20

Naala's POV

"You're really gonna cry after you cried all night?" Hassan asked as I sniffed turning over.

"You don't want to have sex with me," I said trying to stop my tears and moving his hands from around my waist.

"Because you were drunk, I'm not going to take advantage of you, you know that," Hassan replied wiping my face. He pulled me closer and kissed my lips passionately. "I don't need to have sex with you to show I want you,"

"How do I know you want me?" I said laying my head on his chest sniffing. "What are we doing Hassan? I don't want to be confused."

"We're grown," Hassan said rubbing my back. "You're my girl, so you can dead all that other shit,"

"I am?" I pouted looking up at him, "So you're gonna let me suck your dick?" I said putting my hands on his drawls.

"Stop it," He chuckled moving my hands away. I sighed and got comfortable on his chest.

"Can I ask you something?" Hassan said lowly, "If you don't feel comfortable with it, you don't have to answer,"

"Go on," I said looking at him,

"You wanna have another baby with me?" He asked. I was thrown off because I never expected him to ask me such a question.

"Yeah," I replied quietly, "I don't think I can but if it happened I guess I would be glad," I spoke honestly.

"Do you want to have another baby with me?" I questioned,

"Who wouldn't?" He nodded. "You're a good mom, a nice person to be around and you're sexy as fuck," He added making me laugh.

"Let's do it then," I replied. I got up and straddled his lap. "Let's have another baby,"

"Nah that's wasn't what this was," Hassan laughed palming my ass. "We was having a heartfelt conversation, nothing to do with sex,"

"How are babies made?" I responded. "Stop being annoying and pull your dick out," I frowned.

"You're not gonna stop until I shut you up huh?" He sighed flipping us over.

"No," I shook my head wrapping my legs around his waist.

"Come up out of these," Hassan mumbled kissing my neck and pulling my panties down.

"Oooooo we did it," I squealed opening my legs wider. "Oh I can't wait to tell the girls," I giggled feeling his fingers slid up and down my slit.

"Are you gonna —" My mouth gapped open as he slid into me, without warning. He gave me a second to adjust, before he started to move in out. Maybe I should have gone to sleep.

"Wait San," I moaned pushing him back.

"You wanted to fuck right?" He grunted lifting my legs up. Y'all. He was drilling my shit and I was trying to run because who the hell signed up for this.

"No," I moaned clenching myself around him. "I can't take it,"

You think he listened to me. Fuck no. He lifted my legs up and pushed them behind my head. I looked down to watch him slip in and out of me.

"I'm gonna—" I moaned loudly,

"No you ain't," He slipped out and picked me up, "Face down, ass up," He said slapping my ass.

"Ooo," I cried out as he slid into me again from the back.

"Why you so tight?" He grunted slamming into me. His hand was wrapped firmly around my hair.

"I don't know," I moaned gripping the sheets. "Sanny please," I said trying to get crawl away from him.

My legs started to shake and I think he noticed I couldn't take it anymore, so he slowed down. He pulled out and laid me on my back,

"I'm gonna go slow," He whispered softly sliding in again, making my arms go directly around his body. "You're so beautiful," He said kissing my neck as he slowed down.

"Fuck," I moaned scratching at his back. "I'm gonna cum," I cried right after.

"Go head baby," He said biting my ear. I felt him growing inside of me and then we came together.

"Move," I said pushing his body off of me. "Gonna fuck me like that," I smacked my teeth getting out of the bed. I limped to the bathroom to pee.

"How you gon' have an attitude when you wanted it?" He laughed following into the bathroom.

"Hassan!" I pouted as I looked in the mirror. "My hair," I shouted. I only put these braids in two days ago, and he's already fucked them up.

"I'll pay for it," He said putting his hands around my waist.

"Uhn uhn back up," I laughed as he started kissing my neck again. "I'm sleepy," I said turning around and facing him.

"You happy now?" Hassan spoke licking his lips and staring down at me.

"Mmhm," I nodded pulling him down by his beard. "I'm very happy," I said pecking his lips. He deepened the kiss and lifted me up onto the counter, spreading my legs to stand between them.

"I'm gonna be gone all day, so why don't you go stay with Dess for the day, y'all go get your nails done and shit," He said with his face in my neck,

"Where you going?" I said rubbing my hands through his hair.

"I got a few meetings down in Philly and then I gotta help Mia with something," Hassan responded gripping my waist.

"Mmcht move," I said pushing him off me. "See you later Hassan," I added hopping off the counter. I could feel him following me out the bathroom but I ignored him.

I pulled the dirty sheets off the bed and threw them in the corner, I walked into my closet and pulled out fresh sheets to put on.

"Why've you got an attitude now?" He sighed helping me fix the bed up.

"What does Mia need this time?" I replied. "You're always helping her with something,"

"I'm not arguing with you," Hassan mumbled holding one end of the comforter while I held the other.

"We're not arguing," I said quickly. "We don't do that but I want to know what she always needs,"

"You know she's out there on her own, I pick Amari up sometimes or help with her groceries," He defended.

"Don't be sharing out what's mine," I pointed at him.

"That's what this is," He laughed. "Ain't nobody but you baby," He said as we put the comforter down on the bed.

"Better be," I said sitting on the bed. He stood in front of me and lifted my head up.

"I ain't that goofy ass nigga you're used to. If I'm for you then I'm all for you Naala," He said bending his neck and kissing my lips.

"Okay," I nodded, I held my hand out and tilted my head to the side.

"Nails and hair, don't let me find out you're buying the same purse we have here," Hassan fussed pulling out two stacks and putting it in my hands.

"Not even just one?" I pouted holding up one finger.

"One Naala," He gave in adding another stack on top.

"Thanks bae," I smiled sitting up on my knees and kissing him repeatedly.

"Mmm, come say thank you properly," He said lifting me off the bed and walking towards the bathroom.

~~

"Hey girl hey," I smiled hopping into Dess's truck. She glanced at me and laughed,

"He gave in huh?" Dess spoke starting the car up. "Ain't no way you're this happy for no reason,"

"Just like I knew he would," I danced in my seat happily. Dess laughed and pushed her sunglasses up her face some.

"I should have known when you said you wanted to do your hair again," She said turning onto the freeway.

"He fucked my shit up," I frowned pulling down the mirror and looking at my reflection.

"He really did," She commented. "Drew's dumb ass drank too much. I was so mad,"

"Not too much on him," I giggled. My phone buzzed and I looked down at a message from Amir, basically abusing me for speaking to Sinai on the phone.

Just like that, he found a way to ruin my day without me even seeing him.

"What's up? You've gone quiet," Dess questioned, glancing at me quickly.

"Do you think I'm a good person?" I spoke looking at her. "Because I'm really trying to be one but it's so hard,"

"I think you've been hurt too many times to count and you're trying to make something for yourself. Why?" Dess said stopping at a traffic light.

"Read this," I said handing her my phone,

"All because I had a phone conversation with my daughter," I was honestly so tired of Amir, I didn't know what more I could do.

"He's trying to get a reaction out of you," Dess said handing me back my phone. "Tell Hassan,"

"I am but I'm gonna deal with it," I said texting Naleli and then sending Hassan the messages. "I'm done playing nice with Amir,"

"Just don't get caught up," Dess warned. "I don't want you going back to that place, we're sister wives now,"

"Girl," I laughed at her, "We is not sister wives." I added putting my phone up.

After a short drive, we got to my salon. I let Dess park in my space at the front and we got out of the car.

"Hey boss lady," Mini smiled as soon as we entered the shop. "What brings you in?"

"Well first of all, this," I said taking my scarf off. All the stylists gasped and shook their heads.

"Now how you let a man fuck your shit up like that boss?" Mini said stopping her client's hair. "After how long we spent on it."

"I know," I giggled. "I'll be in my office, let me know when you're done," I said to her.

"Tell me if I should touch my nose but how do you run your money through here?" Dess asked sitting across from me.

"It's pretty easy, no one pays attention to this place." I shrugged. "I actually wanted to expand to Atlanta and LA,"

"I think you should. You've got a good eye for this shit," Dess nodded. "Now that's why you my sister wife," She laughed.

We chatted for what felt like ages until Mini was ready to start my hair.

I was sat in her chair while she and Dess gossiped about everything under the sun.

"And then, this nigga had the audacity to ask me for 1000 dollars, nigga your son needs school shoes and you worried about 1000 dollars." Mini complained combing through my hair.

"I'm sorry girl but I am so happy our baby father is not broke," Dess said to Mini, "I could not deal with a no good, broke ass nigga,"

"I wish I would have left him alone," Mini responded. I didn't blame her, she was only 18 and was suffering from multiple personality disorder. That's why she was admitted to the same psychiatric hospital as me.

"You learn from your mistakes," I spoke up. "I wish someone would have told me about how hard it is to be a mom,"

"How old were you when you had your first?" Dess asked leaning back in her seat. It was only us in the salon so it was a pretty intimate conversation.

"I got pregnant at 17 and had her just before my 18th birthday," I answered playing with the watch on my wrist.

"Just like me," Mini said, "I wanna be like you when I grow up,"

"Oh trust me you don't," I waved her off. "I have 4 kids, 3 who I barely get to see and enough mental issues to open up my own ward. You don't want to be like me,"

"You need to believe in yourself more Lala, you're a good person," Dess said looking at me. Nodding, I stayed quiet and let them continue their conversation.

Somehow I fell asleep whilst she was doing it, because I was awoken by the girls cooing at something. My eyes fluttered open and Hassan was stood in front of me with a big bouquet of flowers.

"Bae," I pouted batting my eyes at him, no one had ever done anything like that for me.

"I know you needed some cheering up," He said handing me the flowers.

"I did," I said getting up. "I thought you were in Philly today," I could feel myself becoming overwhelmed with emotions, especially because I was already feeling bad.

"Moved some things around, to make sure you're good," Hassan responded. "I didn't do this to make you cry," He said wiping my eyes.

"Come," I said taking his hand to lead him to my office. I didn't want to cry in front of Mini and Desiree.

"Why you crying baby, what's up?" He said pulling me into a hug.

"Thank you for the flowers," I sniffed hugging him back. "That made me really happy,"

"That doesn't explain why you were crying," He responded lifting my chin so I could look at him.

"The things that he says to me, that I'm a bad mom, I'm starting to believe it,"

"You're letting him get to you again," Hassan huffed. "He's a bitch that enjoys hurting you, that's it,"

"I wanna hurt him," I replied. "I want to shoot his face off,"

"Then what happens? Your children end up parent less when they lock you up," Hassan responded. "I'ma handle it,"

"Can you kill him for me?" I whispered against his chest.

"You want me to kill him?" He asked with a smirk,

"Yeah, and then dig his eyes out and let me keep them," I said fantasising,

"You really are crazy huh?" Hassan laughed. I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck, getting on my tip toes to kiss him.

"Hairs looking good," He said touching the ends. "Can't wait to play in it,"

"You're not playing in it," I laughed stroking the back of his head. "But we have got about 20 minutes before they come looking for us,"

"Bet," Hassan said lifting me up. He put me down on my desk and stood in between my legs. "You want me to use a condom?" He asked kissing my neck.

"No," I shook my head pulling him closer. He pulled down my sweats and laughed.

"No panties?" Hassan questioned running his finger up and down my slit making me shiver.

"Hurry up," I moaned, his touch alone could turn me on.

Instead of replying, he aligned himself with my centre and started to gently push himself in. I hissed at the feeling and again, started to regret my decision.

"You okay?" He asked affectionately, slowly moving in further. When he was deeper, he kissed me passionately, allowing me to moan in his mouth.

"Faster," I panted holding onto his body,

I moaned uncontrollably as he sped up, the desk banging against the wall loudly. "Wait San," I said lifting my head out of his neck and throwing it back.

"They're gonna hear you," He mumbled his hands firmly on my thighs as he slid in and out of me.

"I don't care," I cried out, trying to push him off. He was nothing like Amir and I'm happy to say I love it here.

"Let it go," He whispered in my ear, it was like I was waiting for those words because I came straight away.

"Shit," Hassan cursed as he released himself inside me. We stayed hugged up as I caught my breath,

"Hair still looks good," Hassan smirked kissing my cheek.

"You better hope it does," I answered as he helped me off the desk. I grabbed the wipes that I kept inside my drawers and wiped myself down and cleaned the desk up.

"I'm gonna pick Saint up then I'll see you at home," Hassan spoke pulling up his sweat pants.

"You're not going to see Mia?" I asked with a raised brow,

"I was gonna take Saint with me," He shrugged. I shook my head straight away,

"Nope, bring him back here if you're planning on seeing her," I spoke wiping my lip gloss of his face.

"You're still on that?" He said taking my hand and intertwining our fingers.

"I just don't trust her," I sighed, "I did have sex with her husband,"

"Naala, I'ma be with him, she's not gonna hurt him," Hassan reassured him, "Stop thinking everyone is out to hurt you,"

"He's my only son Hassan," I huffed, "My only son and I will damned if I lose him too,"

"He's my son too, you think I'm gonna let something bad happen to him? Stop stressing," He squeezed my hand. I nodded and opened the door for us to leave.

Hassan walked behind me, being dumb as per usual. He kept slapping my ass hard as hell.

"Stop," I laughed stopping so he could walk beside me.

"Mmm," Dess smiled when we walked back into the main salon area. "How long was that Mini?"

"30 minutes," Mini said checking her imaginary watch.

"I was thinking pastel colors for the baby shower," Dess said with a wide smile.

"I was thinking black for your funeral," I said with a pondering face, "What do you think bae?" I said leaning on Hassan.

"Don't bring in y'all's mess," He grumbled standing up straight. "Dess, Mocha has basketball today?"

"No, why? You want to keep her tonight?" Dess spoke. "Me and Lala have plans,"

"We do?" I asked. She nodded and gave me a look. "We do, I just remembered,"

"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Hassan said squeezing my waist, he was always touching me. It's giving obsession at this point.

"I forgot, we won't be long," I patted his hand. "Now let me go," I added using butt to push him away.

"Don't let my girl get into anything," Hassan warned Dess who laughed.

"You don't care if I get into anything," She gasped with her hand on your chest.

"That's all Drew's problem," Hassan replied. "I'll see you later baby," He kissed my cheek and then my lips.

He said bye to Mini and then left out the shop, leaving us girls on our own.

"Now the plan for tonight," Dess smiled kicking her feet up onto the table.

~~

Ace's POV

"Your mamas are gonna be the death of me," I said out loud turning into Mia's drive.

"Don't speak about my mama," Mocha replied, whilst mugging me.

"Right," Saint co-signed. "I'm telling her," He said bringing out the dumb ass iPhone 4 Naala gave him, to make him think he had a phone.

"Boy if you don't put that relic away," I laughed, "Your mama got you minutes?"

"No I text her then she calls me back," Saint said with an eye roll.

"Okay with your broke ass," I mumbled turning the car off. I picked up my phone and called Naala,

"Hey my boo bear," Her voice rang through the car,

"Naala how'd you spend 50,000 dollars in two hours?" I said getting straight to the point.

"Erm, I swiped the card," She replied, "It was only 50,000?"

"Put the card in your purse and don't bring it out again, how you gon spend that much on handbags?" I asked shaking my head.

"Okay I'm sorry daddy," Naala said softly, "I'll put the card up,"

"You can get one more," I sighed, it was hard to stay mad at her, that was my baby.

"Mama he's not your daddy," Saint shouted out,

"Mmm Papa I was only playing," Naala laughed,

"I sholl am," I mumbled, "Aight we're here now so you carry on shopping,"

"Kiss my papa bear for me, and my chocolate drop," Naala sang before she hang up. I was glad she was getting along with Dess because my poor baby didn't have any friends.

"Ion like coming here," Mocha frowned when I helped her out the car. "Amari don't be sharing like me and Sainty,"

"Ion share with you," Saint said walking besides us.

"Yes you do!" Mocha snapped back at him.

"You're doing too much," He replied drawing his head back. "I'll punch you,"

"No you won't," I interrupted,

"If you punch me, I'll punch you back," Mocha argued standing in front of him.

"Y'all better not —" I couldn't even get the words out before they started fighting on Mia's doorstep.

"What the fuck are y'all doing?" I shouted separating them. "Y'all are brother and sister, whatchu fighting for?"

"I don't like him," Mocha said pushing Saint.

"I don't like you either," Saint replied pushing her back.

"Hey," I said pulling him back. "We don't hit girls,"

"Other daddy hits mama." Saint said with an angry face.

"Yeah cuz other daddy is a bitch," I replied. "You ever see me hit on your mom? Nah cuz it's wrong. I don't ever want to see you raise your hands to your sister again,"

"And you don't hit him either," I pointed at Mocha. "Y'all make me want to leave y'all at home with your crazy ass moms,"

"My mamas not crazy," Both Saint and Mocha said at the same time. My kids were definitely exactly like their moms.

I knocked on the door and waited for Mia's slow ass to open it.

"Oh. Hi," She said opening the door for us to come in. "You didn't say you were coming, Amari's not here,"

"Where is she?" I asked looking around the house,

"Out." Mia responded looking at me.

"Out where Mia, she's 7, who is out with?" I squinted at her.

"My boyfriend, Hassan what do you want?" Mia huffed crossing her arms.

"You're having my daughter around random niggas," I laughed, "Nah that can't be right,"

"You have her around your bitch," Mia shrugged.

"Naala's never alone with her and chill with that bitch word," I responded. "When I come back my daughter best be here,"

"Hassan get the fuck out of my house," Mia tutted. "Saint get away from that," She shouted at him. I turned back and Saint was touching the fish tank.

"Ay Nasir step away from that," I told him and he listened, stepping away from it.

"Get out because I don't want him in here, he doesn't listen," Mia fussed pushing me towards the door.

"What are you even talking ahout? Didn't he stop when I told him?" I said looking at her like she's crazy.

"I don't care, soon he's gonna start throwing stuff around," She spoke mugging him.

"There's something wrong with you," I said taking Mocha and Saint's hand. "I'll come see you when you're done fucking around,"

"Don't come back," She said slamming the door behind us.

"I don't like Amari's mommy," Mocha said squeezing my hand.

"Neither do I," I said lowly unlocking the doors and letting them get in.

~~

Naala's POV

I got out of the car, and slid my phone into my pocket. Dess convinced me to come to Amir and speak to him about seeing the kids. I turned back to the house and took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for this conversation.

"What are you doing here?" Maniya said opening the door. I pushed past her and into the house,

"Where are my kids?" I spoke blankly looking at her. If she wanted to act as if I was a stranger, then two can play that game.

"You're not allowed to be here," Maniya said taking her phone out of her pocket. "Dad!" She shouted up the stairs.

"I'll just find them myself," I said walking towards the back of the house. I checked Malia's room and saw her asleep. I walked in and kissed her head, tucking her in properly.

"Are you crazy?" Amir said dragging me out of the room. I wriggled out of his grip and then pushed him,

"Don't touch me," I said fixing my top. "Where's Sinai? I just want to see her,"

"You can't pop up and start making demands," Amir said grabbing me again. "Go upstairs and we'll talk," I nodded and went up the stairs and into our old bedroom.

Looking around the room, it felt weird to back here. The room represented all the pain I've ever endured, all from him.

I heard him come in and slam the door. "Sit down," He pointed to the chair.

"I want to see my children. I came here so we can come to some type of agreement," I spoke calmly.

"Agreement?" He repeated. "You think we're gonna sit here and start making agreements,"

"They're my children too Amir, you can't keep shutting me out like this," I said quickly.

"You're not stable Naala, you have issues. I don't want that rubbing off on my kids," He said stepping closer to me.

"I am stable," I defended. "Stop coming closer to me," I said putting my hand up. He was getting to close and it was messing with my nerves.

"Am I making you nervous?" He asked kneeling down in front of me.

"Y-yes, move back," I replied getting further into the chair.

"I'm not gonna hurt you," Amir whispered softly, touching my hand. "I don't like hurting you,"

He caressed my hand and moved closer, "I love you Naala, I don't want to hurt you,"

"Stop it," I said my eyes watering. "You're confusing me, you know what you're doing,"

"Why would I do that? You're the one I love," He said kissing my cheek.

"No," I said with tears streaming down my face. "This isn't love Amir, get off me,"

"So why did you stay all those times? If we aren't in love then what does that mean?" He questioned moving his head to my neck.

"I was in love with you and then you hurt me," I cried moving my away from him. "You don't know what love is Amir,"

"And Ace does?" He said grabbing my chin forcing me to look at him. "He knows your weak, he's playing on your weakness,"

"No he's not," I shook my head. "Hassan cares about me,"

"He cares about what's in between your legs Naala, just like I did," Amir said standing to his feet.

"You don't mean it," I said closing my eyes. "Get out of my head," I said rubbing my forehead. I knew what he was doing, but I didn't have the power to stop him.

"You're weak Naala, you know you want to come home. I'll tell Trinity to leave, stay with me," He said lifting me up out of my seat.

"I don't want to," I replied moving his hands from my legs. "I want to go home, with my children,"

"Stop fighting it," He said kissing my lips. I kissed back senselessly until I realised what was happened.

"Get off me," I slapped his face. "I'm not falling for that anymore,"

"Then get out," He responded. "I'm calling the judge tomorrow and I'm taking them away from you,"

"Don't do that," I pleaded,

"Nah you don't wanna be with me, you want that nigga so go be with him - without them," He shrugged pushing me towards the door.

"So because I don't want to fuck you?" I shouted angrily,

"You're trespassing," Amir said to me. "I'm calling the police,"

"Trespassing?" I laughed. "I'll show you trespassing," I said walking away. I left the room and ran down the steps. Going into the pantry. I grabbed the bat I used to keep in there and started to smash everything up.

He had finally made me snap and now crazy Naala was back.

"These plates," I shouted opening the cupboards, "Mine!" I added smashing them all.

"Mom stop!" Maniya screamed as I smashed everything to pieces. All the pictures, all the statues and the kids trophies.

"This," I pointed at the glass sculpture, "Mine!" I screamed swinging the bat at it.

"Get away from me," I warned Amir as he stepped closer to me. "I will blow your fucking head off," I pointed the bat at him.

"Maniya stand back," I said as she came closer. My chest was heaving up and down and my head was banging. "Don't come any close!" I snapped at her.

"But mom," She started but Amir stopped her,

"You wanted this," I pointed the bat in his direction. "This is all you," I said smashing the book case.

As I continued smashing everything, it was like something took over and all I saw was red. The last thing I remember, was being pushed into a police car and being driven away.

~~

"He can't hurt me anymore," I said softly. My eyes were closed firmly as I tried to control my breathing. I was having an anxious day and now I was about to see Sinai and Malia, for the first time in months.

It's been two months since I turned up at the house and Amir told the judge that I broke our agreement. I wasn't able to seem them for two months because he couldn't stand that I was doing better as a person without him.

"He can't hurt you anymore," Hassan repeated over the phone. "Do you feel better baby?" His voice rang through the phone.

"No," I said honestly. "What if I say the wrong thing? Or I —"

"Naala what did I tell you?" Hassan said cutting me off,

"That I'm a better person now," I sighed leaning my head against the wheel.

"You're a better person. You're an amazing woman, an amazing mother and he can't hurt you any more," Hassan preached, "Tell Paul to drop you by me when you're done,"

"I'm driving today and why can't you come here?" I whined playing with my bracelet.

"You got your licence back and now you driving everywhere," Hassan laughed. "I'm working baby, I'ma see you in less than two hours,"

"I hate you bye," I said hanging up on him. Taking a deep breath, I got out of my car and closed the door. I walked up to the entrance of the restaurant and straight to the hostess.

"I'm meeting someone," I said not knowing what to call them. I looked around and spotted them, "Never mind, I see them," I said lifting my sunglasses of my face and walking towards them.

"Hey girls," I smiled kissing Malia's head. Normally she would say something about the kisses but she didn't. Sinai waved but didn't say much.

"Amir," I said bluntly sitting down. He was staring at me for whatever reason and it was making me nervous.

"Malia wants to go with mommy," Malia said laying her head on my arm.

"No you don't Phat, don't say that," Sinai said before getting on her phone.

"How's school been? And ballet?" I asked Sinai to spark conversation.

"I don't do ballet anymore." She responded without looking at me.

"Oh okay, what about piano and violin?" I questioned,

Sinai sighed and looked up but not at me, at Amir. "How long do we have to do this for?"

"An hour," Amir replied. I pursed my lips and clicked my nails together.

"We don't have to do this," I said softly. "If you don't want to see me we don't have to do it. You can stay with your dad and I will leave you guys alone,"

"Stop trying to make me out to be the bad guy," Amir said putting his hands on the table.

"How am I making you out to be the bad guy? You've turned them against me because of something I can't control," I replied. "You made me this way," I whispered trying to control my breathing.

"I didn't make you go and have sex with my best friend Naala," Amir laughed.

"Don't you think I've paid for that? The black eyes weren't enough?" I replied. If he wanted to continue making my kids hate me then I would make sure they know the kind of person he is.

"Don't start," He warned,

"No let them hear how you used to hurt me repeatedly. All you've ever done is hurt me Amir, when are you going to stop," I snapped. "Do you know what? I'm not doing this,"

"Malia's mommy stay," Phat said pulling on my hand.

"Malia I can't stay, but I promise I'll see you soon," I said hugging her.

"No you won't, Naala if you leave this table I won't let you see them again," Amir said leaning back,

"Why are you such an evil person?" I sniffed. "They're mine, I carried them, not you!"

"Stop making a scene Mom," Sinai groaned looking around the restaurant. That was it, I was done.

"Phat get up, let's go," I said taking her hand. "Sinai you can stay here with this monster,"

"Naala you can't just take her," Amir said standing to his feet also.

"Watch me," I replied walking off with Malia. I sped walked to my car and put her in, strapping her in Saint's seat.

"Malia stay with mommy?" Malia said excitedly.

"Yes Malia is staying with mommy," I smiled, putting the car in reverse and backing out of my spot quickly. I knew I was wrong but she was my daughter, I could have her when I want.

"Candy?" She asked tilting her head. I lifted my purse up and rummaged through it, pulling out a candy bar.

"Mommy always has candy," Malia giggled taking it from me.

I looked in my rear view to see if Amir was following me but I didn't see his truck, making me relax and drive a bit slower.

My phone started ringing through the car system, alerting me. "Not today," I mumbled declining my therapists' call. Straight after, Naleli started calling me.

"What the hell are you doing?" She shouted as soon as she picked up.

"Hey Naleli, how are you, hope you're okay," I said sarcastically.

"Take her back to him now," Naleli instructed. "He's already called the social worker who called your therapist who called me!"

"How did he do that so fast?" I said taking the exit towards my house.

"Naala don't ruin everything you've worked hard for. If you don't turn back, you lose all rights over those kids,"

"Naleli I have no rights!" I shouted back at her. "They're my babies, he doesn't let me do anything with them,"

"You'll never be allowed around them again. Is that what you want?" Naleli asked me,

"I want to be able to see my children Leli," I said tearing up,

"Then turn back Lala, I'll speak to him. Just please don't do anything silly," She said, her voice softer than normal. "I've texted Hassan, he's gonna meet you back at Dave's house,"

"I'm not taking her there," I said crying. "I want her to stay with me,"

"Do you want to be admitted again?" Naleli responded. "Because that's what's going to happen, then what happens to Saint?" I droned her out, focusing on the road.

Everyone always wanted to control me, I never have any freedom over my life but now I'm taking it. All the thoughts and voices in my head got louder as I sped down the streets.

"Naala please don't shut down again," Naleli begged. "Listen to me, bring her back."

"We're not coming back!" I answered angrily. "I'm picking up Saint and I'm taking them away,"

"This is pointless," I heard Naleli say, "Okay, we'll take them away Naala, tell me where you are,"

"You're gonna tell them," I sighed shaking my head. No one believed I was capable of being a mother but I was going to show them.

"No why would I do that? You're my Naala, my sister. I want you to be safe so tell me where you are,"

I bit my lip and gripped the steering wheel, "You promise you won't tell them,"

"I won't tell them," Naleli answered. I turned into Saint's school and pulled up in a space.

"I'm at Saint's school but —" I started and she cut me off,

"I'm on my way to you, stay right where you are Lala I mean it," Naleli warned before cutting the phone.

"Leli coming for Malia?" Malia asked leaning forward in her seat.

"Hopefully it's only Leli," I said turning back to look at Malia. "Did you miss me?"

"Malia missed you this much," She answered holding her hands out wide.

"You wanna stay with mommy forever?" I quizzed. "Me, you and Bubba?"

"Yes," Malia nodded rapidly. I looked back at the school and made my mind up.

"Okay, let's go and get him," I mumbled taking off my seatbelt. I got out of the car and lifted Malia up, putting her on my hip.

"What's going on baby?" Hassan said appearing from nowhere. "Ain't it too early to pick him up?"

"Naleli," I sighed stomping my foot. "Hassan you don't understand, he's not being fair,"

"Whatchu mean I don't understand?" He said standing in front of me. "I've been with you, I'm living through it too. So you was just gonna leave?"

I shook my head and put Malia down, holding her hand.

"You're having a bad day?" Hassan asked making me nod.

"A bad day," I repeated, my voice cracking. "What have I done?"

"Nothing yet," He said pulling me into a hug. "You're allowed to have bad days baby but you could have hurt yourself or Malia,"

"I wouldn't hurt her," I cried. "I just wanted her with me. Sinai doesn't want to be around me, Maniya doesn't speak to me. These are my children Hassan, and they hate me,"

"They don't hate you," He shushed me, "We need to take her back now or you're gonna get in more trouble,"

"She's not going back with him," I said quickly. "They're my babies,"

"Look at me," Hassan said lifting my chin up, "If you keep doing things like this, you will lose them forever. We were doing so good Naala, you were doing so good,"

"I know you're having one of those days so if we act fast, it will be like it never happened," Hassan continued. "I'll speak to him and we'll work something out,"

"Are you sure?" I sniffed wiping my face.

"Have I ever lied to you?" Hassan said wrapping his arms around me. "I've got you, I promise he's not gonna keep hurting you baby,"

And for once, in a long time, being in a man's arms didn't make me scared or nervous - it made me feel loved.

a/n - this chapter jumped around quite a bit but I'm trying to speed up the process to where I want the story to be 🤍

Questions about the chapter:

1. Do we think Hassan is good for Naala?2. Thoughts on the custody situation?3. What do y'all want me to write about?