Shaun & his parents in MM
(You guys finally get to see who I chose as a face claim for his daddy)

C H A P T E R
T W E N T Y - T W O

Walking into the living room where Alisha was laid out on the couch on her back watching Sesame Street. Shaun laid right on top of her to lay on her stomach then let out a sigh letting her know something was bothering him.

"You want to talk bout it?" She questioned pausing what she was watching.

Getting comfortable against her and wrapping his arms more around her he sighed. "My mama and I have been talking for the past few months and she still can't build the strength and courage to face me. When she sees me, she sees him and I honestly don't know when she'll ever be ready. She's already missed so much of my life, and for years I have craved for that motherly love, I've always wanted to be able to call her up and vent about my problems, to just hug her when I'm sad and I can't. Here she is right in my life and the many things I've been wanting to do can't be done."

Rubbing his back, Alisha leaned forward kissing his forehead letting him vent. "It's just so much going on, my dad is getting no better so I'm dealing with that and trying my best to remain strong for him but seeing him in pain is taking a toll on me." He sniffled. "He fell down yesterday and the first person he called was me, and I asked him how come he didn't call the paramedics first and he told me he felt like today was his last day of life. When he fell he felt so weak and fragile and he wanted to at least tell me he loved me before he went. But luckily he was fine, it was just the Lupus causing aches in his joints. But then his kidney's are also failing on him so they're thinking about putting him on Dialysis if he doesn't get better."

"Alisha, I know I joke ninety-percent of the time about everything but this shit here I can't even try to smile about. I'm about to lose my pops and the thought of it all kills me already."

Making him sit up, she hugged him tightly. "Death is something we can't beat or outrun and when its someones time to go we just have to accept it. But you gotta at least have some type of faith that your dad will be okay, sometimes the rain and thunder that life brings is a way to clean the world for better days to come and I believe this is just a storm we're going through and soon it will all get better."

Pulling away from the hug, he kissed her then excused himself walking back to their room. Alisha knew things for his dad weren't looking the best but she also knew she had to remain positive for the sake of him.

All Shaun had most of his life was his father, and Alisha hoped that if Shaun did lose his dad that his mom would push that fear of facing him and be there for him for once in his life.

Alisha understood his mother's struggle but she honestly felt as a mother as time passed that feeling would have faded by now. Alisha knew what it felt like to be raped and yeah she never wanted to face her rapist but she felt once she agreed to keep Shaun as a mother she could have at least stayed in contact but she just left him and his dad.

And now that she was back, Alisha noticed how happy he was but she knew he would be happier the most they could actually sit and talk face to face and she prayed that day would come soon.

Alisha knew she could only do so much far as his woman but she knew a man needed his mothers love too to keep him afloat and level headed.

          When we by Tank played from his tv while the two engaged into a deep kiss on his couch. His hands traveled all around her body warming each spot with his touch.

The sound of the rain hitting the roof and windows could be heard which only set the mood even more. She had another weekend off from the facility and decided to spend it with him.

She wanted to go back home and see what was all up with the whole Amira situation but after talking to the ladies at the facility they felt she needed to wait especially since she was still coping with a lot more others and they didn't want her to find something out and could cause her to crack and go back into depression.

So after this last month of this healing process she was going to return home once she was better mentally and emotionally to handle whatever shocking news. But overall she was happy that her best friend was back and she had so many questions to ask her and so many things to express to her.

Moving his kisses further down he placed tender kisses on her chest and neck being to sure to suck and bite on certain areas to leave his mark.

Once she felt as if they were going too far she stopped him by pushing on his arms, even though time has passed since the situation happened she still wasn't ready. Sometimes whenever he hovered over her flashbacks of the guys hovering over with that look of lust and no remorse in their eyes would come to mind and she'd panic.

Raising up some he stared down at her with a look of worry and concern in his eyes. "You alright?"

Shaking her head no, she let out a sigh knowing Tremaine had to be tired of her by now. She knew he had needs that needed to be fulfilled and she knew he wasn't gonna wait on her forever. "I want this so bad but I guess mentally and emotionally I'm just not ready. I'm sorry," She mumbled.

Raising up completely, he sat back against the couch watching as she sat up as well before pulling her feet into his lap. "You don't have to apologize for that. I understand what you went you through was very traumatic and I didn't expect you to be over it in only a few months. I would never pressure you into doing something you aren't comfortable doing just yet. I'll wait for however long baby even if it takes years cause for one whenever I get the chance to make love to you I don't want you picturing those dumb ass niggas when that's suppose to be a special moment for us so whenever you're fully ready I'll be here ready right with you." He expressed being totally honest.

After dealing with and being around Imani since the incident, Tremaine has witnessed a lot of heart breaking moments during that time. But he has to admit she's gotten better.

At first she barely wanted him touching her, and if they laid down together she didn't want him all up on her but as time has passed she allows him to do more and to be closer.

Leaning towards him she grabbed his face then kissed his lips a few times before pulling away. "Thank you,"

Rubbing her feet he just smiled, "Well we have the whole weekend together, is there something you really wanted to do?"

Shrugging, she played with her hair then looked back at the tv that was now playing Nothing at all by Brandyn Brunette. "It's raining so staying in is the only option, you got any cards, board games, or hell even dominos? We could also play twenty-one questions."

"Whenever people play twenty-one questions they never reach twenty-one," He laughed. "But we can play that,"

She nodded pulling her feet back then sat criss-crossed while he turned the music down just letting it play in the background. "I'll go first, how many girlfriends have you had?"

"Three, I dated two girls in high school and one girl in college for like two years but we broke up cause she didn't accept me wanting to be a trans, how many boyfriends have you had?"

"Well leaving you was her mistake and loss cause you're honestly perfect but I've only had two boyfriends before you. This guy named Leon I dated in highschool and Tristian,"

"Why did you and the Leon guy break up?"

Looking down she playes with her fingers, "He was in love with my bestfriend. He only dated me to get over her but apparently it didn't work and he blurted it our by accident one day. But its whatever, I've moved onto better things." She smiled glancing up at him.

Smirking, he removed his shirt. "Better things like what?"

"Wait, did you have to take off your shirt?"

Flexing his arms, he smiled. "Is it a distraction?"

Not once taking her eyes off his toned body, she nodded. "Yes so cover it up please,"

"Answer my question first,"

Blushing she looked away, "What question Tre?"

Leaning over he grabbed her by the chin forcing her to look over at him. "The better things you moved onto.."

"You already know so I'm not saying it,"

Kissing her lips, he smiled staring into her eyes. "So? I want to hear you say it."

Going to talk she was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. Holding up his hand, he got up from the couch to answer it once he saw it was Travis foster mom calling.

"Hello,"

"Tremaine, have you seen Travis? He hasn't been home in a week and the school said he hasn't been coming either. I tried calling him but he's not answering!" She said in a panic.

"I-I haven't seen him, do you guys know where the last place he was?"

"H-he was with his girlfriend Winter and he texted us letting us know he was on his way home but he never showed up and we contacted the police and they've been looking as well! What are we gonna do? What if he's hurt?" She cried.

Raising his hand up to his forehead, he let out a sigh not sure as well. For once Tremaine didn't have an answer to a problem and worry and fear shot through his body. His brother was missing and he no clue as to what to do first.

"Calm down, we'll find him Shannon." But he honestly wasn't too sure himself.

He knew Travis was never the type to purposely not come home and go to school. But he was gonna do whatever to find him, but the more he thought about it he had a feeling on who might have him or where he might be.

          Standing at the stove mixing the pot of spaghetti, Cali looked down at Adrian who was hugging her leg with a smile on her face. "You love being up under mommy huh?"

Smiling he hugged her leg tighter and just hummed to an unknown tune. Out of all the kids Adrian was the closest to his mama. He always wanted to be up under her in some way, and he liked singing songs and dancing with her.

He was only one years old, but he could move and despite all his minor medical conditions he was one of the happiest babies. He has been to the doctor multiple times for allergic reactions to things, breathing problems and he always fought it and came back ten times stronger.

He was her little warrior and a lot of times her strength to keep going was inspired by him. She remembers all those times his little body was just laid in the hospital bed connected to tubes to help him breathe.

No ones know except Cali and Ahmad about the situation due to it being a hard time in their life that was very personal. They could have lost him that night if Ahmad would have never waken up to check on him.

She remembered the look of terror on his face when he busted in the room holding their son who was barely breathing. But like always as a couple and a family they stuck through it together and remained prayed up through it all.

Passing him a small piece of the garlic bread rolls, she looked up at the sound of hearing the backdoor slam. Sitting the spoon down, she turned the burner down then walked towards the back door to see Ahmad pacing the backyard with his hands over his head.

Stepping outside, she closed the door behind her. "You wanna explain why you slamming doors and shit like you're crazy?" She questioned taking a seat on one of the beach chairs.

"Amira is meeting up with Trisitan tonight, and I'm just praying everything goes alright. She said she was gonna call me once it was over and that was over an hour ago,"

Standing up, she shook her head walking over to him. Grabbing him by the face she made him focus in on her. "Look at me and calm down. Have faith that everything will turn out okay and stop stressing and try to relax as much as possible." She said in a soothing tone calming him down immediately.

"Now look its okay to be on standby just in case if something does happen but that doesn't mean you have to overthink everything and worry yourself too much. We know you don't want anything to happen to Amira especially since she just came back but you have to remain calm and level headed cause working yourself up does you no good, stop expecting the worse news and think positive."

Nodding his head, he took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. "I'm okay now, I'm good."

Kissing his lips, she laughed. "Always stressing, come eat dinner with us."

Grabbing his hand she lead him towards the door where Adrian was already standing waiting for them. "You wait for mommny?" Picking him up she carried him into the dining room sitting him in his high chair then started making everyone's plates while Ahmad rounded up all the kids and making sure they washed their hands.

Setting up the table with their plates and cups of peach lemonade, she walked over to Ahmad handing him his big plate and drink then went to go get hers but he stopped by pulling her down and kissing her on the lips.

"The kids are in here stop being nasty," She said right when he tried to feel on her butt.

Laughing, he let go of her so she could get her food. Coming back she sat her plate down, prayed over the food and they all dug in.

In the midst of dinner Cali made small talk with the kids, asking them about their day and what all happened but she noticed throughout conversation Marquette wasn't as involved as he usually would be.

He just played around with his food and looked down at his plate not once looking up at anybody. "Is everything okay baby?" She asked and he just ignored her which alerted Ahmad since Marquette would never disrespect his mama.

"You don't hear your mama talking to you son?" He asked in a tone letting him know that if he didn't get to talking it was gon' be a problem.

Looking up at the both of them, he said nothing then excused himself out of the dining room.

Frowning Cali looked over at Ahmad, "Something must have happened at his dads, he's never acted like this before,"

"You want me to talk to him or you got it?" Ahmad asked.

"I got it, I'll talk to him after dinner."

Continuing to eat, Cali couldn't help but think about could be bothering him. She then knew she needed to have a talk with Reggie to see if something happened as well just in case Marquette didn't say anything.

Coming back in the room after talking with Marquette Cali rolled her eyes when she saw Armoni laying in their bed snuggled up against Ahmad who was busy doing something on his phone. "Not today miss thang you already know the deal .. go get in your bed."

Pouting she held onto Ahmad tighter, "Why I not sleep with you? I be good,"

Sighing, Cali sat on the bed. "Not tonight mamas, another night okay?"

When the tears in her eyes started to form and a low sniffle came out, Ahmad instantly put his phone down and looked down at her. "What's wrong baby?"

"She wants to sleep with us tonight but I told her no," Cali explained reaching out to grab her but he stopped her from doing so.

Armoni just loved being up under Ahmad, and Cali loved that and adored their father and daughter relationship but the whole sleeping in bed with them was a no-go for many reasons. One being that they couldn't sleep naked or sneak feels in the middle of the night. Cuddling was out of the picture since Armoni likes to lay dead in the center so intimate moments would be ruined and lastly Armoni was small but slept wild and snored loud just like her daddy.

Cali already had to put up with his snoring and extra moving, she couldn't deal with hers too.

Smacking his lips, he mugged Cali. "Let her sleep with us, one night not gon' hurt."

Ahmad was always a sucker for Armoni's tears, she knew how to get her way when it came to Ahmad. He hated to see her cry or pout so whenever she didn't get her way she always brought on the water works to get him to say yes.

But Cali on the other hand never let the tears get her, whenever she said no she meant it and she wished Ahmad did the same since she was starting to get so spoiled.

Pointing to herself showcasing what she had on, to remind him of what they had planned for the night he instantly backtracked on what he just said. "Well baby tonight isn't a good night to sleep with us, mommy is sick and I gotta make her feel better."

Using her hand to wipe her tears, she looked over at Cali. "I make you feel better too mommy,"

Lifting her up, she kissed her cheek. "I'm sure you can and you can make mommy feel all the way better by sleeping in your bed tonight."

Carrying her out the room, she placed her in her room and laid her down. "Big girls sleep in their own room, are you a big girl?"

Shaking her head no, Cali laughed. "I thought you was a big girl, well since you aren't one can you be one tonight for mommy?"

She just pouted and turned away from Cali facing the wall, something she did to let them know she was either mad, sad or ignoring you but Cali took that as a yes.

Kissing her on the cheek, she tucked her in then walked out going back to their bedroom but made sure she checked in on her boys first to make sure they were sleep.

"I got her to stay in her room," She said in a sigh closing the door behind her.

"Okay and did Marquette say anything about what was wrong?"

"Nope, he just said he doesn't want to go back over there anymore and he apologized for ignoring us. So I'm calling Reggie tomorrow to see what's going on. Marquette doesn't like getting told what to do so it could be something as simple as that." She shrugged.

"Yeah true,"

Sitting up on his elbows, he smirked watching her taking off the robe she was wearing revealing the lingerie set he brought her awhile ago that she has never wore. "So what do you think? It's been a minute since you brought this and I lowkey thought it was gonna be too small. I've gained a little weight since then."

Eyeing her, he smirked nodding his head in approval. "I think you tryna get pregnant that's what it seems like, come here."

Getting in bed she straddled his lap while removing the Nike shirt he wore. "Speaking of that, do you want more kids?"

Feeling his heart sink, he slowly nodded. "You pregnant?"

"No, I'm asking because lately you've been using condoms and I was just curious as to why since we never do. I'm not mad just wondering."

"I want more kids at least one more but just not now,"

Nodding her head, she understood. "Oh okay, I figured. You want me to get on the pill then?"

He shrugged, "That's up to you babe, I heard birth control pills does things to the female body that isn't quite normal but if you feel that is what you need or want to do then go for it, its your body not mine I have no say."

Nodding her head, she knew he had a point. "I'll think on it and do my own research but anyways I went and paid all the bills today so tomorrow you don't have to worry about doing it," She blurted out causing him to laugh from the random outburst.

Sliding his hands up and down her body, he smiled. "You ain't have to do that .. I could have done it but I thank you."

Leaning forward she kissed his lips, "Yeah I know but I also know that with everything that was going on today dealing with Amira your mind was gonna be else where."

"You think you know me so well huh?"

"I know I do, I know you like the back of my hand."

"Is that right? Tell me what all you know then since you know so much."

"Okay fine," Tying her hair into a bun, she sat up. "I know you love the kids and I unconditionally,"

"Well duh, next."

"I know your favorite color is red,"

Grinding her hips a little against his dick, she smirked when he groaned in pleasure. "I know you like when I do this,"

"What else?" He grunted holding onto her waist as she continued grinding against him.

Going to respond she was cut off when she heard a loud thud against their bedroom door. "What tha hell?"

Raising up off him, she put her robe back on then walked towards the door. When she got closer she sighed when she heard Armoni crying outside their bedroom. "This spoiled child here, its your daughter." She huffed tying her robe back up and opening the door.

When she fully opened it she wanted to laugh when she saw Armoni was sitting with her back against the door crying. "Armoni really baby? Why tonight out of all nights you want to do this?" She asked picking her up.

"Just let her sleep with us, I'll make it up to you." Ahmad called out.

Carrying her into the room, she threw her in the bed as she screamed and laughed. Cali could only shake her head as she watched Armoni snuggle up against him. "This is suppose to be my time with daddy," She mumbled to herself flipping the covers back while she watched Armoni completely take over.

Ahmad laughed to himself, "I got you Cali so don't even worry, its just one night."

Leaning over she playfully mushed Armoni's head and kissed Ahmad only for Armoni to try and break them up. "Mine!" She demanded.

"Mine? Girl boo, he was mine first."

Holding onto to Ahmad's head as if she was guarding him, she shook her head no pushing Cali away. "My daddy,"

Looking over at Ahmad, Cali clutched her chest in shock, "See no, we not doing this today. You gotta choose, Armoni or me?"

This was an everyday thing with Cali and Armoni, they would playfully fight over Ahmad's love and attention since they were the main two ladies besides his mama and his sister in his life.

Ahmad always found their fight over him amusing and adorable, made him feel extra loved.

"I can't choose, you two both hold special places in my heart so I choose both of you." He smiled opening their arms for them to hug him.

The sound of their door opening caught their attention and Cali smiled when she saw Adrian and Marquette making his way inside. "We sleep with y'all too?"

Sharing a look with Ahmad, she shrugged flipping the covers back. "Might as well, come on little devils."

Hopping in the bed Ahmad and Cali made room for them in the middle knowing tonight sleep was the last thing they'd be getting. Adrian and Marquette snuggled up against Cali wanting all of her motherly love while Armoni laid up against Ahmad.

Rubbing her hand up and down their backs she noticed Marquette tensed up when she touched a certain spot. Raising his shirt up a little she noticed a big bruise. "Tha fuck?" She whispered but Ahmad heard her and when he followed her eyes to see what she was looking at he looked back up at her as they both just shared a look hoping like hell that Reggie wasn't stupid enough to beat his own son.

And if so all hell was about to break loose..

          Sitting in her car Amira looked around waiting for Tristian to show up. She looked in her rearview mirror to see the cops that had followedher  in their undercover cars parked off to the side and sighed hoping everything went well tonight.

She hadn't talk to Tristian all week since he was ignoring her calls and texts but he made sure today to hit her up to remind her about meeting up, but now he was running late and she was starting to panic.

She was hoping he wasn't setting her up and that he would do something to her to where she couldn't warn Twan. She had so many thoughts running through her head she was starting to get a headache.

Pulling out her phone she checked the time right when she was flashed by car lights. Knowing that it was Tristian she got out the car walking towards the old car he was in. Walking over towards the passenger side door she pulled it open and hopped in. "My fault on running late, the cops were hot on my street. I had to duck and dodge them just to get here." He explained.

"It's cool, when do you want me to call him to come? He hit me up fifteen minutes ago asking where I was."

Pulling his gun out he loaded it up, "You can text him now but its also been a change of plans." Turning the gun towards her he smiled as her heart rate sped up.

"Tri-"

"Relax, I ain't gon' shoot ya. The change in plans is that I'm not the one that's gonna shoot Twan." He smirked taking off his seat belt.

"Then who is?"

Motioning with his finger for her to get out the car with him, he went to the back of car where Travis laid tied up. "My little brother here owes me for crossing me so he's gonna do our dirty work for us and we're lettinf him take the fall and we're taking the first flight to Mexico right after to escape this shit." He explained while untying him.

Travis tried to resist but when Tristian pressed a sharp object against his stomach he stopped letting him continue.

After Tristian got his boys to jump Travis, he was just going to leave him there but then this plan popped up in his head so he's been holding him hostage for this past week.

Tristian had way too many strikes on his back, the rape he did to Imani, the killing of Snake and everything else the doctor confessed too so it was no way he was gonna add killing Twan to his list of convictions.

"What about Normani? I can't leave her."

"Your wack ass family can take care of her! I thought you said it was just gon' be me and you?" He asked harshly.

"It is, but she is my daughter Tristian."

Walking towards her he wrapped his hand around her neck tightly. "Do you actually think I give a fuck about that? I only want you! Fuck her!"

Nodding her head rapidly, she apologized then cringed when he kissed her on the lips. "I love you alright? I just love you."

"I-I love you too,"

Removing his hand from her around her neck, he took a step back. "Call him up now so we can get this shit over with and move on with our lives."

Taking out her phone to call Twan she followed through with the plan telling him her car broke down and all they had to do now was wait.

Yanking Travis up, he forced him to get in the back seat so they could wait together.

Getting in her car she watched Tristian move his car down some. In her car she played with her fingers just hoping nothing went wrong and the fact that his brother was doing the shooting worried her more.

After an hour or so passed Twan finally arrived and her heart sunk when she saw Tristian and his brother getting out the car.

Opening her door to get out, Twan walked towards her. "You alright?"

She went to speak but was cut off by the sound of a gun clicking. Feeling the gun be pressed against her head her eyes went wide in shock. "You didn't really think I trusted your ass right? See I just used you to get him to come but the plan was to take you both out and my brother is here to help,"

Tristian was far from dumb, he knew Amira would always side with Twan. He wasn't slow but it did piss him off how she believed she could pull a fast one on him.

Pushing the gun harder into her head, he smiled. "It's crazy cause I actually fucked with you the long way. I killed Snake for your stupid ass because I wanted you all to myself but this the thanks I get and so for that you gotta pay."

Twan cursed in his head as he looked over at Travis who held the gun against his head. "Stop wasting time by talking and just kill us then."

Using his gun he hit Twan in the face with the end of it, "Nigga fuck you, all this would have never happened if your boys didn't kill my boy. You brought all of this on yourself. So get ready to meet your maker bitch!" He spat aiming his gun at Twan.

The officers came creeping through the park then jumped once they heard four gun shots go off. Taking off running with their guns drawn and ready to shoot, they ran up on the scene cursing in their head as they called for them to send a paramedic. "Shit! Call her brother and dad to get them down here now!" Detective Spencer demanded while checking his pulse.

Amira stood there with tears streaming down her cheeks as her body shook lightly. Walking over to her an officer escorted her away from the scene sitting her inside a cop car as they waited for the paramedics to arrive along with Ahmad and her dad.

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Check out my new book, "Good Intentions," first TWO chapters already posted!
Thanks for the love & support!
- Denise 💋