Then there was you

23

As soon as Zac and I landed in DC we headed to my parents house, I fed Zavier and spent some time with him and Zac until my mom notified me that it was time for the two of us to go to the airport and get the girls. Yes I'm leaving Zavier with Zac and yes my mom and I are going to go pick up the girls. My mom knows how to handle a crisis and right now we're in a full blown crisis. From what Sasha told me it's not good. And if Zuri doesn't feel comfortable enough to open up to me then my mom will get her to open up. Shit I need my mom right now too cause honestly I don't wane fail these girls when they are depending on me. I need to show them that I can be their shoulder to lean on in times of need. I kept fidgeting with my fingers like I do when I'm nervous during the car ride to the airport.

Mona: Honey everything will be okay.

Fatima: We don't know that mom. I knew something was wrong yet I let Zuri go to LA and told Zoey to keep an eye on her when that was my responsibility. I'm basically the reason why Zoey is having this emotional breakdown and why Zuri is in silence. We were making progress mommy.

Mona: Baby this wasn't your fault. You gave Zuri time and that's what she needed. Can you imagine what would have happened if you pushed her to talk to you? Shit we don't even know if whatever is going on with her is the reason Zoey is in such a state. These kids have been going through a lot honey and you have been going through a lot too so give yourself some grace. You can't save everyone and you can't make up and fill a role their mom failed to fill but you can show them the constant love that you're already giving them. You are not failing them one bit. You have shown up for them more than everyone else has in their lives which is why they have gravitated towards you the way that they have. So please don't be so hard on yourself. Besides you have a whole village here to help you with whatever the girls are going through. Shit even Sasha is being helpful and you know she's never good in situations like this. But here she is, flying the girls out here to ensure that they are safe and I bet she's going to stay here to ensure that her sister is okay too. Plus she loves Zoey the way that she loves you so she'll always show up for her even when she really doesn't want to. The Wilson family will always have one another's backs and Zac and his kids are one of us now.

Fatima: Thank you mommy, I really needed that. We really do have the best village of people.

Mona: Fuck yeah and we protect what ours. And those are my grandbabies

Fatima: I love you mommy

Mona: I love you too baby, I know I wasn't the perfect mom to you, shit I was absent for almost everything but I'm happy that I get to be by your side as you go through life right now.

Fatima: I'm happy you are here and present too mom. After being married to Ian I totally understand you better and I love you for being honest enough to tell me to get out while I still could. And I appreciate you supporting my relationship with Zac.

Mona: Zac's a good guy and you deserve all the happiness he brings you.

We pulled up next to the airplane and my heart was beating super fast. I saw Zuri exit first and I hugged her tightly, my baby's tears were flowing and I just wanted to fix whatever was wrong. My mom took Zuri from me because Zoey was in a numb zombie-like state. I took her into my arms and she just kept mumbling indistinctly. I led her to the car and turned to greet Sasha who looked drained and worried. The driver put their bags in the trunk and started driving. My mom held Zuri tightly, Zoey was sitting in my lap while holding Zuri's hand and Sasha was staring out the window. My mind and heart was going a million miles an hour. I hated this entire situation. We drove home in complete silence, I took Sasha's hand in mine and squeezed it immediately my sister's tears started flowing too. When we got home I told the girls to go shower and then meet my mom and I in the study after I finished feeding Zavier.