He turns to me, voice low and hypnotizing. “Tomorrow mi see yuh, enuh wifey. Mi a go meds deh game yah.”
“Okay, huzzy.”
“Kiss Zahir and Zahira fi me.” His words heavy with love.
“I will. We love you,” I say for the babies.
He touches his chest. “Heart a love.”
I tilt my head, just staring at him.
He stares back.
“Tomorrow,” I blush and hang up, sinking back into the bed. Flashbacks rushing in, they’re so hot and wild in my head. I bite my finger again, second time tonight. My body hums.Jeez.
A little while after, I tuck my babies in the same room where they were made. Can you imagine? My heart swells and my nerves prick at the edges. First night with them sleeping without their crib, I don’t want to squeeze them.
I tuck pillows along the edges of the bed, making sure they’re safe in the middle. Then I just… stare at our creation. Gorgeous. Perfect. I press a soft kiss to their lips before closing my eyes, already craving for tomorrow.
NICKOI
Rick blows a whistle straight inna my ear and mi nearly box him, but end up laughing instead. “Yuh love ramp, bredda?” I slide off the bed.
“A 7 o’ clock now dawg, nuh your wedding a start 3 o’ clock?” Rick is way more hype like a him a hang up him jersey and retirefrom the game. Gutta and Junior roll in next, vibes cool, no tension, which mi give thanks for.
I freshen up, throw on a white tee, jeans, and my slides while the man dem a chill. I dial Zara’s number. “Baby?” Her voice low. “Mi deh inna line fi get something fi Mommy.”
I smile slight, but before I can answer, Orion’s name flashes across the screen. I hesitate. Since that night, I haven’t called him nor my mother. Not ‘cause mi vex, mi just still processing. I focus on Zara, just hearin’ her calm mi spirit.
My screen light up again. Orion.
I stare on his name long. Part a mi finger a twitch fi decline it. “Soon talk to yuh Mami, love you,” I say before I hang up, quickly answering Orion’s call.
“Hi neph,” he says, and I frown.
“Wah?” I ask.
“Nephew,” he clarifies, and I remain silent. “Yeah man, today is your big day, and I want to handle something for you.”
“Wah that?” I ask dryly. If I claim I’m not mad at him, why do I still feel this way?
“I want your thing to be lavish, so instead of the Benz you have, I could get you a Limousine or even a Rolls Royce here in Jamaica, since I have them at my place,” he says.
“That good,” I reply.
“You sure?” He sounds disappointed, and now I feel guilty.Be nice dawg.
“Ah… the Limousine can work,” I simply state.
“The Rolls Royce would be better in my opinion,” he adds.
“Then that then,” I barely care.
“Son, you were never indecisive when it comes to choosing because you always know what you want. Are you still mad at me?” he asks. I stay silent.
“Yah,” I finally admit. “I remember what you said, and I understand, but I just don’t know why I still feel some anger towards you.”
He sighs. “I appreciate your honesty, Mari.”
