“You gon’ watch yo’ mouth around mine. Essence starting to talk and CJ not ‘bout to go to school on that. If you can’t spell it, don’t say it,” Royce chastised him.
Nodding, Black answered with, “That’s a bet. My fault. What’s they name though?” he inquired.
I went to speak, but Royce had it covered. “This my wife, Klarity, my son CJ, that’s Essence in your arms, and that’s Porsche in the car seat.”
“Why she the only one named after us? What happened with them two?” Black was being nosy now.
“That little one you’re holding, and CJ are from someone else but that doesn’t stop them from being an Atkins. Royce did what was necessary to him to make them his. They don’t know anyone but him, especially her spoiled behind,” Klarity explained making Essence seem like the ultimate daddy’s girl.
Really? Damn, how didn’t I know that?
“Aye Brat, why you name my son Malachi?” Black inquired. I was put on the spot after literally just piecing together their names.
“I assumed you was named after the Bible, so I went with that. I had no idea it was from luxury cars until now. It literally just clicked.”
“You and that fu… You and all that assuming mess. Change his name, Brat.” He threw out demands as well as corrected his vocabulary like Royce ordered.
“I can’t. He got a lot of stuff customized and Malachi is all over it including his nursery,” I said with my words getting softer and lower as I spoke in embarrassment.
“I’ll cover the damages sis and have everything change by the time you get up out of here. Change it for his lil’ a-s-s. It’s his first child and son. Let him have control,” Royce chimed.
“Okay, but to what?” I folded so quick for them it wasn’t even funny. I’d grown to love the name Malachi for him. It saddened me a tad.
“Maaz short for Maserati or Aston is cool. It’s up to you Brat, but Malachi got to go,” he complained.
“I like Maaz. His full name would be Maserati Afor Atkins. It has a ring,” I said smiling down at him.
“I like that, too, bestie. I think you should change it now that you know the origin of their names. I was a little curious myself but this luxury car sh… stuff is dope,” Nesh added. She’d been her own little world but spoke up on her godson’s name.
“Yeaaahhhh,” Royce roared. “That got a heck of a ring to it. I’m proud of y’all. I ain’t think it would go like this. I just knew I would have to whoop yo’ a-s-s, but you came with some sense,” Royce teased.
“I ain’t never hate you nigga, I just didn’t care for you. Senior though… yeah, he can suck my di… kiss my a-s-s.” Black caught on fast to keeping everything he said rated PG.
If Black and Royce got along, that would be great. Royce really did care a lot about his family and did what he could to support them. Once he knew I was carrying an Atkins, his tempo changed immediately for me. I was sure once he learned of Black, all he wanted to do was bond with him. Despite him being so mean, he was really loving and took his provider role very serious.
“I feel you. Brat let me check out the latest Atkins before My Baby be ready to roll out.” Royce was on his feet heading to the sink to wash his hands. He was a pro at this by now.
He scooped his nephew up and carried him over to where Klarity was seated so she could too see the baby. All I could do was smile and embrace the family that didn’t let me run. Royce was a boss ass nigga, and it showed with every move he made. Everyone around him tended to fall in line and move with goodintentions. He was such a warm person once he let you in. I hope Black genuinely welcomed him in his life. He could use that big brother love.
The soundof Maaz’s loud cries coming through the baby monitor had me jumping up out my sleep ready to run to him. However, I was caught by Black’s arm and pulled back down to the bed. Exhaustion had hit me so hard, I hadn’t quote got used to him being here and two weeks had come and gone already.
“Man, lay yo’ ass back down. I got him.” There wasn’t an ounce of rasp in his voice. It was like he’d been up this entire time.
Looking over at the clock, I noticed it said 6:23 am. “Why are you up right now?” I questioned him.
“I been up since four handling business. Let me get him changed and shit, then I’ll bring him in here to eat. You leaking,” he said pointing to my chest.
Once he acknowledged the leak, my breast became extremely sore. I removed the breast pumps and sat them on the nightstand beside me. My gown wasn’t soaked or anything but if I would’ve stayed sleep, I was sure it would’ve been.
Pressing my back against the headboard, I got comfortable waiting for them to return. Black walked in shortly after with Maaz in his arms. He’d gotten so good with carrying him that he one handed him effortlessly. He spoke to Maaz like he was his homeboy knowing he couldn’t understand a thing he was saying. He handed him over after pecking his cheeks the stroll over.
Maaz was placed on the pillow in my lap bringing a smile to me instantly. He was too adorable to pass up on or ever get ridof. He latched on to my nipple immediately. I noticed early on that his appetite was bigger than he could handle.
Black opened the curtains allowing the small sunrise to be witnessed. He picked up the two breast pumps and walked out with them moments later. Over the course of those three days we shared months ago, I picked up on his quietness. I realized he didn’t speak unless spoken to and minded his business always. He gave me space but not too much where he couldn’t hear or see me.
“You look like that man. You could’ve given me something Afor. You didn’t even try stinkabutt,” I said admiring his features. He was Black’s twin.
I couldn’t even enjoy him good before I was receiving a phone call. I checked the caller ID and released a deep sigh. I wasn’t prepared for my parents’ lectures. They always started with concern about me and Maaz but pivoted to Black and his entire existence. It was a redundant loop I wanted to break away from. Nevertheless, I answered silently praying the conversations went a little different this time around.
