Fatima: Love, Family, and Career Part II

Chapter 27: A New Year

It's a new year. Things at the Taylor household are mediocre. Fatima and the twins have their 6-week checkup coming soon. Zac had taken time off during the birth of the twins as he did when Zuri was born. His ultimate goal was to take two months off, but as soon as Fatima is in the clear after the c-section, he is going back to work.

In the Mancave

"Pops, I don't know what else to do."

"Zac, your mom, and I went through a similar thing," said Papa Taylor. "Well, your grandma and your mom didn't speak the entire time we were dating. She didn't start coming around until you were born."

"Dang, I didn't know that. So how long did they go without talking?"

"About 3 years. All because she didn't think I could take care of her."

"But look at you now Pops. You've been able to take care of three kids and a wife."

"It used to hurt your mom. Maybe she can talk to Fatima."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, cuz I don't know what else to do," said Zac.

"Son, I have been watching you these last several weeks. You have been doing a great job and I'm so proud of you. The way you have been there for Fatima, helping with the kids, and the way the real estate business is going."

"Thanks, Pops. I love you."

"I love you too, son."

They embrace with a hug.

"I talked to Lonzo about working with me when he was down here for Christmas. Now I just have to talk to Jake."

"Thanks, your mom would be so happy."

They sit down to watch the game.

In the Kitchen

"Fatima, you know I don't like to mettle in you guys' business, but I can tell something is bothering you," said Mama Taylor. "If you're not ready to talk or don't want to talk to me, I understand, but I do think you should talk to someone. Have you thought about going back to therapy?"

Fatima takes a deep breath and tears started rolling down her face.

Mama Taylor goes over and hugs her. "I want you to know that I love you like a daughter."

For a few minutes, Fatima just cries in her arms. Then the guys walk in.

"My bad we didn't mean to interrupt anything," said Zac. "So, they walk back out, not wanting to interrupt their emotional moment."

"Pops can you ask Mom if she can talk to Tima about what she dealt with? If she hadn't already."

"No problem son."

Then they walk back into the kitchen. Zac goes to Fatima, grabs her hand, and takes her upstairs.

"Babe comes here for a minute," Zac said as he takes her to their bedroom. They sit on the bed, and he caresses her shoulder and then pulls her in for a hug. They hug for what seems like an eternity.

"You okay, babe?" asked Zac.

"Yeah. Your mom thinks I should talk to the therapist again."

"I agree."

Fatima rolls her eyes. "I guess I'll call her tomorrow."

"Look, I love you more than anything," said Zac.

"I love you, too."

After dinner, the guys send the girls to get pedicures and massages. While they are out Mama Taylor decides to have a conversation with Fatima.

Mama Taylor speaks, "Zac heard about my story with my mom and thought I should share it with you."

"Ok," said Fatima confused.

"When I was 18, I had just graduated high school and met Zac's father (James). He had just turned 21. My mom didn't like him. First, it was because she felt he was too old for me. Then it was he didn't have a job. I continued to date him, you know how it is when you're young, but you think you're grown. You do the opposite of what your parents tell you to do. I dated him for about 3 months. She kicked me out and I stayed with his parents. She had stopped talking to me. Around 20 I had gotten pregnant with Zac. At first, he was working little jobs here and there until he got a job delivering mail. James tried to do right and asked me to marry him. We got married at the courthouse, got a little apartment, and then Zac was born. After a while, she came around.

"Why did she come around all of a sudden?" Asked Fatima.

"She didn't want to miss being in her grandchild's life. But she went three years, no it was 4 years because Zachary was 6 months by then. She went 4 years not speaking to me, her daughter. I needed my mother at that time. It hurt. But I wanted better for my child, so I forgave her. We never really spoke about it again."

"Oh wow! So, did she ever like Papa Taylor?" Asked Fatima.

"Oh, she adores him now. It took a little while, but she grew to love him. He's a good man, what is there not to love about him? She had some trauma from her childhood that caused her to act that way."

"So, you are telling me this?" asked Fatima.

"I know it's not the same as what happened between you and your mom, but maybe it will help. I spent the first 4 years of my adult life, was pregnant, got married, and had a baby, and my mom wasn't there. It wasn't because she was sick, dead, or fighting for this country. She chose not to talk to me or be there for me because of her selfish reasons. In the beginning, I thought about not letting her in, not letting her see her grandson, but then I looked at how it would affect him. Until today Zac never knew that side of his grandma.

Fatima notices Mrs. Taylor getting emotional, so she grabs her hand.

"Fatima, as mothers we have to put our hurt and pride aside for our children. Do what's best for them," Mama Taylor repositions and looks directly at Fatima. "You know Fatima the first day I met you, I knew you were right for my son. I could see the way he looked at you and talked about you. I'm so glad he found you and you are a part of our family. Them grandbabies are so lucky."

"Thank you Mama T, I love you too.  Now can we go get pampered before this entire car is flooded?"

They get out and go into the nail shop.

After they leave they drive to the spa to get a massage. While they are walking into the shop Fatima stops her.

"Mama T, I'm going to talk to my mom."