𝟺 𝙳𝙰𝚈𝚂 𝙻𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚁

𝚂𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙰𝚈

𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟼𝚃𝙷

"You need to get the fuck out of my house now." Cherish's voice cracked.

Priest looked over at her then smirked, "That's what I was about to do, anyway. I'll be back in the morning to see my daughters. You know I'm not one to fuck with, so I suggest you open the open when I come."

Cherish said nothing. Tears just rolled down her cheeks. She held opened the door, but didn't look at him as he walked out. Once the door closed, she pressed her back against it and cried. Priest could hear her sobs through the door, and it did something to him. He knew he was wrong for what he just did to her, and he felt bad about that. He really didn't like to see or hear her crying. He was about to knock on the door, but stopped himself.

Fuck her. He shook his head, then walked away.

"You good?" Truth asked Priest.

"Yeah, just thinking about some shit." Priest sighed. It's been four days since the night at Cherish's. Part of him knew he owed her an apology for how things went down, but he just couldn't do it. At least right now.

"You need to be thinking about popping, lil mama. I'm still on the fact that she hit me when I first met her, then ran." Shooter joked. "Her mama been talking shit about me."

"Nah, Cherish wouldn't do that otherwise Malaysia wouldn't be calling you uncle." Priest laughed.

"Honesti lowkey bad. Those the kids that'll turn into bad seed. You think she sweet, but really not." Shooter chuckled.

"Stop playing with my baby. She needed to make sure you were cool, that's all." Priest said.

Shooter knew the truth about Priest not being Honesti's biological father, obviously, and he would never speak about it to anyone. Not even Paris, who thinks Cherish and Priest linked up years ago, which resulted in Honesti. That was a noble thing Priest decided to do, and from what Shooter observed Priest already loves both Malaysia and Honesti beyond the limits, and they love him the same.

Priest went out and bought them so much stuff, it was crazy. Their rooms weren't ready yet, but he knew they'll love it once it was finished. Priest has a big ass house, and he was glad to share it with his kids.

Shooter shook his head, "She mean like her momma. Still till this day, Cherish not fucking with me."

"She'll be aight." Priest shrugged. "The world doesn't revolve around her ass." Truth and Shooter looked at him. While Priest said nothing disrespectful about Cherish in front of them, he wasn't shy about letting it be known that he's still mad at her.

"You end things with Crystal?" Truth asked, to change the subject of the conversation.

"I did before I went over to Cherish's house—"

"About time, should've been dropped that hoe. I'm sorry, bro, but shawty wasn't it." Shooter said.

"I said I did, now we're back together." Priest shrugged.

"I know you lying?" Truth asked. Shooter just shook his head.

Before Priest could respond, Malaysia came running over to him with Honesti in tow. "Excuse me, daddy. I didn't mean interrupt, but grandma is calling your phone." Malaysia gave Priest his phone. He had to smile because she's a well-mannered little girl.

Spending time with them the last few days, he learned that Malaysia and Honesti were different from each other, but loved one another so much. Malaysia is too damn smart for her age, extremely talkative, polite, but got his mug down pact. She could eat cereal all day if you let her, and she always did at least two educational activities once a day just for fun.

Honesti is that sweet, but doesn't really fool around with just anyone type of little girl. Hence her hitting Shooter the first time she saw him. It was cute how her little fist was balled up when she punched Shooter in the knee. Priest had never seen a two-year-old do half the things Honesti does. She was definitely advanced. And love her some strawberry milk. He was so tired of hearing Cocomelon already, but realized it's also educational, that's another reason Honesti knows so much. She was in the process of getting potty-trained, but knew how to say when she had to use the bathroom.

It was not one dull moment when it came to them. Cherish did an amazing job raising them alone, and he would never take that away from her, despite her keeping Malaysia a secret.

"Thanks, princess." He kissed her cheek. "Start getting ready for your momma party."

"Okay, come on, Honesti." Malaysia grabbed Honesti's hand. Malaysia likes to be a big girl and get herself ready, she's proven many times that she doesn't need help.

"Bye, mean girl." Shooter said to Honesti, messing with her.

"Punk." Honesti replied.

"See, she done called me a punk." Shooter, Priest, and Truth laughed.

Priest phone started ringing again. He looked down and saw who was calling this time. "What the fuck Crystal wants now."

"You told her about Cherish since y'all back "together" now?" Truth asked.

"Fuck, Cherish." Priest shook his head while calling his mother back.

Time seemed to have flown by. Truth and Shooter had left and said they'll meet up at Cherish's welcome home party. Priest was only going to drop the girls off then leave, but he knew the moment he got there he wouldn't be able to. Rissa had asked if his restaurant could cater the food, and he would do anything for Rissa, so he said yeah.

He tried his best to do his daughters' hair into two ponytails, which didn't look bad for a lack of trying. Cherish had decided to cut Honesti's hair again before Priest came the next day to pick them up. It always ends up growing back longer, but it actually made it easier for Priest to tame when it came down to doing her hair. Thankfully, neither is tender headed.

Malaysia and Honesti were dressed alike, he wasn't sure if that was something people still did. Dressed their daughters alike, but he bought two of everything when it came to them. He noticed Malaysia was quieter than she is usually, well, than he has witnessed. Honesti was dozing off on the couch. She hadn't had a nap, so he knew she was going to sleep the entire ride.

He sat next to Malaysia on the couch before speaking. "What's wrong?" Malaysia looked up, then looked back down. She never said answered him, which had him worried.

"Talk to me, princess."

"You said a bad word about my mommy." Malaysia mumbled. He felt like shit for even saying fuck her, but he thought both were out of earshot.

"I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean it."

"Why did you say it, then? I thought you love my mommy, but you always look angry when she calls."

"You're too young to understand, princess." Priest sighed. She just nodded, but kept her head down.

He lifted her head. "Always keep your head up. Don't be sad, okay?"

"Okay." Malaysia looked up then held open her arms. Priest lifted Malaysia onto his lap as she hugged him. "I love you, daddy. I'm so happy you're here."

"I love you too. Never forget that."

𝙷𝙾𝚄𝚁𝚂 𝙻𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚁...

Posting a picture on her Instagram that she taken earlier, Cherish watched as her notifications lit up with compliments. She looked good as hell with the blue bob that Yazmine installed in earlier.

When she finally got ready, she settled on a yellow sleeveless racerback rib bodycon maxi dress that hugged her frame. Her small breast was sitting since she wore no bra or no panties for that matter. She had on a pair of Hermès yellow Oran Sandal on her feet, and a white Chanel bag to finish the look.

Yazmine looked over at Cherish, who's been awfully quiet for the past few days. Whenever Yazmine called just to talk, Cherish barely said anything. Their conversations usually consist of long talks about anything. Yazmine knew something more than Priest finding out the truth had to happen, but Cherish didn't want to talk about it. More so, she wouldn't talk about it.

"Are you okay?" Yazmine asked Cherish.

"I'm fine. I really wish you would stop asking that."

"That I'm fine is not convincing. Why won't you tell me what happened?" Yazmine sighed. "I know that you're not obligated, but I'm worried."

"Are you still on that, Yaz? I told you what happened. After he said he'll step up to be Honesti's father, he left. I don't know what more you want me to say." Cherish rolled her eyes.

"The fact that you catch an attitude or get defensive tells me something more went on. He didn't hit you out of anger, did he?"

"What? No. Why would you even ask that."

"I had to ask. Talk to me, cousin. Aside from the attitude and getting defensive, you damn near be in tears. Did he throw something else in your face?" Yazmine questioned.

Although Yazmine didn't want to push her, she knew that Cherish tends to shut down a lot and when she does; she shuts those who care about her out. Yazmine didn't want that to happen.

"Drop it, Yaz. Nothing happened. He's just not the Priest I remembered." Cherish shrugged.

"Meaning what? I'm sorry for prying, but I can't have you shutting out the world. Soul is my bro, but you are my blood, and if he did something to hurt you, then I'm kicking his ass."

"It means that I keep making mistakes that are further putting me in more shit. I said I shouldn't involve my heart into this more, but I did because I couldn't control it." Cherish shook her head. She looked at Yazmine as tears filled her eyes. "If that night taught me anything, it's to move on from that man. I did lie about the abortion to hurt him because I thought he cheated. I didn't keep Malaysia away to hurt him, though. He showed me that it's pretty clear he wants to hurt me. Years ago and that night. Like a fool, I helped him do it. So, no, I don't want to talk about what happened. Nothing happened. Nothing but true colors being shown. He's done with me, and I'm so done with his ass. Just leave it alone, Yaz."

Yazmine wanted to say more, but she saw nothing but pain in Cherish's eyes. She had no idea what happened between Priest and Cherish, but she could sense he ended up hurting her in a way that broke Cherish's heart.

"Let's just go. As much as I don't want a welcome home surprise party, I owe my aunt everything and I know she put a lot of work into this. The least I could do is show up and be happy about it." Cherish told Yazmine. They were at Yazmine's house since she was supposed to be "keeping" Cherish busy.

"Okay." Yazmine replied. Since Yazmine was driving, Cherish slid off her Hermès Sandals and got comfortable.

"Take my picture." Yazmine handed Cherish her phone.

"Those shoes ugly, but you so fine." Cherish took the picture, then gave Yazmine back her phone.

"Thanks, baby. I am fine, ain't I?"

"Girlllllll." Cherish playfully rolled her eyes as Yazmine laughed.

"So, I know it's been days, but how is Malaysia doing with seeing Priest?"

"You know, Laysia. She loves that fuck out of her daddy. This is something she's been wishing for; him in her life. Just being around him makes her so happy, she'll FaceTime me with the biggest smile on her face. Makes me feel even more guilty. Honesti loves her some Priest as well, it's daddy this and daddy that. No lie, I'm surprised how quick Honesti took to him. She may be sweet, but she doesn't fool around with just anyone." Cherish smiled. "Plus, my baby be trying to live in my skin. Literally, always wanting to be under me. I done been replaced by Priest."

"Tell me something I don't know, and you're irreplaceable to both of them. Honesti gonna be the one to give you problems when they get older; that's all I gotta say. Just watch." Yazmine chuckled.

"No my baby won't. She gone always be sweet."

"Keep telling yourself that. Anyway, I think Soul is a real ass man for stepping up. I mean, even if neither were his kids, I think he would've done the same." Yazmine smiled. "I don't know too many men who would've done that. My respect for him definitely went up."

"I can't lie, him saying that had me in tears. Despite hating me, I'm just glad he wants to be there for Honesti. Suddenly, I feel like I'm not a good mother."

"Bitch, don't blow your horn at me! YOU BALDHEADED AUNT JEMIMA LOOKING, HOE!" Yazmine rolled down her window and yelled.

Cherish laughed, "You got road rage so bad. You just going to throw aunt Jemima into this."

"Nah, we're sitting here about to have a deep conversation, and she wants to blow her horn like I wasn't paying attention to driving. Fat wig wearing ass." Yazmine rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, don't start that, Cherish. At least you took accountability for what you did. One thing you need to never forget is you are a damn good mom to those little girls. You had postpartum with Honesti. You were always crying. Always irritated. Your guilt was on 100. You kept thinking you failed Malaysia in some way, and that you were going to fail Honesti as well. I remember you not even wanting to hold or touch Honesti. We all hated seeing you go through it, but look at you now. Your choices are questionable sometimes, but you are an amazing mother. Both your daughters love you more than anything in the world. Never ever forget that. I won't let you. No matter how much shit people talk about you keeping Malaysia away from Soul. Yes, Malaysia wanted her dad, but overall, she was a happy little girl."

"Thanks for saying that. I stay doubting myself more than people think, but this is why you're my favorite cousin. Don't tell Marcus." Cherish smiled.

"He won't shut up about it if he finds out." Yazmine laughed. "You already know you're my favorite."

"Since you were so fixated on what's going on with Priest and me. What's going on with you and Truth? What were y'all arguing about that day? I never asked."

"I didn't want to talk about what he wanted, which as usual was us. Later that day, I ended whatever it was between us. I can't get sidetracked with niggas and drama. Truth deserves better, anyway." Yazmine shrugged.

"Why do you always think you don't deserve to be happy? Honestly, Yaz I think you deserve happiness more than anything. I don't know how many times I have to tell you this, but auntie would not want you to stop living. You and I always tend to think people would leave us. Maybe, just maybe, there's a happy ending waiting for you if you allowed yourself to be happy. I want you to be happy."

"I wasn't exactly honest about why I was avoiding Truth in the first place." Yazmine sighed.

"What's the real reason?"

"One day, I was chilling with him. You know how I am when he tries to get too close, so instead of talking about personal things we ended up sleeping together which was as you know became a normal thing we did, but I fell asleep afterward. Can you guess what happened?" Yazmine glanced at Cherish.

"You missed a visit with Auntie." Cherish spoke sadly. She knew how much those visits, good or bad; meant to Yazmine.

"I missed my visit with my mom. Her nurse told me that she kept asking for me, so the nurse kept calling my phone. It was one of those days when she was my mom, you know. Where she had no problems with her memory. Having normal conversations without getting frustrated. Just herself for a minute, and I missed it because I was too busy with Truth. My mom needed me. She kept asking for me, and I wasn't there. The next day I went to visit her, and she didn't know who I was, and she hasn't exactly had a good day since. I don't know how to love Truth. I don't how to let myself be loved by him. I just... I can't let myself go there more than I already have." Yazmine blinked away her tears; she didn't like being emotional, so she mostly tried to suppress everything. "My mom needs me."

"You can't blame Truth for that. He was trying to hold a conversation with you, and you resorted to sex to avoid talking. It's not your fault, either."

"It's somebody's fault." Yazmine sighed.

"Does Truth know about Auntie?"

"Nope. Remember, no personal conversations between him and me." Yazmine replied. The rest of the car ride was silent.

Cherish just wanted the day to be over with. She was happy Malaysia and Honesti have been with Priest for the past 4 days. He was natural at being a father. Everything was new to him, but he was trying. She loves that even his parents accepted Honesti. Cherish had a long talk with Patience. There were a lot of apologizing and tears. She really wishes she could turn back the hands of time.

__

"Remember to act surprised." Yazmine reminded her.

"Oh my God!" Cherish faked acting surprised. "How was that?"

Yazmine busted out laughing. "Girl, just don't do anything."

"Actually, let's go through the back. I don't need the dramatics of people yelling "surprise" like I'm coming from home from war or something. Only my aunt would throw a party for me moving back home." Cherish chuckled. Cherish had left her bag in the car, but grabbed her phone.

Cherish turned the door handle to the back door of her aunt's house before proceeding to walk in. When you come in through the back door, to the right is the kitchen. The Kitchen was so big, the party most likely could've been held right there. She was instantly hit with music playing, a house filled with family and friends. It was a nice setup.

"Auntie, who are you having a party for and didn't invite me?" Cherish smiled while Rissa turned around.

"Yazmine! I told you to call me when you were on your way." Rissa fussed.

"I'm sorry, Auntie Rissa. I forgot." Yazmine lied.

"Wait, this party for me?" Cherish did the fake surprise expression. Yazmine busted out laughing again since she told Cherish not to do it.

"Who told you?" Rissa sighed.

"Told me what?" Cherish played dumb.

"Don't play with me, Cherish."