The next morning...
Fatima woke up earlier than usual not only to avoid being late like yesterday but also because she wasn't certain how she would be getting to work.
Toya: morning baby, how'd you sleep?
Fatima: I slept great, how about you?
Toya: I just slept okay, I miss your father so much. It's hard to fall asleep without him being here.
Fatima: aww I think it's cute that y'all still in love after all these years.
Toya: we're just setting the perfect example for you and your sister, even though Dee completely disregards all my advice.
Fatima: ma please don't start! You need to let her figure some things out on her own - it's her life to live.
Toya: yeah well I wouldn't have an issue with her way of life if she wasn't living under my roof.
Fatima: damn so I guess that applies to me too huh?
Toya: (kisses her cheek) don't be ridiculous, you're my last born which means you can be the last to leave the house. If I'm being honest, it'll probably be left in your name anyway.
Fatima: I appreciate that mommy but I think it's fair to leave the house in both our names. Besides, as much as I love being home I need my own space and that's why I'm gonna get an apartment after my first paycheck.
Toya: that's fine by me baby. So uhm is Devon on his way to pick you up?
Fatima: (sighs) I don't know but I doubt it, we had a fight yesterday morning and I haven't heard from him since.
Toya: (chuckles) I swear y'all been fighting like husband and wife ever since you were teens! He needs to stop playing and make you his wife so I can get me some grandbabies.
Fatima: uhm no! Mommy I love him I really do, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to get married let alone become someone's mother. Besides, you have Nyla.
Toya: I know baby and I adore her but it wouldn't hurt to give me a grandson now would it?
Fatima: ma seriously please stop! You know I'm only focused on my career right now, also giving you grandbabies means me having sex... do you really wanna talk about that so early in the morning?
Toya: okay fine I'll leave it alone! Let me go wake Nyla up because I'm sure her mother is too hungover.
Fatima: (chuckles) she probably is, I wonder why she came in so late last night - it's so unlike her.
Toya: I don't know chile but I'm gonna extend the olive branch and give her grace just like you said *goes upstairs*
Fatima pulled out her phone to call Devon but still no answer. She finished up her cereal and contemplated calling Zac to ask for a ride but she decided against it and called Jayla instead.
_Phonecall_
Fatima: hey girl, where you at?
Jayla: I just got out the shower, wassup?
Fatima: at this time? Do you wanna be late again?
Jayla: (chuckles) no I won't! It's mad early, yo scary ass probably just woke up earlier than usual.
Fatima: okay yeah I did but only because I want to make a great second impression!
Jayla: I hear you girl.
Fatima: so uhm... can you please give me a ride to work? That nigga is still ignoring my calls.
Jayla: dammit I really liked Devon!! But that's okay, he should clear the way for Mr Zachary Taylor anyway.
