22

Omniscient

7 years ago...

Naala detached a sleeping Saint from her nipple and put him on her shoulder to proceed winding him. Her eyes were slowly closing out of tiredness.

She checked the time at it was 3:04am and Dave was still nowhere to be found. It wasn't unusual for him to be gone at this time but Naala was reaching her breaking point.

It was Saint's first week home from the hospital and Naala had been struggling, he was extremely fussy and Naala wasn't used to that.

On cue, Saint burst into tears making Naala's eyes shoot open.

"Mommy's trying," Naala whispered to him as she rocked him slowly, which didn't help. His tears increased which only worried and startled her more.

"I don't know what you want Saint," Naala said emotionally. "I've fed you and I've changed you, what is it?" Her own eyes filled up with tears because she was fed up.

Naala felt alone in being a parent and Dave didn't help that. He was never around and ended up leaving her with two young children.

On the other side of town, Hassan's phone vibrated relentlessly.

"Hassan your phone," Mia complained pushing him. She too was tired, Amari had just gone to sleep and she didn't want to wake her.

He got up and say the caller id, choosing to take the call outside of the room.

"Naala?" He spoke quietly but was met with loud crying and Naala sniffing.

"I didn't know who to call but I can't do this," Naala cried on the phone. "He won't stop,"

"Okay you want me to come down there?" Hassan said clearing his throat. "Try rocking him or doing that thing he likes with his legs,"

"It's not working Hassan," Naala sighed through her tears.

"Alright I'm coming," He said before hanging up. Hassan went back into their room and started to get dressed. Mia rolled over and opened her eyes.

"Where are you going?" She asked watching him get ready.

"I gotta go handle something quickly," Hassan responded putting on some socks and then his slides.

"What's wrong with Mocha now?" Mia complained. "I swear Dess makes this shit up,"

"Go to sleep I'm coming," Hassan said in a irritated tone. This is all they ever did, argue. Mainly because Mia always found a way to fight with him.

Hassan didn't even wait for her to respond, he left the room and left the house, in a hurry to get to Naala. A drive that would normally take him 30 minutes, took him 12.

Naala had already unlocked the door for him so he walked right into the house. He could still hear Saint's screams from down the steps and down the hall.

Following the cries, he found them both in the nursery. Naala was rocking him with tears running down her own face but his cries weren't letting up.

"I got him, sit down," Hassan said lightly taking Saint from her. "What's up little man?" He said to Saint, gently rocking him.

"I'm sorry," Naala sniffed, "I know Mia just had the baby but I didn't know who else to call,"

"Why you apologising?" Hassan said looking at her. "He's my son too, you shouldn't be doing this on your own,"

"I'm not on my own," Naala defended, shocked that Saint's cried stopped all together.

"Then where is he? Naala I said I will step up and own my shit, we made this baby together. We can face the consequences," Hassan preached. He never wanted to keep Saint a secret, that was his son and he was proud.

"That would break his heart Hassan, I can't do that," Naala cried wiping her face.

"So you'd rather live like this? He's out fucking on other women while you're here," Hassan said passively. Naala put her head in her hands and didn't respond.

"Look Naala I didn't mean to upset you but I want to be a part of my sons life, don't stop me from being here," He added laying a now sleeping Saint back down in his cot.

Naala sat and thought about it and maybe if she wasn't blinded by the love she had for Dave, she would have agreed with Hassan.

But Naala was blind, she couldn't imagine hurting the one she loved even though that's all he ever did to her.

Present Time ...

"Naala Love?" The lady on reception called out. Hassan and Naala stood to their feet and followed the woman to the room.

"The doctor will be with you in a moment," She smiled directing Naala to the bed to sit. She left them in the room on their own and Hassan brought out his notepad.

"Why have you got that?" Naala laughed sitting back on the bed.

"I don't wanna miss anything," He said opening his pen up. "What if they tell us something that we'll forget?"

"This isn't our first baby," Naala replied rolling her top up.

"I know but I want to make sure you're comfortable all the way through," He answered. Hassan wanted Naala to have a stress free pregnancy, especially because of how hard they tried.

"That's cute," Naala pouted. "Tell me what you have written down already," She said pulling him closer to her.

"No spicy foods, no raw meat or fish," Hassan started to read off the list. "So no sushi Lala," He said making her frown.

"That's bullshit," She mumbled with a mug. "Ima eat what I like, I don't even eat raw sushi,"

"I ain't even gonna play with you," Hassan said taking his pen out. The doctor walked in with a big smile,

"Hello gorgeous girl," Doctor Reece smiled at Naala, "Ready to see your baby for the first time dad?" She said to Hassan.

"Yeah," He nodded. "I had some questions too," He mentioned flipping a new page on his notepad.

"Oh lord," Naala sighed closing her eyes.

"Ask away," The doctor laughed at Naala's reaction.

"At night, she complains about gas, is that normal?" Hassan said reading his first question.

"That's very common amongst pregnant women," The doctor reassured him. Hassan nodded and scribbled something down.

"She eats too many damn pickles and now she be mixing it with jam or peanut butter, that normal?" He asked seriously.

"Alright Hassan," Naala laughed. "That's enough questions,"

"I just wanna know," Hassan shrugged sitting back down.

"You can ask me as many questions as you like but first let's check on the baby first," Doctor Reece replied bringing out the sonography machine. "Anything that I should know about? Any worries?"

"Tell about how much you shit after meals, and that you been getting them nosebleeds," Hassan nudged Naala. The doctor looked at them in awe, especially Hassan. He was very attentive to her, she didn't see that often.

"Oh yeah, sometimes I have bad diarrhoea and if I'm really hot I get nosebleeds," Naala explained putting her hands on her stomach.

"Again, that's normal. The nosebleeds not so much, I want you to monitor that, if it gets worse I'll prescribe something."

"Okay," Naala nodded. The doctor squeezed the gel on her stomach and started to locate the baby.

"There we go," Doctor Reece said almost immediately. "And they've got a very strong heartbeat,"

Hassan found himself falling in love with Naala all over again as they sat there listening to their babies heart beat. He didn't realise he was holding Naala's hand until he looked back down at her.

"This baby number 4 right?" The doctor asked Naala,

"Yeah, both of our fourth but our second together," Naala explained to her.

"Y'all trying to make a football team?" Doctor Reece laughed.

"He is," Naala giggled. Hassan smiled and sat toward.

"So everything is good doc?" He asked nervously.

"I'm very happy about how everything is looking." The doctor spoke. "Your blood pressure is perfect, you must be doing something very well," The doctor said directly to Hassan.

"He doesn't let me do anything," Naala rolled her eyes. "I need to get pregnant more often,"

"You do," Hassan mumbled kissing her cheek making Naala blush.

"You're officially in the clear now Naala, we've passed the 3 month mark and you're almost 5 months. But, because of your previous losses I want to you be careful," The doctor explained to Naala and Hassan.

"Is there a chance of her losing this baby?" Hassan asked, his grip on Naala's hand tightening.

"Everything seems good but things happen," The doctor said lightly, sensitive to the fact that Naala had already suffered pregnancy loss.

"Is there anything I can do?" Hassan questioned. If there was something he could do, he would do it in a heartbeat.

Naala sat quietly, her anxiety eating her alive.

"Keep mom happy and stress free, like you've been doing," Doctor Reece smiled, "Would you like some pictures of your baby?"

"Yeah, now for the questions," Hassan sat up and started reading out all his questions whilst Naala didn't say a word.

When they got back into the car and pulled out of the doctor office, Hassan put his hand on Naala's thigh,

"You want something to eat?" He asked rubbing her thigh,

"I'm not hungry," Naala replied looking out of the window. Hassan nodded and kept his hand on her thigh, with his other hand on the wheel.

"You're upset about what the doctor said?" Hassan questioned, he could read her like a book.

"Are you?" Naala muttered softly, "I'm trying to think positively and not get upset about it but I'm scared San,"

"Nothings gonna happen to this baby Naala, you deserve to be happy and this baby is our happiness," Hassan replied. "I ain't scared because I know God got us,"

"I don't deserve you," Naala frowned looking at him, Hassan smirked and pulled up at a red light.

"You deserve more than me baby," He answered leaning over.

"Mmm," Naala kissed his lips, "I love you," She said softly pecking his lips again.

"I love you more," Hassan replied licking her cheek. Sometimes he surprised himself with how open he was with Naala, he was never like this with Mia. "You wanna go shopping?"

"You know me so well," Naala smiled sitting back in her seat properly.

~~

"Bae which one?" Naala muttered holding up two dresses for Hassan to look at. They had currently been shopping for a dress for Naala for 2 hours. "Hassan," Naala spoke again.

"You know what I'm gonna say," He smirked slipping his phone into his pocket. He was starting to regret bringing this idea up.

"You'll look good with anything on," Naala mocked putting the dresses back up.

"I don't know why you're so stressed, it's a 13 year olds birthday party. Ion think anybody is gonna be checking for you," Hassan replied honestly. Naala was stressed out about Sinai's birthday and he couldn't understand why.

"You're right," She answered biting her lip, "So which one?"

"That one," Hassan pointed at the least revealing one on purpose.

"Mmm, maybe not this one," Naala said taking the other one of the rack.

Hassan analysed her, taking in all her features. Since she told him about the baby, her stomach had grown. Not drastically but if you looked closely you would know she's pregnant.

"Where next baby?" Hassan stretched standing from his seat. He always came shopping with Naala, to tell the truth, he was a bit obsessed with her.

"Oooo look what came in the mail today!" Naala squealed digging through her purse for the envelope.

"Whatchu bought now?" Hassan groaned taking the envelope from her.

"Open it," Naala giggled leaning on his arm. He leaned down and pecked her lips repeatedly before turning his attention to the envelope.

"Saint Nasir Khalil- Kingston," Hassan read out proudly. Naala knew it hurt Hassan that Saint didn't have his last name, it hurt her too. So Naala changed Saint's last name, she felt it was the right thing to do.

"The Khalil is for your dad, I know you wanted to name your son after him," Naala said softly, intertwining their fingers.

"I didn't think you remembered," Hassan said looking down at the paper. "That's what's up, I appreciate you ," He added squeezing her hand.

"Now it's all about making you Mrs Kingston," Hassan said pulling her closer to him. If she got any closer, she would literally be in his skin.

"Boy," Naala blushed looking away from him. They walked up to the cash desk and waited to be served.

"How much is all this anyway?" Hassan said pulling money out of his pocket.

"3789 dollars sir." The cashier spoke happily. Naala looked up at Hassan and smiled widely when he pulled out his black card instead.

"Thank you babe," Naala cheesed taking the bags and letting him carry some.

"Give em to me, you'on need to be carrying shit," Hassan grumbled taking the bags from her.

"Damn," Hassan heard someone mumble, he warned Naala about her choice of outfit today but she didn't listen. The dress she wore hugged all her curved and stopped just above her knees.

Pregnant or not, she looked good and it didn't take long for her to gain male attention, even with Hassan stood beside her.

"Walk in front of me," He said moving her across because she seemed to be oblivious to what was happening.

"Okay, heels next," Naala said looking around the mall. She loved how much Hassan paid attention to her, she knew he hated being out in the mall but he would do that for her.

"Naala?" Someone called out from behind them. Hassan smacked his teeth and hoped it wasn't somebody that was gonna irritate her.

"Chanel," Naala muttered turning around. "Hey what are you doing here? I thought you were in London,"

Chanel looked between Naala and Hassan, shocked to see them all hugged up. What threw her off more was the baby bump Naala was sporting.

"I came back for Nai's birthday," Chanel said turning to Hassan. "Hey Ace, haven't seen you in a minute,"

"I've been chilling," Hassan shrugged, throwing his arm over Naala's shoulder.

"How's Saint? I've seen the girls but you know," Chanel trailed off. Naala squinted at her and sighed. She could sense the pettiness and she wasn't in the mood for it.

"He's fine, we've got to go and pick him up now," Naala said standing up straight. "I'll see you Saturday?"

"Oh you're invited?" Chanel questioned tilting her head to the side.

"Why wouldn't I be invited to my daughter's 13th birthday?" Naala responded with a sigh. "Let's go," Naala turned to Hassan and tugged him away.

They walked away and Hassan looked down at her, "You handled that well, I'm proud of you,"

"Everyone is always trying to get me out of my character I'm sick of it. I'm not gonna play into his dumb ass games anymore," Naala replied heading in the direction of the Chanel store.

"Good," Hassan praised, "That ain't worth it," Naala nodded in agreement and walked into the store, looking for a pair of heels to go with her dress.

"Ain't never met a 13 year old that picks a ballroom theme for a party," Naala spoke to herself looking through the heels.

"She's just like you, extra as hell," Hassan laughed taking a seat on one of the chairs.

"Welcome to Chanel, would you like some assistance?" The worker said coming up to them almost immediately. They could see Naala was ready to spend a bag, especially with the way she was dressed, dripping in money.

"Yes actually, I saw a few pairs online. Bae hold this please?" She said putting her purse on his lap. Hassan accepted and got comfortable knowing they were gonna be here for ages.

"Would you like a drink sir?" The worker asked him.

"Get me a bottle of water and she gon' need a cup of ice if you don't want her to burn this place down," Hassan answered pulling Naala's dress down.

"Haha so funny," Naala said sarcastically swatting his hands off her.

"So you don't want the ice?" Hassan questioned with a smirk. "Get her the ice please," He said and the worker nodded walking off.

"I didn't even want the ice for real," Naala muttered when the worker handed her the cup.

"Oh word?" Hassan said watching her munch down on it.

"Anyway!" Naala clapped handing him the cup, "We're here to spend his money, show me the heels," She said making the worker laugh.

"Gonna be broke messing with you," Hassan mumbled to himself.

~~

"Can you get her please?" Trinity screamed from the bathroom. She could hear the baby crying and knew Dave was still lying down.

"What you shouting for?" Dave complained getting up. He left the room and went into the nursery, picking Mariah out of her cot.

Mariah quietened down as soon as her dad lifted her up, "You was just looking for someone to hold you huh?" He said putting her on his shoulder. He grabbed the muslin cloth and put it on his shoulder in case she vomited.

"Let's go see what your mama is doing," Dave spoke rocking her. Today was the day of Sinai's birthday and he was surprised Naala wasn't there already.

There was no doubt Naala was trying to be a good mom but Dave didn't care about that, he cares about how fast she moved on. If she claimed to be so in love with him, how could she just fall out of love with him.

When he walked back into their room, Trinity was sat on the bed moisturising her body.

"Is that my stinka butt?" She cooed standing to her feet, exposing her naked body. "Did you feed her?" She asked Dave taking Mariah out of his arms.

"Did she tell you she was hungry?" He grumbled sitting back down on the bed. Trinity sat on his lap and looked at him.

"Have you decided what to wear? It's ballroom theme babe, you have to dress smart," Trinity spoke before kissing the babies cheek.

"Dumb ass theme," Dave said putting his face in Trinity's neck. "I'ma wear a suit or something,"

"Okay good, I've got my MUA coming in about 30 minutes," She said laying Mariah down on their bed.

"What the fuck is that?" He questioned running his hands up and down her thighs.

"My make up artist," Trinity giggled. "Can I have a kiss?" She said staring at his lips. Dave nodded and kissed her passionately.

That was all the ever did, since Trinity had Mariah she didn't want to have sex with him. No matter how many times he tried.

Those were the times he missed Naala, because she was weak minded, all it took was for him to start an argument and then to make up for it, she would have sex with him.

"Uh uhn, our baby is right here," Trinity said moving his hands away from the middle of her thighs.

"I'm gonna go check on the girls," Dave huffed tapping her so she could get up.

He didn't even wait for her to respond, he just walked out of the room and down the hall to check on Malia first.

"You okay Phat?" He said opening her door. Malia shook her head and looked away from him.

"Malia misses mommy," Malia said lowly. "Mommy doesn't care about Malia, only about Bubba."

"That's because mommy is selfish," Dave said coming into the room. "She doesn't care about Malia because she has a new family but I care about Malia,"

"New family?" Malia asked sitting up. "No more Malia? Only Bubba?"

"Yeah," Dave nodded messing with her head even more. "Your mama chose other people over you, that's the kind of person she is,"

"Daddy cares about Malia?" Malia frowned climbing into his lap.

"I care about you way more than your mommy did, because if she did she would be here with you right now," Dave said wrapping his arms around Malia.

Little did Dave know, he was building up hatred in the little girls heart, hatred for her mother who she adored till that moment.

"Malia hates mommy," Malia said firmly, her mind made up.

"Where's your dress? Let's put it on," Dave smiled down at her. He was glad they were on the same page now.

He helped Malia get ready and took her down the stairs,

"We're leaving in one hour," Dave's voice bellowed through the house. "Where's the birthday girl?"

"I'm here," Sinai said coming down the steps. Dave had to look at her twice, she was the spitting image of Naala.

"Does my hair look okay?" Sinai stressed patting down her dead straight hair.

"Beautiful, you look beautiful," Dave smiled at his baby girl,

"Is mom gonna be there? I sent her an invitation," Sinai asked her dad,

"Ion know," Dave shrugged smoothing her hair down. "I don't want you worrying about your mom today,"

"But she's better right dad? She seems like she is," Sinai replied. She wanted her mom to be better, so she could see her more.

"Naala has problems, she's never gonna be better," Dave said sitting down at the table.

"I wish mama was normal," Sinai frowned. "Maybe I shouldn't have invited her,"

"I don't know why you did," Maniya said entering the kitchen. "She's gonna make a scene and then act the victim." This was a product of Dave's influence on their children.

"Because she's my mom, I want her to be at my birthday," Sinai responded.

"Enough of that, if she comes then she comes. Today is about you not Naala," Dave spoke ending the conversation there.

~~

"We're here Princess," Paul said to Naala. She was sat in the back of her own Maybach truck, staring out of the window. "Would you like me to wait for you?"

"Yes please, I won't be long," Naala said taking her purse. He jumped out of the car to open her door,

"Mind the mud," He warned as Naala's heels hit the ground. Naala nodded and stood up straight, bracing herself for what she was about to meet.

Naala manoeuvred her way through the cemetery, careful not to disturb any flowers.

"Where are you?" Naala mumbled to herself, "Where's my son?" She said, reading all the tombstones.

When she finally found it, Naala had to close her eyes for a moment to calm herself down. She started sobbing loudly and kicked off her heels.

"What have I done?" She screamed into the air. "Look at my baby," She added shaking her head.

The wind blew ferociously around her, the air cold on her skin.

Naala knelt by his graveside, wondering where she went wrong. It being Sinai's 13th birthday meant that today was also Ameer's 13th birthday.

She had never been to his grave, not once - but today she drummed up the courage to see him.

Her hands brushed against his tombstone, her fingers tracing his name.

"Why are you crying?" A voice spoke from behind her. Naala cried harder, not turning around.

"You're pathetic," The voice rang again.

"The people that have done this to you, are enjoying their lives," The voice reminded her.

"Not now," Naala muttered shaking her head. Her voices were back to haunt her,

"Yet here you are, crying your pathetic tears," The voice taunted. Naala stayed by his grave, her tears soaking her clothes.

"I've suffered so much, without you. I'm never leaving you again," Naala sobbed pulling at the weeds on his grave. "Mommy's never leaving again,"

"Rubbish!" The voice shouted, the voice now transforming to one of a young Naala. "Rubbish!" The voice repeated.

"All the years I've dreamed of our revenge Naala, to kill all our enemies." The young Naala screamed. "And you cannot take that away from me Naala!"

"Who am I fighting?" Naala cried. "Who is fighting me?"

"I can give them to you in alphabetical order," Young Naala laughed. "Amir, Gregory, need I go on?"

"God I beg you," Naala sobbed on her knees. "I beg you, forgive me," All her past doings, all the murders she's had hand in, were coming back to her.

Naala knew it was because of her sins that she suffered so much. It was because of her sins that Ameer and every child she lost didn't get to live.

"You are beyond forgiveness. There is no redemption for you," Young Naala boomed, "What would God do with you?"

Naala covered her ears and continued to pray, she was praying that her soul be released.

"There is no amount of forgiveness that will make up for what you did to your children. You failed them, they hate you," Young Naala continued to taunt her.

"I can repent," Naala sniffed opening her eyes. "God if you can forgive me," Naala cried. "If you can forgive me,"

"I'll serve you for the rest of my life," Naala sobbed holding onto his tombstone.

"What a shame," Young Naala laughed, "Grief has blinded you Naala."

"You're completely blinded," Young Naala screamed making Naala cry harder. "We have to hurt the ones that hurt us Naala,"

"I can't do it," Naala cried in response. "I'm not strong enough,"

"We need to gain more power," The voice spoke again before retreating, leaving Naala alone in the cemetery. Alone in her thoughts.

~~

The party was in full swing, and Naala was yet to arrive. Dave sat sipping his drink, glad that she wasn't here.

"I thought you don't drink anymore," Chanel commented seeing him knock back the drink.

"To help with the pain," Dave replied putting the glass down. After Hassan shot him, he went back to alcohol. He had beaten death too many times now that he didn't care to turn back to alcohol.

"If you say so," Chanel said looking around the venue. "Sinai looks like she's enjoying herself," She pointed at Sinai who was laughing with her friends.

"Because our mom isn't here," Maniya added, "She's like a dark cloud,"

Just as she said that, Naala, Hassan and Saint entered the building. Naala looked radiant as ever, her happiness seeping from her body. Her dress fit her perfectly, accentuating all her features and mostly her stomach.

[y'all are just gonna have to imagine the bump x]

"She's pregnant?" Maniya mumbled in disbelief making Dave's head pop up.

"Oh y'all didn't know?" Chanel questioned. "I saw her a few days ago, she's very much pregnant," Chanel gossiped.

Naala ignored the stares and leaned down to fix Saint's suit jacket,

"I don't want no stains on this, I mean it Nasir," She warned fixing his tie.

"I heard you," He complained with a mug. Hassan nudged him,

"Fix your face," Hassan added putting his hand on the small of Naala's back. "You wanna go and give her the gift now?"

"Yeah," Naala whispered. "Hopefully she'll speak to me,"

"She will," Hassan reassured her. "We're gonna be over there," He said straightening his suit.

"You look good," Naala smiled looking up at him.

"You like my suit?" He smirked back licking his lips at her.

"I love it," She complimented. Hassan dipped his neck and kissed her lips making her back up almost immediately. "My lipstick," She laughed rubbing it off his lips.

Naala walked off with the gift, to find Sinai. When she spotted her, she went over there.

"Hi Nai Nai, happy birthday," Naala spoke holding the gift out. Sinai looked at her mom and didn't know how to react. Naala looked calm but she was unpredictable, that's what Sinai hated.

"Hi mommy. I didn't think you were coming," Sinai said pulling Naala away from her friends. "And you're pregnant?" She said looking at Naala's stomach.

"I wouldn't miss your birthday baby," Naala laughed breezing over the question about her pregnancy. "Don't you wanna open it?" She said watching Sinai put the gift to the side.

"Later," Sinai mumbled. "Did you bring Saint?"

Naala nodded and pointed at Saint sitting with his dad with his usual mug on his face. She felt a bit defeated that Sinai wasn't glad to see her but she wasn't going to let it get to her.

"Can you and daddy not fight today?" Sinai practically begged.

"I'm not going to speak to your dad," Naala muttered. That was short lived because Dave came right behind them, his presence revolting Naala.

"You decided to turn up," Dave spoke to Naala,

"I was always coming," Naala said looking away from him. "You stink of alcohol," Naala grimaced as he moved closer to her.

"You really let that nigga get you pregnant," Dave said lowly leaning down to her level.

"Move Amir," Naala replied stepping back away from him. "I'm not fighting with you today,"

Sinai walked away, leaving Dave and Naala alone. Naala felt helpless in this situation, like she had no control over was happening.

"I thought you didn't want any other kids without me," Dave spoke again, this time holding onto her arm.

"Didn't you have a baby with Trinity? Why can't I move on?" Naala replied quickly. "You want me stuck on you forever,"

"I'd drop Trin in a heartbeat, just say the word," He said easing his hold on her.

"You're drunk," Naala shook her head. "Do you want me to get you some water?" She didn't want to cause a problem.

"I want you to come home," Dave answered putting his head down.

Naala spotted Maniya and Malia, and took that as her way out. She put her arm on his chest and kept him at arms length. "Let me go and speak to my baby,"

"Hey my Phat girl," Naala cooed nearing them. Malia turned her face and ignored her.

"I don't think she's in the mood to speak," Maniya said looking Naala up and down. "You look good, happy," Maniya taunted.

"I am very happy," Naala responded with her hands out for Malia. "Malia what did I do wrong?"

"Malia hates Mommy," Malia spat. "Mommy doesn't care about Malia, only her new family," Malia repeated what she heard her dad say this morning.

"Welp," Maniya mumbled. "I told you she'd didn't want to speak to you,"

Naala was fuming, Dave had succeeded in turning her daughter against her, her last baby.

"Give me my daughter," Naala spoke softly. Hassan watched from a far, he has been watching her since he sat down.

"Mama she obviously doesn't want to be around you, don't start," Maniya replied walking away from her. Naala took a breath and counted to ten,

"Calm down," She said to herself as she walked back over to where Hassan was sat.

"Cake?" He said sliding his cake over to her. Naala shook her head,

"I wish I could have a drink," Naala groaned watching him sip on a bourbon.

"Here," Hassan replied handing her the pickle he picked up for her before they got there. Naala pouted and leaned over pecking his lips.

"I can't believe you don't like these," She replied opening it.

Saint was standing by Dave, enjoying his company. He missed him and not being able see Dave was upsetting to Saint.

"Malia said she hated me," Naala said scooping some cake onto her pickle. Hassan made a face at her food choice but didn't say anything.

"She didn't mean it," He replied, "She doesn't know what hate is,"

"It's Amir, I just know it," Naala grumbled. "When is this gonna change?"

"I don't know baby," Hassan said truthfully. "He's gonna get tired of it soon,"

Naala nodded and focused on something to eat. The cake and pickle mix was doing wonders for her, making her lightly moan.

"It's that good?" Hassan laughed moving her chair closer to his.

"Yes," Naala said holding it up to his mouth. Hassan shook his head and sipped his drink again.

"Have some cake then," Naala said feeding him some cake. Dave watched from across the room, angry that Naala was rubbing her relationship in his face.

"Go to daddy," Trinity rocked Mariah, trying to pass her over to Dave.

"Why don't you feed her or something?" Dave complained taking the baby. "You want titty milk?" He said to Mariah.

"I can't breastfeed her here," Trinity said. "Maybe if you helped me rather than staring at your baby mama," She added with attitude.

"Whatchu bitching for now? I'm sitting by you ain't I?" Dave replied wiping Mariah's mouth.

"Not because you want to," Trinity said looking over at Naala too. She was minding her business with Hassan, and was now helping Saint eat his food.

"If I wanted Naala I would have her," Dave said confidently.

"Yeah I'm sure," Trinity scoffed, "I don't even know why I came," She said more to herself.

"Your mama doesn't know when to stop bitching," Dave said to Mariah, rocking her softly.

~~

"You look amazing," Hassan said into Naala's ear as they danced slowly. The alcohol he had consumed had given him a light buzz, making her insatiable.

"Thank you," Naala said with her head against his chest. "You always make me feel beautiful,"

"I want you to start believing it," Hassan replied simply. His hands intertwined with hers as he led them side to side.

Most couples were on the dance floor, including Dave and Trinity. They had made up after their little fight and were actually getting along.

Sinai was glad that her parents had stayed on separate sides for the entire night, regardless of their differences, they put them to the side for the night.

"Mama," Saint said tugging on Naala's dress. "I wanna stay by other daddy's house, with Phat,"

Hassan clenched his jaw, "I'm not too sure about that little man, you got karate in the morning,"

"Maybe not tonight Papa, I'll arrange something," Naala tried to reason with him.

"Not fair," Saint said crossing his arms. "I never get to go there anymore,"

"Nasir," Naala warned, she could see his temper rising and this wasn't the place. "Just for one night," Naala muttered to Hassan with pleading eyes.

"What does he got to stay there for?" Hassan responded looking down at her.

"Hassan please, you can't expect him to just forget about him," Naala said lowly. "Please baby, don't upset him,"

"You're lucky I care about your mama," Hassan mumbled turning his attention to Saint. "I'm picking you up in the morning,"

Saint cheered and hugged the both of them, "I love you guys," He said before running off again.

"Only time he loves me," Hassan fussed tightening his hold on Naala's waist.

"Does him spending time with Amir make you uncomfortable?" Naala asked wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Nah he grew up with him," Hassan said. "Do I wish he didn't? Hell yeah but I can't change that now,"

"You blame me for that right?" Naala sighed looking down. "I stopped you from being his dad,"

"Yeah you did," Hassan replied honestly. There was no need to lie, Naala knew how he felt about the situation. "I wanted my son to know me and only me but you wanted other things,"

"I'm sorry," Naala apologised. "I don't know how that must have made you feel but from the bottom of my heart, I'm so sorry,"

"Baby," Hassan dragged out pulling her into a hug. "I don't want you getting upset,"

"No stop doing that," Naala said blinking away her tears. "I'm in the wrong, I don't get to be sad. I should have listened to you."

"He knows me now, that's all that matters. And now my other son is gonna know me too," Hassan said putting his hand on her stomach.

"I hope it's a boy," Naala muttered letting him rub her stomach. Hassan represented her new start and it felt amazing.

"Let me talk to your man quickly," Dave said drunkly bumping into them and tapping Naala's shoulder.

"You don't have to touch her," Hassan said calmly.

"I can touch her wherever I like," Dave chuckled making Naala put her hand on Hassan's chest.

"Amir what do you want with him?" Naala sighed turning to him.

"I said I wanna talk to you?" Dave replied rudely. "I wanna talk to your nigga,"

"Watch how you speak to her 'fore I put another cap in your ass," Hassan said grabbing Dave's arm before he could touch Naala again. "Hang on baby, Lemme talk to him,"

"No violence Hassan, this is my daughters birthday," Naala warned releasing him. He nodded and leaned down kissing her cheek.

"Aight we get it," Dave mugged the both of them. Hassan walked away and Dave followed him, he had a lot he wanted to get of his chest.

"What do you want?" Hassan said cutting straight to the chase.

"You think you can just fuck my wife, shoot me and then get her pregnant?" Dave said using his pointer finger to push Hassan's chest.

"She's not your wife," Hassan pushed his hand down. "This is what you want to talk about?"

"Nah," Dave sniffed, "Leave Naala alone or it's not gonna be pretty for you,"

"Alright man," Hassan laughed, this was hilarious to him.

"Keep laughing, I'ma make sure you go away," Dave warned before walking away from him.

Naala had stepped outside to speak to her sister,

"Naleli you didn't come to your nieces birthday, why?" Naala said into the phone.

"Tarek took me to the Bahamas." Naleli replied blankly. "Who did you go with, baby daddy number one or two?"

"Stop it," Naala answered. "Eli told us to stay in New York. It's not safe Leli,"

"I'm safe, don't worry about me." Naleli responded. "But I do need you to do something, King will tell you everything you need to know,"

"Tell him to stand down," Naala muttered lowly. "No more blood shed, Naleli please,"

"What's happened to you? Can't you see we are fighting something bigger than us?" Naleli snapped. "You may think you're better than me Naala but you're not, we're the same,"

"I'm nothing like you," Naala argued. "I don't want to hurt anyone else,"

"Then be prepared for our family to be hurt," Naleli said nonchalantly. "And the blood would be on your hands."

"Naala are you ready to go?" Hassan said coming up behind her. Naala jumped and turned around, indicating she was on the phone.

"It's your choice Naala," Naleli warned. Naala didn't respond, she simply hung up.

"What's the matter?" Hassan asked putting his hand on her waist.

"Nothing it was just my sister," Naala replied with a fake smile. There was something about how that conversation ended that didn't sit right with Naala, like there was something more to what Naleli was saying.

"What did Amir want?" Naala asked changing the subject,

"Tips on how to treat a woman right," Hassan said with a serious face.

"You think you're so hilarious huh?" Naala giggled, "We're kid free until tomorrow," She added rubbing his arm.

"Then what the hell are we waiting for?" Hassan smirked lifting her off her feet and carrying her back to his car.

A/n - a drama free chapter today y'all I hope 🤞🏾

Ps. Love Mia 🤍