus down in his baby bed. She rubbed him lightly on his back and smiled. Mark just stood there and watched her. She then turned to lean down closer to Monae’ as she slept peacefully. She rubbed her lightly on the back, but leaned even closer and whispered. “Mommy loves you.”
Chapter 10
Zoe and Olivia browsed the bridle store waiting for the store clerk to bring their dresses out the back. It was the day of their last fitting which meant that Olivia’s wedding date was hastily approaching.
“I’m so excited.” Olivia exclaimed as she anxiously waited to try on her dress for the last time before the big day.
“I’m excited for you. It feels like I’m getting married.” Zoe teased as they entered the big dressing room. “I’m just as anxious to try on my dress as you are.”
“I know right.” Olivia said while looking towards the front window of the store. “Where is mom? Is she still coming?”
Zoe glanced back at the window to see if she was somewhere trying to find a parking spot. “She better be. She has to get in her last fitting today, too.”
“So, let’s talk a little before mom gets here. You know how she loves being all up in our business.”
“Tell me about it,” Zoe said. “So, what’s up?”
“Well, have you and Dillon heard anything else from Rihanna?”
“Nope,” Zoe responded with a shake of the head.
“How does Dillon feel about that?”
“Well, it’s been over three weeks since she asked him to back off. I think he’s handling it pretty good under the circumstances. Of course I know it’s a part of him that wants to know, but maybe it’s meant to be this way. Hell, Rihanna is unsure of the daddy anyway. She’s probably scared as hell to have a paternity test. She could have one of those crazy husbands that might nut up and kill her ass if he finds out that Delia isn’t his.”
“And you my dear sister just might have a point,” Olivia chimed in as she primped in the mirror while glancing back over her shoulder at Zoe.
“Anyway, Dillon and I are in a good place right now. I don’t want to worry about that anymore. Rihanna has made it clear that she does not wish for Dillon to pursue this and I’m not mad at him for doing exactly what he was told to do.”
“Well, I can’t blame you there
. But, let’s just say hypothetically that he would’ve gone through with the paternity test and Delia was his, would you have stayed?”
“I asked myself that same question over and over again and I know without a doubt that I would’ve stayed with him. I love that sexy ass nigga,” she joked causing Olivia to laugh. Zoe then sat down on a leather ottoman that was in front of the mirrors inside the big dressing room. “So, what’s the latest on Felisha’s condition?” she pondered just to catch up on anything she may have been missing out on.
“Well, today makes the fifth week that she’s been in the hospital. However, last week she started responding to basic commands. It was nothing major, but anything is promising at the moment. So, they moved her earlier this week to a rehabilitation center so that she can have round the clock care from a physical therapist. Someone who is exercising her muscles and her stimulating her brain cells.”
“Wow,” Zoe said. “Who would’ve ever thought that this would have still been going on four weeks later? It still baffles me how it all went down.”
“Me, too.” Olivia said with a sad shake of the head.
“So, how is Mark doing with the kids? Him and that broad I call ‘crazy ass’ is now raising their own little family it seems. I mean, what are his visitation rights while Felisha is unable to care for them?”
“From what Mrs. Tolver told me, the visitation has been pretty much split up between the two of them. She takes them for a week and he gets them the following week. But girl, something’s not right on the home front with Mark and Angel.”
“Oh shit,” Zoe nosily pondered. “What did Mrs. Tolver tell you?”