I chuckled jovially. “For you, I’m ridin’ every time, Pooh Bear.”
My heart was full having all the people I loved the most in one place. When I got to my father at the grill, he gave me a look. All I did was nod. He held up his fist, and I pounded it.
I was prepared to chill for a while, but Nuri surprised me when she started signing.“Meet me in the bedroom.”
Just when I didn’t think I could love this girl anymore, she went and learned how to communicate with me in the way I was most comfortable with. She finally understood that I didn’t talk much, not because I couldn’t, but because it wasn’t my strong suit. My heart swelled with pride and admiration. She didn’t even have to ask me twice. I would follow this girl to the ends of the earth and beyond if she asked me to.
“Nuri’s a freak,”Jah teased with a grin. Seeing him sign her name made me fall deeper in love. She was truly something special.
“Mind your business,”I told him before taking my girl’s hand in mine and leading her into the house.
Whether she wanted to go to Pound Town or Drill City, it didn’t matter. My dick was already swollen, ready to take her there.
I wasin my own world as my producer Tookie replayed the latest track for my album. The beat was already a work of art, but I came on straight killing shit. Niggas were not fucking with my wordplay and flow. I could tell it was a hit by the way the gang started vibing out.
There were only a few songs left to complete on my track list. I was feeling so proud of this project. I’d put blood, sweat, tears, and my heart into every song. Even if it flopped, I would walk around with my head held high. I fought to be here, and the fact that I was even an artist was proof I’d beaten the odds. So many people tried to tell me who I was and what I would become because of my speech impairment, but I’d proven them all wrong.
All our attention shot to the steps when it sounded like a stampede was on its way down. I waved for Tookie to cut the music. My body relaxed at first when Jiah came into view. Her eyes were wide, and she was breathing hard. Jah, Man Man, Lazer, me, and Burg all got on alert.
“Pooh Bear is in labor!” She didn’t give us any time to process before she spun around and raced back up the stairs.
“Oh shit,” Jah fretted with his hands on his head. He looked devastated. “Our baby is really having a fucking baby.”
I knew exactly how he was feeling, but she would need us now even more than ever before. With quick strides, I made my way to the stairs and ran up them two at a time. When I burst through the door, I could hear all the commotion on the ground level. I followed the voices until I got to the parlor room.
Azani was crying as my mother helped her over to a chaise to sit down. The room had been transformed since the last time I’d been in here. It was clear that Nuri was ready for this moment. Everything looked like it was set up with intention, from the Palo Santo she was cleansing the room with to the huge inflatable birthing pool in the middle of the floor and the mountain of towels nearby. I walked over to a tray that was filled with various oils, candles, and herbs. When Nuri saw me, she smiled.
“Is there anything you need me to do?”
She nodded. “Yes. Start filling the tub with this blend.”
She picked up a huge jar. There was a large white label on the front that readBirthin black Sharpie. I placed a quick kiss on her cheek, then got busy. Nuri had a task for everyone, and the way we all came together to help welcome the first third-generation baby into the family made me pause.
My mother was whispering encouragement to Azani while Nazje was braiding her hair back. Jiah was massaging her feet with the oil that Nuri had handed to her. I was nearly drooling at the mouth seeing my woman at work. The lights in the room fell,and I glanced in time to see that Jah was the reason. Nuri had him and the others busy lighting candles. She waltzed over to the record player and began playing some jazz, creating a relaxing ambiance. Once everything was set up, there was nothing to do but wait for the baby to come.
For hours, that’s exactly what we did. Azani labored all the way into the next day. We all took turns consoling her and assuring her that everything was okay. She swore something was wrong, but Nuri just kept reminding her that it took time. She said that when her body was ready, the baby would come.
I walked into the parlor room carrying a tray for Nuri and my mother. Everyone else was getting some sleep as night fell. Nuri smiled at me as I set the tea down. She was currently helping Azani with some hip thing that was supposed to help counter the pressure she was feeling.
I became worried when Azani cried out. Mama looked at her timer, then back to Nuri. “That was only three minutes. It’s time.”
They became excited as they hopped up. Nuri turned to me. “Baby, can you help get her into the pool?”
I nodded before getting into action. I held one of Azani’s hands while I used the other to help her into the pool. She was crying again while shaking her head. “I can’t do this, Sekai.”
As she eased into the water, I got on my knees beside the pool, still holding her hand. “Yes, you can, and you will. You’re stronger than you think.”
Nuri pulled her shirt off, and I momentarily became distracted by her beautiful brown skin. She grinned at me as she came closer.“Focus.”
“I’m trying.”
She giggled before coming over for me to help her in the pool. She got Azani into position on her knees. She massaged her back with an oil that smelled heavenly.
“Remember to breathe down, Pooh Bear. Don’t push,” she coached her in a gentle voice. Looking at me, she nodded toward the far wall. “Hubby, go light the red candle over there. The baby is coming.”
I wasn’t sure what the point was, but I did as I was told. By the time I came back over, my mama was in front of Azani, encouraging her through the pain. Nuri was focused on her breathing and keeping her calm. Before I knew it, Nuri was fishing for something from the water. I lost my breath when she pulled up a beautiful brown baby. She did a few moves before the sweet sound of cries filled the room.
“Welcome, little one. We’ve been waiting for you,” Nuri declared in the most tender voice. “You did it, Azani. He’s here, and he’s perfect just like you.”
