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I sat down in my bed and laid back, feeling happy to be home. Sinai's birthday trip was a mess and I think it was partially my fault. I didn't mean to be like that but everyone was annoying me and it felt like they were all against me.

I heard a knock on the door, so I sat up. My dad was standing by the door, dressed like he was leaving the house.

"I'm heading out, your mama is sleep, she's not feeling well." He said making me nod. "My flight is at 6 but I'll be back in New York tomorrow."

"Okay," I said softly. "Should I go in there with her?" I asked. I wanted to make amends with my mom, I hated when she was angry with me.

"Ion think that's a good idea, I called her mom," My dad responded. The tone of his voice showed that he really didn't want to talk to me.

When he was turning to leave I stood up, "I'm sorry dad, I shouldn't have spoken to y'all like that,"

"Maniya I can't lie, I'm tired of hearing your sorry ass excuses," He said to me, walking further into my room.

"This isn't the first time that you've upset your mom or talked to her crazy, why can't you be respectful?"

"I was angry. She was siding with you after everything,"

"Maniya we are a couple, a unit. If we don't agree on something that ain't got shit to do with you. You need to learn to behave like an adult not a child," My dad said sitting on my bed.

Nodding I sat beside him, "I'm sorry," I said laying my head on his shoulder.

"I'm gonna book a family therapy session, we need it," He said patting my shoulder.

"I would like that," I replied truthfully.

"I'm taking Nai and Saint with me," My dad said getting up.

"To LA?" I asked crossing my legs on the bed.

"Nah I'm dropping them off at Priest's, Brianna is babysitting for the weekend," He said pulling up his jeans.

"Mama doesn't mind?" I said smoothing out my comforter.

"She suggested it, the baby's on her ass," He replied. I nodded in agreement. It was obvious that she was going through it.

"Okay can you bring me back a souvenir?" I said with a smile. My dad mugged me,

"Shit ain't sweet yet, I'll call when I land" He said before leaving my room.

"Love you," I called out as he jogged down the steps.

"Still on your ass," He shouted back making me scrunch up my face.

"Well damn," I mumbled picking my phone up. I answered a message from Tai and then locked my phone.

I waited until I heard the door close before I headed to the kitchen, I wanted to eat but I knew my mama wasn't cooking tonight.

"Pop tart it is," I mumbled to myself getting the box out of the pantry. I decided on having two of them and a Gatorade.

After I ate my snack, I laid out on the couch watching a random lifetime movie. Normally me and my mom watched YouTube videos together, I missed her.

I don't know how but I drifted off to sleep on the couch with Cabo at my feet. I woke up to the feeling of a tongue on my cheek and I opened my eyes to see Cabo on my chest.

"Boy you're too close," I said lifting him up. He yawned and stared at me. "I'm bored too Cabs, let's go bother mommy,"

I thought a good way to get back into my mom's good books is getting all her favourite snacks in bed with her. I picked out the Cheetos, a pickle, a bottle of apple juice which is disgusting in my opinion but whatever.

"Mama?" I said knocking on the door. I didn't hear anything so I pushed the door open. Her back was to the door and the air was on really high. I put Cabo down and he jumped onto the bed, cuddling up by her feet.

"Mommy?" I asked again. This time she shifted and turned her head to me.

"What's the matter?" She asked me, her voice low and scratchy.

"I bought you something to eat," I said holding up the snacks.

"I'm not hungry," My mom replied turning back over. I frowned and walked further into the room.

"You're always hungry," I spoke quietly.

"Great so now I'm fat as well as a bad mom huh?" She said sitting up in the bed.

"You're not a bad mom," I replied quickly.

"So I'm fat?" She pouted crossing her arms over her chest.

"No you're not mommy," I chuckled until I saw the uncomfortable look on her face.

"Are you okay?" I asked her quietly. I know she didn't want to speak to me.

"These Braxton hicks are killing me," She groaned rubbing her stomach. "Help me up," She said putting her hand out.

I jumped at the chance and to help her out of the bed. When I did I saw a big wet patch where she was just sitting.

"Mama you wet yourself?" I questioned as her grip on my hand tightened.

"Not now," She said throwing her head back. "She's not ready," Tears started to gather in her eyes as she bent down in pain.

"I'm calling daddy," I said while she panted in and out.

"No," My mom said reaching for my phone. "I'm not doing this today. I'm getting back in bed and she's waiting till he gets back,"

"Mama you're in labor," I pointed out. She let go of my hand and waddled back over to the bed.

"Not till he's back," She strained out hunching over the bed.

Naala gritted her teeth in pain as she held onto the bed. The pain wasn't too bad so she felt like she could wait.

"Don't call him," Naala muttered when Maniya put her phone to her ear.

"I have to," Maniya responded. She did not know what to do with someone in labor and she'd be damned if Naala had that baby in the house.

"He's not picking up," Maniya sighed dialling his number again.

"That's okay because I'm not doing this without him," Naala said sternly pulling the wet sheets off the bed. Her contraction had passed and she could move around.

"Daddy come on," Maniya mumbled waiting for him to answer. There was no way he could have been on his flight already.

"Niya you good? We about to take off," Dave said into the phone.

"Mama's having the baby," Maniya rushed out. Dave cursed silently under his breath, he should have known there was a reason Naala was in bed all day.

"Fuck, I'm coming," He rushed out before hanging up.

"I gotta go," Dave said pushing her arm off of him. Kodi turned over and whined.

"Why?" She pouted. "I thought we had the whole day together,"

"Plans changed," Dave said bluntly getting out of the bed. Kodi rolled her eyes and sat up, letting her nudity free.

"Your wife called didn't she?" Kodi scoffed. "I knew you wouldn't leave her,"

"I never said I was leaving her, you came up with that on your own," Dave laughed putting his jeans back on.

"You think this is funny?" Kodi said mugging him. "I'm sure wifey would love to know where you've been staying when she kicks you out,"

Dave dropped his hoodie and went over to the bed, snatching her up. "Try me if you want to," He said gripping her arms.

"Ow, you're hurting me," Kodi said wriggling out of his grip. "Fine I won't say anything,"

"Good," Dave smirked. "Now give me a kiss,"

Kodi smiled wide and kissed him deeply, wrapping her arms around her neck. Dave gripped her ass and squeezed it before pulling away.

"I'll call you later," He said throwing the rest of his clothes on.

"Okay, I'll be waiting," Kodi said flirtatiously lying back down on the bed. She spread open her legs and let him have a full view of her leaking centre.

Dave tried to fight the urge but he couldn't, she looked so good to him.

"One more round," He said kicking his sneakers off quickly.

On the other side of town, Miani was pulling up at her daughters home. As soon as her son in law called her about her daughter's wellbeing she was already on her way.

"Thanks Henry," Miani said to her driver before she got out of the car. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer the door.

"Nana thank God," Maniya rushed out as she pulled her Grandma into the house.

"Hi dear, are you that happy to see me?" Miani laughed following behind Maniya.

"Mama's having the baby and she won't go to the hospital," Maniya said quietly as she led her grandma up the stairs.

"What?" Miani exclaimed. "But it's too soon, she's only 8 months,"

"I know Nana but the baby's coming now," Maniya said pushing Naala's door open. Naala was making her bed, sluggishly.

"You called my mom? Really?" Naala tutted. "Hey Ma,"

"Naala get your stuff on we're going to the hospital," Miani said dropping her purse on the couch they had in their room.

"Is Amir here?" Naala breathed out holding her stomach. Maniya shook her head,

"Well then I'm not going anywhere," Naala said lifting Cabo up in her arms.

"See," Maniya said lifting her hands up. "That's all she's been saying,"

"How close are her contractions?" Miani questioned Maniya.

"I think every 10 minutes. I've been timing when she goes quiet and bends down,"

"Good, go and put on your shoes, we're leaving," Miani said walking over to Naala.

"I packed Mama a bag and the baby bag was already packed in the closet," Maniya said proudly, surprisingly she was very calm.

"I'm proud of you," Miani praised her but was cut of by a groan.

"Stop talking," Naala groaned bending over.

Miani put a hand on her back and rubbed it in circular motions, "Breathe in and out darling,"

"Mommy I love you but get off me," Naala cried out in pain.

"This one came quicker than the last one," Maniya pointed out.

"How quick?" Miani questioned having to talk loudly over Naala's moans and groans.

Maniya pulled out her phone and checked the time, "That one was 6 minutes apart,"

"Shut uppppp," Naala groaned rocking back and forth. "She's gonna have to wait, I'm not doing this without my husband."

"Naala it doesn't look like she's going to wait, we have to go now," Miani said softly brushing her hair out of her face.

"I'm not doing this without him mommy," Naala cried leaning into her mom's embrace.

"He said he's going to meet us at the hospital," Maniya lied. If that would get Naala out of the house then she had to lie.

"See, he's coming baby" Miani replied, "Maniya sweetie, get your mom something to wear,"

"A dress please Maniya," Naala added as the contraction eased up.

~~

"Breathe through it Naala, come on," Miani coached her daughter as she stood by her hospital bedside. Dave was yet to turn up and that was stressing Naala out more.

"I'm not doing this," Naala said closing her legs and trying to sit up.

"Naala stop this," Miani said holding her hand. "This baby is coming today, there is nothing you can do,"

"Where is he?" Naala cried getting out of the bed with her mother helping her up.

"He's coming mom," Maniya said soothingly.

"You shut up," Naala pointed at her. "You don't get to speak to me,"

"Mommy I said I'm sorry," Maniya spoke sadly.

"What's going on?" Miani asked with a puzzled look.

"She's a spoilt brat," Naala muttered sitting on the birthing ball. "She was showing out in front of everybody on the trip,"

"Really? That's not like you Maniya," Miani said crossing her arms.

"Isn't it?" Naala chuckled. "I don't know where I've gone wrong mama but she's disrespectful,"

"Stop talking about me like I'm not here," Maniya said rolling her eyes.

"See," Naala panted, "This is what I get everyday,"

"Nows not the time for this," Maniya added, "I'm sorry about what happened mom, I was wrong - y'all do so much for me and I'm grateful for you guys,"

"We're gonna have a chat about that, I'm disappointed in you," Miani commented. Maniya put her head down, she would hate for her family to be disappointed in her.

"Oooooo your daddy is a bastard," Naala mumbled as she felt another contraction creep up.

Maniya stifled a giggle as Naala bounced on the birthing ball. The doctor knocked and came in,

"Another contraction?" He asked checking his watch. Naala nodded and bit her lip.

"I need drugs," Naala said breathing in and out. "Anything to stop this,"

"We are too far in for an epidural, I need to have a look at your cervix." The doctor said helping Naala up.

"I can't have an epidural?" Naala groaned lying back. The doctor laughed and shook his head,

"The most I can do is gas and air," He said to her checking her vitals.

"You can do this darling you're strong," Her mom said rubbing her arm up and down.

"I can't," Naala said with tears streaming down her face. "It hurts so bad,"

"I know but you're gonna get a beautiful baby girl after this," Her mom encouraged.

"You can do it mommy," Maniya added standing on the other side of her.

"Okay well it looks like you're ready to push," The doctor said snapping on some gloves.

"No I'm not doing that," Naala said closing her legs. "My husband isn't here so I'm not pushing."

"If you don't push now, we will have to do an emergency C-section Mrs Brewster," The doctor explained.

"I don't care," Naala shook her head, "He wanted this baby, I'm not doing it on my own," She sniffed.

The doctor looked to her mom for help on the matter.

"Naala I'm only going to say this once. You are going to open your legs and give birth to my granddaughter. You are going to put on your big girl panties and push." Miani snapped. "Do you want her to die?"

"No," Naala whispered shaking her head, "But I need him mama,"

"You do not need anybody. That baby needs you right now, so stop whining and push this damn baby out," Miani finished, surprising both Naala and Maniya because she never cursed.

"Okay," Naala mumbled, her mom's words resonating with her. She didn't need anybody, ever. "I'm ready," She said sitting up.

"I'm not going to let you go princess," Miani said holding Naala's hand.

Maniya stood back and let the doctors do her thing, she watched in fear as her mom screamed out in pain.

Fortunately, Dave came running into the room just as she started pushing. A whiff of vanilla scent following her making Maniya raise a brow. If he was on a flight, why did he smell like a woman?

"I'm here Love, I'm here," Dave said out of breath. Miani turned her nose up at him, she couldn't imagine what could possibly delay him so much. The hospital was only a 30 minute drive from the airport meaning he was coming from elsewhere.

Naala didn't respond, she was mid way through another contraction and a tight feeling below was distracting her.

"I feel like there's something there," She panted pointing to the middle of her legs.

"That's the baby's head," The doctor said in panic. "You need to push now!" He said paging all the nurses on call.

Fear took over Naala, this didn't feel right to her. Dave took of his hoodie and got in the bed behind Naala, letting her lean her body against his. He held her legs and whispered encouragement into her ear to keep her going.

"Come on baby, push," He said lowly in her ear. Naala bit her lip and pushed with all her strength.

"Ahhh," She exclaimed as she pushed through the contraction.

"You've got this darling," Miani coached on the other side of Naala. It hurt her to see her daughter in so much pain.

"I can't do this," Naala said shaking her head.

"We're almost there Naala," The doctor said looking at the baby's head.

"I know you can do it baby," Dave said kissing her head.

"Get off me," Naala cried leaning forward. Of course he came in at the last moment. "This is your fault, I hate you," Naala gritted out in pain. Dave thought she didn't mean it and that it was the pain talking but Naala was serious.

What made it worse for Naala was that, she could literally smell the sex on him, he was cheating on her again.

Maniya stood back watching her dad. As soon as he came in she knew something was off and the fresh hickey on his neck was proof that he wasn't where he said he was. She couldn't believe he would cheat on her mom again, Naala was everything any man would want so why couldn't he see that?

"On the next contraction Naala, I need you to push as much as you can. When I tell you to stop, you stop," The doctor directed. Naala nodded and took a deep breathe.

"It's coming," She mumbled bracing herself for the pain.

"Push," The doctor said to Naala who started to push with all her strength.

"You're doing so good my angel," Miani praised Naala wiping the sweat of her forehead.

"Stop," The doctor said raising his hand to stop Naala from pushing. "Good Naala, the head is out now the easy bit,"

"Easy?" Naala exclaimed panting in pain. Miani smiled and walked to the end of the bed so she could she her granddaughter enter the world.

"She's got beautiful hair," Miani gushed at her head full of hair.

Naala smiled weakly and sat forward, "I feel another one coming,"

"One last big push Naala," The doctor instructed, preparing to catch the baby when she slipped out.

Naala nodded and put her head down into her chest and pushed through the pain.

"Ooooo," Naala screamed as her daughter slipped right into the doctors arms, with the umbilical cord trailing after her.

They cleaned the baby up quickly and placed her on Naala's chest, her screams loud and vibrant.

"Oh my beautiful baby girl," Naala whispered with tears streaming down her face.

Dave was in awe staring at his baby girl who was still screaming at the top of her lungs. Maniya wiped a tear that slipped out, childbirth was surreal.

Naala rubbed the baby's back to shush her cries whilst whispering to her.

"My miracle baby," She said kissing her head softly. The doctors finished cleaning Naala up as the family all stared at the new edition to the Brewster family.

"Thank you," Dave said holding onto the babies hand, Naala looked at him and then back at the baby.

"I love you," Dave said to Naala, kissing her cheek over and over. Maniya stood by in disgust, she was gonna let them have this moment but she was telling her mom straight after.

"Have you got a name?" Miani asked Naala particularly. For once, Dave and Naala had time to go through names and they picked the perfect one.

"We do," Naala smiled looking over at Maniya. "Come," She said holding her hand out for Maniya to hold.

Maniya rushed over holding her mom's hand, Naala squeezed her hand and then looked down at the baby.

"Meet Malia Semaj Brewster," Naala said making Maniya tear up. She was only joking when she suggested that the baby should have a name beginning with M.

"Really mommy?" Maniya said sadly,

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind," Naala said letting go of her hand.

"No I love it," Maniya said truthfully. Maniya made eye contact with her dad but didn't say anything. He was unusually quiet.

It was the guilt that was eating Dave up. He could have missed the birth of his daughter all because he was laid up with Kodi.

A nurse came over and took Malia off of Naala's chest, so they could wrap her up properly. That gave Dave a chance to talk to Naala,

"I'm thankful for you," He said looking her in the eyes.

"Where were you?" Naala asked quietly. She didn't want to take away from this beautiful moment but that question was eating away at her.