“I d-didn’t know I was staying overnight?” The shakiness in my voice can’t be avoided, thanks to the entrance of my hormones and purring pussy.
“Try to go home after being gone and see if I let you get away. Since your pussy snatched my soul, we’re stuck. Unless you’re ready to explain to your rental office why you need a new door.”
My eyes wrinkle, and my nose twists as I tilt my head before I question him. “What do you mean? There’s nothing wrong with my door.”
“Mhm. But there will be if you’re not in my bed tonight.”
I giggle as I sync my phone to the radio and turn on some kid-friendly music for Zakiyah.
“Kiki, doo-doo, doo-doo,” I sing as she claps when the catchy song plays.
Zakai drives us to Columbus, and we arrive at the zoo nearly two hours later. I yawn before I unbuckle my seat belt and turn to see that Zakiyah is asleep.
“Uh, do you think this was a bad idea?” I ask Zakai.
“Nah, she’ll be good once we get in there. Hold tight. I’m gonna get her out and then open your door.” Zakai exits the vehicle and moves to Zakiyah’s door before he assists to help me out.
Thankfully, Zakiyah’s eyes pop open, and she’s wide awake once our tickets have been bought and we walk through the front gates. Zakai helps her to her feet before he takes one of her hands, and I accept the other.
“Ooh, an-mul.” Zakiyah gushes as she points with wide eyes when she sees a keeper with a baby monkey on their shoulder.
“That’s a monkey.” I smile.
“Muh-kee,” Zakiyah repeats.
A chuckle comes from Zakai as he shakes his head. “I can see now that this is about to be quite overwhelming and educational for Kiki.”
“Don’t forget fun. A time is about to be had.” I grin.
The three of us continue on our journey as my chest expands with every step we take. This moment feels permanent and like it’s where I’m destined to be in life. I no longer feel the sting of Rosetta’s inability to mother me. In fact, my only thought right now is how to make this experience a memorable one for Zakiyah.
“Eww. Tinky, Pwitty.” Zakiyah fans her hand, and I crack up from how tight her face is.
We’re approaching the barn where they keep goats, sheep, chickens, and a few other animals. I totally agree with Zakiyah’s assessment because the smell unapologetically penetrates every nose within a half-mile radius.
“Damn,” Zakai mutters. A cute frown forms, and I fight not to laugh at the dual reaction from the father/daughter duo.
“Let’s go in for a second. They have some adorable baby goats, and I think Zakiyah will like to pet them.”
“Man. I ain’t trying to have that stench seep into my pores, Ziya.” Zakai’s frown deepens.
Unable to prevent it, a laugh escapes my mouth, and Zakiyah turns to look at me. Her eyes are curious and assessing.
“Do you want to go to the barn with me, Zakiyah? We don’t have to stay long. I promise.”
“Otay, Pwitty. I go.” Zakiyah releases Zakai’s hand as we head toward the barn’s entrance, and Zakai stays in place as he watches us intently.
I regret the suggestion the minute we walk through the door, and the smell intensifies; I cover my nose with my free hand.
“Oh no. Tinky. Tinky, Pwitty.” Zakiyah fans her face, and I try to lead her toward the enclosure where two baby goats are. “Oh no. Not go. Tinky, Pwitty.” Zakiyah points, and a father with a child on his chest in a carrier, and one beside him laughs heartily.
“I can’t say that I blame her,” the man says.
“Go, Pwitty. Want Daddy.” Zakiyah squeezes my hand, and I know our time in the barn is over.
Over the next hour or so, I learn two things about Zakai and Zakiyah: They share the same mannerisms, and neither of them enjoys the aroma at the zoo. I have to bribe both of them with ice cream in order for me to go see my favorite animal before we leave. The koala. But I don’t know who walks faster to the exit, Zakai or Zakiyah soon after. Perhaps when Zakiyah is older, I’ll be able to convince her to come back. In the meantime, the three of us leave the zoo grounds and head toward the first ice cream parlor available. But I have no complaints because being with Zakai and Zakiyah made my heart burst with joy.
A Week Later. . .
