A/N

Welcome to the end of act one 💜

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have

Next Day

"Good morning Lay. I bathed Eli, fed her as well, she's in there watching Grace's Corner. That show lit as hell." Golden chuckled, Lay rubbed her eyes as she looked up. Golden had her hair tied up in a ponytail with a sports bra and basketball shorts.

"You know Marlee is going to drool on you. You better put some clothes on." Lay yawned pushing back her covers. After she'd gotten home yesterday she spent most of her time in the bed just being grateful that she still had one child to bare.

"You right. You right." Golden went into her room and put a shirt on while Lay went to use the bathroom and shower. It was her favorite holiday, well one of them. Especially because she was pregnant now so she was craving her mothers greens.

"Do we have to go to moms house?" Marlee whined handing the brush to her sister so she could brush her hair.

"Yes. I've been craving her greens." Lay said slicking Marlee's hair into a ponytail.

"You know you can't be around all that stress though." Marlee warned, last night was very scary. Golden and Marlee kept checking on her constantly through the light but she wouldn't know that cause she was knocked.

"I wouldn't let that happen." Golden spoke startling both of the girls. Lays cheeks grew warm, something about Golden saying that flustered her.

"Thanks G daddy." Marlee joked, somehow in a day they became close enough to make jokes. Must be a gay thing.

"I prefer G papi." Golden joked back showcasing her beautiful smile.

"Y'all are ridiculous, do you have any plans for today?" Lay asked Golden, Marlee stood up from the floor and sat on the couch picking up her phone.

"Nah, ion got any family out here. I was hoping y'all would bring me a plate back." She spoke putting her hands in her pockets.

"Well, Ms. Doula. You can help me with her today. Boom. Problem solved." Lay drank her smoothie that Golden made and took her vitamins.

"I'm down. Hold on." Golden ran back to the room to grab her shoes for her outfit. She packed Lay's mommy bag as well as the diaper bag.

"Golden so fine." Marlee sighed, she knew she was way out of her league.

"I know." Golden spoke once again scaring the shit out of both girls. Lay had to admit she was fine as hell, but she didn't go that way and didn't intend on it.

*

When they finally made it to their mothers house Lay was happy that they made it safely. She said a quick prayer before everybody unloaded out of the car and walked up to the door. The house was stacked, Lay hadn't seen her family in so long so she was happy that they all showed up.

"Lay Lay!" Peaches called out looking at her younger cousin.

"Peaches." Lay replied semi happy, her and Peaches used to fight all the time when they were younger but they were always so close until Bryson came into the picture.

"How you doing girl, hey LeeLee. Ouu who's this?" Peaches was nosey as hell, she knew everybody business.

"I'm well and you ? This is Golden, she's my doula. This is my daughter Elianna." Lay responded in one breath. Peaches was so confused but decided to get the tea later.

"Ahh okay." She waved to Golden and Marlee was too deep in her phone to even say anything back. Golden waved and Eli mugged the lady.

"Your momma and them in there. My four kids are here too. My youngest is around Elianna's age if you want them to meet and play together." Peaches suggested, Lay was skeptical she didn't trust no other kids around her daughter.

"It's coo, I can watch her." Golden reassured her, Lay looked over at her.

"Okay she needs to eat first though." Peaches nodded her head and the group continued in the house speaking to everybody.

"Hey mama and daddy." Lay waved at the two of them and provided both with hugs.

"Hey Chay Chay." Her mother planted a kiss on her cheek and greeted Marlee and Eli the same way. Lay was taken back by how loving her mother was being. Their dad greeted them the same way.

"Mama you don't gotta change how you act cause my doula here. You can act how you always do." Lay laughed but her mother didn't.

"Okay, I think we should let them two talk." Richard said grabbing his newfound grand baby from Goldens arms.

"Text if you need me sis. Mama. Be good." Marlee spoke, Golden wasted no time making her a plate. Once they both had walked away, Retty walked her daughter out back where it was quiet.

"Ma look, I just had a miscarriage two days ago. I'm still pretty upset from that. I can't have any extra stre.." Lay was cut off by her mother abruptly giving her a hug. One of those 'I'm so sorry' hugs. Lays body went limp feeling the love from her mother. She broke down in sobs.

"I know baby, I know I haven't been there for you before. At the hospital with Marlee, Keisha knew more about you than I do. I went to church for the first time in years after that and I just had a revelation that this is not how I want my relationship with my daughters or grandkids to go. I know this is going to be a long journey Lay Lay but I really want to be here for you as long as you let me." Loretta was in tears as well. Chalynn had been the backbone for years while she was on drugs.

"Of course I want my mommy around. I'm giving you this one chance mama. Just one, I lost one baby I can't lose my other one too." Lay broke the hug to wipe her face.

"My baby is having a baby." Retty looked down at Lay's slim tummy and placed a loving hand on it.

"Yeah mama, I am." She smiled tearfully at her mother. She so badly craved the love from her own mother and she was willing to try with her if she honestly meant it. Lay had hoped she was being genuine but only time could tell.

*

"You alright?" Golden asked Lay once she finally made it back into the house.

"More than alright. How are you?" Lay asked washing her hands about to pick up a paper towel.

"Can't complain. This food good as hell." Golden was on her second plate of Mac and cheese baked beans she loved the combo.

"My mama really be throwing down but the mac and cheese and sweet potato combo is really undefeated." Lay giggled loading some onto her plate along with the greens she had been craving.

"Aight. That'll be your only thing of greens. Your blood pressure is too high." Golden said in a warning tone, Lay poked out her bottom lip and started to pout.

"Ugh. You're right. Ma Keisha makes really good greens too. This will be my only plate, here." Lay whispered the last word but Golden still heard her.

"Oh you tryna get in trouble huh?" Golden smirked at Lay causing her to blush.

"Trouble how?" She raised her eyebrow at the girl who was leaning on the counter. Peaches watched from a distance.

Golden came behind Lay, "You not ready for that."

"You're right. Cause I don't like girls or women. Excuse me." Lay acted like the interaction didn't bother her but she had chills on her arms. She really didn't want to go there with anybody else for awhile.

*

Marlee sat in the corner of the room awkwardly because of her suicide attempt. Her mother had the same talk with her but she would believe it when she saw it. Her talk was big, she needed actions.

"Why you sitting here alone?" This girl with long curly hair asked, Marlee looked up to see who she was but she didn't know her.

"Who are you?" Marlee asked unimpressed, she was lowkey ready to just go home.

"Heaven. I just came to try and be nice but if it's gone be like that then ..." The girl went to turn on her heels to walk away. Marlee looked back at her phone but when she looked up again she was still standing there.

"Because I tried to un alive myself and everybody keeps trying to tiptoe around me so." Marlee shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Me too." Heaven stuck out her arms to show her that she tried to cut her way out of this life. She now had Marlee's full attention.

"This supposed to be a pity party for us or .. did you want something?" Heaven was taken back by how rude she was being towards her. It only made her more intrigued.

"Excuse me for being nice." Marlee sighed, she didn't mean to come off bitchy she just didn't want anybody trying to trauma bond with her.

"Nah it's cool, you said your name Heaven right? Tell me bout yourself." Marlee put her phone down and put her attention on the girl in front of her.

*

Lay had such a good time with her family she was ready to go to Key's family house. Sort of. She wasn't prepared to see him, that was for sure but she was ready to have a conversation with Keisha. She was surprised that she even got invited to the function. Lay was sure that everybody knew what she had done and how she had acted at the baby's birthday party.

"We got this sissy, it's no big deal." Marlee tried to do a pep talk but she was nervous for her sister. This was her first time seeing Key and his family since the whole altercation.

"I know."

They all quickly exited the car, Golden was excited to see the family but of course she had to prove she was team Lay one hundred percent.

There was a sign on the door that showed to just walk right in, it was okay. The crew walked passed all of the cars that were outside. There was hella Benz, BMW's, mustangs and a few Hondas.

They walked into the loud house and it was as if Key felt her enter the room he turned around from talking to Woo and Dolph. Elianna was sleep in her arms, she was full from all she ate at her grandmas house. Lay looked around to find a familiar face.

Keisha found her before Key could speak to her. Not knowing what her son was going to do she wanted to do damage control before it could get bad.

"Hey y'all. Make yourselves at home. Golden, your grandmama is here." Keisha spoke trying to get some alone time with Lay. All of Key's niggas were eyeing her, only the closest ones knowing what she had done.

"Coo, you good sis you need me to take her?" Marlee asked watching her body language. Chalynn shook her head no and kicked off her shoes pushing them to the side.

"Aight. Ima go get some of mama Keisha's pie. I know she put her foot in it." Marlee walked off and Golden wanted to check in before she just walked away.

"You sure you don't want me to take her?" Golden asked her, she was always down to see her granny but when she was on duty that was a different story.

"Golden. Enjoy yourself. I'm fine." Golden gave her one last look before she shrugged and walked away to go greet everybody. Key was watching Lay's every move but she hadn't scoped him out yet.

"What's up Ms. Keisha?" Lay asked sitting at the island they were standing near.

"I just wanted to apologize for the other day at Elianna's party. My son was wrong for putting his hands on you period. I did not raise him to be like that and I corrected him afterwards. As a mother you just get lost in the moment when it comes to your child. If somebody were to put hands on Elianna or my other grand baby you would understand." Keisha spoke sipping on whatever is in her cup.

"If a nigga was to yoke my daughter up because he don't want her with anybody else but doesn't know how to treat her I would want her to smack the fuck out of him too. Listen, Ms. Keisha, I love you like my own mama but he has put me through hell and here I am. Still being a great woman. Taking care of his child that I treat like I birthed her. I just had a miscarriage. If you're going to apologize. Do that. But don't create these scenarios to try and get me to understand. As a woman who has been in an abusive relationship before you should understand my side." Lay was already ready to go, but these things needed to be said in order for them to function like regular adults.

Key saw the tension between them and was about to intervene but Mia stopped him.

"This needs to happen. She's not going to hurt her." Mia was right but Key was itching to talk to her ever since he spoke to Dolph.

"I understand that you're a great woman and that's why I wanted you with Markeyvius in the first place. Thank you for stepping up and raising my granddaughter as your own. I love you like you're my own daughter Lay Lay you know that. Seeing you hit my son was like slapping me, he is my own flesh and blood and I have never seen you act that way. That brought out a mama bear in me that I didn't know I had. I apologize for getting in your face and from now on I'm staying out of it. I'll listen to the both of you but I'm not getting in the middle." Keisha switched her weight to a different foot.

"That's fine Ms. Keisha, I'm tired of being in the middle of it myself. I understand what you're saying I really do. I apologize for stepping out of my own character and putting my hands on Key. I blame myself for getting so worked up and losing one of my babies. It eats me up that I let him take me there. Like I can't protect my child." Lay shook her head and put her fist over her mouth as if that was going to cure the lump in her throat.

Keisha came around the island and put her arms around Lay as she cried. She hadn't cried about the miscarriage since the day it had happened. Of course she cried with her mother earlier but that was just because she missed her.

"We're family girl. We fuss and fight but we not going nowhere. It is not your fault baby, God knew what He was doing and we're going to make sure that that baby you lost was not in vein. We love you Lay Lay. I accept your apology." Keisha kissed her temple and rubbed her back. Chalynn nodded her head wiping her face with a napkin.

Everybody was buzzed minding they own business. More than her own family had.

"I love you too Ms. Keisha. I accept your apology as well. It was eating home up cause I was shole wanting some of that apple pie with some vanilla ice cream and a little caramel drizzle." Lay giggled through her tears.

"I already have it ready for you." Keisha pulled out a piece of warm pie and vanilla ice cream and Lay's favorite caramel topping.

The two laughed a little while they ate, Lay pretty much knew Key's family because she's volunteered at Keisha's soup kitchen for years.

Key, Mia, Tre Tre, Aria and Dolph walked over to Lay and immediately she kinda sank in her chair. The smile that she wore with Keisha faded a little when she saw Key's fine ass.

"Lay Lay, Aria and Tre made you a card for your babies. We want to extend our condolences and our prayers for a healthy pregnancy." Tre Tre handed her a card after his mother finished speaking. Lay accepted it and started crying all over again because it was just too sweet.

"I'm sorry for being so emotional, that is just the sweetest thing ever. Thank you guys." The two children hugged her legs and told her she was welcome.

"Can Elianna come play?" Aria asked, Lay hadn't noticed she was wide awake staring at her daddy.

"Of course sweetie." Eli jumped out of her moms lap and into her dads arms. He gave her quick kisses before she ran off to play with her older cousins.

"Dolph and I got you these flowers and a certificate to your favorite spa. If you ever need anything, let us know. We're family now." Mia hugged Lay, she of all people knew how hard it could be loving a hood nigga who just so happens to also be a rapper.

"I would love it, if we could go together."At suggested, a very wide smile grew on Mia's face. The two exchanged numbers and then hugs. Dolph sat there kind of quiet. He was still trying to piece together how such a sweet girl could sleep with a close friend.

While the two girls were talking to one another, Dolph pulled Key to the side. Lay watched the two walk away but quickly put her focus back on Mia.

"Wassup?" Key asked taking a sip of his water.

"If you can, work that out. Atleast to where y'all on good terms. Something about her." Dolph rubbed the hairs on his chin. He's run across some snake ass women in his life but she didn't give off that kinda vibe. Or she hid it very well.

Key took in all that information.

"Fasho."

When Key had walked back up to the two women talking Mia caught the hint.

"Well Lay, just text me girl. We can def go together." Lay responded before Mia walked off.

"So .." Key swirled his water around in his cup like he was used to doing with his lean.

"So .." Lay looked down at her nails.

"Can we go talk?" He asked scratching the back of his neck. He didn't want to be seen as soft in front of the guys and the way she was looking had him ready to add another twin but he knew they were way past that point.

"Sure. Do I need to bring a camera in case you try to take me out?" She asked with an attitude.

"Do I need to bring some numbing spray before you try to slap me again." Lay snickered at his remark and got up to follow him out of the room.

He took her to one of his mothers living rooms in the front of the house that was vacant.

"Gone head." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Man fuck it. You gone have an attitude then I don't wanna talk." Key was starting to get irritated, Lay was no longer giving him the time of day and that scared him. He really didn't want her with anybody else.

Dolph walked passed with his family and Key straightened up.

"Be easy y'all. See y'all later." Dolph spoke eyeing his cousin. They hugged the family bye before continuing the conversation.

"The miscarriage fucked me up too Lay. You think this only affects you?" Key asked, she shook her head in disappointment.

"Markeyvius, I'm not going to have this conversation with you. I'm having a great day. When you're ready to be a big boy and have a big boy convo. Hit me up. Okay? I've lost one child dealing with your ass, I won't lose another one." Lay walked out of the room leaving Key to sit there in silence.

She walked away feeling extremely powerful. She was proud of herself.

*

Key was chilling at home, he had stopped by the girls mansion because of this event that was thrown for the girls and their families. Aubree however didn't have anybody so he came to support her.

Eli was so tired from playing all day, on top of getting stuffed by both her grandmothers. She was gone for the night.

Key laid across his bed with his daughter right beside him.

He heard his front door open and close and somebody running up the stairs. With out a second beat he rolled off of the bed and grabbed the gun from beside him.

"Key bruh. Where you at?" Woo asked after he got to the top.

"I'm in here foo. Why don't you call next time? My daughter in here sleep." Key chuckled, once he saw the distraught look on his face his heart fell.

"They got Dolph."

A/N

Thank you for reading my book 🙏🏽💙 LLD