“But I want to. I really miss you, and I’d really like to work on our relationship. We’re back for good, and I can even start getting the kids on the regular, maybe they can even m-m-move back with me,” she started stuttering, watching Logic’s nose flare.
“Nah.”
“Nah?”
“Nah, they aren’t about to live with you, and nah, we can’t work on a relationship.”
“LJ, they are my kids. You can’t-”
“They were your kids six years ago when you left them with me, but that didn’t mean shit. These are my kids, Pepper, and you better be lucky I’m allowing Sage to come spend the weekend with you.”
“You know I can take you to court, right? I have rights.”
“Be my guest. I’m not the same broke nigga yall left to raise three kids. I can afford a lawyer, but I promise you this isn’t the route you wanna take.”
“Are you threatening me?” Pepper arched her eyebrow.
“Nah, I’m warning you,” Logic promised. “You don’t give a fuck about them. I’ve been listening to Sage beg you for weeks to come over, but you been dodging him.”
“I was busy.”
“Nah, you weren’t, but it’s your story to tell.”
“Hey Ma,” Sage greeted. “Yall aight?” he asked, sensing the tension between his mother and brother.
“We’re good. Keep your location on and call me if you need me.” Logic pulled Sage into his arms.
“You know I'm not a baby, right?” He chuckled, glancing up at his big brother.
“Whatever, lil nigga. See you Sunday.”
“See you Sunday.” Sage half smiled, ignoring the empty feeling in his stomach as Logic released him.
“I know you not about to leave without saying bye!” Spice marched into the living room with Shugg right behind her.
“Yall acting like yall gone miss me,” Sage replied, stretching out both of his arms for his sisters to walk in.
Pepper stood to the side observing how close-knit her children had become. It was easy to tell they weren’t used to being away from one another and she almost felt bad. Pepper didn’t know what to expect when she came back around, but this wasn’t it. The twins' hair was pressed and fell down their backs, their nails were done, their skin was clear, and they were both dressed in Nike gear with Tory Burch sandals. Sage's hair was cut, his waves were flowing, and his lineup was fresh. He was sporting a Nike jogging suit, matching white Ones, and carrying a Nike duffel bag. It was clear that they were well cared for, and Pepper didn’t know why it made her feel some kind of way. It was as if they never needed her. Even the apartment they lived in was clean, the furniture was new, and from where she was standing, they weren’t hurting for anything.
“Just say yall gone miss me,” Sage grinned.
“Hm, nobody said all that. Just be safe and sleep with your money in your sock,” Shugg said loudly as she hugged him.
“Lil girl, are you trying to say I steal?”
“It’s been a long time. People change, we don’t know what you do,” Spice spoke up, turning back to her brother. “And if they acting funny, call me and we’ll come get you.”
“Girl, shut up,” Sage laughed. “Come on, Ma.” He turned to the door as the twins fell into Logic’s side. Pepper gave the trio a tight smile, but the gesture wasn’t returned. In fact, the twins now shared the same mean mug as their big brother.
“Well, I guess I’ll see yall when I drop Sage off Sunday morning.” She backed out of the door.
Again, no one said anything, so Sage gently grabbed his mother’s hand and led her out the door.
“Welp, I don’t know, I’m feeling something.” Spice held her forehead to see if she was hot.
“Me too.” Shugg grabbed her stomach. “Could this be sadness? Am I going to miss his annoying self?”
“Just say yall gone miss him getting on your nerves.” Logic laughed at them, but he felt it too. They hadn’t spent more than a day apart from each other.
