Girlfriend: Sophomore year (REMASTERD)

19

KEHLANI POV

"I'll get him," Robyn whispered, sitting up for the fourth time that night. Her eyes were heavy with sleep, but her love for Amir made her move like she'd never laid down at all. Amir's ear infection wasn't letting up. His soft cries were stabbing at my chest. My baby was hurting and I couldn't fix it. That's the worst part.

She brought him to me, cradled against her chest. I gently held him close, giving him the drops the pediatrician prescribed. His whimper eased just a little.

"You see—this gotta be from Jah's loud-ass music."

"Baby," I chuckled tiredly. "That's not how ear infections work."

"Oh... right. I'm sorry. I'm just—so tired. Why does Jah get to just live his life, while we over here parenting on 1%?"

"He's a grown-ass man, Ro," I said quietly. "We can't force him to be present."

She rolled over with a huff, but I understood her frustration. Jah only showed up when the kids were being cute or quiet. As soon as they got fussy, they were our responsibility. Truth is, I don't think he's ready. We're all still in high school, and that XXXTentacion ego flares up anytime girls stare a second too long. And Robyn? He still ain't made peace with her being here. That's a conversation for another day, though.

I placed Amir between us, trying to close my eyes even if sleep wasn't gonna come. Just resting felt like a win tonight.

Minutes passed.

I reached for Amir—but the space was empty.

I shot up, heart in my throat. Robyn was still asleep. I slipped out of bed and headed down the hallway. The soft sound of humming guided me to the twins' room.

There he was—Jahseh—rocking Amir in his arms, gently swaying.

"Jah... don't scare me like that," I whispered, exhaling.

He chuckled low and placed Amir back in his crib.

"I'm sorry. I just... I couldn't sleep. I wanted to help."

His voice cracked a little. "Parenthood's new, and I ain't gonna lie—I'm scared as hell. My pops wasn't there. I don't know how to be a dad. But Robyn? She's amazing. Y'all are."

I crossed my arms and stared him down.

"I swear, I was this close to cussing you out."

He dropped his head in defeat.

"But I get it, Jah. We're all figuring it out. Just don't leave us hanging. Come to the parenting classes sometimes. Even just showing up makes a difference."

He nodded, pulling me in for a hug.

"Thanks, Lani. I'll come tomorrow. Promise."

He headed downstairs.

I crawled back into bed beside Robyn, and the second I did, she pulled me in close. Her breath on my neck made everything feel still for a second.

"I love you, Kehlani Fenty," she whispered, lips grazing my skin.

"I love you too, Robyn Fenty."

⸻

JAHSEH POV

I let Robyn and Lani go to school today, told 'em I had the boys. Gave 'em that peace they deserve. The twins were angels—sleeping mostly, only waking to feed. I held Aden in my arms, and when he smiled at me, my heart damn near melted.

Never thought I'd be a dad to twins, but damn... I love it here.

"Jah, go relax. They fine," Auntie said, coming in like a light. She brought food, sat me down with juice and pizza, and kissed my cheek like she always do.