The month of December has finally made its arrival, and boy has it been a busy month. Between everybody working, hosting events, and Christmas shopping, both families have been busy to their limit. Today was graduation day for both Jay and Niyah. Jay's was first this morning, and Niyah's was after around 3 in the evening. Sonni was currently upstairs in her bedroom getting the twins together. Being that the weather is finally in winter mode, both Silas and Sahil were wearing matching

"Sincere, baby, come on! I swear if we're late to my son's graduation, you're on probation for a week and I'm not playing!" Sonni fussed as she buckled and secured a wide awake Silas into his car seat. She pushed his binky into his mouth and stood up straight before pulling up her pants. She shook her head once she heard the bathroom open.

Xavier smacked his lips. "Damn, Sunflower, can I take care of my hygiene?"

"Boy, don't make me bust you up. If you would've gotten up when I first told you to, then I wouldn't be fussing like this." Sonni stood with her hands on her hips, scolding him, only to make him laugh.

"It's your fault. Nobody told you to fuck me like that last night. You know how I get."

Sonni rolled her eyes because she knew he was telling the truth. "Shut up and grab the twins. Emerie is downstairs, probably giving Juice hell."

"I thought so." Xavier mumbled as he picked up both of the car seats and headed for the door. Sonni grabbed both of their jackets, shoes, her purse, and the diaper bag. Once she realized she had everything, she hit the lights and followed Xavier out of the door and downstairs.

"Come on, Juice baby!" Sonni yelled as she stood at the door. She looked in the mirror that was placed on the wall and nodded her head in satisfaction with her look. A look she hoped would last the entire day.

"Hi Mama!" Emerie yelled and waved as she sat on Juice's hip. Sonni shook her head and kissed her cheek before ushering them out the door.

Once they all piled into Sonni's Audi Q7 safely and securely, they were off to Essex County College to watch Jayden walk and receive two associate degrees in Education and Art while also graduating with Manga Cum Laude, meaning he maintained a 3.65 GPA throughout his entire matriculation. Xavier glanced at his wife and shook his head before placing his hand on her thigh, providing some reassurance. Sonni has been on the fence all morning, and she's only been acting like that because she doesn't want to let Jayden down or disappoint him. Ever since she and Zai took him in, she made a promise to herself that she would always show up for him no matter what she had going on. Because after everything he'd been through, he needed solid people and genuine love in his corner. The thought of them even being the slightest bit late had her nerves in a frenzy.

After driving for at least forty minutes, Zai was pulling into the parking lot of the college's gymnasium. It took him a minute to find a park, but he eventually did. He killed the engine, and Sonni climbed out as he opened her door. She grabbed her Gold Christian Louboutin heels and kicked her slides from her feet before sliding them into her heels. She wiggled her feet around and pulled up her high-waisted jeans—tucking in her shirt. Ever since she gave birth to the twins, her hips have spread along with the growth of her butt. Finishing off her look, Sonni pulled her black Zara Lapel coat on and secured her gold Chanel brooch on the right side of the collar.

"Girl, if you want another baby, just say that because you're asking for another one with those jeans on." Xavier whistled as he shook his head, making Juice, who was holding a sleeping Emmie, laugh.

Sonni blushed and shook her head. "Xavier, get my babies and stop playing."

He smacked her on her butt, making her hiss and shriek. She had jeans on, so you know the impact was something, especially with his big hands. After meeting up with Momo, PawPaw, Sav, and Niyah in the parking lot, they eventually made their way inside. Sonni gave the door greeter all seven tickets before they walked inside. The noise of chatter caught the twins' attention as they moved around inside their car seats. The men of the family lead all of the women up the stairs of the bleachers to some empty seats, making head turns. The family was dressed to the nines, looking like money.

"You're rushing me and we're nowhere near late." Xavier shook his head as he picked up Sahil from his car seat and unzipped his snowsuit so he could breathe and wiggle free. He popped his binky into his mouth and bounced him on his knee.

"Boy hush!" Sonni waved him off and pulled her white Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless camera from her black Fendi bag and pressed the power button. She changed the memory card before standing up, walking to the steps, stepping back, putting the camera up to her face.

"Smile, you guys!"

Everybody smiled as Sonni snapped a few pictures of them and the floor before sitting back down. She wanted to save her battery until the graduates walked. The community college was huge and ranked number two in the state, so there were about 400 graduates, which was considered big for a community college and a fall graduation. Sonni smiled in Slias's face as she bounced him in her lap. He gave her a gummy grin as she kissed his jaws. "Hey, fat daddy."

The clock struck 10, and the graduates lined up and stood in line until they heard the music start. The graduates marched in and all you heard was hoots and hollers from their loved ones. Sonni was standing at the rail with her camera. She spotted Jayden's tall figure and yelled his name. He looked up and scanned the gymnasium until his eyes landed on his mama. He smiled wide and blew her a kiss, which she snapped a picture of. She took a few more pictures once they made it to their seats. The graduates stood until the last line came in. Once everybody was seated, the opening invocation was given and the president of the college took the stand.

"Goodmorning, fellow eagles, alumni, parents, family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate the class of 2019. As we begin the commencement ceremony, we will have a word from our salutatorian."

After the salutatorian gave his speech, the choir performed their song, and then the valedictorian gave her speech as well. Applause and screaming were heard throughout the arena as she made her way back to her seat. It was now time for the presentation of graduates. After going through the majority of the departments, it was now time for the Humanities department.

"Jayden West, Associates of Arts in Art and Education." The announcer spoke.

"WOOOOO! LET'S GO POOH!" Juice jumped up and hollered as she clapped, making sure not to drop Emmie, who was clapping as well. She pointed and yelled his name.

"That's my baby! He did it Sincere." Sonni yelled as she cried into Xavier's chest. She smiled as she wiped her face. If nobody was proud of Jayden, she definitely was and made sure her proudness was known. She knew the feeling of having an absent mother, and another promise she made to herself was that she would never be one. All her babies and future babies will never know the feeling of abandonment.

Jayden walked across the stage and received his two degree coverings, securing them in his left hand, and shook hands with the college president, dean, and administration with his right hand. He paused and took a picture with the president before walking off the stage. He waved to his family and held up his degrees as Sonni snapped as many pictures as she could before he made his way back to his seat.

"Oh my god! Congratulations, baby! I'm soooo proud of you! Four years ago, you were on my coattail following me around the prison, and now you're my son. I love you like I birthed you!" Sonni cried as they embraced each other in a big hug. Jayden was crying as well because he and Sonni's bond was deeper than the surface. She was his mama before she even became his mama. He too loved her like she birthed him.

Graduation was now over, and they were standing in the lobby of the gymnasium before going out into the cold to head to Niyah's school. After being bombarded by his family, Jayden stepped in front of Juice, making her smile and breaking eye contact. His stare was just too intense for her. She always felt he was staring into her soul. She placed the candy and money lei around his neck. "Congratulations, Pooh!"

Jayden wrapped his arms around her and attacked her with kisses as they rocked side to side, walking. "Thank you, Lovebug."

"Alright y'all, let's go before traffic gets bad. Niyah, do you have everything? Do we need to stop by the house for anything?" Sonni asked as she was squatted in front of the car seats as she made sure both of her babies were secured and covered up.

Niyah nodded her head. "Yes, I have everything. My gown and stuff are in Momo's and Paw's truck."

The family all walked out of the gymnasium and headed to the parking lot. Jayden opened the passenger door to his Beamer for Juice and made sure she was safely inside before closing the door. He walked to his side and pulled both the backdoor and driver's side door open. He pulled his custom 3D grad cap off and sat it in the window along with placing his duffle bag on the seat. He pulled his brown trench coat off so he could drive comfortably. He left his cords on and slid into the driver's seat, pushing the start button.

"Bug, have you started packing?" Jayden asked he pulled the seatbelt across his chest and pulled out of park, circling the parking lot until he pulled up behind his mama's Audi.

Juice nodded her head. "Yes, I'm going to try and finish tonight. Are you staying with me or are you going home?"

"Pops gone right? Yea, I'm staying because I know you don't want to be by yourself." He said as he hit his turning signal, following his parents out as they followed behind Paw and Sav, who were speeding already.

"How does it feel to be a college graduate, pooh? I'm so proud of you." Juice rubbed her hand up and down his face, making him laugh and bite her thumb.

"I feel good as hell. The way my life has done a whole 180 within the last year and a half is unbelievable. I have some days where I think it's all a dream and that I'm going to wake up in my cell or homeless. I'm so thankful for my parents. My mama didn't have to take me in, you know? But she did it anyway. You know, I told you that my family had cut me off while I was inside? When I first got out, I called Taraji, knowing there was a possibility she wouldn't answer, but as her child, as a lost child, I had hope. When she didn't answer, killing the only bit of hope I had left, I called my mama, and here I am today. Successful, blessed, loved unconditionally, and happy." Jayden shook his head as he rubbed his chin with his right hand while the left one sat at the top of the steering wheel.

Juice smiled as she listened to him talk. "I love that for you, pooh. You truly deserve everything."

Jayden glanced at her and smiled, showing off his gold mouth piece. He grabbed her left hand and kissed the back of it, making her smile stretch wide.

The hour ride turned into two because PawPaw said he was hungry, so they decided to stop and get something to eat. Now they were driving through the parking lot of the gymnasium looking for parking spots for all four of their vehicles to occupy. Jayden laughed at the white people that were staring once they stepped out. They obviously weren't expecting black people to step out of such luxury vehicles.

"Jay, there's someone on the phone for you." Sonni outstretched her hand, making him furrow his eyebrows before taking her phone from her grasp.

"Hello?" Jay spoke with hesitation in his voice once he put the phone up to his ear.

"I heard someone is a big time graduate today."

Once he recognized the voice, his eyes went wide and a smile broke out across his face. "Oh my god. Mrs. Rockmore!"

Mrs. Rockmore was the lady that he saved when his friends attempted to take her life. Throughout his time in prison, in the beginning, she visited him and put money on his books along with Sonni. She only stopped visiting because she had a hip replacement and couldn't get around like she used to, but she never stopped keeping up with him thanks to Sonni. Mrs. Rockmore was happy when she found out he was released. She always felt that he didn't deserve to be incarcerated. She wished her testimony did more, but she used her privilege the best way she could.

She laughed. "Hi Jayden, congratulations on completing this huge milestone. I won't hold you up too long, but I just want to say I'm proud of you and everything you've accomplished. I'm so glad you didn't let that obstacle stop you. Whenever you're free, please come by the house. I'm going to give the address to Mrs. West. My husband and I have a gift for you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Rockmore. Your words mean a lot, more than you know." Jayden felt himself getting emotional, so he gave the phone back to his mama. Xavier noticed the state he was in and pulled him into a hug, whispering reassuring things into his ear.

"Niyah! Come here baby!" Sonni waved her over as she stood at the door of the party room at Xavier's restaurant.

Once Niyah's graduation was over, they all piled back into their cars and headed to Manqué Tre to celebrate both of the graduates. The family that wasn't able to make it to the ceremonies has been arriving back to back with gifts in tow. Aniyah received a Bachelor's of Science in Biology, graduating Cum Laude. Both of Sonni's babies graduated today, and she couldn't be more proud, which is why she, Zai, and Savion all went in together on Niyah's gift. Out of everything she's faced and been through, she was truly deserving.

Sonni linked her arms with hers as she led her out of the restaurant to the front where Zai and Savion were watching the delivery man unload her gift. Sonni pulled the door open, making Niyah scream. Wrapped in a big red bow was a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG Coupe, fully loaded.

While they were outside, Jayden and Juice were in the corner amongst themselves. She was seated in his lap with her head on his as she rubbed the side of his face. Jayden had his hand going up and down her exposed thigh as he looked around the room. He was truly happy because he had beaten the odds. He was no longer a walking statistic. Even though what he went to prison for was small, it still had a big effect on him because he was an African American male. Someone who was born with a target on his back. Regardless of living right and being dealt with the hands of black-nepotism, sometimes Jayden has a feeling that he's going to wake up one day and it's going to be gone; but he knows that it's just fear and the devil trying to talk to him.

Juice looked in his face, shaking her head, realizing he was deep in thought. The only reason she realized that was because she has noticed that when he's deep in thought, his eyebrows furrow deeply and his lips pout a little. She kissed his cheek and let him be.