Waking up this morning felt weird, being back in my childhood room. I turned over on my side. I noticed Zo left me bottled water, a pack of crackers, and a banana. Something he does every morning when we're home. I also found a little note:

That was sweet. He caught what he said last night. I wasn't going crazy.

I gulped my water down, finished the crackers and banana then headed over to the bathroom to get myself cleaned up.

The moment I stepped in the shower, I got a pain in my back. My lower abdomen tightened. My contractions were getting much stronger.

It's still early, but I need to prepare for a possible delivery today or tomorrow.

I didn't stay in the shower long. My back was killing me. I got out, brushed my teeth, and lotioned as much as possible. I was dragging, but I got it done. After putting my clothes on, I made my way back to the bedroom.

I had on a plain white t-shirt and some basketball shorts. I condition my hair, leaving it in its natural state.

A knock appeared at the door after I was seated comfortably on the bed.

"Come in."

"How are you feeling?" My mom came in looking me over. "Are the contractions picking up?"

"Yeah, I think I need to start making calls. I'll update the doctor, and I guess let Nelson know so he can start making plans to prepare." I said, almost breathless.

"Ok, I made you some breakfast. I want you to try to eat something. Were you going to let Kenzo know?" She looked me over again.

"Not yet, I want to wait for now. I don't want him stressed out. I'll notify Marcel just in case if I can't get in touch with Zo later. That way he'll know and can tell Zo when he's able to after the game."

"Ok, come on so you can eat something." She reached her hand out for me.

"I'm not helpless mom. I can get down the stairs."I stood up, grabbing the banana peel to trash it.

"Diri Don't you try that attitude crap with me, come on." She playfully glared. I smiled innocently at her, grabbing her hand.

We made our way downstairs. Everything was clean and in place with no trace of the party from yesterday.

I took my seat at the dining table and pulled my phone out to text Nelson.

Just a heads up to let you know you should go ahead and prepare for me to go into labor soon. It's still early with my contraction. I'll text you or call if or when things pick up.

After I ate my breakfast, I went over to the couch to lay down. I texted Marcel and sent a blast message out to the family, updating them. Shortly

after I fell asleep.

Interrupting my sleep, my phone rung, it was Zo. He had a lot of noise in the background.

"What's good pretty lady, you up? I wanted to talk to you before the game. Sorry, I wasn't able to call sooner, coach is on our asses." He yelled into the phone.

"I'm up now, resting on the couch." I rubbed my hand over my lower abdomen, soothing it.

"Did your contractions change?"

"I'm still in the clear for now don't worry. You'll make it back." I winced. I was having a contraction. Still bearable but uncomfortable nonetheless. "—Don't panic but I told Marcel to get your flight ready for after the game. If things progress, you can meet me at the hospital."

"You're in labor?" He panicked. "Babe, —I gotta go talk to coach."

"No Zo, you stay and bring me this win. We'll be waiting for you. I'll be right here until the contractions are closer together. Right now they're not even consistent. I can't even time it properly. I keep getting different times, but they're not within the five-minute mark."

"I don't want to miss it." He sighed.

"You won't, besides I told you I want to be able to bring baby girl to the championship game. She'll be ready to go by then." I attempted to distract him.

He sighed again. "Ok, but text me even if I can't respond right away if anything changes. I want to know everything, Di."

"Ok."

"Aight I have to go. We have a meeting before the game. I'll FaceTime you in a little bit when I'm on the bus."

"Ok."

We hung up. I checked to see if Nelson texted back. He didn't, and I knew he wouldn't. I might hear from him right before I go into the delivery room or after she's here.

I'm trying to stay home as long as possible. I want to wait until I'm in active labor. Maybe until I'm about four to six centimeters dilated before I go in, depending on the pain— or if my water breaks.

My dad, little sister, and mom were all lounged around me watching my every movement. We sat in the family room watching the new Wu-Tang series on Hulu. A fantastic series by the way.

After tiring out from being hovered over, I got up and slowly went upstairs to take me a long bath. I was tired of sitting around watching tv. Plus I wanted some alone time because my man was going to call me soon.

I ran a bath, adding my favorite bubbles. Then lit some calming oil-infused scented candles. After getting settled in, I took a few teasing photos and sent them to Zo. Not even a minute later I got a FaceTime call back from him.

I answered, laughing hysterically. "I thought that would speed things up. Where are you?"

"I'm on the bus almost to the arena. Coach was talking to us. —Bring the camera down a little bit." He licked and bit down on his bottom lip smiling at me. He had his headphones on so nobody could hear me.

I smiled back at him, adjusting the camera. "Better?"

He brought his phone closer to his face. "Sit up a little more. I'm trying to see something."

"Why don't I just do this?" I sat up completely pulling myself from the water, displaying my full round swollen breast. The bubbles ran slowly down my wet skin. I held my phone with one hand while I caressed my breast with the other.

His eyes were glued to my every move. I dipped my hand into the water to wet it pulling it out, allowing the water and bubbles to drip from my fingertips onto my chest. He watched the bubbles again slide in between my breast.

"You miss me, baby? —I miss you. I wish my hands were yours right now." I smiled while I watched him studying me.

"Yes, I miss you too." He cleared his throat. "Squeeze them for me."

I held my phone out in one hand and the other toying with my left breast scratching and tugging at it.

I was thoroughly lost in the moment. Between the sounds from my movements in the water and the prurient gaze in his eyes. We were both filled with desire.

"Damn!" Jackson and Marcel yelled out at the same time. I quickly leaned down in the water and turned my phone away. Zo dropped his phone in his lap.

"Man what the fuck!" He yelled at both of them.

"My bad, we were about to say what up to Adira, we didn't know," Jackson replied.

"Sorry Di, don't tell Bria crazy-ass about this," Marcel added, yelling from afar. I assumed they went back to their seats.

I cannot believe that just happened to me. I had my girls out on full display with my 4K video capture and twelve megapixels high definition phone.

I'm gonna' die.

"Diri, you still there." He finally looked into the phone, checking his surroundings.

"Yeah, I'm so embarrassed. They saw me." I whined.

"At least you look good. —I'll cuss them out in a minute, don't worry." He tried hiding his smile.

We stared at each other for a second before bursting out laughing.

"Stop laughing Zo."

"You're laughing too," he continued. "You're making me laugh."

"Ima' let you go though because this is too funny. —I see you holding on to that phone. Made sure you didn't drop it in that water." He struggled to say while cackling.

"Shut up," I laughed again. "That's your last peep show. I hope you stored this away in your memory bank."

"Chill." He finally stopped. "I'll need more than a little peep show in the future. It gets lonely out here on the road. You might have to do a little more, get creative."

"Get creative?" I drug out, scrunching up my face.

"Use your imagination. —You know, play with it." He slowly licked his lips.

"Bye." I shook my head.

"You better be lucky we're pulling up in the parking lot right now. Saved by the bus." He stared away, looking out of the window.

"Doing that might speed up my labor Zo." I giggled.

"No, we can't have that. —Text me no matter what. If anything changes I want to know." He stated very clear while tucking his lips.

"Go out there and win. —We're fine here I'm about to clean myself up and get out. Then head downstairs for dinner."

"Ok baby I gotta go. Coach is about to give his speech."

"Alright." I smiled at him, and he did the same before hanging up.

After I finished in the bathroom, I made my way back downstairs. My dad stepped out to the store to grab a few items my mom requested.

My sister Maliha made it here with her husband and my nephew. My brother's here too, asleep on the couch. My little sister Kamala was in her room on the phone. We were lounging, doing nothing.

"Auntie, did you see game one?" My now nine-year-old nephew Lil Garret asked me. He plopped down beside me and wrapped his arm around me, smiling, looking just like my big sister Maliha. She and her husband were cuddled on the couch, taking a nap.

"Definitely, it was intense. All those technical fouls and that flagrant foul with Jackson."

"I saw that too. They said he elbowed the guy coming down. It didn't look intentional to me." He expressed with his cute curly brown mohawk. Jackson's one of his favorite players. He'll defend him to the end.

"I don't know I couldn't tell. From the camera angles, they showed it looked kind of iffy."

"They played the slow-mo. I even rewinded and zoomed in. It wasn't intentional. When they get home, I'm going to ask him." He stopped, realizing what he said and smiled at me. "I can't believe I know my favorite player personally. He's the best rookie ever."

"What about Zo? He used to be your favorite."

"Kenzo's the GOAT, but Jackson's getting a ring his rookie year. Zo didn't do that." He defended.

"With the help of Zo, Jackson will be getting a ring." I corrected him. "If not for Zo and his vision he had for the team, they wouldn't be in this position."

"That's true." He thought for a second. "Jackson, my favorite rookie, Kenzo's my favorite point guard, and Marcel's my favorite veteran."

"I like that. —Game three's about to start." I picked up the remote and turned it to the channel.

We kept the conversation going until my dad made it back from the store. My mom finished off dinner and called everyone to eat. We all sat down and dined, but I could barely finish my food.

"Diri I think we need to get you to the hospital. Your contractions are clearly much stronger." My mom insisted, seeing my discomfort.

"I don't want to go just to lay up in a hospital bed. —I checked, and I'm not even three centimeters yet. My blood pressure is still pretty good. I think I can hold out a little longer."

She gave me a look, wanting me to take more precautions. I was getting irritated. I know my body.

"Mommy I'm ok, I'll go when it's time." I exhaled roughly. I stood up from the table and perhaps too quick because I became dizzy. My dad and brother ran over to me.

"Whoa." I stood in place, trying to find balance.

"I'm ok." I nodded, and as I was about to turn to walk, I felt a puddle stream down between my legs. I looked down, seeing the now wet floor. "Shoot."

"It's time Dira, Let's get your bags." My dad instructed while holding on to me.

"I can't, daddy. Kenzo's not here. Nelson hasn't responded. I don't want to do this right now." I cried. It was only half time. I wasn't sure if Zo would make it in time. I texted and called Nelson, and he still hasn't responded.

"You can't worry about that now. Your mother will call his mom and see if she can get in touch with Nelson. Let's go."

I roughly wiped my face and made my way to the nearest bathroom.

"Mala bring me my toiletry bag, and my clothes on top of my overnight bag please," I called out to my little sister. I didn't realize she was right behind me.

I got my self together. I had to put down an extra-large maxi pad to soak up the ongoing fluid. I called my doctor notifying him that I was on the way.

"I'll grab some towels. Go ahead and head to the car." My brother instructed he had his phone to his ear talking to Char. She was already at the hospital on shift for tonight.

I made it to the car and stood to wait on Jr to bring the towels. I went ahead and sent Bria a text since she was at the game.

Hey Bria I'm on my way to the hospital, whenever the game is over can you tell Zo to hurry and get here. Marcel has the jet waiting, my water broke.

Oh wow, ok. I'll let him know as soon as the game is over. Cel's on the bench I'll try to see if he's able to get a text.

Thanks, make sure Zo doesn't know until after the game is over. No matter what. I know he'll be pissed, but please don't.

: Got it. Praying for you, Di!

Jr brought the towels and laid them down in the passenger seat to my dads' car.

"I'm driving one of your new vehicles to the hospital." My brother smirked.

"Ooo, can I ride with him? Let's take the white Mercedes. It's electric and has a self-drive mode." My baby sister, Kamala, asked just as eager as my brother.

I shook my head, smiling at them both.

My parents drove me to the hospital. My siblings followed close behind. I tried calling Nelson, still no answer.

"Just breath Dira, everything will be ok." My mom spoke, trying to calm me down. I was having another contraction.

We arrived at the hospital in no time.

My dad helped me out of the car, and my mom held my hand going inside. The rest of the family came in shortly after parking.

At the entrance, I stopped in my tracks. My mom looked up, trying to figure out why I stopped. She then saw what had my attention.

Nelson and his mom were standing inside near the door.

"You couldn't pick up your phone?" I grimaced.

"Don't be like that. I'm here. Come on. We have a baby coming." He spoke all nice and calm. He smiled, looking around at my family. "Hey everybody."

No one spoke, my dad wanted to say something but chose just to shake his head.

Nelson then grabbed a mixed blend of flowers from his mother and handed them to me. "These are for you. There's a card attached. Make sure you read it, please."

I looked at him, confused. Wondering if he forgot about all the hell he has caused me. The baby shower interruption, the social media rant, him hitting me, his mother disrespecting me. The missed appointments. Now he wants to be kind to me and let's not forget how he kept saying he wanted a DNA test. Where's that energy at?

Doctor Jansen came walking up to us.

I hurried up and handed the flowers to my brother. "I'll read it when I get settled."

He nodded, smiling. He was making me so uncomfortable because I knew this was all a ploy.

Sadly I couldn't picture him changing, not this drastically.

"Good evening Ms. Thompson, are you ready to have a baby today?" Dr. Jansen beamed, with his usual cheerful self. The nurse came over with a wheelchair.

"I am so ready. You have no idea how ready." I smiled weakly at him while taking a seat in the chair. I was so over being pregnant.

"Alright, let's go get you in, so we can see where you are. —Oh, and it's good seeing you guys as well. Come on back, follow me. " He began pushing me. Everyone followed behind.

"We should be in the one of the Suites." My dad wanted to make sure while walking behind me.

"Absolutely, Dr. Thompson. We have her in the big suite." Dr. Jansen agreed.

I smiled. I'm so relieved knowing my dad is the director. A nice big room for all of my family to go in and out of.

We made our way in the room. I was breathing through a contraction.

"After this one, we'll get you in the bed." Dr. Jansen instructed. I nodded while cradling over to one side, trying to find some comfort through the contraction. Which is impossible, they were getting stronger every since my water broke.

Everyone left the room. I finally got undressed and into the hospital gown. I laid in the bed and adjusted the settings to sit me up a little. I grabbed the remote and turned the tv to the game. We were up and was halfway through the third quarter.

Kenzo and the rest of the starters were in the game. I smiled, turning the volume up.

Everyone made their way back; this time, Nelson was the first to come in. His mother followed behind him and still had not said a word to me.

He stared at that the tv while making his way closer to me, making a humorless chuckle sound.

Everyone else found a seat. My brother came and sat in the chair on the side of the bed close to me.

He made sure Nelson didn't get too close.

"Will you read my card, now?" He stared down at me with a little smile.

I sighed silently to myself. "Sure."

He grabbed the card, slowly handing it to me. I quickly took it.

"Come on get the ball back to Zo." My baby sister yelled at the tv.