C H A P T E R
T W O

Laying in bed staring at the ceiling fan spin in circles, Ahmad laid with one arm behind his neck and the other in his sweats in deep thought. Slightly glancing at the clock that rested on his nightstand it read, "2:03 am," it was officially Sunday morning and he couldn't wait to see and have a good time with his family later day.

Turning on his side he watched as Crystal slept peacefully beside him, reaching over he moved the hair that dangled above her eyes out of her face so he could see her better and smiled truly grateful for this woman.

It has been a long four years with him battling this disease but her strength through it all made him cherish her even more everyday. Their relationship wasn't perfect, they fought, they had their own personal issues but no matter what they pushed and worked through it all to keep their family together.

Sitting up completely with his back against their headboard, he flipped the covers off of him and quietly got out of the bed to not wake her.

Once his feet touched the soft carpet that lined around their room he stood to his feet and walked over towards the window. Looking out at his backyard and up at the sky the moonlight shined down onto his darkskin reflecting a blue hue light to outline certain parts of his body.

Eventually he left their room all together being sure to grab his robe to cover his exposed chest and entered each of his kids rooms starting with Mariah's since hers was directly across from his and Crystal's.

Standing in the doorway he looked around her whole room that was decorated in purple decor before landing his eyes on her. She laid flat on her stomach with her hands resting under her chin as she snored lightly sleeping her life away.

Leaving out of her room he went to his two baby girls Avery and Aspen's room to see them sleeping in the same bed, shaking his head with a smile on his face he glanced up at the top bunk of the bunk bed regretting that he bought it since neither them ever slept up there.

When he noticed Aspen's stuffed bunny on the floor, he went and picked it up knowing she would have a fit if she woke up and realized it wasn't in her arms. Placing it back where it was she soon cuddled up with it and let out a low yawn.

After resetting their disney night light he walked out and went into Santana's room. His loud snores made him laugh and he shook his head when noticed his phone was laid directly by him and a girl was sleep on the other end. "Kids," he mumbled to himself as he glanced over towards his dresser.

On top rested all his trophies from basketball tournaments and camps he won, noticing the picture of him and Ahmad in the hospital after his championship game he smiled thinking back to that day.

That whole week leading up to Santana's championship game things for Ahmad weren't looking too good and the hospital had became like his second home.

So during practices Santana just wasn't there mentally due to him being stressed and worried about Ahmad. With his father walking out of his life Ahmad was the only father he knew and he couldn't imagine not having him there anymore; Which caused him to mess up and make stupid mistakes during practice drills to the point where he had already lost hope in them possibly winning the game that Friday.

When the day of the championship came all his siblings where in the stands along with Crystal, Shanice, Dave, Marcus, Alisha and Shaun where all there to show support but it just wasn't the same not seeing Ahmad in the stands cheering him on so the first half of the game he missed all his shots, made bad passes, missed rebounds and fouled a few times out of anger.

Once halftime came Crystal ran to the locker room to show him that Ahmad was on facetime watching everything so he would know and see that he was there. Ahmad ended up talking to him and giving him words of encouragement and it helped more than Ahmad realized.

The moment half-time was over and he was back on the court, he became a whole new person and started playing how everybody expected him too. He helped bring his team back up and dominated the court scoring and stealing the ball every chance he got, playing simply in honor of Ahmad.

When the game ended and they won, the coach allowed him to take the trophy home and he wasted no time to get to the hospital to share that moment with Ahmad and that was when that picture was taken.

Taking a deep breath, he did one last glance before he walked out going to Adrian's room only to see he wasn't in there.

Stepping out and going across the hall to Armoni's room he slowly opened the door once he heard low whispers just to see him and Armoni laying on the floor together talking.

Not noticing that he was there he stood back and listened to them talk amongst each other.

"—I know you have a hard time understanding certain things and struggle with your emotions, but I promise that you are going to be okay." He heard her say before she reached over and wiped his tears. "It's okay to feel sad sometimes and to cry, we as humans need that release."

Clearing his throat Armoni turned her head to see Ahmad making his way into her room, sitting up she turned Adrian's head so he could see Ahmad and the smile that appeared on his face made both Armoni's and Ahmad heart melt.

"What's wrong with you baby boy?" He questioned once Adrian stood up and walked towards him instantly hugging him.

Taking a seat beside Ahmad on her bed, she laid her head on his shoulder. "He just woke up crying and came into my room. I've tried figuring out why he was sad, but I think he's having a hard time with putting his thoughts and words together."

Ahmad nodded as he wrapped his arms around him and kissed the top of his head. "We got you man, I'ma always be here to wipe away your tears even if you don't understand what exactly that you're feeling." He expressed.

After awhile of talking with Armoni, Adrian soon dozed back off to sleep in his arms. Using all the little strength he had he carried him back to his room being sure to tuck him in and play his white noise sounds to help him with staying asleep.

Leaving out and walking down the stairs once he saw Armoni was no longer in her room, he saw she was in the kitchen sitting at the bar with two cups as if she was waiting for him.

Taking a seat next to her he watched as she stared down at the counter top and played with her fingers. "Everything okay mook?"

Shrugging her shoulders, she looked off. "Just got a lot on my mind."

He smiled, "Like what?"

"Boyfriend problems, well they aren't actually problems just my own thoughts and concerns." She expressed.

"Okay and when exactly where you gonna tell me you got yourself a boyfriend? Who is it?"

Laughing, she adjusted her bonnet and continued playing with her fingers before mumbling, "Nolan," although she said it quietly Ahmad heard her loud and clear.

Sitting back in his chair he smirked, "I knew it."

"You knew what?"

Waving her off, he sat forward resting his arms on the countertop. Ahmad and Shaun always had a feeling that due to how close they were that feelings overtime would grow and just the thought of the conversations they have had over this topic made him laugh. "Nothing, but okay you're dating Nolan.. what's going on with that? You aren't happy or something?"

"I am happy, its just a lot different than I expected it to be."

"Okay well talk to ya old man, I've had my fair share of relationships I'm sure I can help you get your thoughts and feelings together. So tell me what's really going on? And while you do that, I'll cook us some early morning breakfast." He urged as he stood to fix them something to eat.

"Well we've only been dating for like two months and I like how things are going between us like our connection and bond is everything, but I'm just scared of being let down by him and possibly ruining our friendship forever and its weird because I never questioned anything with him before like his loyalty towards me, but now I'm questioning everything." She sighed feeling defeated.

Armoni loved being with Nolan and she loved how things were going between them, but her fear of getting played or him not taking their relationship serious enough worried her. She knew Nolan was beyond attractive and females liked him and she would hate for him to simply forget or lose sight of what is important and cheat or entertain another female.

"Something had to happen to cause these feelings though, so what happened?"

"His ex-girlfriend Sierra Walker has been on social media talking a lot of mess here lately and at first I just assumed she was jealous that we was together now, but comes to find out he did text her but when I read the convo it wasn't even anything serious. Like it was casual conversation and she blew it up like it was more and I'm just frustrated because for one he shouldn't even be texting her and its like due to him being friendly she feels as if she has a chance of getting him back."

Ahmad nodded as he whisked a bowl of eggs, "Well first of all fuck Sierra Walker and whoever the hell she think she is. I've watched you and Nolan grow up and form a beautiful friendship so I don't see him flat out disrespecting you like that and if he does I'll beat his ass simple."

Laughing, Armoni rested her elbows on the counter while she watched him cook. "Daddy, I'm being serious."

"I'm being serious too, but alright I'm all for second chances so I say you at least gotta give the boy a chance to prove himself. I know love can be scary and with your situation I can see why, the fear of losing that bond is understandable and this is all still new to you two .. give him a chance to actually show you he's worth it, if he can't get it together and keeps fucking up and doing this and that then you already know what it is." He explained.

"I never want neither of you to ever settle just because of the history you have with someone, history means nothing if a muthafucka' can't do right by you. Always know your worth at the end of the day baby, if you feel you deserve and want more then you go and do that. Always choose your happiness over anything because if you're not happy and unsatisfied the relationship ain't gon' work and this goes for anything like with jobs, schools and friendships."

Listening to his every word, she nodded taking it all into consideration. "I hear you."

Walking over towards her he hugged her and kissed the top of her head. "You're too beautiful and too smart to be worried about a nigga, Nolan got only one choice at this point and if he ain't tryna get with the program .. then he already should know whats finna happen."

"Thank you, I'ma take your advice and give him a chance because I really do like him .. I love him actually."

Letting out a deep dramatic sigh, he shook his head. "I'm not ready for this."

Laughing she pushed him away, "You knew sooner or later I would start dating daddy,"

"I wish you would've chose later." He scoffed as he went back to cooking.

"Santana has a whole girlfriend and side chicks, while Marq has a girlfriend and a baby .. they didn't wait til later either daddy." She pointed out.

Flipping the pieces of bacon over, he smirked. "You're right, but I wish they did as well. All of y'all are still my babies and I know as you all get older more things will transpire, but as a parent you're never really ready for your kids to grow up. Watching you guys grow up is amazing but also sad because as a parent you see how fast time really flies and slips right through your fingers."

Smiling to herself she rested her hand underneath her chin as they continued to talk and laugh amongst each other. Moments like these is what she cherished the most about their relationship. Ahmad came off as an asshole to the world but behind his kids they were his weakness and he would do anything in the world for them.

As they ate their food Armoni looked over at Ahmad making him look up from his food wondering what she wanted. "Food nasty or something?"

Letting out a small laugh, she shook her head no. "I was just thinking back to when you said you're all for second chances so I was just wondering .. if you ever gave mama one?"

Not expecting that question, he cleared his throat and wiped his mouth. "Why you ask that baby?"

She shrugged, "Just curious, because you guys have such an amazing relationship that sometimes I just wonder about what happened to where you guys divorced."

"I'm not going to say too much because I don't want neither of you guys to look at your mother or I differently, but all I will say is that choices and mistakes were made from both ends. I loved your mama too much to the point it was unhealthy, I loved her more than I loved myself and I put so much on her just expecting her to be there for me and that was selfish of me. I went through a lot in my life that one day I will explain later when you're older and it caused me to be so unhappy with myself and life for years." He explained as he played in his food with his fork.

"It's a lot of things I wish I could go back in time and fix, but I can't and I feel all things happen for a reason. I'm married and in love with an amazing woman, I have a good relationship with my ex-wife and I have seven outstanding kids that I love more than anything so I don't regret any decisions I've made, but I would like to erase a lot of pain I've caused others."

Armoni smiled before leaning over and laying her head on his shoulder, "I wish I did have more memory of when you guys were together, just to see it."

"We have videos in storage of when you were born, taking your first steps and all. Whenever you want to go out to the shed behind the house, I'll take you to get them."

Smiling big at the thought of that, she hugged him tighter before moving back to her plate to finishing eating.

Time continued to pass and the whole time Armoni and Ahmad stayed downstairs and just talked for hours. Eventually Armoni dozed off and fell asleep in the middle of Ahmad telling a story, smiling to himself he stood from his chair and carefully lifted her.

Holding her securely in his arms he walked up the stairs and up to her room. Placing her down in her bed he pulled the covers over her body then leaned down kissing the top of her head before leaving out all together to get him some sleep before the barbeque started.

          Later that day their house was packed with all their friends and family. The smell of barbeque lingered around the backyard as everybody stood and talked amongst each other while music blasted through the speakers. You had a few people at different tables either playing dominoes, spades or just talking and laughing. Kids ran around playing as a few were dancing just simply having a good ole' time.

Staring down from his bedroom window, Ahmad smiled to himself loving the sight of his family all together with no drama or mess. The smiles on their faces made him happy and was all he wanted to see from here on out.

Coming outside with a pan full of raw meat, Crystal handed the pan over to Aaron who cooked alongside her dad and Cali's dad. "This is the last pan of burgers and hot dogs, we got two more pans of ribs though on the counter. Just call me when you need me to bring them out."

Thanking her, Aaron stopped her from walking away when he saw she was about run off again. "All I need for you to do is to go tell my knuckle head son to bring his ass down here and get his friends to bring me them pans. You been running around here like crazy all day, go have a seat baby we got this."

Huffing, she smiled. "You sure?"

"Yeah, just go on inside with the ladies and tell my wife when she finally gets here if you see her before I do to come out here."

"Okay, will do."

"Thank you and the food will be ready shortly, we'll call everybody when it is okay?"

She nodded, "Okay, I have to get dressed anyways."

Walking back into the house where Shanice and the girls all stood around sipping wine, Crystal grabbed her glass. "I'll be back guys, I just have to shower and get ready. I have more wine in the fridge if y'all run out."

"Cool, where Ahmad ugly ass at? He feeling okay today?" Shanice asked while eating a piece of fruit.

"Yeah, he was up late with Armoni so I think he might be sleeping."

She nodded, "Okay cool, well tell him when he's up I got something for him."

"I gotchu."

Heading towards the stairs where she passed all the teens sittinf around the livingroom watching Nolan and Santana play 2K, she stopped. "Food is almost ready guys! Game off in fifteen minutes, go outside and get some fresh air, can't do that in here playing the game." She called out only to recieve head nods in return.

Reaching her and Ahmad's bedroom she opened the door to see him coming out of the bathroom with only a pair of basketball shorts on. "Hey baby, why aren't you downstairs? Everybody waiting for you."

As she started removing her clothes as well, Ahmad followed her into the bathroom. "I know and I'll be down in a minute, just waiting on a phone call from my doctor."

She nodded, "What is he calling for?"

He shrugged, "Not exactly sure he had called me earlier, but  I missed it and he wanted me to call him back so now I'm just waiting for him to return my call."

Sensing the stress in his voice, she walked towards him pressing her nude body up against his as he instantly wrapped his arms around her wanting her as close as possible. "Relax, I'm sure everything is going to be okay. Just take a deep breath and calm those nerves."

"I'm trying, but—" Cutting him off by kissing him on the lips, she shushed him. "But nothing have some faith baby and stop thinking about it."

"How am I suppose to do that?"

Looking up at him, she smirked. "By focusing on this amazing barbeque you put together with all of your family and friends here and by taking a shower with me real quick."

Pulling away she walked over to the tub turning on the shower as Ahmad watched not once taking his eyes off her.

At the age of thirty-eight Crystal still looked amazing, of course she wasn't as small as she was before due to age and having kids, but the pudge she gained along with the stretch marks that covered her body and cellulite on her thighs became the very thing Ahmad loved most about her.

Stepping into the shower behind her, she had already had his towel and body wash in her hand. Motioning with her hand for him to turn facing away from her, he did as she wanted while she lathered up his bathing towel. "Now talk to me, what's going on mentally with you?"

Relaxing once she started bathing him, he closed his eyes. "I'm just scared, me and Doc got a good relationship and he called me from his personal line so I know whatever he has to tell me has to be serious and I'm just thinking the worst at this point."

Instead of replying, she continued bathing him letting him just have the floor and voice out his thoughts and emotions. "I was actually doing better with not thinking the worst, but this call fucked me all the way up and I'm tired of living like this. I just want to get better for the sake of you and my babies, sometimes I be feeling like I'll die before I can even see Aspen and Avery grow up and that shit really fucks me up mentally."

When she heard his voice crack, she turned him around so he could face her. Stepping on her tip toes she kissed him softly on the lips then on his cheeks. "Just keep praying baby, I have not lost faith in hopes of you getting better. You will get better and you will beat this like you did last time, I can only imagine what you're feeling but we will get through this together as one."

After they finished showering they both stood in their room drying off and making small talk. When the sound of his phone started ringing he immediately answered it when he saw it was his doctor then walked back into the bathroom shutting the door behind him.

Looking up at the ceiling, Crystal put her hands together in a praying motion. "Lord, I ask you to please bless my baby with good news today."

          In the livingroom Armoni rested her feet in Nolan's lap while he continued playing the game and talking to the girls about school, prom and other upcoming things that crossed their mind as the boys tried their best to tone them out.

All the teens were bored out of their minds as they waited for the food to be ready, it seemed as if only the adults where having the time of their lives as they danced, drank and talked loudly together.

"I just hope something exciting actually happens this year, like with it being you guys senior year and I'm turning twenty-one its so much I wanna do and see go down." Skylar ranted while picking at her nails.

"Same, hopefully we get some new fine niggas as well this year, because I am so tired of the same ole' raggedy dudes from last year." Ava chimed in slapping hands with her twin Eva who agreed.

"You ain't never lied, Moni did you see any new football players at your practice yesterday?"

"Besides the new freshmans no, and if it was anybody in either of our grades I wouldn't know I wasn't paying attention." She shrugged.

"As she shouldn't." Nolan mumbled not once taking his eyes off the game.

Playfully rolling her eyes, she swiftly moved her legs from his lap and stood up. "Anyways, I'll be back I'm finna put my phone on the charger in my room."

Leaving out she stopped by the kitchen to wave to a few folks who were in there before running up the stairs.

Pushing her door open she walked to the side of her bed to plug in her phone, in the midst of doing that her room door opened revealing Nolan.

Standing up from her bed she walked towards him with her arms folded. "Whatchu doing up here?"

"I got tired of beating Tyler ass in 2k so I let Santana take over for me, plus I'm hungry."

"Why didn't you stop by the kitchen? Ain't nothing to eat in here." She questioned with confusion laced in her voice.

Locking the door behind him, he looked her up and down while licking his lips. "Nah, I think it is."

Catching onto what he meant her heart dropped and the butterflies in her stomach started playing a quick game of kickball. "We can get caught Nolan." She whispered.

Each step he took towards her she took a step back becoming shy and nervous now. Bumping into her window they were now face to face breathing hard as ever, leaning forward bringing his lips close to hers he stopped only for her to lean forward pressing her lips against his.

Lifting her slightly so her butt was sitting on the window seal, he slid one hand inbetween her legs as they made out. Right when his hand touched the outside of her panties she froze, "We can't be doing this in my dads house," She whispered-yelled trying to control her breathing and emotions.

Ignoring her rambling, he started leaving kisses down her neck getting lower while using his hands to slide off her panties in the process, when he was now eye level with the lower half of her body he looked up at her and smirked. "Don't scream and we won't get caught."

         Sitting down at one of the tables with Dave, Marcus and Shaun they all talked while playing dominoes but they weren't really into the game their attention was else where. "I honestly don't even be knowing what to do half the time when it comes to Nolan. Like he's a good kid, the little nigga just got anger problems and these dumb ass kids just keep trying my boy." Shaun expressed before taking a sip of his beer.

"I blame Alisha, her ass was a natural born fighter and she don' passed that shit down to my son." He scoffed making the guys laugh. "Every school year he gets into multiple fights, getting into it with the laws but when you look at his academics you would think something else."

"Man shut yo ass up, you gon' sit here and act like yo hothead ass wasn't always fighting at them damn frat parties back in college. We couldn't take your ignorant ass nowhere. If he wasn't a fighter I would be worried." Marcus blurted out.

Thinking back to that time, Ahmad couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah that shit was crazy, nigga was dancing with one of those Kappa niggas girls and didn't give one fuck."

Shaun played with his beard forgetting all about those wild college moments. "Shit my boy been fucked since birth." He mumbled making them laugh harder.

"Sign his ass up for boxing, Daniel signed his boys up and they love it. Gives them that chance to release anger and built up emotions, Nolan might fuck around and become a beast at it." Dave suggested.

"That actually doesn't sound too bad, I'll talk to Alisha about it and see what she thinks."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed the side of his face. "Talk to me about what?"

Before he could respond all their women came out taking a seat on their laps. "What y'all over here talking about?" Shanice questioned curious to know why they were all laughing and having a good ole time without them.

"Nolan, thinking about signing him up for boxing. Because it doesn't matter what we say at this point, he still gon' fight regardless." Shaun explained to everybody, but mostly to Alisha since he was curious about what she thought of it.

"I don't know about that baby, boxing? These men get a lot of head injuries behind that and that's also giving him the greenlight that fighting is okay." She expressed which everybody agreed with seeing her point.

"It's just a thought baby, we just need to get him into something to occupy him outside of school. He really ain't into sports like that, but he's smart as hell just got a bad temper. Only people outside of Alisha and I that he's nice to is his sisters and Armoni."

"Aye you know Armoni and him call themselves dating now right?" Ahmad questioned.

Shaun smirked, "Yeah he told me the day they got together, they getting grown man but I guess they cute or whatever. I seen that coming though, they hung out way too much for feelings not to eventually form."

Agreeing Ahmad threw one of his dominoes down on the table before looking off, "Too damn grown, but I'm only cool with her dating because he's your son and I know he wouldn't be on that shit other little niggas her age be on, you know tryna turn my daughter out and shit."

The guys and girls all agreed. "True."

         Upstairs in her room Armoni pulled her underwear back up and her dress back down, while Nolan stood in the mirror wiping his face with a towel she gave him. "You're gonna get me in so much trouble, I can't believe we really just did this in my daddy house." She whined feeling the need to just wash off and change panties all together.

Smirking, Nolan walked over to her bed taking a seat. "How you gon' get in trouble when he doesn't even know? Hell I'ma be the one thats a dead man if he sees this damn hard on in my pants." Looking down and seeing the bulge in his pants, she looked away feeling her cheeks warm up.

"I'm sorry, I would help with that but you kno—" Kissing her on the lips to shush her, he smiled. "I already know and I'm not even tripping, just give me a few minutes in the bathroom then we can go back downstairs before our folks realise we disappeared."

When he left out Armoni laid back on her bed in a daze, this wasn't their first time doing something like this together, but she never did it under her dads roof and that thought alone had her feeling a wave of different emotions.

A part of her felt guilty then the other part felt spontaneous and so alive, the whole aspect of them duckin' off and sneaking around brought excitement to her boring life. Just thinking back to the previous events sent a chill down her spine, closing her eyes as she laid back in her bed she wished she could experience it all over again.

After a few more minutes or so passed Nolan finally returned, "You good?"

Sitting up resting on her elbows, she nodded. "I'm fine, just thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

She shrugged. "Everything, but nothing major to like discuss right at this moment. Let's just get downstairs before my dad comes looking for me."

Grabbing a hold of her hand they both walked out her room bumping into Santana who was about to knock, stepping back he held a smirk on his face shaking his head. "I was just coming to tell y'all the food ready,"

Mentally face palming herself, she thanked him then quickly walked around him leaving him and Nolan behind.

When she made it downstairs she noticed everybody was outside so she followed the scent of food starving. Seeing her mom she walked up behind her giving her a hug, turning her head slightly Cali smiled big when she saw it was Armoni. "Hey baby, I was wondering where you were."

"I was just upstairs charging my phone, but mama can I come over to your house this weekend?" She asked as they started walking towards the table full of food together.

"Of course, you know you don't have to ask." She waved off grabbing them both a plate.

Following down the line grabbing whatever they wanted to put on their plates. "So how has everything been with drill team practice?" Cali questioned making small talk.

"It's been great, these girls are fast learners and I actually enjoy learning new dances with them everyday. I'm so excited for the first game next month, our outfits are so cute." She explained with full excitement which made Cali smile.

"Well please print me out the schedule of all games so I can be there especially for Senior Night, so we can plan in advance for everybody to make it to that game."

"I have copies in my room, remind me to bring one Saturday."

Going to speak Cali quickly turned her head when her name was called by her girlfriend, watching as she waved her over she looked back at Armoni who just stared blankly sorta annoyed. "I'll be right back, do you want to sit together?"

Shrugging her shoulders, she shook her head. "Nah, I'll just sit with the teens." Walking off not giving Cali a chance to speak, Cali frowned confused as to why her mood switched the way it did.

After grabbing a drink out the cooler, Armoni walked to the table where she saw the teens where sitting but stopped when she noticed Adrian sitting off to the side just playing with his ears and looking up at the sky.

Taking a seat beside him, she touched his leg to capture his attention but he continued to hum and look up at the sky. "Adrian, are you hungry? I got some food."

When he didn't respond, she sighed wondering why he was acting like this, sitting the plate of food down she got down in front of him wanting him to just look at her. Realizing nothing was working, she sighed then looked around for Ahmad, seeing that he was off to the side laughing and talking with Crystal she ran over to get him.

"Daddy, something is wrong wih Adrian. He isn't responding to me or focusing on me." She explained immediately alerting Ahmad as he walked around her and towards him.

Sitting down next to him, Ahmad just watched his actions trying to figure out what could possibly be wrong but then it clicked. "It's too many people here, he's just not used to that. I got him y'all can go chill with the family, he good."

Doing as he requested she sat beside Nolan who was in the middle of having a hot dog eating contest with Tyler, Marquette, and Santana. "Who's winning so far?" She questioned.

"Santana fat ass, Nolan skinny ass knew he wasn't about to win, Marquette might have a chance with the way he throwing them back and I don't even know what Tyler is doing." Skylar stated followed by laugh making the rest laugh as well.

With four hot dogs left on his plate, Nolan opted out. "If I eat another damn hot dog I'ma throw up, fuck this."

Shaking her head, she looped their arms together then laid her head on his shoulder while they continued watching the rest of the boys scarf down hot dogs.

In the end Santana won and he stood up with arms up in the air and his chest a few times, "I'm probably gon' regret this later, but oh well I'm the champ baby!" He yelled out catching the attention of everybody. "I first just wanna thank my mama for believing in me. She the truth."

Face palming herself, Armoni shook her head. "Here he goes,"

Scanning the crowd for his mama he pointed at her and Ahmad who was standing with Adrian making them shake their heads at him. "I do this all for y'all, I love y'all and thank y'all. Peace, love and one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Salute."

When he bowed and retook his seat everybody was now laughing at the fact that he added in the Pledge of Alligance. Walking over Crystal kissed the top of his head and hugged him tightly, "Crazy self, I love you so much." She mumbled into face as she started attacking him with kisses.

Watching Marquette and Blessing take turns feeding Kinsley, Armoni smiled. "So how's life treating you bubba?"

"Great as always, enjoying this parenting life now. What's up with you?"

She shrugged, "Nothing much, just ready for school to start back, but I have a question for you."

"What?"

Glancing over at Cali and her girl who were sitting and talking with Alisha, she rolled her eyes. "How do you feel about mama's girlfriend?"

Marquette look over at her the shrugged as well, "I don't care too much for her, but she makes mama happy so that's all that matters to me."

"Yeah same, but I don't know here lately I've been wanting mama and daddy to get back together. I love Crystal of course, but I just feel like deep down mama and daddy are suppose to be together. I was never able to witness it and the times I did have with them being together I was too young to remember." She admitted causing Marquette to frown.

"Armoni, do you not know what happened between them?" He questioned.

Shaking her head no, he sighed. "Just do yourself a favor and let go of that wish, because its not happening."

"Daddy won't tell me what happened and I want to know because it couldn't have been that bad if they're so cool and compatible now, right?" She pushed starting to become upset.

"Wrong, its called being mature, being an adult and moving on just like I have." He spat alerting Blessing. "It's a lot that happened during that time that didn't just affect their marriage, but me as well and I'm not even about to get into this with you today Armoni, just let it go."

Noticing that he was starting to become upset, she dropped the topic for now, but this only made her even more curious to know what exactly happened between her dad and mom.

Once the sun started to set by now everybody was either drunk off their ass, high off weed or both and the vibe and energy was everything. Everybody was dancing and having a good time not wanting the night to end whatsoever.

Sitting in his chair Ahmad just took in this moment embracing it all wishing it could last forever. Looking over at his mom and dad dancing together, his kids all under the same roof again like old times and his beautiful wife glowing under the moonlight brought him happiness and showcased his blessings.

Slowly standing to his feet he motioned for his cousin to turn down the music causing everybody to stop dancing and focus in on him.

Clearing his throat he felt his eyes start to water up, but held his emotions together so he could speak. "I just want to thank every single last one of y'all for coming out today and celebrating this beautiful day of life with me. I wouldn't trade any of y'all for the world and after just watching you guys laugh and smile today really showed me how blessed I really am."

"Where's my wife and all my kids including my grandbaby? Can y'all come up here for me please."

Standing from their chairs with sorta confused expressions, they all walked up towards him. Taking Kinsley from Marquette's hands, and pulling Crystal closer to him he smiled at them all before turning his attention back to his family.

"I know a lot of you guys know how I'm not always honest when it comes to my health and I do that to keep you guys from worrying about me, but today I found out some news that just has to be shared and it is some news that I've been waiting for all week." He started to explain making Crystal look up at him wondering what the news could be.

"My cancer is said to be in remission." When everybody eyes lit up and they all went to cheer, he held his hand up stopping them. "It's not gon' completely but the mass has shrunk to where it is possible that they could remove it all together, but of course due to the tumor it being tangled inbetween some main arteries that procedure is very risky." He explained seeing tears start to form in everyone's eyes.

"But overall I'm just glad to be alive and hearing that news today made me drop to my knees grateful that my prayers have finally been answered." Wiping his eyes to stop the tears from falling, everyone just watched in complete silence crying to themselves.

Hugging all of his kids one by one, he kissed and wiped away all of their tears reassuring them that everything would be okay. Soon after everyone started walking up to him giving him hugs and words of encouragement.

What started off as a good day turned into an even better one and Armoni along with her siblings were beyond grateful and happy to know that things were getting better for him. As everyone started sharing hugs and crying together embracing this moment, Ahmad was in search of Crystal. Spotting her in the middle of hugging his parents he walked over causing them to pull away.

Recieving quick hugs from them they soon let them have some alone time and went to check on their grandbabies.

Raising his hand he wiped her eyes before resting one hand under her chin and lifting her face up to capture a kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck he pulled her more into him as they continued to kiss with tears falling from both their eyes. "I told you things would get better baby, you just had to have faith." She mumbled against his lips.

"I know and words can't express how much I appreciate your words of encouragement and all that you have don' for me. I love you so much."

Hugging him tighter, she replied saying she loved him back before kissing him one last time just truly grateful for everything that came with this man.

As the night went on they all continued to celebrate this day of life, embracing this moment to the fullest with no regrets or worries just the way Ahmad wanted it.

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Hope you guys are well during this tough time and remaining safe!
Thanks for the love & support as always
- Denise💋