Book Two.
Arielle Thompson and Raheem Small, who grew up together in Slys Village, find themselves in an unexpected twist of fate as they both attend a family reunion after many years. Childhood enemies, their relationship was marred by Raheem's hur...
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📍Cherry Gardens| Kingston, Jamaica|
📅Sunday| September 3|
I was awakened by Angel's playful kicks, and as I opened my eyes, I saw her grinning and babbling at me. Despite being only a month old, she was incredibly lively, with sparkling eyes and constantly moving feet. It was hard not to smile as I watched her small hands reaching out for mine, even though she was almost two months old.
"Whose little princess is wide awake?" I cooed as I lifted her into my arms. Her laughing filled the room like a song, melting away any remaining tension. As we nestled in bed, I marveled at the undeniable, unbreakable tie between a mother and her kid.
The low sound of music entered my ears, a familiar Big Bunx riddim that sounded like Bayka. I tiptoed towards the bedroom door, confused, and carefully placed Angel in her crib. The music became clearer as I pulled it open, causing me to believe it came from within the house.
My instincts sharpened as I went on high alert. The house should have been empty, and the unexpected presence of music set off alarm bells in my mind. I took the lamp off the bedside table and held it like a weapon as I went softly through the hallways. Every creak of the floor under me echoed in the quiet house, heightening my senses.
Turning the corner, my breath hitched as I encountered an unexpected sight. Raheem stood there, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he watched my stealthy approach. The lamp in my hands trembled as I recoiled, my startled reaction mirrored in his amused expression.
"Jah know, Ari, yuh a move like a ninja inna di mornin'," he teased, the corners of his lips quirking upward.
"Wah di hell? Yuh nuh suppose to deh yah yet," I retorted, lowering the lamp but maintaining a cautious stance.
He chuckled, the sound resonating through the quiet house. "Change of plans. Figured I'd surprise you and Angel."
My guard softened slightly, replaced by a mix of relief and curiosity. "Surprise? Yuh cyaa jus' come inna di house and nuh mek nobody know. Yuh lucky mi neva decide fi carry a gun instead a lamp," I added with a playful smirk.
Raheem raised an eyebrow, his amusement undeterred. "Mi wudda like fi see yuh try dat."
We exchanged banter, the tension dissipating with each word. His unexpected return shifted the energy in the house, injecting a sense of familiarity that had been absent during the tumultuous days prior. As the banter continued, I couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between Raheem's presence and the chaos that had unfolded recently.
"Mi did miss yuh, eno," he admitted, the teasing undertone replaced by a sincerity that echoed in his gaze.
I sighed, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. "I missed you too, Raheem."
He stepped forward, a warmth in his eyes that matched the soft morning light. "Mi deh yah now, Ari. Wi deh yah together. Mi ago mek sure yuh get through this."
