Page 56 of More to Love

“You know I enjoy having you in this family. My Barbara was a well-fed woman as well and I loved that woman down. I’m glad Hendrix followed in my footsteps.”

His comment caused me to chuckle a little. He always spoke his mind and didn’t care how you took it. I was glad this was a compliment instead of something off the wall.

“Well thank you, Pops. Was your wife a big supporter of Hendrix’s?”

“She was. If she was here today, you wouldn’t be able to lift a finger. She loved everything about that boy and since you’re his lady, you would be included. She wanted the best for that boy, and I believe you’re it. You know he told me about you, and I gave him the best advice I could. Not everything is clear and simple. Some things you have to clean up to see where you’re supposed to go. He chose right.”

Hearing Hendrix grandfather approve of our love made my heart smile. I was big on family and because neither one of us had much of ours left in our life, it felt good that the ones we did have rooted for us.

“Thank you. Do you want to be there when Zylah’s born? I think Hendrix would appreciate that a lot.” I only asked because he and Hendrix really were the last of them. It would be a cherished moment for them both.

“I would love that. Thank you for asking.”

“Well, can you go and grab him. My water just broke.” I stood and sure enough there was a puddle in the seat.

“Hot toe mighty. Hendrix!” he shouted for the man that knocked me up who was across the yard chopping it up with Dexter.

“Pops keep it down please. I don’t need you making a big scene.”

“Hush girl. Boy come on now, her water just broke.”

He ignored my request causing everyone in attendance to shout with joy and scream their congratulations. Hendrix came sprinting across the yard to see what was up and Pops let him know that it was time.

“Are you okay? What do I need to do?” He was in more of a panic state than I was.

“Calm down for one and two, help me to the car then grab Akeera so we can go. Have Dex and EJ wrap this up and meet us up there when they’re done.”

“I can handle that,” he voiced with a smile.

Hendrix was such a sucka for me. He just went along with whatever I said and didn’t debate with me about a thing. I lived a peaceful life, and it was all thanks to him. I figured this child was the least I could give him in return for always showing me how serious he was about me.

I was ushered to the car and helped inside. While I sat waiting patiently, I received a call from my mother, and I instantly expected nonsense. Nothing good ever came out of talking with my parents. However, I only had one set and I still loved them, so I answered.

“Hello.”

“Hey baby girl. I wanted to thank you for what you did for us. I was wondering if I could come down and take you to lunch. Just me and you without your father. I want to try and do better by you and your sister.”

“Your timing is off, Mama. I’m in labor right now and won’t want to be bothered for quite some time. I’ll call back when I have the time.”

“Can I come and be a part of that? I haven’t missed any of my grands being born.”

“No. But I’ll send you a picture. I have to go.”

I wasn’t trying to be rude, but this moment was for those that deserved to be here. She put in no effort to change, until I saved them from the same streets they threw us into. I had nothing for her and that was a result of how she raised me. Hanging up, I turned my phone off completely because I could feel the irritation brewing.

Hendrix returned with Akeera in tow, and we were off. By the time we got to the hospital, the contractions had picked up and the pain was greater than before. I was trying to make use of the breathing exercises I learned but at this point the shit was pissing me off altogether because it wasn’t helping me.

Pops walked me in as Hendrix and baby girl parked. I was admitted immediately and taken to the maternity floor. I was excited because I no longer had to think about how she would be but actually experience her physically. I had high hopes for her looking like her mother as well.

“Okay Ms. Styles, Dr. Wilcox has been called and will be here soon. As of now, your intake of food has been cut off and the only thing you’ll be able to have are ice chips. I’m Nurse Jackie and will be here for you all night. Let’s get you undressed and situated. We have orders to give you the largest room on the floor.”

She was kind and gentle. She constantly asked about my comfortability with everything we did and made sure I was at peace after getting set up in my room. I looked forward to having a smooth labor as long as I stayed surrounded by people that went out of their way for me. She checked my cervix, and I was only four centimeters dilated.

“You good, beautiful?” Hendrix was back and concerned as usual.

“I am. We have a ways to go so get comfortable. I think she said the couch is a pullout couch so you and Akeera will be able to sleep comfortably. They’re going to get an extra one for Pops. This room is huge so it should be more than enough room for everyone.”

“Cool. What you need from me?”