Dress Up [A T'Challa Udaku Story]

Chapter 10

"This is the money shot y'all. Places, please!" First assistant director, Soleil, gave the cast and crew their orders as Sirobie sat up in her director's chair. Twirling her wedding ring around her finger and biting her lip she allowed herself to revel in this moment. If this take went according to plan. She'd be going home.

Not to her house in the Hollywood hills. She'd be going home for good.  Reunited with her husband and kids on their flight back to Wakanda the next night. Or tonight since this shoot hadn't started till 8 last night and the sun would be on its way up any minute now.

Her oldest son eight year old Ghezi waved at his mom from his chair next to his dad and younger siblings. T'Challa had kept his promise and the two moved slow. So slow that she eventually had to be the one to ask him to marry her. Not that he'd ever admit it, since technically he'd asked first all those years ago when she was playing Kamyra.

They'd wed secretly ten years ago now and two years later Ghezi came. Then the twins Ise and Simi came three years later. It'd been hard starting married life off separately. But they made it work. She spent all her breaks in Wakanda and he would come visit as often as he could. When the kids came it was even harder since Sirobie knew the best option was to leave them with their father and visit when she could. But two Oscars later, she was ready to be home with her family. And who knew, maybe one day she'd come back to directing. But for now she would produce so she could make more time to watch her children grow and be there as the official queen of her country.

"Ro? You ready? Soliel nudged her older sister. Sirobie shook off her thoughts and placed her headset back on. "Let's do this alright?"

"And that's a wrap everybody. Good job," Sirobie cheered as the stress rolled out of her cast and crew and everyone began cheering.

"You all did amazing. I am so blessed to have worked with each and everyone of you. As much as I would love to attend the epic wrap party y'all have planned, I will be going home to my husband and fifty-leven children. I got sponsobilities now y'all," a chuckle went up from the crowd and T'Challa winked at his wife.

"But seriously. You all have made this last shoot so enjoyable and I can't wait for everyone to see how it comes together. Now go get some sleep!" Everyone called their goodbyes and began breaking down the set as the director was ambushed by her children.

"Mommy!"

"Hey munchkins," Sirobie beamed and bent down to kiss and hug each one individually. You're really coming home with us?" Ghezi asked. "I am! For good too. Imma be there everyday when you wake up and every night when you go to sleep," the young boy beamed. "Uh umm," T'Challa joined his family," I believe the director owes me a kiss as well."

"Awww there's my fourth baby," Sirobie teased as she leaned over her youngest children to kiss her husband. "Keep playing and we'll end up with a fourth and a fifth," T'Challa murmured in his wife's ear.

"Ewww!" The Udaku children squealed in unison and crew members looked over smiling. Then Sirobie noticed recognition beginning to set into some of their faces. "Mr. T," Soleil grinned as she joined her sister and brother in law. "So-so," T'Challa smiled and pulled his other younger sister into a hug. "Auntie So," the kids grinned and everyone got their each hug and kiss.

"If you all do not want to be exposed before you can announce your marriage to the world, I suggest you hightail it out of here. I'll finish up on set." Soleil gestured to the crew and cast who were starting to realize the monarch may be more than just the Director's guest.

"Thanks So," Sirobie smiled as the nanny joined the family with each of the kids' coats. You'll be joining us back at the hotel, correct?" T'Challa asked and Soleil smiled. "Yep, I'm picking Ahj up from the airport and we'll fly back with y'all."