Page 12 of When It’s All Said And Done

“Fine, I’ll fall back on the Mama Bear tip. Just know I’m here whenever you need me.”

“I know and I appreciate that, but I got it trust me.”

Chapter 5

Nessa

“No letter today either?” Nyla questioned before her bottom lip started quivering.

“No, baby, I’m sorry,” I apologized as I pulled her in for a hug. “How ‘bout we dry your face and enjoy the park. There isn’t anyone really here today, and it feels like something exciting is going to happen.”

“Really, Mommy?”

“Yep, really! You wanna go to the swings first?”

“Yes, please.”

She ran full speed over towards the swing as I followed behind. The pain she felt from not getting a letter from her dad made me feel like shit but knowing that she was about to be reunited with him overpowered it. My emotions were all over the place with it being the day of Nyla meeting Nas for the first time. I wished I could put it off for a few days to get myself together emotionally, but that would be so selfish because they had waited four years for this. It wasn’t easy keeping this from Nas and when I first gave birth to her, I almost told Mama Eva to tell him about her.

The hurt and anger I felt from him ending things without a reason was the main push behind me sticking to my word. At this time, I felt so alone but I was blessed with a child I wanted to protect from all the pain I was feeling. It truly was me and her against the world, and I was forever thankful for Nyla. Because that was a time when depression should’ve taken over my life, but I was giving another reason to go hard. Every day since her birth I did my best to always keep a smile on her face no matter what kind of day it was.

As I pushed her on the swings, I noticed a black SUV pulled up. My chest felt tight and got tighter as Nas emerged from the vehicle. Luckily, Nyla was facing away from where he parked, so she couldn’t see him. She knew exactly how he looked because I showed her pictures of him and he still looked the same. The only thing that changed was that he sported waves now and he put on some muscles while away. As he walked over to us, my mind wandered to the way he satisfied my body like only he could.

I swallowed hard once he was in arm’s reach. He gestured for me to move over so he could push her. We hadn’t discussed how we were going to do their reuniting because I wanted it to be organic. Also, because I could barely think straight when I talked to or was near him. This man took this shit to heart because he came dressed in an Army uniform. His last name rested on the front of the uniform, and it fit him like a glove. That’s one thing I always loved about Nas; he never half stepped when he really put his mind to something.

“Mommy, why did you stop pushin’ me?” She questioned me when I stepped in her view.

“Because I wanted to push you, if that’s alright?” Nas inquired as I did my best to hold back the tears.

Nyla quickly snapped her head around to see who was talking. She had a huge smile on her face when she hopped off the swing and ran to him. He swooped her up and bear hugged her as the tears rolled down his cheeks. At that moment, I grabbed my phone and snapped a quick picture of them. The moment was so perfect and at this point everybody was crying.

“Daddy, is it really you?” She finally spoke as her head rested on his chest.

“Yes, Baby Girl, it’s really me,” he proudly answered. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been there for you.”

“It’s ok, Daddy. You were keepin’ me safe from bad guys, but I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too. I’ve missed you more than you know.”

“Did you miss Mommy?”

“Yeah, I missed her too, but I don’t think she missed me.”

“She said she did when I asked her. Didn’t you, Mommy?”

“Yes, Nyla I did. Mommy’s goin’ to go sit at the table while you have fun with your dad,” I shook my head before walking away.

With Nyla putting me on front street like that I couldn’t even look at Nas. I just made my way over towards the table. Watching them play with each other warmed my heart because Nyla looked so happy. I checked Yas’ location before texting her about what was going on. With her being at work, she wouldn’t see it until she got off this evening. She worked for a prison, and cell phones weren’t allowed plus I don’t know how I’d be able to answer her questions. Nas and Nyla played for over an hour before they started heading towards me.

“Mommy, Mommy, guess what!” Nyla beamed as she ran towards me.

“Yes, baby?” I answered while she gave me a big bear hug.

“Daddy said he’ll take me for ice cream if you ok with it. Can we get ice cream, plllleeeaasseee?”

“Um, sure. It’s, uh, it’s ok with me.” I stumbled over my words as Nas joined us.

“Nyla, sweetie, can you go play on the swings while I talk to Mommy for a second?” Nas asked Nyla while staring at me.