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The Wedding...

25th March 2021

"Why you staring into space like that?" Priest asked Dave coming up behind him. Dave was sat at Priest's kitchen island still nursing the scotch Priest handed him 10 minutes ago.

"Something doesn't feel right man," Dave said playing with his glass,

"Whatchu mean?" Priest asked opening the refrigerator. He pulled out a leg of ham and started eating it. Dave looked at him with disgust but didn't bother saying anything.

"Ion know, I got this feeling in my stomach," Dave stressed pushing the glass away from him,

"You pregnant?" Priest laughed slapping his back. Dave pushed him away and sighed,

"Be serious," Dave mumbled, he felt like something was wrong and the feeling wasn't going anywhere.

"Sorry," Priest said straightening up and taking a seat by him. "Are you having doubts and shit?" He said being serious now

"Nah never. I'm marrying Naala," Dave said certainly, "Maybe I'm being dramatic,"

"Yeah man drink up," Priest replied, "Call em, if you that worried."

Dave nodded and stood up going back to the guest room. He shut the door behind him and went over to the bed, taking a seat. He pulled his phone off the charger and checked for messages but he didn't see none.

Dialling Maniya's number he sat back in the chair.

"Hey old man," Maniya said looking down at the camera, they were on FaceTime.

"What's up? Y'all good?" Dave asked straight away. Maniya rolled her eyes,

"Daddy you've called me three times already this morning." Maniya fussed at him.

"I'm just checking on y'all," Dave defended. He was never away from his family for long so he felt like he needed to check on them constantly.

"We're good," Maniya said eating a piece of fruit.

"Where's your brother and sister?" Dave asked tugging his beard.

"Bubba's sleep and Nai's getting her hair done." Maniya answered flipping the camera,

"Where's your mama?" Dave asked after scanning the screen.

"Ion know. Nana went to go find her, I think she was in the bathroom," Maniya responded. Dave looked at the screen,

"I'ma call her," He decided, fuck all this traditional shit.

"Dadddd," Maniya dragged out. "You're doing too much, she's fine. You know if she wasn't, she would call or something,"

"Niya go to the bath—" Maniya started to speak to someone off screen then came to the camera.

"Daddy I need to start my makeup, I'll speak to you after," She said quickly before hanging up the phone.

Even after that phone call, Dave still wasn't at ease - he really felt something was wrong but instead of worrying he decided to start getting ready. They had to be there by 12pm and it was now 10:30.

"Priest put your suit on!" Dave shouted down the stairs. Priest who was still eating his ham jumped,

"Nigga relax she can't escape now!" Priest shouted back.

Meanwhile on the other side of town, Naala was sat in the bathroom.

"Come on baby," Naala said rubbing her swollen stomach softly. The baby hadn't moved the entire night, normally Naala was kept awake by the constant movement but last night there was nothing.

"Naala?" Her mom said knocking on the bathroom door. "The make up artist is here," They we're currently running behind and Naala had delayed enough.

"Just a second," Naala called out before she breathed out. "Please don't do this, not today," She said to herself as she poked and prodded her stomach to jolt some kind of reaction.

Naala knew that there was something wrong, there had to be. All she wanted to do was speak to Dave and let him wake the baby up but she couldn't.

"Naala are you sure you're okay?" Her mom said after a moment, call it mother's intuition but she could hear Naala didn't sound right.

"No," Naala said truthfully. Her hands were clammy and she felt faint, "No mom I'm not okay," Naala repeated making her mom open the door.

When Miani entered the room, Naala was sitting on the closed toilet, with her head in her hands.

"What's the matter Angel?" Miani questioned. She assumed it was pre wedding jitters.

"I don't know mommy," Naala said lowly, wiping tears that fell. Miani's heart burst at the words, this was the first time she'd seen Naala be so emotional around her.

"The baby hasn't moved and I'm scared," Naala said lifting her head up, "Normally I wouldn't worry because Amir would tell me every thing is okay but mommy there's something wrong I can feel it," Naala rambled on,

"Hey calm down," Miani said kneeling to her level. "You're nervous, I'm sure the baby is fine."

Naala shook her head, "No you have to get Amir. Please?" Naala pleaded,

"Naala he can't see you before the wedding," Miani replied rubbing her back, "Maybe walk around a bit," She added helping her up.

"I need him mommy, please do that for me?" Naala almost begged holding onto her mom's hand tightly.

Miani bit her lip, "I can call him on the phone?" She suggested.

"No, I need him here with me" Naala snapped at her mom. Once she realised she breathed out. "I'm really irritated mom so can you just get him here, now."

"Can you at least start getting ready?" Miani asked looking at Naala's simple white robe and fresh face.

"I can do that," Naala sighed, "But I want you to go and get Amir for me." Naala repeated. Dr Black did tell Naala that on a day like this, her anxiety and OCD will be high but she remembered all the exercises to keep them at bay.

Her mom nodded. She knew Naala wasn't herself simply because she kept repeating everything.

"I'm going, let's get you ready," Miani said softly leading Naala out of the bathroom.

"Mom?" Naala asked as she sat in the makeup chair.

"Yes my angel?" Miani replied brushing Naala's hair out of her face.

"Are you gonna get him here?" Naala said again rubbing her stomach.

Miani smiled weakly, "I'm gonna get him for you don't worry,"

"Where's Saint? He needs his bottle," Naala said looking around.

"Naala focus on getting ready I'll deal with my grandson," Miani replied happily. It made her happy that Naala trusted her with the children

"Mommy?" Naala called after her,

"Naala he's coming," Miani said before Naala could even say anything. She knew what was coming next.

Naala nodded and sat back, still rubbing her belly and praying that the baby would move. Miani went over to where Maniya was getting her own makeup done,

"Hey nana," Maniya said with a smile. Miani gushed, everything about today was making her smile. The fact that she was about to walk her first daughter down the aisle, also the idea that she had grandchildren was fascinating to her.

"You look beautiful princess," Miani smiled at Maniya.

"Nana she's not even done," Maniya blushed lightly. The makeup artist smiled and looked over at Miani,

"You don't even need any of this," Miani fussed before she remembered what she came over for, "Ah dear can you call your daddy for me?"

"Yeah sure what's wrong?" Maniya asked handing Miani the phone whilst dialling Dave's number.

"Oh nothing, I just need to speak with him quickly," Miani lied, she didn't want Maniya to worry.

Maniya nodded and watched her grandma walk off on the phone to her dad. The makeup artist started on her finishing touches,

"That was your grandma?" She asked Maniya in shock that someone that looked so young could be her grandmother.

"Yeah," Maniya giggled, everyone always had that reaction.

"Did your mom have you young?" The makeup artist blurred out. The truth was that she followed Naala on Instagram and couldn't believe that she had an older daughter. She was collecting all the information she could so she could take it to the blogs.

"Yep," Maniya replied keeping it short. It wasn't her business that Maniya was adopted.

"That's cool, I wish my mom was that young," The makeup artist continued. Maniya didn't reply she just acted as if she couldn't hear.

"Here you go darling," Miani came back over handing Maniya her phone.

"Is everything okay Nana?" Maniya questioned. She could see from where she was sitting that Naala looked nervous.

"It will be," Miani chirped. "Oh I got on Instagram yesterday," Miani added changing the subject.

"Really? Did you follow me like I said?" Maniya said smiling.

"Yes, I followed you, your mom and dad and also a person called Big daddy P," She said raising her brow,

Maniya laughed silently, "That's uncle Priest Nana,"

"Ahh that makes sense." Miani nodded, "I even posted a picture of me and your mom - look," She said showing her the phone,

"Y'all look so alike here," Maniya cooed at the picture. The nosy makeup artist peeked over at the screen and looked at the user name, making sure to remember it.

"I know don't we?" Miani gushed slipping her phone away. "Right I'm going to get my dress on, when you're done here, sit by your mom - she needs you today."

"We're done actually," The makeup artist smiled. Maniya looked in the mirror and flipped her hair over her shoulder,

"Thank you," She smiled politely before getting up. Sinai was sat on the sofa, watching her iPad.

"Nai how long have you been on that?" Maniya asked walking over to her. She was watching Netflix in Spanish which she always did.

"5 minutes," Sinai lied sheepishly making Maniya tilt her head.

"Tell the truth or I'm telling daddy," Maniya replied shifting her weight to the other foot.

"Okay I lied, don't tell daddy," Sinai gave in turning the iPad off and handing it to Maniya.

"Come with me," Maniya said holding her hands out to lift her up. "Ooo you're so heavy girl," Maniya teased.

"No I'm not," Sinai giggled putting her hands around Maniya's neck.

Maniya walked over to where Naala was sat, getting her makeup done. She took a seat next to her and put Sinai in her lap.

"Mama?" Maniya said to catch Naala's attention.

"Mmm," Naala hummed as the makeup artist worked on her face. "Is your dad here?" She asked,

Maniya made a face, "Why would he be here Ma? We're not gonna see him till the wedding,"

"Oh," Naala muttered putting her hand on her stomach.

"Mommy you're gonna look like a princess!" Sinai said excitedly looking at the wedding dress hanging up.

"No you're the princess," Naala replied softly, "Niya?"

"Mom?" Maniya answered looking at her. Naala had this glazed look over her eyes, like she was there but she wasn't.

"Is your dad here?" Naala repeated. Even the makeup artist paused,

"Mommy are you okay?" Maniya asked fearfully. Miani came back out and her eyes connected with Maniya's.

"I'm fine," Naala responded. "I'm waiting for your dad," She said certainly.

"Nana I don't think she's —" Maniya started but stopped when Miani signalled for her to stop speaking.

"Mom?" Naala called out when she saw her mom in her eye line.

"Naala he's on his way. He told me that himself," Miani answered making Naala nod,

"Okay," She breathed out. Maniya was about to speak but Sinai jumped off her lap,

"I need the toilet," Sinai said playing with Maniya's fingers.

"Let's go," Maniya replied, not before giving her mom a glance.

Dave rushed into the venue, trying to find the bride's dressing room. Brianna was coming out of the main hall, she was busy making sure everything was going to plan.

"Patch?" Brianna asked when she saw Dave standing in the middle of the foyer,

"Bri, where's she at?" He said walking over to her using long strides,

"Naala?" Brianna asked with a confused face, "She's getting ready but you can't go up there."

"Her mama called, said she's needs me," Dave explained bringing his phone out.

"Y'all can't see each other, so you better talk to her through a door or something," Brianna replied. She led Dave back to where the dressing room was. Brianna went ahead of him and got Naala into the bathroom.

"Love?" Dave said from outside the bathroom door,

"Amir?" Naala replied leaning against the door, "Thank God,"

"What's up mama?" He said softly. Naala started to tear up,

"The baby," She replied lowly, "The baby is not moving - I just need you to talk to her,"

Dave didn't even realise she'd said her, he was too focused on the fact that his baby hadn't moved.

"Naala I can't come in there, talk to the baby - she'll hear you" Dave explained to her. "Did you hear me baby? You gotta try or we have to go to the hospital,"

"I can't," Naala cried, she was leaned against the door with tears running down her face. "I need you Amir, I can't do this without you,"

"I'm here baby, I'm right here," Dave said, he looked at Miani and Brianna who looked just as nervous as he was.

Naala didn't respond as she cried harder. Dave huffed, "Fuck this man,"

"Naala face away from the door." Dave said as he pulled the handle. He walked in and was met with Naala's back. Her hair was pinned up and her shoulders shook as she let out tears.

"It's alright baby, I'm here now," Dave said wrapping his arms around her. Naala melted into his embrace,

"I can't look at you Ma, so let's get our baby up yeah?" Dave said trying not to look down at her.

Naala nodded and placed her hands on top of his. Dave moved their hands up to her stomach and started speaking.

"Baby girl I can already tell you're gonna be an attention seeker," Dave started making Naala sniff,

"I know you probably tired but I want you to wake up so me and your mommy can get married,"

Naala sighed and breathed out, "It's not working," She croaked.

"You're not trying Naala, talk. Say what's on your mind." Dave coached, rubbing his hands on her stomach in circular motion.

Naala took a deep breath, she wanted to channel everything she wanted the baby to know.

"You can't die, do you hear me?" Naala said out loud,

"You can't die because I won't be able to survive that. So please, wake up," Naala finished poking her stomach, just below her belly button.

After a few minutes of poking and them talking to the baby, a small kick fluttered right below Naala's ribs followed by the familiar sensation of movement.

Dave felt the small kick and smirked, "See she only needed you,"

Naala sniffed and silently thanked God, "It's not a girl," She replied with a hint of humour.

"Can you get ready now?" Dave asked her squeezing her as tight as he could.

"I can, I'm sorry," Naala started but Dave stoped her.

"Ain't nothing to be sorry about. What did I tell you before? We in this together, you hurt I hurt baby," Dave said in her ear.

"Go before I turn around and kiss you," Naala laughed making Dave release her waist not before kissing the top of her head.

He left the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Brianna and Miani waited impatiently outside of the door,

"Is she okay now?" Miani asked hopefully, "The baby?" She added,

"They're good," Dave confirmed making them sigh gratefully.

"So there's still a wedding?" Brianna questioned, Dave nodded making her groan.

"LaLa that was your chance!" Brianna shouted through the door. Dave bucked at her,

"You ain't scaring nobody, tell that cousin of yours that it's on sight," Brianna said standing by the door.

"He's still not bought it?" Dave laughed. Brianna had been begging Priest to buy her a new kitchen set, Priest being Priest politely declined.

"No," Brianna said rolling her eyes. She turned around and knocked on the door, "Lala I know you don't want to go down that aisle with Patch but we gotta go,"

Dave shook his head and turned to leave before Miani caught his attention.

"Dave can I have a quick word?" Miani said ushering him away from the door.

"Sure," Dave said with a confused look. They stepped out into the hallway and Miani rubbed her hands down her dress nervously.

"My daughter," Miani started before clearing her throat, "Naala - is she okay? We've never spoke about her —" She trailed off,

"Naala's a very emotional person and she has a lot of emotional trauma. She'll tell you in her own time," Dave said trying to keep it short.

Miani frowned, "I wish she would tell me, I've never seen her like that, like how she was. She kept repeating herself, over and over,"

Dave nodded, "She's stressed that's why. Don't worry," He said soothingly. Her stress was radiating off of her.

"I'm holding you up aren't I?" Miani sighed shaking her head. Here she was trying to make her daughters wedding about herself.

"Just a bit," Dave joked leaning off the wall,

"Go go go before my daughter kills me," Miani laughed with a smile.

~~

Dave stood at the alter, fixing his sleeves on his custom made Armani suit. Next to him, stood Priest his best man of course who was also in an all black Armani suit. The audience was a very small one, only consisting of the closest people to them.

"Here she comes," Priest said nodding his head at the end of the aisle. Dave could see Sinai coming down first, sprinkling flowers on the ground. Next was Maniya, holding Saint in her arms. He was dressed in his baby suit making every coo as he went by.

Mia followed closely behind, clutching a bouquet of flowers. She got down the aisle and stood across from Ace, sending him a smile. Brianna was next, wearing a different dress to Mia, being she was the maid of honour. She stood opposite Priest and they all looked to the end of the aisle, awaiting Naala's walk.

The traditional wedding march song began to play and the congregation rose to their feet. Naala's eyes were fixated at the end of the aisle, where Dave stood looking handsome.