C H A P T E R
E I G H T E E N

Sitting inside Fashion Nova, Ahmad sat in the waiting area with Marquette on his lap playing games on his phone as he waited for Cali to come out with the outfits she picked out.

Rubbing his hand over Marquette waves, a woman passed by and smiled. "Cute kid, he looks just like you," She complimented causing Marquette to look up and mug the woman.

He hated when women spoke to Ahmad, unless it was his mama.

Instead of correcting her that he wasn't his son, he just thanked her and turned away as she stayed around looking through racks of clothes just to see if he had a girlfriend or not.

When Cali walked out with a pair of high-waisted ripped jeans and a crop top, Ahmad sat up. "How does this look babe?"

Once the lady heard babe leave her mouth, she scoffed and walked off in a hurry. Cali noticed the girls actions shrugging it off. "Do a little spin for me, let me see that ass."

"Stop cursing in front of him, you know he repeats everything you say." She whined doing a quick turn.

"He wanna be like me, so let him and buy those fasho .. I like them."

She smiled. "Okay, I got three dresses then I'm done,"

Holding a thumbs up, he looked down at the game Marquette was playing which was fruit ninja. Getting bored watching that, he looked around the store .. shaking his head at how many women where in this mug, when he spotted Nia .. he smacked his teeth turning away hoping she did not see him.

But of course she did and started making her way towards him. "Hey, I thought that was you." She smiled looking down at him and Marquette.

Not wanting to be rude, he turned a little to face her. "Yeah, what's up Nia?"

"Oh nothing, just shopping for an outfit for my date tonight." She smiled putting emphasis on date, to make him jealous.

But as we all know, Ahmad could careless. "Oh really? That's nice, good luck to him." He stated simply causing her to frown.

"Anyways, what are you doing here? Here for your sister?"

Biting his lip, he shook his head. "My girl wanted to go shopping to have an outfit for my parents anniversary cook-out today so yeah." Since she wanted to be petty and throw that she moved on, he did the same.

"Your girl?" She asked in disbelief, not believing Ahmad would actually settle down with someone.

"Yes, my girl .. I don't think I stuttered."

And on cue, Cali came walking out in a peach colored tight fitting dress. "Babe .. is this cute?" She asked looking up at him after examining herself.

Nia stood there lost for words, "You look beautiful baby, get that dress and the black one just like it." He told her.

Walking over to him, she looked Nia up and down wondering who she was and why she was by Ahmad. "Who is this?"

Looking back, Ahmad shrugged. "Just an old friend, Nia this my baby Cali, Cali this is Nia."

Cali smiled reaching for a handshake, but the jealous side in Nia took over as she ignored the kind gesture. "Really Ahmad? You make this bitch your girlfriend but not me?"

Both cocking their heads to the side, they looked at each other giving each other the who she think she talking to? face. "Nah look, You ain't gotta respect me but you damn sho' gon' respect her .. call her out her name again and see what happens..and that's all I'ma say," He stated bluntly not really up for games at the moment.

He knew Nia would be mad, but she needed to get over it. The small chance she had at getting him she fucked it up being crazy, but he didn't tolerate disrespect especially towards people he loved and cared for.

"Fuck you," She spat, then turned her attention to Cali smiling. "And check this honey, you might think you won something but Ahmad really ain't shit .. he'll break your heart and act as if you never meant a thing to him just like he did me .. fair warning, don't let the good looks fool you boo.. he's no different than these other niggas out here,"

Laughing, Cali flipped her hair. "Thanks for the tip, I'll think of that when I'm riding him tonight, take care."

Rolling her eyes, Nia walked off. Shaking his head, Ahmad laughed. "These bitches wildin' out here man,"

"Yeah, control yo bitches," Cali said muffing his head back playfully as she walked off twisting extra hard being childish.

"I already got you in control, so whatchu talking about?" He joked.

Snapping her neck in his direction, she laughed. "Okay, I got something for you." She winked disappearing into the dressing rooms.

Laughing, he looked down at Marquette who was paying them no mind. "Yo mama something else man,"

Looking up at him, he looked at him clueless not sure what he meant by the statement and simply shrugged looking back at his game.

Once Cali brought the outfits they left out the store hand and hand as he carried Marq in his arms. Putting him in his car seat, he buckled him up then jogged to his side getting in.

The ride to Cali's house was silent, she texted away on her phone and Marquette was having a ball with Ahmad's phone so that left Ahmad to think about what today might bring.

He was happy for his folks, he hoped he could find a love that lasted that long. Looking over at Cali, he grabbed her hand locking their fingers together .. he always wondered if him and Cali were meant to be forever, or just for a moment.

He could see himself growing old with her, and having kids but he was gonna leave that in the hands of God. In his heart he felt she was the one but with the way shit goes in his life, he wasn't too sure.

Reaching her house, he parked in her driveway as they got out grabbing the shopping bags of clothes and shoes they brought.

They wanted to show up to the cook-out stunting on everybody there. Getting Marquette out he carried him up the stairs to his room. "Stay in here and watch tv until me or mama come in here and dress you."

Nodding his head, he laid there obeying him. Walking out, he walked into Cali's room as she stood there in her bra and panties rummaging through the clothes he just brought her.

"I don't know what to wear babe, I don't wanna look too revealing but its hot as hell so I wanna wear shorts but then I want to look conservative."

Laughing, he placed his hands on her waist. "Chill ma', it ain't that deep .. my mama not really that strict, she know its hot so shorts are appropriate, showing up tryna be conversative would show her you trying too hard."

She nodded. "True, you think she gon' like me though?"

"My mama gon' be more excited about seeing me with a woman, she's been waiting on this moment so you good, trust me."

Sighing in relief, she listened to his words before grabbing the high-waisted shorts slipping them on and the tight fitting grey crop top. "I'll wear this with the shoes you just brought me and I'll have Marq in the same outfit as me."

"Guess I'll match y'all fly as well," He shrugged as his hands rubbed and squeezed on her butt while she folded the clothes on her bed.

"Stop tryna distract me dude, we can't have any delays today."

Rolling his eyes, he kissed her cheek then started planting kisses on her neck to fuck with her purposely. Biting her lip cause that was one of her spots she pushed him away. "Not today Satan," She called out only to earn a laugh from him.

"You a fool, but alright I'll stop for now."

"Thank you, go get my baby dressed for me please."

Nodding his head, he grabbed the outfit she wanted him to wear walking out of the bedroom.

Slipping on her shorts and shirt, she sat on the edge of the bed to lotion her legs and feet. Feeling her phone vibrate, she looked down to see it was Anaya calling.

Sliding the bar over, she put the phone on speaker. "Yes Naya?"

"You almost dressed? Marcus, Alisha and I headed that way now."

"We almost ready, Ahmad getting my baby ready now then he gotta get himself ready .. then we'll be ready so I say about fifteen minutes."

"Okay girl, see you then."

"Bye,"

Hanging up the phone, she stood up to slip on the pair of Jordans he brought her, then walked over to her full body mirror admiring herself.

Once she was ready along with her hair and make-up, she walked downstairs to get the pies they baked last night out the fridge sitting them on the counter.

Marquette came running down stairs laughing, as he hid behind her leg breathing all fast. "Why is you running?"

Looking up at her he pointed. "The monster coming,"

Turning her eyes where his finger was, she looked to see Ahmad coming down the stairs with a mask. "Don't be scaring my baby!" She scolded walking up to him snatching the mask off in the process.

Smacking his lips, he rolled his eyes. "You love saying my baby, I like to think he mine too ole' ugly ass girl."

Smiling, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, but go get dressed we gotta go."

After kissing her on the lips, he jogged up the stairs to get ready. Stripping out of the sweats and tank top he wore, he walked into the closet grabbing an outfit similar to theirs then walked out.

He started leaving clothes over at her place since he was over there alot and vice versa. After getting dressed and spraying himself down in cologne, he grabbed his keys and wallet before leaving out making sure all the lights were off.

Jogging down the stairs, Cali stood at the door holding Marquette's hand and the pies. "Ready?" He asked.

"Been ready let's go."

-

Pulling up to the venue where his parents were having their cook-out since they ain't want folks messing up their house, he parked and got out letting Cali grab the pies while he grabbed Marquette who was now sleep.

Carrying him in his arms he locked his car, then walked side by side with Cali to where his family was.

Cali started to get nervous, but remained calm on the outside. Pushing through the gate, Ahmad scanned the area with his eyes looking for his parents and when he did, he motioned for Cali to follow.

Family members who hadn't seen Ahmad in years, looked at him strangely wondering when he had a kid and who Cali was.

His mama and dad spotted him standing to their feet to meet him half way. Giving each other hugs, Ahmad stepped back. "Ma', I want y'all to meet someone."

Grabbing Cali hand, he pulled her in front of him. "This is Cali, my lady." He smiled.

His mama looked back and forth at the two before covering her mouth. "Is this a joke?" She asked in disbelief that her son finally settled down.

"Nah ma', this my girl and this her son Marquette." He stated proudly.

Both his parents stood there for a second not saying anything, before his mama snapped out of the daze she was in. "Girl give me a hug, any child that can make my baby smile this much is a keeper."

Cali sighed in relief giving them both hugs. "It's nice to meet you,"

"The pleasure is ours, come talk with me, cause baby I got so many questions to ask .. mostly wanna know how the hell did you do it? You know how I long I've been trying to get his hard headed ass to settle down? Forever baby, but come on let me introduce you to the family.." She smiled, "Ahmad take them pies from her and sit them on the table with the rest of desserts and go speak to your family."

Laughing, he shook his head taking the pies from her. Watching Cali and his mama walk off he turned his attention to his dad. "So whatchu think?"

"Who cares what I think .. are you happy?"

Glancing back over at her, he saw her hug his Grandma Patty. Looking back at his dad he nodded. "Yeah very happy, both of em make me happy." He admitted.

"Then that's all that matters, how old is the kid?"

"He's two, where can I put him though?"

"I'll hold him, reminds me of you and Amir when y'all were this little." He smiled taking Marquette out his arms. "Crazy how fast life goes though, one minute y'all kids running after me and playing now look at ya, grown, doing well and living life .. I know I don't say it much but I am proud of you son,"

"I appreciate it pops,"

"Where your brother at? He said he was coming but he's late."

"On our way here, he called and told me he was like ten minutes away so he should be here soon."

"Alright, when you see him let me know .. I got little man so he in good hands, if his mama looking for him tell her we gon' be inside playing dominoes. But you go eat and talk to ya folks."

Slapping hands with his daddy, he kissed Marquette on the forehead before making his way to the food table sitting the pies down.

His mouth watered at the sight of all the food, grabbing a plate he piled it up high with ribs, links, potato salad, greens, yams, corn and three Hawaiian sweet rolls. Grabbing napkins and silverware, he waites in line to get a drink out the cooler.

"I know my damn eyes  ain't decieving me now.." He heard someone say from behind him. Turning around he came face to face with his Aunt Lucy.

Going in for a hug, they hugged tightly for a minute before she pulled away shaking her head. "Look at you all grown and shit, looking handsome. I feel like crying .. its been too long." She pouted.

"I know and I apologize, I been ghost for so long." He told her as they walked to a nearby table taking a seat.

"It's fine, we all need breaks .. how you been though? You know since the whole Amira situation?" She asked truly concerned about her nephew.

"I been holding myself up, it is hard though cause I think about her all the time but I'm getting through it."

She nodded, "That's good baby, we all loved her little fast ass .. I ran into her little boyfriend, you know he works at that H.E.B down the street from my house, poor child going through it."

Ahmad sighed, he never even thought to check on her friends. He knew they had to be taking it hard especially her boyfriend. He ain't know too much about Twan just knew she was in love with him and that she was pregnant by him.

He made mental note in his head to stop by to check on them after this was over.

"I bet he is, I'ma stop by there and check on him."

She smiled grabbing his hand, "He'd probably love that, he said he wanted to reach out but he wasn't sure if you guys would want to see him since he feels he's part of the reason she even died."

Frowning, Ahmad looked at her crazy. "Why does he feel like its his fault?"

Sighing, she bit her lip. "That night of the car crash the people shooting were aiming for him and his friend.. he was in some type of gang and shit got out of hand with some guys he was beefing with .. and Amira got caught right in the middle of it,"

Looking down, he just shook his head. "Damn," Was all he said.

Ahmad wasn't gonna put all the blame on Twan, Amira played a part in it as well. She lied and said she would be home but instead she chose to sneak out.

"How's Uncle Darwin?" He asked changing the subject.

"He's good, old ass somewhere around here, you seeing anybody yet?"

Smiling, he nodded. "Yeah, ya boy finally settled down."

She smirked. "Aw shit, don't tell me the world bout to end .. cause I know my Ahmad ain't just tell me he don' settled down."

Laughing, he sat his fork down. "I'm forreal, she here somewhere with mama .."

"She's here? Oh yeah, gotta meet this girl forreal cause any girl that can deal with you has to be a keeper." She joked. "But nah, I'm happy for you .. tell me about her."

"She special man, been changing me for the better of course. She's supportive, loving and caring. She's a very selfless person and her son I love that little boy to death.. he's a character."

Shaking her head, she just smiled. "I really feel like crying, my baby over here in love, my baby not a baby no more." She cooed laughing.

They talked a little longer, until he saw Amir and his boyfriend enter so he cut the conversation short to speak with his brother.

Throwing his trash away, he walked up to his brother and slapped hands with him and the guy. "What's up, I'm Ahmad."

"Justin, nice to finally put a face to a name."

"Where ma' and pops?" Amir asked nervously.

Looking around outside, he didn't spot them so he assumed they were inside. "They probably inside, you ready?"

Looking back at his boyfriend, he nodded. "Yeah, you gon' be there right?"

Patting his back, Ahmad nodded. "I told you, I gotchu .. come on."

Pushing passed family members, speaking to a few they entered the building. He spotted his parents playing with a now awake Marquette.

Reaching where they were, they stopped playing as they smiled at their two boys. "You made it, hi baby." His mama cooed hugging Amir and his dad did the same.

"Who is this handsome man? Friend of yours?"

Sighing, he grabbed Justin's hand intertwining their fingers. "Um ma' and pops this is my boyfriend Justin, Justin these are my folks."

Both his parents stood there in shock once again, "You and Ahmad gon' kill me with all these surprises. Hi baby, I'm Ashley his mother." She greeted giving him a hug.

"I'm Aaron, nice to meet you son."

Amir looked at them surprised. "You guys aren't mad?"

Looking at each other, they laughed. "Why would we be? When we already knew.." His dad said shaking his head. "We were waiting on you to come out."

Frowning, Amir looked at Ahmad who looked just as shocked. "How did you guys know?"

"We weren't born yesterday, somethings parents just peep early on .. how long have you guys been dating?"

Scratching the back of his head, he shrugged. "Six years,"

Hitting his arm, she shook her head. "You've been hiding this baby for six years?" Turning her attention to Justin she apologized. "My son is crazy so excuse him, you been making my baby happy for the passed six years of his life so I thank you for that."

"You're welcome ma'am."

Scoffing, she rolled her eyes. "Don't say ma'am, that makes me feel old just call me Ash .."

"Don't call her that, she thinks it makes her hip if people say Ash." Their dad mumbled making them laugh.

"Whatever, Amir come with me .. Justin stay and introduce yourself to your new family."

Justin smiled at her words, his family disowned him but here he was being welcomed into a new one and they barely even knew him. He wished his folks were like this. "You alright?" Aaron asked noticing the look on his face.

"Yeah, I'm fine .. just wish my folks were as welcoming as you guys are. They don't accept my sexuality."

Aaron shook his head as he wrapped his arm over his shoulder. "Long as you with my son, you'll have a family .. we're family of love, don't matter if you pink, blue, green or red we gon' love and welcome you regardless."

Ahmad smiled, "Yeah man, ain't none of us perfect so who are we to judge someone for who they like .. we all different, and we all human."

Justin nodded, "I appreciate it forreal,"

"It ain't nothing, you hungry? Ahmad go with him and fix him a plate for me and tell Marcus he needs to hurry up with my damn drink, sent his black ass out there an hour ago he still ain't returned."

"Alright, you want me to take Marquette?"

"Nah, he good."

Nodding he motioned for Justin to follow him, "So are you and my brother planning on getting married?" He asked as they stepped outside.

"I want too, but I don't know if he does .. I know his biggest issue was you guys not knowing but now that y'all know .. I might ask again or bring it up in conversation."

Ahmad nodded, "Do you wants kids?"

"Nah, we both decided we didn't want any so its a mutual thing on that."

Ahmad was trying to read him, and so far he got good vibes from him. He just hoped he continued to make his brother happy.

As the day went on, Justin and Cali were introduced to everyone and everyone loved them. Inside were the old heads along with their dad and Justin all playing dominoes, while everyone else sat outside talking.

Marquette and Cali sat a table with Ahmad, Marcus, Anaya and Alisha eating and talking. "Y'all family crazy as hell, I think y'all Uncle Fuzzy or whatever his name is tryna holla and if he got money, I might holla back at him." Alisha laughed.

"Uh uh, what about Damion?" Anaya asked folding her arms.

"What about him? He ain't my man, and we not even talking like that .. we text here and there and that's it."

"Why you being so stubborn? Damion seems nice."

Alisha shrugged. "Melvin seemed nice too and we see how that turned out. Look Anaya, I know you want me with someone and want me happy but I need time, Damion is cool but can I get over Melvin first before I just jump into the next nigga arms, I barely know him, he talking a good game now but who knows how long that will actually last."

Anaya nodded understanding what she meant, "You're right sis, I apologize."

"It's fine, you just want me happy and I appreciate that."

Ahmad looked over at Alisha, not sure as to why she was single. She wasn't ugly and from what Cali tells him, she is a good woman so he couldn't help but think what the real issue is as to why she always ends up getting played.

Shrugging the thoughts, he continued eating on the poundcake his grandma made. Cali fed Marquette a spoon full of corn, before reverting her attention to Ahmad. "You good?" She asked.

Looking up they locked eyes, "I'm good, you good?"

"I'm great, I love your family."

Smiling to himself, he nodded but that smile faded soon as he heard a particular voice. "You guys gon' celebrate this moment without me? Where was my invite?" She asked causing everyone to stop and look.

Marcus watched Ahmad tense up as he stared down at his plate not once looking up. Ashley stood to her feet looking over at Ahmad, shaking her head she walked to Shondra. "If you didn't get an invite why are you here?"

Laughing, Shondra shook her head. "What's up Ash? Did I do something? Thought we was cool."

Amir sat beside Ahmad rubbing his back as he watched his mama and Aunt Shondra talk. "Bit- you know damn well we ain't cool, you got my messages .. if it weren't kids here right now, I'd beat your ass." She snapped.

Cali looked over at Ahmad who still hadn't looked up, looking at both Marcus and Amir for answers they shook their heads. "Get him and go," Marcus mouthed to her.

Nodding, she stood up with Marquette gathering their things. Getting up Amir let her sit, "Let's go home babe," She whispered in his ear. "Come on, let's go."

Not saying anything Ahmad stood to his feet, going in the direction of the gate he froze when she called out to him. "So you just gon' leave without saying hey to your favorite aunty?"

To be continued ...

-

not feeling this chapter 😔

but um so i was thinking .. and i might make this book a little longer, don't know yet .. you guys might just get surprised

But anyways lol thanks for 10k views, this means so much! I appreciate you all for the love and support you guys show!

- Denise 💕