Page 49 of That Fire

“Okay.”

“Will you be okay to have visitors? Your mom is about to have a fit.”

“Of course. Please let her in.”

“A’ight. I’m gon’ have to remind those rowdy ass Hendersons that this is a hospital.”

I chuckled as she gently rubbed my leg, then left. I turned slightly to Royal so he could kiss my lips. He obliged me, then continued rubbing my stomach. When my mama and daddy came into the room, she released a big breath.

“I needed to lay eyes on you, suga. I was so worried.”

“I’m okay, Mama. I promise.”

I wanted to tell her why I got worked up, but I knew it would get me all worked again. Kambel could tell her what happened. She was trying her best to keep me calm. When she heard the tires screech, she went outside to see that nigga had left her. That was when it got worse. Ashanni put the baby down and ran to me as I gripped my stomach. I was cramping so bad. I just knew I was in labor.

My stomach was extremely tight, like the babies were balled up in there, and I’d gotten dizzy. My skin was clammy, and Mama Chas was lowkey panicking. It was an excited panic, but panic, nonetheless. That only had me even more worked up. When Royal came inside, he moved my food and scooped me right on up out of that chair and hauled ass here. Now I was wishing I had my food.

“Baby, can you go back to your house and get my food? I’m starving.”

“Of course, baby. Whatever you need. Do you need me to get anything else?”

“My toothbrush and toothpaste, and a brush. Hopefully, she discharges me tomorrow morning. If not, then I’ll need you to go back and get more stuff.”

“Okay. Be right back,” he said, then kissed my head.

When he got out of bed, I readjusted to get comfortable. My dad came over to the bed and kissed my head. “I thought I was about to meet Ravi and Rasha. Me and Jasper was ready. He done already rolled our blunts. We gon’ be high as fuck!”

I chuckled. “I expect nothing less from the two of you, especially Daddy Jasper.”

He smiled. “He can’t know you call him that, because the nigga would have thrown that shit all in my face.”

I laughed. “No. I’ve only called him Mister Jasper to his face. He gon’ lay out the red carpet and go buy the engagement ring himself if I call him that.”

“Hell yeah,” he said and laughed. “If any man besides me and Legend deserve that title, it’s him. I’m happy you and Asad have him for a father-in-law. I guess the mayor alright too.”

I giggled as Bali came back inside with a frown on her face, looking just like Mr. Storm. My dad chuckled, I supposed because we were just talking about the mayor. She glanced at him but didn’t lift her frown as she checked my IV and the bags hanging.

“I’m just double checking everything. Ain’t nobody gon’ f up none of my patients.”

I was surprised she slightly filtered herself, since she knew my parents. She grew up around them.

“Thank you for double checking, Bali.”

“Mm-hmm. How are you feeling? Do you still have tightness in your belly?”

“No. They seemed to have calmed down too.”

“Were you worked up about something?” she asked.

“I was, but if I try to tell you, I’ll get worked up all over again. Ashanni witnessed all of it. She’ll tell you . . . or Mama Chas or Kambel.”

“Aww shit. I think I already know. I overheard Uncle Jasper talking to Daddy Mayor out there. Okay. I’m going to play some soft jazz. That should help mellow you out too.”

“Thank you.”

She winked at me, then left the room. My dad was frowning slightly. I could tell he was getting pissed, just thinking about what could have happened. “Go out there and talk to Daddy Jasper, Daddy. He’ll fill you in on the details.”

“I’ll talk to him when we leave out to go home. I’m just glad Royal got you here quickly, and Bali is on her shit. I know you’re in good hands with the two of them.”