Truth Be Told

Chapter 16

Kierra's POV

Kierra and I cleared the dinner table and headed to the kitchen. Following behind her, I silently said a prayer, hoping that this conversation would go well. I also pray that she accepts my apology and understands that is sincere from the heart. We've already lost 5 years of my niece's life because of my brother and his lies; I refuse to lose any more time. 15 minutes, we had the dishes washed, dried, and put away; it was time for the main event.

"Would you like water or anything?" Amber asked me

"Yes, please." I replied as I sat down

"Here you go." She spoke handing me the bottle

"Thank you, Amber." I replied

"You're welcome." She responded before sitting across from me

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous. Feels a bit awkward to be sitting here with you under these circumstances. Amber, first I just want to say that from the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. It's just that when it comes to my brother, I become very protective. He would always ask us to not butt in your relationship because he didn't want you to think that we were influencing him or anything. But that night when he came home, it was like my anger had took over. It was bad enough that he told us that you didn't want my mom and I at Ja'Layeah's 1st birthday, then-'' I was cut off

"Wait, what? J told me that you and your mom had a prior engagement and that y'all wouldn't have been able to attend, but to take lots of pictures." Amber explained

"Excuse me." I got up, grabbed the bottle of Tequila, and downed 2 shots to calm my nerves then went back to sit back down

"Amber, I honestly don't care about the past. I just want to have a relationship with you, your mom, and Ja'Layeah. I can't keep babying my brother, he's just gonna have to grow up. I would also like to form a bond with Amaiyah, but I'm not sure if she'll accept my apology." I explained

"Amaiyah is just like you. When people come at us sideways, she goes hard. The same way you do for J. I'll make sure that the two of you have a conversation after all of this." She spoke to me

"Thank you so much, Amber." I replied

"You're welcome. I want to thank you for apologizing. I knew it took a lot to do that. Hugs?" She responded

"You're right it did. But it was the right thing that was overdue and needed to be done." I replied as I hugged her back

"Is it okay to come in? Layeah wanted some water." Amaiyah spoke

"Yeah, it's fine. Actually, I'm glad you came down. Kierra wanted to speak with you. I'll take Layeah her water." Amber spoke walking away. Actually, she stood around the corner to eavesdrop

"Amaiyah, can I talk to you?" I asked her

"Sure. Do you want to sit down?" Amaiyah asked me

"No, what I have to say won't take long." I replied

"Okay, what's up?" Amaiyah asked

"I was just telling Amber how I wanted to apologize to you as well. I'm okay if you don't ever want to talk to me, but I just wanted to do my part. The way I've attacked your character and the things that I've said about you over the years, I should've never said any of it. Seeing you in court and how supportive you are of Amber, that shows just how amazing of a person you are. I can see why Amber chose you to be Ja'Layeah's godmother. I just pray that you can find it in your heart to forgive me." I spoke

"I already have Kierra. But to hear you actually say those words is even better. Thank you." Amaiyah spoke wiping her tears

"You're welcome." I replied

"You can come from around the corner eavesdropping Amber." Amaiyah called out

"He- Hey. I was just..." Amber stuttered

"You were just listening," Amaiyah spoke

"Are you two on good terms?" Amber asked

"Yeah, we're good." Amaiyah spoke looking at Kierra

"Let's go see how those two are doing. We haven't heard a peep out of them. I hope they haven't killed each other yet." I spoke

"I'm going to actually give Layeah her water this time." Amber spoke heading upstairs with Kierra and Amaiyah following behind

Sandra's POV

What was supposed to be a simple conversation between two mothers, turned into a tear-shedding conversation on forgiveness, self-awareness, and most importantly, love. Karen and I conversed on how we spent all of these years with some type of an underlying hatred or dislike for each other because of the love we have for our children, not realizing that the only person that was affected by all of this was Ja'Layeah.

"Whew, I don't think I have any tears left." Karen spoke wiping her eyes

"Me either." I spoke

"Here, use this." Karen spoke handing me her eye drops

"Thank you so much." I replied dropping the solution in my eyes

"I feel so blessed that we were able to have this conversation." Karen spoke

"So am I. Who knew we had so much in common other than Ja'Layeah." I replied

"Right. She was the missing piece of the puzzle that we needed to be completed." Karen spoke

"Where do we go from here?" I asked

"Well first we have to-" Karen started but was stopped

"Ahh!" The 3 Stooges said as I opened the door

"Do you want to tell me why the three of you were listening at the door?" I asked them

"Well see, we weren't really listening. Kierra dropped her contact and we were helping her find it." Amber and Amaiyah spoke

"Kierra, you don't even wear contacts." Karen replied

"You know what, you're right. I don't wear them." Kierra answered

"Now what can we do for you ladies?" I asked them

"Oh we was just, you know." Amber spoke

"Being nosey." Karen answered 

"That is such a strong word. We prefer inquiring information." Amaiayh replied

"Anyways, are you ladies on good terms?" I asked Kierra and Amber.

"Yes, we are. Kierra even apologized to Amaiyah." Amber answered

"Great, I'm glad to hear to that." Karen answered

"What about the two of you?" Kierra asked

"We are better than expected. We cried, talked, laughed, and even cried some more." I explained

"Awe, I'm going to cry." Kierra said wiping her imaginary tear

"Girl, don't mess up your mascara." Amaiyah spoke

"Would ya'll shut up!?" Karen spoke and I laughed

"Listen, before I bring Ja'Layeah in, I just want to say that my heart is full and I'm so happy that despite everything that has occurred until now, I'm glad we can now put our differences aside for Layeah." Amber spoke to everyone

"So are we." Everyone spoke in unison

"So, are you two ready?" Amber asked Karen and Kierra

"As ready as we'll ever be." They spoke

"Okay, follow me." Amber replied

After introducing Ja'Layeah to Karen and Kierra; Sandra, Amber, and Amaiyah stood off to the side and allowed them to have their moment. More tears were shed and Ja'Layeah loved her grandmother and aunt so much, she didn't want to let go. She couldn't wait to see what the future holds.

I UPDATED YA'LL!!!!!!! EPILOGUE IS NEXT!!

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