56

Kyrin

Everyone was running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Including me. Today was Eissa's birthday. His eighth birthday at that. I hadn't seen Janet yet, for she was doing last minute tour things saying that she's starting her tour in a couple of days. I hadn't even made it home yet, for Eissa and I were doing his birthday shopping which was really only to distract him but he didn't know that.

He already had me holding 7 bags and three merely held shoes. The boy was growing up on me, and I didn't know how to handle it. I thought that we'd beat Janet home, but she'd texted me five minutes ago and told me that she was heading towards the house. Then I let her know that our son was running us behind.

Eissa shook his head at the shoes he'd tried on. "I don't like them."

"Well, leave them."

"But I have a outfit that'll work with them." He pointed out.

It was my turn to shake my head. "Boy, if it's going to only be for that outfit then you don't need them."

"You're right." He took the shoe off and handed it back to the man helping him. "Thank you sir but no thank you." Swiftly, he put his shoes back on and we headed out that shoe store and back to the outside of the outlet.

When he was about to continue, I stopped him. "We will come back later Eissa, your moms at home. She has your other gifts."

"Ou." He did a dance.

I squinted. "What type of dance is that?"

"The Whoa." My son hit the dance again and I chuckled.

"Alright then. You ready to go?" He nodded and took off running towards the car. I followed behind him smiling. When I opened the door something glistened in my eye sight. Eissa held my wife's wedding ring in his hand. "Where'd you get that Eissa?"

"It was by the sink on the ground. I found it today." He mumbled as he handed it to me. "I forgot I had it."

I clutched it and put it in my purse for later. Oh, Janet Jackson was about to receive a ear full.

Driving to the house, I saw that cars were outside. Familiar ass cars that I didn't want to see. Eissa squealed when he saw the cars but I edged a scowl onto my face. Getting out, I walked into the house and Eissa immediately ran upstairs to change into his birthday clothes.

My footsteps avoided the backyard and instead traveled up to my bedroom. I found my wife in our room turning it upside down. "Looking for something?"

She jumped before turning around facing me. She sighed before speaking softly. "Baby, I lost my ring. I didn't want to tell you because I thought I would find it and—."

I looked at her hands which were shaking for her nerves were bad and I could tell. "How long you been missing your wedding ring woman?"

Her eyes darted around before she began answering me. Oh, I was going to milk this. "A couple of days. I thought I took it off before I got in the shower but it's not in the bathroom. Then I thought maybe it fell by the bed but it's not there. I've turned this entire damn room upside down and I just can't find it—."

"Baby, it's okay." I replied.

She shook her head as tears shot to her eyes. "No it's not. We made promises to never take it off and I did and now I can't find it. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I feel horrible."

"Okay. No. Don't cry." I walked over to her and wiped her tears. "Our sons birthday party is in the backyard. Here." Digging into my purse, I pulled her ring out. "E found it on the floor in the kitchen. You probably dropped it when you were washing dishes."

Jan took a deep breath before more tears dropped. "Baby, you just don't know, I've been stressing the hell out about my damn ring."

I pulled her into a hug. "Aww baby, it's alright. I was supposed to be mad at you right now."

She pulled back just enough for me to see her face. "Why?"

"Did I see Phoebe and Embers car when I pulled up?" I asked skeptical.

My wife frowned. "Okay yeah you can be mad about that but baby it's been two months since our wedding and I think it's time that everyone stop acting like we aren't family. We are bonded together baby. It's time to get over it."

We pulled apart as I put Janet's ring back on her finger. It had been two months since everyone was together. Ember was mad at Phoebe and I about the fact that her mother was a murderer. She still deals with Joanna but Phoebe and I completely washed our hands of the woman.

With Phoebe and I, we just drifted apart over the months. She and Tiffany spent time together and ended up going on a trip. They seemed to be going strong according to the socials so that was good to see and know.

"Say something. Anything? I wanna know where your head is."

"I'll be fine baby, you're right. It's time to get over it." I replied before smiling. I'd come to learn her tendencies and one of which led me to the question of, "What's wrong? Other than the ring?"

She sighed before shaking her head. "We can talk about it later. It's just tour stuff. I leave in two weeks and stuff still isn't right. I'm just— I'm on a short fuse. I can feel my temper shortening. I'm going to snap on one of those workers sooner rather than later."

"Baby, it will all work out just fine alright? You will be fine. Everything will be in place. Don't over think it so much. I know how much of a perfectionist you are and I know that you hate when things go wrong but sometimes we can't help it. Plus, you're Janet Jackson. You'll get people cheering just by staring at them." My response made her smile at me. "Come on before our son gets impatient with our absences."

When I began pulling her, she spoke. "I love you baby."

"I love you more." I turned and she playfully rolled her eyes at me. "Whatever girl, you know I love you more."

"I'm going to let you have that since I lost my ring and I invited your family but if you say it tomorrow, we will discuss." She mumbled. "Please, put your best foot forward baby. Promise me."

"I promise love." I chuckled as I slid the patio doors open. Eyes shot to mines suddenly and I immediately broke the promise as I pointed to Langston. "What the hell, he's family? We just letting anybody in now?"

Janet sighed before warning me. "You literally just promised."

"Fine. Fine. Fine. I'll try to be good." I muttered as we walked to the table. We both sat as Eissa and his friends all ran around.

Ember sat by herself and it was her last month of pregnancy. When she was due? In two weeks. She still didn't know what she was having though. Tiff sat next to Ember and was followed up with Phoebe. Then Langston and Sarah unfortunately. Lastly came Janet and I. Sitting in this awkward ass, tension filled setting.

"So," Phoebe broke the silence. "How was the honey moon sis?"

"It was good." I replied as I sent her a small smile. "How've you been?"

P smiled back. "Good. Tiff and I just been chilling." Tiffany smiled before kissing Phoebes cheek. Well, glad to see that they're happy. It's about damn time.

"That's good." Janet replied for me.

It went back silent before footsteps ran up to Ember. "Mommy!" It was TJ.

She smiled at him. "Hey stinka butt."

The little boy spoke. "I'm going play with Eissa!" He took off shortly after saying it.

Juliette made her way over to Ember and they kissed. "Hey baby."

"Hey."

Janet and I shared a look. We both had come up to speed on how Juliette felt about Joey. The man was so hurt that he vented to Janet and I. The divorce was final a few days ago and Juliette had stuck to her word and not let him see TJ at all.

Plus, in a fit of rage, Joey had told Janet that Juliette didn't like her. Now I don't know how true that was, but Janet had sure began to not like her back.

"Hey guys." Juliette waved to everyone.

Everyone spoke back, including me, but Janet stayed silent. She had a problem with the woman because Joey was family to us. Hell I felt some type of way as well, but it was none of my business to get that deep into. I opened my arms when Janet looked at me again and she came and sat in my lap.

"Hey Kyrin, can we talk?" Langston asked suddenly.

"Later." I replied shortly.

Sarah and I made eye contact for the first time in a long time but no words were swapped. This shit was awkward and it didn't feel right but fuck it. For the third time, silence swept. All that was heard were the kids running around and screaming. Music was playing as well but nothing that I felt like humming or tuning into.

"Okay, fuck it. Let's talk this shit out." Phoebe spoke suddenly before looking between Ember and I. "Ember, what's up? It's obvious you have a problem with Kyrin and I."

"It's our damn mother." Ember shot at us.

"Coulda fooled me by how everything was handled." I muttered.

Ember rolled her eyes. "You kicked her out your damn wedding Kyrin!"

"Not true." I followed her prior actions and rolled my eyes. "The heffa got into the wedding ceremony, she just didn't get into that reception but I don't know why she thought it'd be okay to come anyways with how we left shit."

"She killed our damn father Ember, the man might have not been the best recently, but at one point we were his pride and joys. Including you. Don't forget who took you in and loved you unconditionally. You might not feel the same since it wasn't your biological father, I get it, but he was ours. And it hurts to know that your own damn mother killed him." Phoebe vented. "See you don't get that connection, you've always had Joanna. We didn't. She walked out on Ky and I early and we began depending on our father. So we feel totally different about everything and it is what it is at this point. Get over it."

Phoebe had a point and Ember knew that as well. She nodded suddenly. "I get it. I get it. Fine, I can't force the relationship to happen. I'm sorry."

"We're sorry too," I replied. "We shouldn't have kept you in the dark. You deserved to know as well as we did."

"I agree." Phoebe nodded in my direction before sighing. "So are we good? I feel like we just all came to terms. Sisters?"

"Sisters." Ember and I replied at the same time with smiles.

"Well, Sarah, your up. Fix it." Em pointed towards the two of us. "Go ahead and dead that issue Kyrin."

"There's no issue." I told them.

"It has to be an issue because we haven't communicated since the night of your reception." Sarah mumbled to me softly.

"Boy or girl?" I nodded towards her stomach changing the subject.

"Not sure yet. Doctors appointment is in two weeks." She replied to me before hesitating. "Wanna come?"

I shook my head as my heartbeat sped up. "Nah, it's not my moment to be in."

"I would like for you to be there." Sarah looked at me and I broke the eye contact.

"I probably can't get off. Maybe next time." I answered as I looked down at my hands and it caused the woman to sigh before everything went silent again.

Eissa came over suddenly. "What's up with you guys?"

Everyone looked over as my wife asked. "What do you mean buddy?"

"Everybody's quiet and it's weird. Start laughing and talking. It's really weird over here. I don't like it. It's my birthday. I'm eight! Can we act like it?" He got upset. "Cut my cake. Let's cut my cake. Everybody come on! Let's cut my cake!"

All the kids ran over to his cake as he pulled a chair over with him. He stood on it before talking to me. "Ma, can you light my candles?"

Janet got off of my lap as I grabbed a lighter from off our table. Walking over, I lit all of his candles, a few of which I noticed were trick candles. "There you go bud."

"Okay. Can you all sing?" Eissa asked us. "Make it good though. Don't sing if you aren't going to make it good. Sing like a family, please?"

We all looked at each other before gathering around on the other side of Eissa. I side eyed everyone before we all began singing the tune to him. We began harmonizing eventually and it worked. The way we could fake was outstanding.

He blew out the candles afterwards and soon rolled his eyes once he realized some would just never go out. We laughed at him as he got off the chair and spoke. "Very funny guys."

Janet picked the candles up and put them out with a cup of water. As I began cutting the cake for the kids, I saw someone else walk through the back gate. I inhaled sharply when I noticed it was Joey.

My movements sped up when I noticed he sat across from Juliette. The looks they were throwing were daggers, especially when TJ saw him. "Dad!" He ran over and they embraced tightly. "I missed you."

"I missed you more little man. Go get you some cake alright?"

He nodded. "Okay." TJ ran back to me as I served him a piece of cake.

After I served every child that wanted a piece, I went to sit back down but I saw Carmen enter. We both squealed as we hugged each other. We had grown closer since our falling out and I was happy that I had her back in my life.

I pulled back when my eyes landed on the person behind her. Joy stood there. "Carmen—."

"I know. This might be bad but we were heading out in a few. She was in the car and I... do you want me to tell her to go wait? It's fine. Honestly."

"Oh you better tell her to go wait." My wife's voice caused me to look back and the look on Janet's face was lethal. "Bitch, so you don't take heed of warnings right?"

My eyes widened. "Baby—."

Janet seemed to be fed up. "No, hold the hell up. See, I was semi okay with you even befriending this girl back," She pointed at Carmen as everyone came over to us. "because she did some sneaky shit and she meddled in our relationship and the shit caused friction. Now that is something I can fucking handle, but this bitch being on my property ain't happening." Her eyes shot to Joys. "You're lucky I didn't touch your ass the first time and you got balls showing up today. Next time, I'd advise your ass to sit any damn trip out in reference to Kyrin. If I see you breath my wife's way, I'm going to beat your ass until I get tired. Quit playing with me hoe."

Joy spoke as her face fell. "I'll just go."

"Yeah. Do that." Janet pointed towards the front of our property.

C hugged me. "Sorry sis, I didn't mean to."

"It's alright. I'll hit you up later." I replied as we let go and she walked away with Joy in tow. When I turned around, Janet was fuming. "Ba—."

"No. No. Hell no! Why did she even feel comfortable on our fucking property. She been here before?"

My face furrowed. "No. We don't talk. Only Carmen and I communicate. That's it."

"Kyrin Paige, if I find out anything different, it's going to be me and you." She pointed at me and I nodded quickly from her tone.

"Alright baby. I hear you. Just... just calm down."

She seemed to be about to before Juliette spoke. "Yeah Janet. It's okay. It's not that serious."

Damn it. Janet already don't like her ass. Now she had to go and make a comment? Out of all the damn folks in this yard?!

I tried to reach for my wife's hands but she turned around and faced Juliette. Oh shit. Here we go. Janet made a face. "I'm sorry, but who the fuck was even addressing your ass? Don't tell me what is and isn't fucking serious because we all know what yo ass ain't taking serious."

Everyone paused as my mouth dropped. Damn. She had just took it there.

Juliette chuckled and addressed me. "Kyrin... get your girl."

"She doesn't have to get shit. I can handle my own. I already don't like your ass, so what you got to say?" Janet asked as she tilted her head. "Don't let the status fool you, anything you coming with, I got it and ten times fucking harder. Anybody in this yard can vouch and say you ain't shit for keeping TJ away from Joey."

"Oh please, you're talking about what I'm not taking seriously like you are any fucking better. I might have lied about him being the father but let's not act like he isn't damn near Eissa's because your absent ass is never around."

The words hit my ears quickly and on instinct, I grabbed my wife just as she lunged for Juliette. Everyone began scrambling around frantically trying to get space between them because Juliette's ass had launched right back at her.

Janet threw one of the metal chairs in the backyard at the damn woman and it missed her by inches. "Bitch, imma knock yo head off your shoulders! You mad because he wasn't comfortable around you but it ain't my fault. He cheated because he didn't feel like you were ever his home and you weren't! Look how easy you took that mans son from him! Now you then spoke on my kid? You already don't like me and that's fine but I'm whooping your ass wherever now. Mark my words!"

Baby, you mentioned her son first! I wanted to say it but I didn't want a chair thrown at me right now so I prompted on getting my wife from outside.

I pulled Janet into our house. Janet's ass was strong when she was upset and if it wasn't for Langston and Phoebe at the patio doors blocking it, Jan would have got to Juliette and they would have fought.

I pulled her back and sat her in one of our dining room chairs. "Baby, calm down!" I sat on her lap and she was still focusing on getting up. "Janet Damita Jo! Calm your ass down!" My hands went to her chin as I made her look at me. "Calm down. Come on. Let's count down. When I get to 1, you need to breathe and be calm okay mamas?"

She provided no answer so I began counting. "10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2..." I watched her take a breath as I finished. "1." Her eyes met mines slowly. "You calm?"

Janet nodded softly. "I'm good."

"That wasn't my question, I asked are you calm?"

"I'm calm. I'm good. I'm okay. Just get that bitch out of here and I'll be amazing."

"Okay," I stood up. "Stay here and I'll get her out—."

"Oh no. No. No. No. This cannot be happening!" Yelling erupted from outside and we all moved quickly to the source of the shrieking. My eyes landed on my sister who was staring at the ground wide eyed. "M-my water broke."

We watched as Joey and Juliette rushed over to her and tried to calm her down. Joey spoke. "It's okay Ember, take some deep bre—."

"Fuck!" Ember yelled as she winced harshly. "This shit hurts! Uh uh. Hell no! Get this baby out of me!"

Eissa ran over and stomped his feet. "No! This is my birthday! Not my cousins! No fair! How come she have the baby now?! Wait Auntie Em! Wait. Keep the baby in!"

I had to refrain from laughing but Janet chuckled. Juliette spoke to Ember. "Come on baby, let's get you to the hospital."

They began walking Ember but a contraction hit that sent her almost leaning fully over. She began crying as she spoke. "Sissy's!"

Phoebe and I sprang into action and I talked calmly. "We gone get you to the hospital, alright? Joey, pick her up, bring her to the hospital. Hurry."

He did as I said and Phoebe yelled. "We will be right behind you Em, we promise!"

"I swear to..." Ember took a breath for it seemed like a sharp pain had hit. "If you two aren't there I'm going to kill y'all!"

They disappeared after a second and I turned back to face Janet. "Come on J, we gotta go."

She shook her head. "I have to stay. There's still kids here Ky. Go ahead without me. Plus, I wanna whoop her ass still. Just go ahead baby. It's better I stay."

"I'll stay with her." Tiffany added. "Help with these little demon seeds."

Phoebe and I nodded and Langston spoke. "I'll stay back as well. Go ahead Sarah."

Sarah stood and followed Phoebe and I out of the backyard and towards my car. Unlocking it, we got in and I pulled off. Hospital here I come, yet for Embers sake, I'd hold that baby in because I wouldn't want to feel Eissa's wrath.

—

Sorry this update so late. Life sucks at the moment so.... 🤷🏾‍♀️