"In our legal order, the constitution places almost NO limits on the ability of a jurisdiction to criminalize an activity. That is, the various states and the federal government have essentially no restrictions on the type of conduct within their jurisdiction that they can prohibit using the criminal law" the professor said.

I was on the verge of falling asleep. These pregnancy symptoms are no joke. I don't know how I've managed to focus on my college education with all of this going on. It's so hard, but I'm determined to finish college. I've invested way too much time and money into this shit.

"Genesis" I heard somebody whisper.

I turned to see a cute, brownskin guy behind me.

"Uh, do I know you?"

He chuckled then shook his head. "Nah, I'm Brandon. Nice to meet you" he said as he extended his hand.

I gave him a weird look before shaking his hand. "Can I help you with something?"

"You're just very beautiful to me, and I wanted to know if I could take you out. I've been peeping you out for awhile now. You're beautiful, smart, and you seem to have a good head on your shoulders" he said.

I smiled, "I'm also five months pregnant, and I'm in a relationship. Thanks for the compliments though."

He laughed, "five months pregnant? I didn't even notice. I'm sorry about that. I meant no disrespect to you or your man."

I chuckled then turned around to listen to the rest of the lesson.

"Hey baby" I said as I answered East's call.

"Wassup, what you doing beautiful?" He asked.

"I'm at In-N-Out. I'm about to get a burger and some cheese fries...maybe a milkshake too."

East laughed, "lil greedy ass."

"Don't do me. I went straight to class today, and I didn't get to eat breakfast."

"You better start eating breakfast. Stop starving my baby" East said.

I smacked my lips, "boy hush."

"What you doing for your birthday this weekend?" He asked.

I'm honestly not excited about my birthday. I was really looking forward to spending it with East, but life had other plans.

"Your mom insisted on throwing me a birthday dinner at the house. All of your family will be there."

East laughed, "gotta love ma dukes. I'm glad she's looking out for you."

"Yeah, we've grown exceptionally close. I just wish you were here to celebrate with me. I miss you so much Jeremiah, you have no idea."

"I miss you too baby. I'll be home soon, I have faith in Kareem and Zander" he said.

"I have faith in them too. I just hope you get here before baby girl does."

"I will. I'll be in that room with you while you're pushing. I promise" East said.

"I'll call you later baby" he said.

"I'll be waiting. I love you pooh."

East chuckled, "I love you too shorty."

"I was thinking that we could do a 'Hawaiian' theme for the baby shower. What do you think?" Yasmine asked.

I laughed, "the gender reveal was literally TWO days ago, and you're already planning the baby shower?"

"Well yeah, it's good to plan ahead. Yesenia didn't want a baby shower, so I'm overly excited to plan yours" she said.

Yasmine and I have grown really close these past few months. At first I didn't really like her, but that changed once I got to know her. It may seem like she doesn't care about East, but that's far from the truth. She loves both of her kids. Yasmine is really a loving, caring, and genuine woman.

"I think the Hawaiian theme would be perfect, especially because she'll be a summer baby."

"Same thing that I was thinking" Yasmine said.

"Hey mama, hey Genesis" Yesenia said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Hey" Yasmine and I said in unison.

Yesenia and I are cordial now. I just don't trust her yet. Forgive me if I find it hard to trust a woman that snitched on my man. It's gonna take some time for me to get to a "friendship" level with her.

"What are we talking about?" Yesenia asked as she sat in one of the bar stools.

"We're just talking about Genesis' baby shower. We're thinking about doing a Hawaiian theme, what do you think?" Yasmine asked Yesenia.

"I think that's perfect" Yesenia said.

"I know right! I already got a few ideas from pinterest" Yasmine said.

"Nana! I get some ice cream now?" Kaiser asked as he walked into the kitchen with his brand new toy.

Jonathan and Yasmine are always buying him new toys and clothes. They treat him like their own grandchild, and Kaiser even calls them "Nana" and "Papa".

"Is that okay with you Genesis?" Yasmine asked.

I nodded, "that's fine with me."

"Come on, my sweet grandson" Yasmine said as she picked Kaiser up.

I smiled as I watched them interact with each other. I swear East's family is such a blessing. I finally feel like I have a family now.

"So, how is college going for you two?" Yasmine asked as she scooped some ice cream into a waffle cone.

"It's super stressful, but I know that it'll be worth it in the end" Yesenia said.

I nodded, "agreed."

"I'm so proud of you young ladies. Get that education by any means necessary" Yasmine said.

"Period" Yesenia said.

Yasmine laughed, "now let's talk about the menu for Genesis' birthday dinner."

I already knew that this lady was about talk my ear off about the birthday dinner and baby shower.

"For our last story of the day, police have found the remains of a pregnant woman in the Mojave Desert. According to the LAPD, the woman's remains were found at around 11 AM this morning. The case is being treated as a homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and we will keep you all updated" the news reporter said.

Like clockwork, my phone started ringing.

"Hello" I said as I put the phone up to my ear.

"Girl, are you watching the news? They just found the remains of a pregnant woman. I'm on Instagram right now, and everybody is saying R.I.P to Lola. Her sister confirmed that it was her in the desert" Kelis said.

"What!?! Are you serious?"

"Get on Instagram" Kelis said.

I logged into my Instagram, and there was nothing but posts about Lola's death.

I gasped, "oh my God. East is gonna be devastated. I don't even know how to tell him."

"I think you should do it in person. At least you'll be able to calm him down" Kelis said.

"You're right. I need to go up there first thing in the morning."

"I'll go with you" Kelis said.

This is going to tear East apart, mainly because Lola was pregnant with his son. I swear this situation just gets weirder and weirder as the months go by. Who would kill Lola? East's people knew not to touch her because she was pregnant. I have so many questions. Something just isn't right about this situation. I've been having this hunch about somebody close to East being involved.

I'm determined to get the answers that I've been wanting.

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