𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄

25

||Natina||

Today was Maralei's birthday and I was so excited for her. She's turning 6 and I wanted to make it as special as possible. Lisa's birthday was a few days ago and Maralei was very gloomy on that day. I called Lisa's family over, Shamari, Brandi, and Tionne and Roz over for the party. I got a big birthday cake and some presents for her.

I went into her room and she was under the covers. "Happy birthday, Maralei!" I squealed. She sat up and her face was really red. I tried not to get emotional seeing how heartbroken she was. She was so young yet she felt so much pain throughout her life. "Baby i'm gonna make this the best day for you ok?"

"Auntie, I don't want anything for my birthday. All i want is my mommy.." She sighed. "Baby I know but we have to celebrate. I know your mother and daddy would've been so happy. And at the end of the day, we're gonna let some balloons flow up to the sky just because. Now I want you to take a bath and get dressed in one of your little cute outfits ok? I want you to promise me that you'll allow TT Tina to make this the best day for you ok?"

I held out my pinky and she stared at it a bit then lock her pinky finger with mine. "Great! Now put on one of your cute tutu outfits or something.." I giggled and went downstairs.

I started setting up the living room. Omar and Dyamond didn't wake up yet so that made a lot of things easier. I put her name across the staircase, decorated the table, put candy everywhere. I order some catering snack subs and I was making dinner for everyone. It was probably a lot of cleaning I was gonna do later.

Maralei came downstairs quietly and I gushed over her. I did her hair then I took her picture with the Polaroid camera.

"Maralei, give me a smile." I smiled putting the camera back on her. She groaned and I looked at her with a straight face. Then she finally flashed me a smile.

"Good girl! Now everyone's here, open the door for them while I get your sister and brother together." I said getting them dress on the floor.

Maralei opened the door for everyone and they all cooed over her cuteness, giving her kisses on her cheeks. "Nana!!" She ran to Mama Wanda and gave her a big hug. Maralei loves her so much, she probably radiates a lot of Lisa's energy.

"Heeey, happy birthday, love bug. How old are you today?" She kissed her cheek. "I'm 6 years old.." Maralei giggled. "Awww, youre growing up so fast! I cant wait until we sing you happy birthday. You are the cutest." Mama Wanda kissed her cheek.

"OK everyone I got the babies dressed, and I need to cook." I said holding both babies in each arm. "Natina! As little as you are, you know you can't do too things at once. Let's help you." Chilli said. Her, Shamari, and Brandi lended me some hands while Tionne was watching the kids.

We were making spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, mixed vegetables, and chicken. "How's Maralei been doing since the funeral?"Chilli asked. "She's been mopey and I noticed that she's been very snappy towards her teachers at school. I'm gonna have a talk with her later after the party.."

We heard the doorbell and I went to open the door. It was my son, Tren and on and off boyfriend, Ricardo, he's famously known as Kurupt. "Hey Titi." He came in and kissed my cheek. "Hey mama!!" Teen joyfully said.

"Hey man! I'm so glad to see you baby!" I picked him up and hugged him right, kissing all over his cheeks. "Mamas cooking right now, so how bout you go play with your cousins. And go wish Maralei a happy birthday too!" I put him down while he ran outside where everyone was.

"Ima go to the store right quick, do you need anything Ti?" Ricardo said. "I need some more basil for the spaghetti. And can you please pick up more paper towels?" I said looking at him, he nodded in response.

"Yeah I got you. I wanted to tell you that I love that outfit on you.." Ricardo said whispering in my ear. I tried not to giggle but then he smacked my ass so I slapped his chest. "Boy go get what I told you to!" I shook my head and washed my hands.

"Oooooh! What's goin' on wit yall?" Brandi said laughing. "Aint nun going on with us. And we aint together...he made sure of that when I caught him cheating on me with my old best friend.." I said frowning and cooking the meatballs. "Awww I'm sorry Natina.." Tionne said dipping her finger in the sauce. "TIONNEEEE!" We all whined. "What?! It smells good!" She rushed out the kitchen back to the living room.

"Don't feel bad for me. Feel bad for him because he lost me and not the other way around."
"I know that's right girl.." Chilli co-signed.

Before we knew it, the food was done. Everybody started digging in and I made all the kids plates. I put Omar and Dyamond in their chairs and since they had some teeth in, I let them feed themselves.

After everyone was eating, I got the cake out. I put all the candles in it and lit it up. "Okay yall, when I take this cake to the living room, I want you to sing happy birthday really loud for Maralei ok?" I picked the cake up.

The ladies nodded in agreement. I walked to the living room singing "Happy Birthday" with them and I sat the cake in front of Maralei.

"...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!" Everyone sang. Maralei smiled and clapped, "Make a wish, baby!" I said. She closed her eyes, "I wish my mommy would come back to me." She blew out all her candles and we all looked at one another in sadness.

Today was a really special day. After we all ate some cake, Maralei opened her gifts in front of everyone. She got new toys, new clothes, but I told her to open my gift last.

"Here's my gift Ly. I think you'll like it." I smiled while handing her the gift. "Kay Kay!!!" She tore open the paper and it revealed a huge portrait of her and Lisa when she was a baby. Maralei gasped and ran her small hand down the picture.

"Happy birthday, Maralei." I said kissing her cheek. She jumped on me and gave me a big hug without saying anything. Her silence gave me all the emotion I needed to know.