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Omniscient

6 years ago...

"You have a visitor Mrs Brewster," A nurse said knocking on Naala's door. Naala looked up from a feeding Malia and nodded tiredly.

When she set her eyes on Dave, she turned away - wanting to evaporate.

"Baby," Dave said lowly. "Naala I'm sorry," He apologised moving closer to her hospital bed. She had just given birth to Malia the day before, and this was the first time Dave was coming back to the hospital.

"Where were you?" Naala questioned holding Malia's small hand.

"I went home, I needed to clear my head," Dave answered taking a seat beside her bedside.

"You needed to clear your head?" Naala chuckled to herself. "Amir I don't want you anywhere near me right now,"

"I'm trying to apologise," Dave defended.

"For what? For fucking someone else or for almost missing the birth of your daughter?" Naala spat. Malia stirred causing Naala to shush her.

"You've not even held her," Naala said looking at him. "Do you even know her name?"

"Don't do that," Dave said angrily. "I wanted to be here but -"

"But what Amir?" Naala sighed cutting him off. "I'm tired of the excuses. I'm tired of it," Naala lifted Malia up to wind her and yawned.

"Let me get her, why don't you rest?" Dave said standing up.

"Mmm," Naala hummed handing Malia to him carefully. She scrunched her face up in discomfort and started to get fussing due to being removed from her mother's arms.

"Hey mama," Dave whispered to her, holding her close. His heart warmed at the way she curled up to his chest. "She's got your eyes," He said to Naala, staring into Malia's.

"Does she?" Naala said with a bored expression. Naala was exhausted, her breasts were sore, her back hurt and every time she moved, her vagina stung.

"Yeah," Dave mumbled staring down at her. "You're so pretty like your mama," He said making Naala roll her eyes.

Instead of laying there and listen to his rubbish, Naala sat up and swung her legs out of the bed.

"Ooo," She groaned standing up to her feet holding onto the bed. "No one ever tells you how bad it is after birth," Naala said mostly to herself.

"When did they say you could come home?" Dave asked her using one hand to guide her to the bathroom.

"She still has a few tests," Naala answered through gritted teeth. The throbbing pain she was experiencing was almost crippling.

Dave let her do her business and then helped her back to bed. "You want me out of the house?"

"Do you think you deserve to be in our home?" Naala muttered softly. "You don't respect me, neither do you respect our house. So yes, I want you out the house,"

Dave shook his head, she was doing all this now but all it took was for him to blow a bag on her and she would forget all about his cheating.

His phone started ringing on the side and Naala looked over, seeing the call id.

"Pass me my daughter," Naala demanded sitting up in the bed. "I can't do this with you anymore Amir I really can't," she added. Naala didn't want to cry in front of him, she wasn't going to.

"Ion know why she's calling me," Dave rushed out quickly.

"So she just woke up and thought let me call him?" Naala said with attitude. "Why's Millie calling your phone Amir?"

"Ion know, I don't even know how she got my number," Dave lied, he knew exactly how she got his number and exactly why she was calling.

"Give me my baby," Naala snapped. "You're a fucking liar!" She wanted to stand up but she didn't have the energy.

The shouting unsettled Malia and she started to fuss, eventually crying softly - her entire face going red.

"Shh," Dave rocked her, ignoring Naala going crazy on him.

"You don't deserve me," Naala cried trying to get up. "You don't even care about me. All you care about is sex, give me my baby," She repeated.

"Naala chill the fuck out," Dave mumbled as she continued to hurl abuse at him.

"You're a low life, an alcoholic, who literally has nothing going for him. You get a kick out of hurting me, it makes you feel strong huh?" Naala carried on,

"I'm gonna kick the fuck out of you if you don't stop," Dave threatened placing Malia down because Naala was unpredictable.

"I hate you and I never want to see you again, get out," Naala screamed pointing at the door.

Before she could say anymore, Dave listened - he took his stuff and left her alone with Malia.

"I hate him so much," Naala cried to herself sitting back on the bed.

6 months after Malia was born...

"What's up baby mama?" Hassan said stepping into the house. He put down the shopping bags and shrugged his jacket off and took off his shoes at the door, something Naala always demanded of people entering her home.

"Hey," Naala laughed using one hand to hug him. The other was holding a 6 month old Malia, who clinging onto her mom's neck.

"Come here Phat girl," Hassan said holding his hands out for her. "Give your mama a break, come on," He said taking her successfully.

"Thanks for running to the store for me," Naala said picking up the bags. "You found everything alright?" She questioned walking into the kitchen to unload it all.

"Yeah it was aight," Hassan shrugged following behind her. "Where's he at?" He added, referring to his son.

"Upstairs getting into something," Naala responded. "I can't deal with his behaviour Hassan, not with Malia as well,"

It was clear that Naala was struggling, she was someone that normally had everything together, but from the looks of things she was not keeping it together.

Hassan took a chance to look around, the house was spotless as usual meaning she had spent the entire day cleaning, anxiously.

"I can take him for the day," Hassan suggested. Naala shook her head quickly.

"How do we explain that?" She said pulling the vegetables out of the bag. "I'm not in the mood for Amir's noise,"

"He still comes round here?" Hassan asked trying to keep his calm. He hated that they always had to find an excuse for him to spend time with his son.

"I can't stop him from seeing his kids San," Naala sighed stopping what she was doing.

"But look at how he treats you," Hassan responded. "Nothings changed since you had Saint, he's put you up in the house, away from the city so he can carry on doing his normal shit,"

"I wanted to move out," Naala replied quietly, she had never thought about it that way.

"And you chose to be on the outskirts of New York, how many times does he come and see y'all?" Hassan argued. "I'm getting real close to talking to him Naala, I can't have my son living in this toxic environment,"

"It's not toxic," Naala said thoughtfully,

"When was the last time y'all had sex?" Hassan said playing with Malia. "Cuz I know he comes here and that's what y'all get into,"

"He's my husband Hassan, of course I'm gonna have sex with him," Naala said in a matter of fact tone,

"When was the last time?" Hassan repeated,

"Last week," Naala sighed, "But it meant something," she tried to convince herself.

"It meant something to you Naala," Hassan replied back, "It didn't mean shit to him, I'ma always be honest with you because I care about you. You don't mean shit to him,"

"Okay Hassan," Naala answered trying to drone him out.

"I told you I will sign those papers with Mia, I told you I'm all for you but you'd rather stay with him," Hassan spilled.

"Can we not do this right now? You know why we can't be together," Naala said leaning against the counter.

Malia started to fuss, and turn her head towards Hassan's chest.

"I think she's hungry," Naala said holding her hands out for her. Naala didn't care to hide breastfeeding, and Hassan didn't mind either.

"I can't concentrate when you've got your titty out," Hassan teased, he walked closer to her. Putting his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer.

"Stop it," Naala smiled small, rubbing her hand through Malia's curls.

"It's your call baby," Hassan whispered into her ear kissing it lightly.

"I'm scared," Naala muttered looking down at Malia feeding. "I want you Hassan, I do but I'm not prepared to break up two marriages,"

"You can't break something that's already broken," Hassan said kissing her neck, sucking on it lightly. Naala tilted her neck, giving him more access.

"I don't like sharing you," Hassan added with his hands exploring her waist.

"Me neither," Naala mumbled, "This is wrong, Mia is my best friend."

Hassan ignored her, lifting her chin up to kiss her. At first Naala didn't kiss back but after a while, she started to reciprocate the kiss. They started tongue kissing, only stopping when Malia cooed.

"Back up," Naala said quietly, secretly loving that he did that.

"Ion know why you fronting, I'll fuck around and call him right now," Hassan tutted letting her go. Naala didn't respond, she simply lifted Malia off her nipple.

"So you really gon' stay with him?" Hassan chuckled dryly,

"Saint!" Naala called out, she was over this conversation and maybe if Saint came down, Hassan would focus on him.

Naala passed Malia back to him because she was reaching out for him.

Malia cooed happily in Hassan's arms, her entire fist in her mouth.

"She's teething?" Hassan asked trying to pull her hand from her mouth.

"Yep. That's why I get no sleep at night," Naala mumbled. Malia was the happiest baby when she was happy, when she was sad - all hell broke loose.

They heard thumping down the stairs and Saint was walking down holding the railings. When he saw Hassan, he started to walk faster, almost falling.

"Da," He pointed at Hassan, when Saint was younger they did try to make sure he knew Hassan was his dad. But as he grew it would have confused him, so they stopped.

"He looks bad as hell," Hassan laughed picking Saint up too. His pacifier was hanging up his mouth and his clothes were all messed up.

"He is bad as hell," Naala said snatching the pacifier from his mouth. "That's not even yours Nasir," She said putting it into the sterilising machine.

"How are you though? You good? Taking your meds and shit?" Hassan questioned rocking the both of them.

"I have to be good, I've got 4 kids to look after. Maniya can look after herself but she's still my baby," Naala answered thinking of what to make for dinner.

"What do you wanna eat?" She asked changing the subject,

"Shit I can think of a few things," Hassan smirked making Naala blush,

"You're married," She reminded him, "And so am I," She said looking down at the diamond ring, that burned a hole in her finger.

"Eat," Saint pointed to the chips on the counter. "Eat mama," He repeated getting annoyed that he didn't already have the chips in his hand.

"You can't have those," Naala said taking them away.

"Eatttttt," Saint screamed using his hands to grab Malia's face out of anger. Naala gasped and took Malia out of Hassan's arms and checking her face.

"What's wrong with you?" Hassan shouted setting him on his feet. "If your mama says no, you don't do that," He scolded angrily.

Saint started to throw a tantrum, screaming and crying and throwing himself all over the floor.

"Okay Papa, here, take them," Naala huffed reaching for the chips and waving them in his face.

"Just ignore him," Hassan said as Naala got ready to pick him up from the floor.

"But he's gonna hurt himself," Naala said fearfully. She didn't like the way he was banging his body against things.

"And then he'll get right back up again. You can't keep giving into him like that Naala, no means no," Hassan said taking the chips away from her. "He's never gonna learn that way,"

"Okay," Naala nodded, "Can you help me make him a bottle? That normally helps. I'm gonna go put her up for a nap."

"I got it, give her here and you go and have a nap, I got things down here," Hassan assured her.

"Are you sure?" Naala said handing Malia to him, she could do with a nap.

"Yeah man, go get some rest," He said kissing her cheek.

"Thank you Hassan, what would I do without you?" Naala smiled at him,

"Ain't nothing, you deserve better Naala, I'm waiting for you to let me show you," Hassan said firmly before turning back to deal with Saint and his tantrum.

Later that day ...

"What's all this?" Dave asked kicking the bags that were scattered around the bedroom.

"Your stuff," Naala said simply from her the bed. Hassan's words had stuck with her and she was finally over Dave's shit.

"Where am I going?" Dave laughed sitting at the edge of the bed.

"I don't know but you can't stay here anymore Amir, I can't do whatever this is for any longer," Naala responded playing with the comforter.

Dave nodded and looked at her, "Come here," He said taking his chains off.

"No, I'm fine right here," Naala shook her head. "Take your stuff and leave,"

"Who came here and filled your head up with shit?" Dave asked getting off the bed. "Which one of your dumb ass friends tried to remind you of your worth?"

"I'm not fighting with you," Naala said dismissing his rudeness.

"Come here," Dave said again rolling his sleeves up,

"I said I'm fine here," Naala snapped making Dave chuckle, he reached over and grabbed her by her leg pulling her closer.

"I've told you before, there ain't not breaking up," Dave said lowly rubbing her leg. As his hand got higher, Naala fought the urge to moan.

"You're mine, so get your ass back in the bed and shut up," Dave said softly before leaning down to kiss her lips.

"But I'm not," Naala argued. "I'm not an object you can obtain. You can't have me, stop saying things like that. If I was yours then you would stop fucking other bitches."

"None of them are like you, they don't match up to you," Dave whispered, his hand smoothly gracing over her slit. "You're everything I've ever wanted Love, why can't you see that?"

Naala moaned as he slipped a finger into her, she didn't want to enjoy it but that's how he made her feel.

That night, Naala believed they made love and all was well again until he cheated once more, sending her back to a psychiatric ward.

Present Day ...

Naala sniffed and wiped her eyes, using her mirror to make sure there were no signs of her tears. She touched up her lipgloss and slid her sunglasses onto her face.

She was having an emotional day and recently she had been having flashbacks of how life used to be, making her even more upset.

Naala hopped out of her truck and slammed the door, walking as fast as her bump would let her.

When she entered the building, she went through security like a breeze and didn't even sign her name. She went straight into the visitation room.

"I missed your gorgeous face," Hassan said as soon as he saw her. He stood to hug her tightly, taking the time to kiss her repeatedly.

"That's enough Kingston," A CO shouted from across the room. They pulled apart and Hassan pulled out the chair for Naala to sit before going back to his own seat.

"Even in prison, you're still a gentleman," Naala gushed taking in his features. His hair had grown and his beard was longer, no doubt he was still sex on legs.

"You gon' stop eye fucking me now?" Hassan chuckled leaning back in his seat.

"Boy shut up," Naala laughed. "I missed you," She said biting her lip.

"I'm coming home soon, I talked to my lawyer yesterday," Hassan informed her.

"When?" Naala questioned, "It's been two months," It seemed like a short time but for both of them it felt like years.

"I don't know baby," Hassan responded, "Hopefully before the baby." He said looking at her growing stomach.

"Saint misses you, he got expelled again. They're saying he can't go back to that school," Naala explained sadly.

"What he did this time?" Hassan asked rubbing his beard.

"He stabbed a teacher with a pen," Naala muttered, "I don't know what more I can do to stop this," Saint's behaviour was becoming very hard for Naala to manage on her own, especially when she was 7 months pregnant.

"What the fuck?" Hassan cursed shaking his head. "Why ain't bring him here?"

"Why would I bring him up here?" Naala answered quickly. Hassan looked at her and shook his head.

"I'm not about to spend the only time we get together arguing Naala." Hassan shut her down before she could even start.

"No because you wanna know why I didn't bring our son to a prison to see you," Naala snapped. "So when I have the baby, you want me to bring them up here too? Why don't we just live in here with you?"

"Okay I get it," Hassan said looking away from her.

"No you don't get it," Naala said back to him. "You don't get it. I'm doing this all on my own Hassan. Amir has been —"

"What's he been doing? Because I've been hearing y'all have been running around New York together again," Hassan said cutting her off.

"Are you serious right now?" Naala asked leaning forward. "Who even told you that?"

"You forget I have eyes and ears everywhere." Hassan smirked, "I don't know what you're doing but stop fucking playing with me Naala,"

"Ain't nobody playing with you, he's the father of my kids. I have every right to see him," Naala responded,

"So it's fuck me huh? First chance you get, you go running back to him," Hassan shook his head. "Let me find out, you're fucking him while you pregnant with my baby,"

"You think I would do that?" Naala squinted at him, feeling hurt by his choice of words. "I love you San,"

"I bet you do," He said standing up. He put his hands out for the CO to cuff him back up.

"Hassan sit back down please," Naala begged. "Please just sit down and let's talk. For our sons, please," Naala said making his face soften.

Hassan sat back down, "It's a boy?" He asked with a small smile.

"Mmhm." Naala nodded, "I found out yesterday, I told the doctor I wanted to wait for you but she slipped up," She said pulling the ultrasound out of her purse.

"That's my son?" Hassan asked looking at the picture in awe. "We're really having another boy," He added in disbelief.

"I'm sorry," Hassan peeped out, putting the photo down. "Being in here, it's messing with me and I keep hearing shit,"

Mia had been spilling all the tea, she didn't like that Hassan had moved on with Naala and was doing everything in her power to break them up.

"We went out for lunch, once. To discuss the custody agreement. I had my security and the kids were there," Naala spoke, "I wouldn't do that to you Hassan, I love you,"

"I know, I love you too aight? Stop crying," He wiped her face. "What's the first thing you wanna do when I'm home?" He asked changing the subject.

"I want you to make me tacos," Naala sniffed, food was her soft spot.

"I'ma make you all the tacos you want," Hassan laughed holding her hands. "Dess told me about the baby shower plans, you need anymore cash or anything?"

"I don't even wanna do it," Naala huffed. "How can I have a baby shower without you?"

"Because you've never had one and I want you to do it," Hassan said to her. "I'm gonna be back before you know it baby, I promise,"

Naala looked at him and sighed, it wasn't easy being away from him. She hated it and she hated having to explain to Saint every time, why he couldn't see him.

"5 minutes left," Someone shouted out,

"Stop with the flowers, it's getting too much," Naala said sternly,

"Just showing that I appreciate you," Hassan shrugged. "I wish I could show you in other ways but that's all I got right now,"

"I appreciate you too," Naala smiled at him, "Have they been treating you well in here?" Naala asked looking around,

"Yes boss lady," One of the COs who had been eavesdropping said.

"Good, how's your wife Larry?" Naala asked standing to her feet. "I hope she's enjoying the new house?"

"She loves it boss," Larry nodded making Naala smile,

"I'm glad. San, I've gotta go but I love you," She said hugging him. Hassan looked down at her and smirked, kissing her passionately.

"How you do this pregnancy shit so flawlessly?" Hassan mumbled with his arms firmly around her waist.

"It's in my genes," Naala joked patting his chest. "Call tonight, I think Saint needs it,"

"I got you," Hassan nodded, "Keep my bed warm, I'm coming baby," Was the last thing he said to her.

~~

"You like that?" Dave asked looking down at her,

"Oh I love it," Naala moaned throwing her head back onto the couch. "Right there," She added closing her eyes.

"I'm gonna stop if you keep moaning," Dave tutted putting her foot down.

"But it feels good," Naala replied putting her foot back into his lap. "I think you owe me," She added picking up her cup of ice.

"I didn't get you pregnant," Dave said quietly as he mugged her.

"But you have before," Naala answered with a mouth full of ice. "Take it as reparations," She smiled placing her hands on her stomach.

"Whatever," Dave said turning his attention back to her feet. Naala sighed in pleasure and closed her eyes again. "You not been sleeping have you?" Dave asked looking at her.

"How did you know?" Naala asked opening one eye,

"Because I offered you food but you'd rather stay at home," Dave commented. Naala yawned and closed her eyes again, tiredness washing over her.

"I miss him," Naala mumbled, "I can't go to sleep without him, it doesn't feel right,"

Dave nodded awkwardly, he didn't really know what to say.

"I'm sorry, I'm gonna go home now," Naala said sensing the awkwardness. They were at Dave's house because Naala just dropped the kids off.

"You didn't drive?" Dave asked rubbing her leg,

"No Paul dropped me off, he's still outside." Naala responded. Footsteps started coming down the steps making both of them look in that direction.

"Mama?" Maniya said softly, "I didn't know you were here," She was shocked to see her mom and dad laid up together.

"I was just leaving," Naala replied quietly. As she tried to get up, Dave got up quickly and helped her up. "Thanks," Naala said to him.

"Saint's asleep," Maniya informed her. Naala huffed and fixed her sweater,

"Can you carry him to the car?" She asked Dave who was holding her purse.

"I got you," Dave left them together and went to get Saint. Maniya stood awkwardly, wanting to interact with her mom.

"Mommy?" Maniya said tapping her,

"Mmm," Naala said looking up from her phone. She had been trying to get a hold of Naleli for a few days now but she hasn't heard anything.

"I want to apologise to you," Maniya started. "The way I've been treating you —"

"Do you know how it feels when the people you've sacrificed everything for, throw that back in your face?" Naala said cutting her off. "Everything I went through with your dad, I tried to protect y'all from. I never once let y'all see me bruised or hurt, I wiped my tears and I carried on being a mom,"

Maniya stayed quiet letting her mom vent,

"You may not know it, but I tried." Naala spoke with a pained expression. "And then instead of you to listen to me or to even care about my mental health, you sat there and called me a victim,"

"I'm sorry," Maniya croaked out, her eyes filling with tears. She never say it that way, ever.

"Sorry won't take away my pain Maniya. Sorry won't stop the nightmares I have about the trauma your dad put me through." Naala answered, moving closer to the front door.

"Mommy I'm really sorry, I-I didn't think about how all of it must have been affecting you. I just thought you left, which you did," Maniya sniffed rubbing her arm.

"I didn't have a choice!" Naala exclaimed. "I'm bipolar, borderline schizophrenic and you think I had a choice?"

Maniya opened her mouth to speak but no words came out, there was no response to what Naala had said.

"I'm working on forgiveness because I don't have any more space in my heart to hate people. That's why I'm trying with your dad and that's why I'm entertaining this conversation," Naala said putting her hand on where the baby was pressing against her stomach.

"Do you think maybe we can spend some more time together?" Maniya asked kindly. "I have another showcase, I would want you to come,"

"I'll think about it," Naala responded. "When is it?"

"Tomorrow," Maniya said feeling hopeful. "I would really love if you could come," She said again, hoping they would change Naala's mind.

"I said I'll think about it," Naala repeated. She didn't need any extra stress during this pregnancy and Maniya almost always equaled stress.

"He's getting heavy," Dave grunted as he made his way down the stairs with Saint,

"I know," Naala shifted. "Tell Nai, I'll see her soon and my Phat girl," Naala added, they were apparently staying with Sonia. Even though Naala had specifically said she didn't want them to go.

As soon as she dropped them off, Sonia flew in on her broomstick and took the girls.

"Bye mommy, I'm going to send you all the details for the shoot," Maniya called out as Naala walked out of the door.

"Bye," Naala waved and walked down the steps of his house carefully.

As soon as she was out, Paul jumped out of the car to open the door for her.

"Princess," He nodded as she slid into the car. Dave opened the other door and put Saint into the car next to Naala.

"Thank you," Naala said to Dave, "Thanks for the massage as well, I feel well rested,"

"Ain't nothing, text me when y'all make it home," Dave instructed from outside the car window.

"I will," Naala nodded with a small smile. They were in a good place for now, but she was glad that he was letting her see the girls.

~~

Dave looked around the studio, anxiously waiting for her. Maniya sported the same anxious look, desperate to see her mom's small stature come in.

"I don't think she's coming," Trinity said to Maniya while she tried to rock Mariah back to sleep.

"My mom doesn't lie," Maniya mumbled checking the time on the Rolex that sat on her wrist, courtesy of her dad.

"Niya you know your mama has other things going on," Dave said in Naala's defence,

"How would you know that?" Trinity asked turning her neck to face him.

"Cuz I was married to her," Dave answered smartly, "How you think we made our kids?" He questioned her.

"Here we go with the 'she was my wife' excuse," Trinity complained. Maniya droned them out, watching the door intently.

"Trin you're starting to sound like her," Dave snapped, "If I was fucking her you would know!" He exclaimed.

"If that's your baby I'll never forgive you," Trinity answered turning away from him.

"You do sound a bit insecure," Maniya spoke up. "She's with Ace now, why would she come back to my dad? No offence daddy,"

Dave ignored her, he was feeling a certain way after that statement. Like he wasn't good enough for Naala.

"She's here now so you can both shut up," Trinity mumbled cutting her eyes at Naala.

Naala breathed out and looked around the room. She was dressed in a casual Givenchy two piece sweatsuit. Her hair flowed down her back and her skin glowed in the fluorescent light of the studio.

It was like her peace was radiating off her and Dave couldn't help but to stare. Trinity saw him looking but what could she do, you lose them how you get them.

"Mama you made it," Maniya gushed as Naala got to where they were sat.

"I cleared my schedule for this," Naala answered taking a seat beside Maniya. "Hi," She waved at Trinty and Dave.

"What's up?" Dave said giving her a head nod. "Did you find a spot to park? I can go and park it by me," He offered,

"No I did it," Naala said quietly. She put her purse on her lap and took her phone out. She sent a text back to Naleli who had finally gotten back to her.

"It's starting," Maniya said tapping Naala's shoulder. Naala looked up and put her phone away.

"Those are mine," Maniya pointed out at the dresses being shown on the screen,

"There very nice," Naala complimented. They carried on watching the screen until Naala's face appeared on the screen. "Maniya why is my face up there?" Naala said her face flushed.

Maniya didn't respond and got up from her seat. She walked up to the stage and took a mic from someone.

"Our assignment was to design a line about our biggest inspiration - this is mine," Maniya started, "This woman is the most important person to me. She's always smiling, laughing or just straight up happy."

"She's not perfect, no one is but she's damn near perfect to me. She's worked her whole life, even with everything she's been through, she's still the same amazing woman,"

Naala listened with glassy eyes, everything Maniya was saying was touching her.

"My inspiration is my mom because she is truly the best woman I've ever met, I love you mom," Maniya finished,

"I love you too," Naala whispered blowing her a kiss from a seat.

"Hmm," Trinity scoffed, "Best woman my ass," She mumbled.

"Jealousy don't look good on you," Dave said nudging her.

"I'm not jealous of your baby mama," Trinity said with attitude, "Hold your daughter," She said practically flinging Mariah into his arms.

Maniya finished off her part of the showcase and came back down to the audience.

"Thank you," Naala said hugging her, "That was really sweet, reminded me of the girl I raised," She said kissing Maniya's cheek.

"I'm sorry mommy," Maniya said holding onto Naala tightly. She realised how much she took her mom for granted, if it wasn't for Naala, God knows where she would be.

"It's okay," Naala said softly, "We all make mistakes," She said to her.

"Y'all ready to go?" Dave asked slipping his phone into his pocket.

"I can't come to the dinner, I have to get Saint," Naala announced hiking her purse up her shoulder.

"Aw okay," Maniya responded, "I'll see you later?" She asked hopefully.

"Yeah of course," Naala nodded. They hugged once more before Dave walked her out to her car.

"You okay?" Dave asked as Naala as they made it to her car.

"Mmm what Maniya did has really made me think about stuff," Naala said leaning against her new car. "About us,"

"Good or bad stuff?" Dave said putting his hands on either side of her.

"Both," Naala admitted, "We had some good times, not everything was bad,"

Dave nodded, "I never wanted you to have bad times with me, that was never my intention," He said, his voice getting lower.

"You hurt me so bad," Naala said looking away from him,

"And I'm sorry," Dave said turning her face to look back at him. "I know I can't make up for everything I did to you Naala, but I'm sorry,"

"You hurt me so bad Amir, and you're still doing it," Naala sniffed looking up at him.

"I'm trynna make it right Love, for you," He said lifting her chin up.

"Stop," Naala said softly putting her hand on top of his.

"Let me make it up to you," Dave said dipping his neck. Naala stood up straight and moved his hand from her neck.

Dave held her hands and leaned down, kissing her lips. Naala didn't have a chance to react before she heard someone clear their throat.

"Daddy Trinity is still waiting for the stroller," Maniya said making Dave step back from Naala. Maniya looked past him and at her mom, shaking her head.

She knew her mom couldn't be a good person for one day, she just had to ruin another relationship.

"Shit I'm coming," Dave mumbled wiping his lips. Naala huffed and pushed him off her, getting into her car.

She put her car in drive and sped off, hitting the steering wheel repeatedly - she fucked up.

~~

4 weeks later - 8 months pregnant

"Frankie you been grilling that meat for a minute now," Patty hollered across the yard. "Lala baby, you want some more of these greens?"

Patty was having a cookout to celebrate absolutely nothing, Hassan's family found a reason to grill almost every weekend.

"No thank you," Naala said politely, she was full from all the plates she had.

"How you getting on?" Patty asked taking a seat beside her. "I know how hard it is having your man locked up,"

"It is hard but what can I do?" Naala shrugged putting her ice down.

"You know we're family and you're always welcome here if you feel lonely or you just need someone to talk to," Patty said putting her hand on Naala's thigh.

"I don't know why I'm crying," Naala sniffed with a chuckle. "I would blame the baby but I'm always crying,"

"You're in touch with your feelings, it's not a bad thing," Patty said softly, "He didn't do it on purpose, I know it's hurting him too that he can't be here with y'all,"

"I just want him home you know? It gets lonely and I have too much time to think," Naala confessed,

"It won't be for long," Patty reassured her. "I know so darling,"

Naala nodded and wiped her face, looking around the yard for Saint. He was running around having a blast, without a care in world.

"Ooooo hey pretty girl," Solai said walking over with a glass in her hand. Dess wasn't far behind,

"I knew I'd find my sister wife by the food," Dess joked taking a seat beside her.

"Hey guys," Naala said giving them both a hug,

"I'll leave you young ones to keep her company," Patty said getting up and putting her hand on Naala's shoulder.

"I'll speak to you later darling," Patty said to her,

"Okay, thank you," Naala smiled watching her walk off.

"How've your been Lai?" Naala asked her, her cup of ice almost finished.

"Working my ass off," Solai responded tiredly, "I told you y'all need to come by the studio and let me take some shots,"

Naala shook her head quickly. "That's all Dessy, I hate pictures,"

"Says the most photogenic person at this table," Desiree waved Naala off. "Bitch you look good from every angle,"

"Right!" Solai agreed. "I'm not even about to upset myself and take your picture,"

"Look," Dess said pulling out her phone to show a picture she took of Naala,

"Before Hassan made me a fat whale," Naala pouted analysing the photo.

"That's it, you're coming in for a shoot," Solai said firmly. She owned a photography studio and taking pictures were truly her passion.

"I don't know," Naala pondered, "I get real shy when it comes to stuff like that,"

"Girl bye, you are beautiful there is no reason for you to be shy," Dess encouraged. "I'ma take some shots while I'm there too,"

"It will be fine LaLa, you don't even have to do anything with them, just a bit of fun," Solai added making Naala break out into a small smile.

"I need a bit of fun," She finally agreed crunching on some more ice. "I also need a bit more ice," Naala spoke standing up to go into the kitchen.

Realising the time, Naala connected to the Jpay call and waited for Hassan to join. [y'all I have no idea how Jpay works so bare with me 😩]

She waved Saint over and brushed his hair back. "Take a sip of some of this, look at how heavy you're breathing," Naala said handing him a bottle of water.

"Daddy!" Saint exclaimed when Hassan's face appeared on the screen.

"You getting big boy, what your mama been feeding you?" Hassan laughed.

"Food," Saint replied holding the phone. "Whatchu doing dad? I'm at Tete's house and we playing basketball,"

"Saint," Naala muttered softly, she has warned him about asking what Hassan was doing,

"I ain't doing shit, where your mama at?" Hassan questioned.

"She's here eating some ice," Saint said showing Naala to Hassan,

"Hey bae," Naala called out, "I'm gonna leave y'all to talk while I go to the bathroom," She said, the baby was basically sitting on her bladder today.

"Daddy when you coming home? I miss you," Saint frowned playing with his curls. "Mama be making me sleep in the bed with her, I hate it,"

"For real?" Hassan chuckled, "Why you don't like it? She be snoring?"

"So loud," Saint groaned. "And then she talks and cries in her sleep, it's so weird,"

"That means she's having a bad dream Nas, remember what I told you bout that?" Hassan said seriously,

"Mmhm," Saint nodded. "I hold her tight and tell her I love her," Saint recited what Hassan taught him.

"You've been doing that?" Hassan replied,

"Sometimes she starts crying more when I touch her daddy, and she starts screaming other daddy's name. It's scary," Saint confessed. Hassan shook his head, Naala was having her nightmares again and she didn't tell him.

"I'll deal with it, what's this I hear that you've been acting up at school?" Hassan said changing the subject.

"I hate it there, they be making fun of Phat and I don't like that," Saint said to his dad, this was something he had never expressed to Naala.

"That don't mean you can go around stabbing people Nasir, you wanna end up where I am?" Hassan said leaning forward,

"If that means I can stay with you, yeah," Saint nodded,

"Nah this isn't a place for you, this is for bad people. You ain't a bad person son," Hassan preached. "You don't need to be here, you need to be home with your mama, making sure she's good,"

"Stop filling his head up with stuff like that," Naala said re entering the kitchen. "He needs to be at school, getting an education,"

"No I don't, Daddy didn't finish school, he told me that," Saint frowned crossing his arms when Naala took the phone back.

"I didn't finish high school Saint, I finished elementary. You need that," Hassan spoke up.

"We're not having this conversation Nasir, if you can't listen to me," Naala said sitting down at the counter.

"Why you rubbing your stomach like that?" Hassan asked sensing Naala's discomfort.

"I've got a stitch," Naala responded closing her eyes. "It'll pass soon," She added breathing in and out.

"Saint go get Tete Dess," Hassan instructed, he knew Desiree would always be wherever Naala was.

Saint scurried off to do what his dad said, "It's not that serious," Naala said to him.

"Let someone else be the judge of that," Hassan replied with a worried look. He was fretting, he felt like he was about to miss the birth of his second son.

"Okay maybe this isn't a stitch," Naala groaned leaning forward and holding onto the counter.

"You okay honey bun?" Dess asked entering the kitchen,

"Nah Desiree get her to a hospital, I think she's in labor," Hassan said loud enough for Dess to hear.

"I can't be," Naala shook her head, "It's not meant to happen like this,"

"Fuck man," Hassan said hanging up the call, hearing her in pain was not what he wanted. He got up and walked to one of the COs.

"You gotta let me out," He said cutting straight to the chase. "Larry I can't let her have that baby without me,"

"Kingston I don't think I can do anything," Larry said sympathetically,

"Speak to the warden!" Hassan snapped. "Let me get one night, you can even come with me,"

It had happened plenty of times before, an inmate with good behaviour has been let out for the day, accompanied by a CO.

"I don't know," Larry said holding onto his belt. "I can try but I doubt it man, you here on drug charges. They aren't gonna let me do that,"

"Try," Hassan begged, he couldn't miss this - Naala would never forgive him.

~~

"Okay, you're not in labor," The gynaecologist reassured Naala, taking off her gloves.

Naala breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed a little bit on hearing the news. Dess rubbed her hand and also relaxed slightly.

"It looks like Braxton hicks, sometimes they may feel a bit more intense than ones you've experienced before," The doctor went on to explain.

"It felt so real though," Naala answered with her hands wrapped around her stomach.

"That can happen especially with how far along you are but I can assure you, there will be no baby born tonight," The doctor smiled,

"I came as soon as I heard," Naleli rushed into the room, and straight to Naala's side not before giving Dess a filthy look.

"Be nice," Naala warned catching the look.

"I didn't say anything," Naleli rolled her eyes. "Is she okay?" Naleli said directing her question to the doctor.

The doctor stared silently, until Naleli cleared her throat.

"I'm sorry but you're identical," She said looking between Naala and Naleli.

"We get that a lot, now is she okay?" Naleli asked in an irritable tone. She had rushed here and now it seemed her sister was fine.

"Uh yes, perfect even. Braxton Hicks," The doctor confirmed for them. She updated them more before leaving the twins and Desiree alone.

"Why is she here?" Naleli asked pointing at Dess,

"Because I'm her friend," Dess defended quickly. "I wasn't going to leave her,"

"My sister doesn't have any friends," Naleli replied with a raised brow. "So excuse me if I'm confused,"

"Leli," Naala muttered feeling awkward,

"Well then I guess I'm her only friend. Who made you her keeper?" Desiree answered rudely. Naleli chuckled,

"She's my sister not yours," Naleli said protectively,

"I would hope my sister wife wouldn't be my actual sister," Dess replied as quickly as Naleli. They started going back forth,

"Desiree." Naala whispered, her eyes watering and her throat becoming tight.

Of course they ignored her until she burst into tears. She  was crying full blown tears and both Desiree and Naleli had stopped to stare at her.

"Stop being mean to each other," Naala sobbed loudly,

"Okay stop crying," Naleli said fidgeting awkwardly, she hated crying.

"Yeah Lala, we'll stop," Dess interjected. Naala sniffed and carried on crying.

"What do you want?" Naleli asked her, "You're hungry? I can get you something,"

"I don't want anything to eat," Naala cried, Naleli huffed because normally food worked.

"I can get you anything you want," Naleli said over her loud cries,

"I want Hassan," Naala said through her tears. "I don't want you two here arguing and stressing me out, I want him,"

"Of course you would ask for the one thing I can't do," Naleli mumbled. Dess' phone started to ring so she stepped out of the room.

"I just want Hassan Leli," Naala repeated. Dess re entered the room and she really didn't want to be the one the break the news.

"He's not here Naala," Naleli sighed.

"Actually he is," Dess mumbled, "There was an accident at the prison,"'

"Oh my God," Naleli complained when Naala's wails got louder. "Why would you just blurt that out? Are you dumb?"

"She was gonna find out anyway," Dess shrugged, "And don't call me dumb,"

They started to argue again and Naala had enough. She shuffled her way out of the bed and started waddling towards the door.

"Where you going?" Dess asked with a chuckle, her waddle was funny.

"To check on him, y'all can stay here and argue all night for all I care," Naala sniffed tugging at the door.

"You don't wanna put some clothes on first?" Naleli asked in a humorous tone. Naala's whole backside was exposed due to her wearing the hospital gown.

"It's nothing he hasn't seen before," Dess laughed along with Naleli.

"So y'all can come together to laugh at me?" Naala mumbled slipping on the robe they gave her.

"She's actually quite funny," Naleli said blankly with a shoulder shrug.

"You're not too bad yourself, twin," Dess said crossing her arms.

~~

"Ouch," Hassan hissed as Naala prodded at his swollen lip,

"Who did this to you? I told Larry to look out for you," Naala said trailing his cuts and bruises with her finger.

"Larry couldn't have done anything," Hassan said moving her hand from his face.

"That's what I pay him for," Naala replied, "I'm gonna kill him," She said lowly with a pout, she hated seeing her baby all battered and bruised.

"It was my idea," Hassan said intertwining their fingers. "I wasn't about to miss the birth of my son,"

Naala gasped and hit him in his good shoulder, making Hassan groan out of pain.

"That's the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me," Naala frowned,

"So why'd you hit me, with those heavy ass hands," Hassan mugged her

"It's also the most stupidest thing you've ever done. What if you got seriously hurt?" Naala said angrily, he had a broken leg and a fractured arm but he was out.

"I didn't," Hassan responded, "Stop acting like you're not happy to see me,"

Naala broke out into a smile and leaned down, kissing his lips passionately. Hassan used his one good hand to hold the back of her head, keeping her in place.

"I'm very happy," Naala mumbled against his lips. Hassan shuffled to the side and helped her up into the bed.

"So you not in any pain or nothing?" Hassan said rubbing her belly.

"No, it was a false alarm," Naala replied cuddling up to his chest. "Why didn't they handcuff you to the bed?"

"Because I'm a free man baby," Hassan smirked,

"Stop playing," Naala said lifting her head up,

"I ain't gotta go back to the prison but I'm still on house arrest," Hassan confirmed. Naala squealed kissing his face multiple times.

"I have you back?" She asked him, "Did you fuck the warden?" She asked with the most serious face.

"Mmcht get off me," Hassan replied, his smile dropping. "You know damn well he's a man," He added dodging her kisses.

"Okay so what did you do?" Naala laughed,

"That ain't important, just know I'm here, so you can come out not little man," Hassan said loudly next to her stomach.

"Stop that, not yet," Naala said swatting his hands away.

"I love you, you know that?" Hassan said lowly staring down at her.

"Yeah," Naala replied returning his stare, "I love you too,"

"That means you're gonna be hundred percent honest with me?" Hassan said playing with her ring finger.

"Always," Naala replied not breaking their eye contact.

Naala wanted to say right there and then about the kiss with Dave but he was her past and Hassan was her future, she wasn't letting Dave ruin her life anymore.

a/n - I missed y'all x