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Ashley POV

I look out of the cafe window watching all of the cars go by in the busy road. It's a typical day in the city honestly. People out on their daily runs, business men and woman in their work attire stopping to get their daily coffee before tackling a stressful day, House wives meeting to discuss their children and how their partners haven't been home. I take a sip of my herbal tea as I tap my leg in anticipation. I get anxious as I watch the hand on my watch continuously move further along.

I had received a text last night from Timothy last night asking could I meet him at a cafe near his office this morning. Of course I am nervous due to the fact I haven't actually had a conversation with him but I thought I'd give it a try.

"You doing alright over here?" A voice says to me causing me to shoot my head up to see a brown skin boy standing at the table.

"Yes I fine" I say shooting a small smile as he begins to refill my mug with hot water. I send him a short thank you. "I'm Tre if you need anything" he says sending me a warm smile before heading away. I take another look to my watch seeing that Timothy is 10 minutes late and I'm not sure if it's intentionally but people being late to things they plan don't sit well with me.

At that moment I hear the cafe bell ring signaling that someone had walked in. Being that I am facing the door i don't have to do much to see who is entering. And to my luck it is him walking in. I watch as he does a quick scan of the room before planting his eyes on me and making his way over. My heart races as he gets closer and i coach myself to calm down.

"Sorry I'm late my morning meeting ran a little late." He says unbuttoning his suit jacket and sitting down infront of me.

"I um went ahead and ordered you a coffee I hope you don't mind." I speak to him as he picks up the cup. "3 sugars and 3 creams. I know it's the way I like it I hope it's not too sweet" I say before picking up my mug again.

"It's perfect. Just how I like it thank you" Timothy says as he shoots me a smile.

"How old are you?" He asks me as he scans my face

"I will be 25 as of next month" I smile slightly

"Is this your first child?" He begins with the questions

"No this will be my second. My son Aiden is 7 months" I tell him honestly. That's nothing that I'm uncomfortable sharing so I really don't mind.

"And if you don't mind me asking are you married and what do you do for a living?" He says.

"I am not married but I am in a relationship with my children's father. As for what I do I am a Nurse Anesthetist." I say to him as he shakes his head before we fall into a silence.

"I'd like to ask you something" I speak up

"Go ahead I'm all ears" he says giving me his undivided attention.

"Um" I clear my throat before shifting in my seat. I try to find the right words to say so that I can mask not only my pain and anger but my sadness. "Why didn't you want me?" Was all I could make out of what I wanted to say. After countless times replaying this scenario in my head that's all I could get out.

"I know you have a lot to lose but an innocent child had nothing to do with the decisions you made on your own. I don't want to bash you or anything but from going off of everything that I've been told my whole life it's hard to understand your thought process" I say looking him directly in his eyes. I watch as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. I try to read his face but I can tell he is very experienced at hiding his expressions.

"Everything your mother probably told you is most likely true...It had nothing to do with you Ashley I-" I listen as him stumbles over his words almost as if he didn't know how to compose the sentence he wanted to state. "I made mistakes. One of which was deceiving your mother. When we met I had been married for some time and wasn't happy. I had gotten married due to having my first son out of wed lock and it was catching up that I wasn't satisfied where I was. About two years into our relationship, Brenda found out. I had to make the decision to fix my marriage because it was what I thought was best and that meant leaving your mother alone. So when I had found out she was pregnant I couldn't turn back." I sat in shock of what he was telling me. My life is a damn movie. "I take responsibility of my actions and admit that I wasn't man enough to step up. I just had other circumstances that stood in the way" he says confusing me some. I could tell that he didn't want to explain about what the circumstances were.

"I hope you can forgive me and we can build a relationship... I know it's going to take time but I'm willing if that's what you want" he says reaching across the table and placing his hand over mine. I feel a tear about to fall from my face and quickly pull my hand back so that I can wipe it off which I could tell made him feel a way.

"I'm not going to lie to you. Growing up I longed for a relationship with you. Even though I had no clue who you were it was always something missing that I could never fill that led me to feeling empty. I would love to begin to build a relationship with you but I'm not willing to sacrifice my heart or feelings anymore to you. I don't think you understand that you truly broke my heart before any boy could get near it." I say to him as I look directly to him.

"But I do believe that people deserve second chances and I know I'll never forgive myself if I don't allow myself the opportunity to have a relationship with you." I state to him causing him to smile.

"Thank you for giving me a chance to make things right..." he says to me

"Oh! the other day you had something you wanted to tell my-" I am cut off by his phone ringing.

"I'm sorry I need to get going I have court in less than an hour" he begins to get up.

"Oh of course" I pick up my belongings before standing up. I watch as he looks behind me to one of Izzys new guys who trails behind me for my safety. I can tell he was confused but kept it to himself.

"Get home safely" he says before we go our separate ways. I hop into my Lexus before cranking it up and starting my way back.

"Hey big sis" Chris' voice blares through the car speakers

"Hey Chris how are you?" I ask him stopping at the red light. He has been calling and texting me ever sense the day we met. I'm not going to lie it feels good to have some good come out of this situation.

"I'm good I just left practice." I've recently learned that he plays football and basketball. From what I can tell he loves to play them but his parents want him to focus on school.

"How was it?" I ask taking off

" it was good a scout came and watched me play" he says excitedly

"That's amazing! From what school?"

"Notre dam"

"Oh my god that's wonderful. Tell me when your first game is and I'll come support" I say to him

"Give me a second I'll send it to you... did you get it?" He says as my phone notifies me that he has sent a message

"Yes I got it. So I just left from meeting with your father" I say

"And how did it go?" He asks

"It was fine I guess he just apologized and explained how he wanted to be in my life and have a relationship with me"

"Do you want that?" He asks me

"Honestly I don't know but I'm willing to give it a try" I explain

"But When's your party again?" I ask trying to change the subject.

"On Friday you can make it right?"

"Of course I'll bring Aiden with me so you can meet him" he has been asking when he can meet him for about a week now so i thought I'd bring him with me.

"Finally I get to meet my nephew" he laughs "do you know what you are having yet?"

"No not yet" I say biting my lip.

"Its a girl" he says seriously

"And how do you know?" I joke

" I know these things sis. Just trust me" he says Causing me to laugh

" yeah whatever lil boy. But I'm home I'll talk to you later I need to go check on this little boy"

"Alright sis love you" he says

"Alright" I hang up. I'm not trying to be rude by not saying love you back but I need time to still get to know them because this is all still so new to me. Am I wrong ?

"Ma!!" I yell out as I enter the house walking towards the living room to see my mom sitting on the couch with Aiden "hi bubby" I say picking him up as he babbles

"How'd it go ?" My mom asks me as I come around the couch to sit down before kicking off my shoes.

"It went..well" I say to my mom as I see Aiden try to grab my boob. I've been doing good with not allowing him to breast feed since I want to breast feed the new baby. Of course I'll still pump but as for actually breastfeeding him I thought it was best if I don't since I don't want to be breast feeding two children at once.

"Just well?" She asks

" I mean yes. He was honest with with me saying how he hid his marriage from you because he wasn't happy with her and didn't want to hurt you." I say watching my mother roll her eyes. Petty

" that's good for him. I'm glad that y'all are willing to have a relationship I know how much you've wanted that" she looks sad

" it's not your fault ma." I say grabbing her hand

" anyways where is Israel I asked him to bring me some potatoes so I can cook" she says changing the subject. She does that when she is either uncomfortable or feels guilty about something and doesn't want to talk about it anymore.

"He told me he was working late so I can run to the store... or not" I watch one of his men walk In with bags of groceries

" I'm sorry ma'am I knocked because Mr.Shadow told us not to ring the door bell Incase your son was asleep but no one answered" he says

"It's okay thank you. You can sit then on the counter top" I stand up pointing to the kitchen. I watch as my mom eyes the man as he walks out.

"Y'all got too many fine ass young men around here" she blurts out

"MA!" I yell

"What! It's true about to give me a heart attack. You know I'm getting old it's about time for me to kick the bucket" she jokes

"Mom you are only 46 please stop." I laugh " why haven't you ever had another boyfriend" I blurted out

"Who says I haven't" she says " but no I haven't I had a few entanglements nothing more" she says making me shake my head.

" I never had the desire to date again I didn't want to end up in a situation like I had before" she says pealing the potatoes. At that point I decide to leave it alone.

" see look at them!" She says pointing the men in the back yard. "Hold on let me go see if one of them trying to help me with something real quick" she wipes her hands off before going outside and talking to them.

"Let's go upstairs bubby. Your grandma wildin." I say as I laugh and make my way upstairs.

****

Friday

"Baby what time are you coming home?" I ask Izzy as I curl my hair

"I'm not sure ma I got a shipment coming in so I gotta make sure that's handled." He says as he pulls over his shirt. I slightly huff at his words. These past few weeks he have been getting busier and busier. Coming home later and leaving earlier so I really have been alone. This morning is the most conversational that I have had with him.

"Yes Christian" I pick up the phone using Chris' full first name

"I'm just making sure you're still coming " he says for the 12th time this morning.

"Yes Im still coming I have to do a few things before I make my way over there but it doesn't start until 3 so we are fine" I explain once again go him. I ordered him a few things such as that new 2k the Kobe edition cause I thought he'd like it but nobody told me that shit was $100. For a damn game! I also got him some shoes but I got them sent to the store because I didn't want anyone to steal them in the mail.

"Okay I'm just making sure. Is your boyfriend coming with you ?" He asks

"No he's not he has to work" I see Izzy look up at me in the mirror.

"Okay well let me know when you get here" he says before hanging up the phone. I pick up the iron one more time before finishing my curl and combing them out.

"You know I love you right" I feel izzys lips on my neck and his arms around my waist

"Yes" I reply to him

"Ima try to be home before it get too late alright?"he rubs my stomach

"Okay" I reply. I don't too much believe that he'll be home on time but I don't have the energy to argue right now so I just let it go. He gives me one last kiss before grabbing his phone and gun and leaving out. I take a deep breath before cleaning off the counter.

Recently we were informed that we were able to move forward with the process of buying the home. Its going to take a few months to get everything finalized but I'm excited. My only doubt and concern is that Izzy will be working so much he won't have time for the three of us. I'm not going to lie I've been feeling very unwanted and undesirable from my body changing to us pretty much not having any of physical contact in months. We got into it last weeks over him not being home but it was like he didn't understand were I was coming from. Hopefully it'll get better.

I walk back into the main room to see Aiden drinking a bottle in the middle of the bed. Don't worry I left the door open and made sure he was fine I got this.

I put on my jordan 1s and picked up the large Louis Vuitton book bag which contained things for both Aiden and I. Aiden was already dressed so I didn't have to do anything but put him in the car. With the help of one of the guards I was on my way out.

I got him the dior Jordan's which was a shit ton of money and picked up him game before placing it in a large bag with a card and making my way over to his parents home.

"Right now I fell it pouring I need a little bit just a little bit..." I sing along to SZAs song prom As I pull up I notice a decent amount people walking up and talking outside before I parked the car.

"You ready to meet some family bubby" I speak to Aiden who's in the backseat

"Dada" he says out

"I know bubby. I know." I turn the car off before going around and getting Aiden out, placing him on my hip before getting the large bag.

"Let me help you" a voice says as I look up to see a brown skin man running up. He had a defined jaw structure with a faded haircut and waves. He wore some black joggers, a graphic tee and some all black vapor Max's. Not gone lie brother was fine.

"Thank you" I say as he grabs the large bag from my arms

"It's no problem. You shouldn't be putting that mich weight on you with the babies" he smiles showing off a perfect set of teeth. "I'm sorry I didn't get your name" he says as he opens the door to the house for me

"Ashley, I'm uh Chris' sister" I say stuttering a little

"Really? I didn't know he had another sister in Jordan his basketball coach" he says

"Well it's nice to meet you" I smile slightly as we get to the back door before walking out where everyone is. "I'll sit this on the gift table for you" he says before going to sit it down and I look for some where to sit.

"Ashley you're here" I hear Tim's voice say from behind me

"Yes I am" I smile to him before he embraces me In a hug. "This is Aiden. Bubby can you wave hi" I say to my mean mugging baby. He gets it from his damn father.

"He's so handsome" Tim says touching his hand.

"Thank you" I say before he shows me where his family is sitting. God please be with me.

"No but it's the principle of the matter my client shouldn't have to be penalized for that" I hear as we get closer to the group that contains two males and two females I cannot see one couple due to their heads being turned the opposite way. I watch as the one man looks at us and clinches his jaw. I can tell from the features that that is tj, Timothys son.

"Tj I want to introduce you to Ashley, your sister and her son Aiden" Tim says as Tj looks me up and down. I watch as the other couple turns their heads and low and behold who it is. Lance and Becky or whatever her name is.

"Hi it's nice to finally meet you"

I extend my hand only for him to look at it disgusted. Fuck you too then.

"Ashley you'll be fine here I need to go check on my meat on the grill" Tim says walking off. I take a seat farthest away from the group but still close enough to speak.

"Who are you?" I hear Tj say as I am situating Aiden on my lap.

"I'm Ashley" I say getting smart back. I can see where this is going.

"I know that but why are you just now popping up is there something that you want?" He says.

"Well first off I don't need anything from your family. Your sister invited me to your parents anniversary party and I happened to find out that your father was mine. As for why I am here our little brother invited me today" I emphasized our. I honestly am not in the mood for him to be trying me right now.

"Hi girl I'm Justice, Tjs wife please don't pay him any mind. It's nice to meet you." She says smiling.

"Its nice to meet you as well" I smile back

"He is just the cutest. I miss my baby being that little she just turned one last month" she talks

"ASHLEY" I hear from behind me. I turn around to see Chris walking up with two of his friend. I stand up and embrace him in a hug

"Happy birthday lil boy how does it feel" I mess with him

"Im not a lil boy Ash but it feel good. This lil man?" He says reaching for Aiden

"Yes it is" I say as Aiden surprisingly goes to him and begins playing with his chain.

"Hey lil man I'm your uncle Chris" he says as Aiden smiles.

"I think he likes you" I say as I hear a scoff from behind me.

"Stop it." I hear as well.

"Let me introduce to everyone" he says as I follow him over to a table filled with older folk and the spawn herself Brenda holding a little girl I'm guessing is tjs daughter.

"Nana this is Ashley my sister" he introduces me to a older woman who smiles to me.

"Oh hey baby. I'm Tims mother Tina buy you can call me Nana. Chris was so excited that you were coming today" she says in my ear as I hug her. "And who's this little man" she says referring to Aiden

"That's my son Aiden" I smile.

"Seems as though you expecting again Ashley" she says placing her hand on my stomach

"Yes ma'am I am" I tell her

"A little girl" she says.

"Oh I don't know yet" I tell her.

"I was telling you baby. You having a little girl" she says smiling. I suddenly feel some eyes burning a hole in my head so I look up to see Brenda and a woman who looks like her but older mean mugging me.

"Don't pay them bitter bitches no mind. Come sit down and tell me about yourself" she says as I get Aiden back from Chris so that he can go hang out with his friends. I ended up getting something to eat before I talked to nana who was very easy to talk to. She introduced me to her sister and her daughter before I explained to her how I found out her son was my father and such.

"Well baby I'm sorry that my no good son decided he wanted to be a dead beat I thought I raised him better. But if you ever need anything I'm here for you. I bet your other grandma is going to be upset now" she says jokingly

"Um actually my grandmother passed away" I say to her Looking down to Aidens hands

"I'm so sorry was it recent?" She asks