“Which one a yuh bredgrin birthday?” Nickoi asks while I turn around to take out the twins.
Gavin helps me, and I have no idea where Sash wandered off to. Zahir is smiling up at me and Zahira’s rubbing her cheeks, she’s teething.No more panicking.
“This time I know what’s wrong. Mommy not unaware this time,” I say softly, poking her cheek.
I lift her while Gavin takes Zahir.
“Yuh naffi drink nuh magnum man. Rest that and try some Hennessy,” Nickoi jokes, handing the bottle to one of Daddy’s friends.
The man perks up. “20 gran fi this, respect mi boss!”
Nickoi nods with a grin. My father walks over smiling, though his eyes are locked on Zahira.
“Get caught up and nuh get fi talk to mi one gyal,” he says, his voice warm.
His gaze lingers onher,pure admiration.
“She pretty bad,” he says finally, eyes still on her like he’s not sure if he’s allowed to hold her.
His attention shifts to Zahir in Gavin’s arms, and his face lights up.
“This bwoy look like Nick,” he chuckles.
Crazy.
Zahir looked like me at birth, but the older he gets, the more he copies Nick’s entire face.
Mi never know dem thing deh possible.
I pass Zahira to him. He hesitates, glances at me awkwardly, then takes her gently. He holds her like she’s made of glass, and she stares at him with those big chestnut eyes.
“That’s your grandpa,” I whisper to her.
She giggles.
Like she understands. Then she starts playing in his curls, eyes drooping shortly after.
“She want sleep,” he says, handing her back to me before taking Zahir from Gavin. I step inside and use my key to unlock my room. I turn on the light and a soft smile spreads across my face.
I spread a blanket on the bed, sit to breastfeed her, and once her back hits the mattress, she’s out. I slip back outside to socialize. Unlike Zahira, Zahir is wide awake and loving the attention, giggling nonstop. Maybe he’s the social one? Or maybe his personality will flip just like his face did?
***
An hour passes. I’ve eaten till my belly is full. I sipped a littleliquor, checking on my babies in between. Nickoi fits right in with Daddy, his friends, and Gavin.
So down to earth…
I love that about him, but as I watch him, I start thinking about his lifestyle… so violent, so risky.
I sigh.
God, please protect him. He’s a beautiful soul. I can’t imagine life without him.
Daddy comes and sits beside me on the veranda.
“You alright mi girl?”
“I am… are you, Daddy?”
