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“Something smells amazing,” I admit, smiling. I feel much better, and I can almost ignore the dull ache in my back.
The contractions seem to have chilled out, and I wonder if this is a false alarm. Stranger things have happened. Sitting at the counter, I watch as Liliana finishes putting food together for all of us. Ari and Adelina will eat tacos with smiles on their faces, and Lili says that it’s because it’s my favorite food.
They used to complain about it. I guess this is a mark in the positive for me as a big sister. Most days, I really do worry that I’m fucking this all up.
“I’m almost done,” she says. “I made salsa from scratch and added extra jalapeño. I like to make your dads cry.”
“So I’ve seen,” I laugh. “There are days where I want to ask so many questions, and then I remind myself that I don’t think I really want to know.”
“Ugh, they were shitheads,” Lili groans. “I grew up with them, and they used to be protective and sweet. I’m pretty sure they may have killed for me without me knowing, but I can’t prove it. I had to grow into the femme fatale that I am now.”
“Noted,” I say, entertained as she works. “What changed?”
“Aye, mija,” Lili murmurs. “We went to a school where prestige and money were the only things that mattered. It’s why Rachelle founded Chesterfield Prep. She wanted more people to have access to a good education, especially those who might have trouble with authority.
“The issues are deep at Carlysle Prep, most of which are the old men who have a legacy there. They all have too much fucking power, and are training their offspring to be just as bad as they are.”
“How does that involve Rachelle?” I ask, confused.
“They targeted her for being new. It’s like they’re reliving all the bullshit they put her through when they look at you,” she explains. “Your dads have come full circle in a way and it’s fucking with their heads. They didn’t get Rachelle pregnant, but they did a lot of other messed up things.”
“We were shitheads,” Jared mumbles behind me, pulling my attention in his direction. He’s mentioned that they did terrible things to Rachelle, but I didn’t know it was this bad. “Sometimes, when you fuck up, you get the gift to make things better. It doesn’t change what you did though.”
“That’s why there are always flowers in the kitchen,” Lili explains, pointing to the beautiful pink and white display. “It’s also why I will never stop reminding them of how lucky they are. Since you’re here, Jared, help me take out the food.”
“Of course,” he says, shaking his head as he picks up the platters. Jared winks at me before heading out to the table in the dining room. This house is made for parties or those with large groups, and I feel like it was a good find.
“It was a dark time, Noor,” Lili says, loading up a tray with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. “I’ll send someone back to get a pitcher of water. I don’t want you carrying anything. Our little group is confusing for people, but if you see me tasing one of them, they probably deserved it.”
“Got it. Are you sure I can’t carry something?”
“Not today. Let’s get some food in you.”
I know she’s right, and I slide off my chair and walk to the dining room.
“How are you feeling?” Elijah asks, half standing as he watches me walk.
“Honestly? I’m good. The back pain is still there, but I haven’t had another contraction.”
“What’s a con…con…” Ariyah screws her face up as she tries to wrap her mouth around the word.
“Contraction,” I say slowly, enunciating so she can catch each syllable.
“That’s hard,” she says, blowing out a breath. Rachelle continues to put tacos on plates for her and her sister and I nod at Ari in solidarity.
“It means that your nephew is coming soon. You’ll have a baby around.”
“Oooh. Un bebe,” Adelina says with wide eyes.
“Yes. Soon, but not yet. For now, we’re going to have tacos.”
The girls cheer as I shake my head with a smile, and I get comfortable as I serve myself. Tacos are a very important part of my day, and I’m going to damn well enjoy them.
CHAPTER
SIX
NOOR
