Hoops & Harmonies

36.

The next few weeks had become a test of strength for Monica and Angel, both as a couple and as individuals. Between Angel's physical therapy, preparing for Shannon's custody battle, and maintaining the normalcy of their home, there wasn't a moment to breathe. Yet, even in the face of all that was happening, they were determined to stay united—for themselves, for Laiyah, and for their family.

It was early Saturday morning, and the house was unusually quiet. Laiyah, now 11 years old, was seated at the kitchen table, doodling in one of her sketchbooks. The colorful markers scattered around her indicated she'd been at it for a while. Monica sat across from her, lost in thought as she absentmindedly stirred her coffee. She had been preoccupied for days, her mind stuck on the custody case Shannon had filed. He was determined to disrupt their lives simply because she had moved on, and even worse, because she had married Angel.

Angel, meanwhile, was in the backyard, diligently following her rehab routine. She had a resistance band looped around her wrist, carefully going through her exercises under the morning sun. Her focus was sharp, but Monica could sense the tension in Angel's movements. Each stretch and pull seemed more aggressive than usual. Angel was fighting more than just physical pain—she was fighting the looming threat of losing their daughter to Shannon.

Monica hadn't spoken much to Angel about her worries, mostly because Angel had been adamant about staying strong. But the strain was palpable. She could see it in Angel's jaw when she clenched it, in her eyes when she tried to pretend everything was okay.

Laiyah glanced up from her drawing and caught the faraway look in her mother's eyes. She could feel the weight in the air, the thick tension that had settled over the house like an uninvited guest. It had been there for weeks now, and though no one had said anything directly, Laiyah knew something was wrong.

"Mom?" Laiyah asked hesitantly, her voice cutting through Monica's thoughts.

Monica blinked and smiled weakly at her daughter. "Yeah, baby? What is it?"

Laiyah put her marker down and fiddled with her hands. "Are you and Mama Angel okay?"

The question hit Monica like a wave. She hadn't expected Laiyah to ask something so direct, but she should have known better. Laiyah was perceptive, mature for her age in a way that sometimes surprised Monica.

"We're fine, sweetie," Monica replied, her voice gentle but strained. "We've just got a lot going on right now. But everything's going to be okay."

Laiyah's brow furrowed as she studied her mother's face. "Is it because of Dad?"

Monica's heart sank. Of course Laiyah knew. She had overheard bits of conversations, sensed the shift in the household dynamic. Monica sighed, not wanting to burden her daughter with too much but also not wanting to lie to her.

"Your dad..." Monica began carefully, choosing her words. "He's... upset. He's trying to take me to court to change things about where you live, but it's nothing you need to worry about. Mama Angel and I are handling it, okay?"

"But why?" Laiyah pressed, her voice trembling slightly. "Why does he want to change things?"

Monica took a deep breath, leaning forward to take her daughter's hands in hers. "Your dad is upset because I've moved on, and I've gotten married to someone else. He's having a hard time accepting that. But no matter what, I promise you, we are going to fight this. You're not going anywhere."

Laiyah's eyes welled up with tears, and Monica quickly pulled her into a hug. "It's not fair," Laiyah whispered, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder. "I love being here with you and Mama Angel. Why can't Dad just leave things the way they are?"