Chapter Eight

October 14, 2024

Reeva walked into the house. She paused for a moment, taking in the scene that unfolded before her. Kayla, her best friend since their teenage years, was animatedly discussing something with her parents, Phil and April.

"Seriously, they're so cute together, Papa Phil! Let's start looking for property," Kayla exclaimed.

Reeva rolled her eyes, a habitual response to Kayla's boundless enthusiasm, especially when it came to romantic prospects. The girl was relentless. Reeva had known Kayla long enough to anticipate her outbursts, and today was no different.

Phil leaned back in his chair, a bemused smile dancing across his lips. "Are they really cute together?" he replied.

Kayla didn't miss a beat. "I'm telling you that they'll be married in a couple of months, and we'll be living in a compound in San Francisco because that's where he's from. We can't uproot seven kids!" She gestured emphatically, her fingers slicing through the air as if to punctuate her points.

Reeva shook her head as she stepped further into the kitchen, the sounds of their banter melding into the background. Kayla had a penchant for the dramatic; it was one of the qualities that made her an excellent publicist, but also one that often exasperated Reeva.

"A week and you've already gone to New York twice with Jacob," April interjected, her tone a mix of concern and incredulity.

Reeva could sense her mother's protective instincts kicking in, always wary of Reeva's wild aspirations for love and family.

"Seven kids, princess. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility?" Phil asked, turning his gaze toward Reeva.

His eyes held a mix of teasing and genuine curiosity. Reeva opened the refrigerator, her fingers brushing against the cool metal as she grabbed a bottle of water. She twisted the cap off and took a sip, the cold liquid refreshing against the warm air of the kitchen.

"Honestly, Dad, I'm just trying to get through my own life right now," she replied, trying to keep her voice light.

She felt the weight of their expectations sometimes, the unspoken pressure to live up to the image of stability that her parents had cultivated over the years. She leaned against the counter, letting the coolness of the granite seep into her skin.

"Don't you want that kind of life, though?" Kayla asked, her tone softening as she shifted her focus from Phil to Reeva. "I mean, a big family, a loving partner—don't you ever think about it?"

Reeva bit her lip, contemplating her response. She loved Kayla fiercely, but sometimes their visions of the future felt worlds apart. "I think about it, but it's not something I'm ready to chase after. Not now. I've got my career, and... I don't know, maybe it's just not my time yet."

Phil nodded, sensing the seriousness of her tone. "It's okay to want to focus on yourself first. Life has a way of working things out." His reassurance felt grounding, reminding Reeva that she didn't have to rush.

Kayla, however, wasn't easily deterred. "But life is so much better when you're sharing it with someone! You should be out there, experiencing all of it, not just coasting."

Reeva laughed lightly. "Coasting? Is that what you think I'm doing?" She didn't want to sound defensive, but the implication nagged at her. She had her ambitions, her passions; they were just different from Kayla's.

"Not coasting, but... not fully diving in either." Kayla's brow furrowed, a genuine concern etched across her face. "I just don't want you to miss out on anything."

Reeva set her water bottle down and leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I appreciate the concern, Kayla. Really. But I think I'll know when I'm ready for that kind of life. Right now, I'm okay with where I am."

Phil cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Maybe we should pivot the conversation back to these compounds in California. Are they actually practicable?"

Kayla perked up at the change of subject, her enthusiasm returning like a spring blossom. "Absolutely! They have amazing community gardens, shared spaces, everything. It's a dream!"

Reeva couldn't help but smile at Kayla's infectious energy. "So, what you're saying is we should all live in a commune where everyone is growing tomatoes together?"

"Exactly!" Kayla grinned, and Reeva rolled her eyes again, more amused than annoyed. She loved how passionate Kayla could get about the most outlandish ideas.

April chuckled. "Well, I can't say I'm quite ready for a life of communal gardening, but the idea has its charms."

As the conversation flowed, Reeva allowed herself to relax. The gentle laughter, the light teasing—it reminded her of the bonds they shared, the little moments that made life beautiful. It was easy to get lost in the everyday grind, but these interactions grounded her, pulled her back to what really mattered.

"Just think about it," Kayla continued, "Imagine the memories we'd create. Beach days, barbecues, and watching the kids grow up together."

The thought lingered in Reeva's mind, a picturesque scene woven with threads of nostalgia and longing. She had always cherished her childhood, the carefree days spent running through the backyard, the laughter echoing against the warm evening air. Could she really envision a similar life for herself and her future?

"Okay, but what about the logistics?" Reeva challenged, crossing her arms playfully. "Who's cooking for seven kids? Who's cleaning up after them? You've never even babysat for more than an hour!"

Phil chuckled, a knowing look exchanged with April. "There's a reason they invented takeout, princess," he teased, winking at Kayla, who rolled her eyes dramatically.

Reeva shook her head, unable to suppress a smile. "Seriously, I can barely keep my apartment tidy, let alone manage a compound full of kids."

Kayla waved her hand dismissively. "You'd adjust! Just think how wonderful it would be to have a community supporting each other. You wouldn't be alone in it!"

The idea was tempting. There was something alluring about shared responsibility, about having a network of friends and family rallying together. But still, the thought of her independence and the freedom to navigate her own path weighed heavily on her heart. "I get that, Kayla. But what if I don't want to adjust? What if I want my own space?"

"That's okay too! But just keep it in mind. You might surprise yourself," Kayla said, her voice soothing yet persistent.

Reeva felt a rush of warmth toward her friend. Kayla's ability to dream so vividly, to challenge her perspective—it was a gift, even if it sometimes made Reeva uncomfortable. "I'll think about it," she promised, and in that moment, she truly meant it.

As the conversation drifted to lighter topics—upcoming events, fashion trends, and the latest gossip in their circle—Reeva found herself laughing more, letting the worries of the day slip away.

Meanwhile, Jacob sat at the kitchen table, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee mug. The steam rose in delicate spirals, momentarily clearing the fog of his thoughts. He was supposed to be enjoying a quiet morning, but instead, he was facing an interrogation from Haisha, the mother of his seven children. She stood across from him, arms crossed, her expression a mix of concern and accusation.

"So, I see you all over social media running with Reeva," she began, her voice sharp and unwavering. "You better not have her around my kids without my knowledge."

Jacob sighed, feeling the familiar knot of frustration tighten in his chest. "Haisha, you know damn well she ain't been around our kids." He tried to keep his tone even, but he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. He loved his children fiercely, and the thought of Haisha questioning his judgment stung.

"Oh really?" she replied, her eyebrows arching skeptically. "You think I don't pay attention to what you're doing? It's all over the internet—pictures, stories. You're running around with her like you're some kind of happy couple."

Jacob leaned back in his chair, the wood creaking beneath him as he attempted to collect his thoughts. Reeva was vibrant, passionate, and unlike anyone he'd met in a long time. But she was not his girlfriend, nor did he have any intention of introducing her to his kids. At least, not yet.

"Look, Haisha," he said, trying to inject a note of reason into the conversation, "we've talked about this. I'm not dating her. We're just friends. You know how it is—sometimes, we hang out. It doesn't mean anything."

Haisha scoffed, clearly unconvinced. "Friends? You think I'm blind? Do you think I don't see the way you two look at each other in those pictures? You're spending all this time together, and I'm supposed to believe there's nothing going on?"

Her words hit him hard. They cut deeper than he cared to admit. He did feel a connection with Reeva, a spark that was hard to ignore. But he didn't want to jeopardize his relationship with Haisha—or the stability of his children's lives—by rushing into anything.

"Why does it matter so much to you?" Jacob shot back, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm a good father. I'm there for our kids. Just because I have a life outside of being their dad doesn't mean I'm neglecting them."

Haisha's expression softened slightly, but her resolve didn't waver. "It matters because I care about what's best for them. I don't want some random person—no offense to Reeva—around my kids. They need stability, Jacob. They don't need to see you dating or whatever you want to call this."

He rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. He understood her concern; they had both been through a lot, navigating the challenges of co-parenting amidst their own complicated feelings. But he also felt trapped, caught between the past and the present, struggling to define a future.

"I'm not introducing anyone to them unless it's serious," he said, his voice calmer now. "Reeva isn't even that type of person for me right now. I just enjoy her company, okay? Can't a guy have friends without it being a big deal?"

Haisha took a deep breath, her body relaxing just a bit. "I get that, Jacob. I really do. But you know how kids are—they get attached. I just don't want them to get hurt if things don't work out."

He nodded, acknowledging her perspective. "I promise, I'm not going to bring her around until I know for sure this is something real. But can you trust me on that?"

There was a long pause as Haisha studied him, searching for sincerity in his eyes. Finally, she relented, her arms unfolding. "Okay, I can work with that. But I'm serious about this, Jacob. I'll be watching. And if I feel like you're putting our kids at risk—emotionally or otherwise—I'm not going to sit back and do nothing."

He met her gaze, knowing she meant every word. "Fair enough. But trust me, you know I'm all about the kids."

"Yeah, well, let's hope that continues to be your focus," she replied, the tension in her voice easing a little. "Just don't forget that we're in this together, even if we're not together anymore."

Jacob smiled softly, appreciating the fragile truce they had reached. "You're right. We're a team in this, no matter what."

Haisha turned away, busying herself with packing up their children's lunches for the day. The kitchen felt less charged now, more like a space where they could coexist. He watched her move, a sense of admiration creeping in. She was strong, resilient, and fiercely protective of their family.

As she hummed quietly to herself, he considered the complexities of their relationship. Co-parenting was never easy, especially with so many children involved, but they had made it work.

"Do you want me to help with those?" he asked, standing up and moving to her side.

She glanced up, surprised. "Really? You'd do that?"

"Sure," he replied, rolling up his sleeves. "I might as well contribute while I'm here."

Haisha chuckled lightly, and for a moment, the heaviness of the morning dissipated. They worked side by side, packing sandwiches, fruit, and snacks into colorful containers. The rhythmic movements of their hands offered a strange sense of camaraderie, a reminder that despite their past, they could still function as a team.

"Have you thought more about what we discussed last week?" Jacob ventured, trying to ease back into a more productive conversation. "You know, about the kids' extracurricular activities?"

She nodded, her brow furrowing as she considered the options. "Yeah, I think the soccer league would be a good fit for them. They need something to channel their energy into."

"Agreed. Plus, it'll give us a chance to spend more time together as a family," he said, and though he could feel the tension still lurking beneath the surface, he found comfort in discussing their children's future.

As they finished packing the lunches, Jacob's thoughts drifted to Reeva. He couldn't shake the feelings she stirred within him—her laughter, her passion, the way she made him feel seen. But he also felt the weight of responsibility. His children were his priority, and he couldn't let anyone disrupt their lives.

"Hey," Haisha interrupted his thoughts, her voice breaking through the haze. "You okay? You've been zoning out."

"Yeah, just thinking," he replied, forcing a smile. "You know how it is."

"Right," she said, her tone shifting to a more sympathetic note. "You've got a lot on your plate. Just don't forget to take care of yourself, too."

He nodded, grateful for her concern. It was moments like these that reminded him why they had worked as a couple in the first place—her unwavering support, her fierce loyalty. "Thanks, Haisha. I appreciate it."

The conversation shifted back to the kids, and as they talked, Jacob felt a sense of hope. They had navigated the stormy waters of their past; now, they were finding common ground.

Once the lunches were ready, Jacob helped Haisha gather the kids' backpacks, and soon enough, the chaotic noise of the household filled the air. Seven children, each with their own distinct personalities, rushed through the hall, their laughter echoing like music.

"Hey, everyone!" Jacob called out, watching as they gathered around him, their energy infectious. "Are you ready for another exciting day?"

"Yeah!" they shouted in unison, their faces beaming with anticipation.

As he looked at their smiling faces, Jacob felt a swell of pride. This was his world—the chaos, the love, the beautiful mess that was fatherhood. No matter what else happened in his life, these moments were irreplaceable.

"Let's go, then!" he said, grabbing his keys. "But remember, it's a school day, so I expect everyone to behave."

The kids rolled their eyes dramatically, but he could see the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. He loved this part of the day, the rush of getting everyone out the door, the playful banter that filled the car as they headed to school.

As they piled into the vehicle, Jacob felt a sense of gratitude for the life he had created. It wasn't perfect, but it was his. He glanced at Haisha, who was watching the kids with a mixture of affection and exasperation. They were a team, still finding their way through the complexities of their shared past.

And as they drove, Jacob knew that whatever challenges lay ahead—whether with Haisha, Reeva, or the swirling chaos of fatherhood—he was ready to face them. His heart was open to possibility, yet anchored by the love he held for his children. He would navigate this journey with care, knowing that every step brought him closer to the future he envisioned.