He peered at her, feeling a flood of anxiety drown him internally. For the sake of his little brother’s party, he forced thoughts of Irish to the back of his mind. His mother had finally listened to him and apologized for her actions. Jovanis wanted to bask in that for now.
Cali entered her parents’ home, immediately smelling her mother’s scent. Following the chatter, she walked to the dining room where Douglas, Cecilia, Bria, and Enya sat. The twins were seated at the small table, trading food from their plates.
“Well, look who it is,” her mother sang, coming over to greet her. “How are you, my baby?”
Cali closed her eyes as her mother’s embrace swarmed her. There was nothing like a mother’s touch, and she silently reprimanded herself for shutting Cecilia out.
“I’m okay.”
Cecilia grabbed her hand and led her to the table.
“It’s nice to have all of my girls in one place,” Douglas smiled. “You okay, Cali?”
“I’m cool for now,” she replied, honestly.
“Daddy, you should've seen your girl a month ago. Hair was matted, face dry. The twins were jumping on her head to see if she was still alive,” Bria joked.
Cali laughed, recalling how Koda kept sitting on her head to wake her up.
“Staying with Bria is like staying at the zoo. Those kids won’t leave me alone, but I appreciate them now. They just wanted me to play with them.”
“Those lying twins.” Enya scoffed. “I’ll never forgive them for saying I stank.”
Douglas snapped his head toward her. “Stank?”
“She smelled like the Atlantic Ocean,” Cali added, summoning an eye roll from Enya.
“I didn’t smell like anything. They were lying on me.”
Bria twisted her mouth. “Sure, Jan.”
“Anyways, I’m glad you guys came to have dinner with us.” Cecilia beamed. “Your dad has been so busy that he kept pushing the family dinners back. And Cali, you’ve been so down that it’s nice to see your sweet face. How are you holding up, mentally?”
She wished she could’ve bypassed this conversation. What could she say besides she was okay?
“I’m getting better.”
“Good because I hated to see you go out sad behind a nigga,” Enya said between chewing.
“Enya,” Cecilia warned.
“What?” She feigned innocence. “I just want better for my sister.”
“She’s getting there. God forbid you go through anything and need a minute to catch your breath,” Bria sneered. “You really act like you don't live life here on earth. As if what we’re going through don't apply to you.”
“Alright, girls lets changed the subject,” Douglas suggested.
“Good because I have great news,” Enya chirped. “Kip and I are expecting. I’m pregnant!”
Cecilia dropped her fork. “Oh my, congratulations, baby. That’s great news.”
Bria and Cali shared a look before pushing smiles on their lips. For Cali, she was happy for Enya, but she made it hard to celebrate her with her condescending attitude.
“Yes, I found out last week. We have been trying for the last year, and it finally happened. We’re so excited.” She clapped.
“That’s great news, Enya. Congratulations. I hope I have another grandson.” Douglas smirked.
Enya playfully rolled her eyes. “Dad, you and these boys. I guess I understand since you had all girls.”
