AFRO TO HIS BEATS

CHAPTER 29- SPECIAL EDITION

MICHAEL'S POV

The sun peeked through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, casting a warm glow on the walls adorned with memories. Today, I turned twenty-five. It felt surreal. It felt like a lifetime ago when I was just a boy in Kaduna, navigating life in a broken home, filled with uncertainty and longing. I'd never imagined I'd be where I am today—a world-renowned music producer, a proud father of twins, and still grounded in faith.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but reflect on my journey. I remembered the nights spent in my childhood home, where arguments between my parents echoed through the halls. There was a time when I thought that was the norm, that love was supposed to hurt. But through it all, God had a plan for me. He took my pain and transformed it into purpose. The love for music became my refuge, my escape.

I turned to the side and caught sight of Nkechi, my girlfriend, sleeping peacefully next to me. Her hair spilled over the pillow like a halo, and I smiled, grateful for her presence in my life. Just a few weeks ago, we welcomed our twins into the world. Nkechi stirred, a soft smile gracing her lips as she opened her eyes. "Happy birthday, my love," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Thank you, Nkechi," I replied, my heart swelling. "Can you believe I'm twenty-five? I feel like I should have it all figured out by now."

She chuckled softly, propping herself up on her elbow. "You've accomplished so much already. Just look at these two," she said, gesturing to the twins who were sleeping soundly in their crib. "You're a wonderful father and an incredible producer. You have every reason to celebrate today."

Her words brought a wave of gratitude, and I leaned over to kiss her forehead. "You're the reason I feel whole. I never knew love could be like this."

We spent the morning together, taking turns with the twins, sharing quiet laughter as we fed them, dressed them in matching outfits, and watched them gurgle in their crib. Elijah had my nose, while Deborah had her mother's bright eyes, two little pieces of us that filled our home with joy.

"Can you believe they're only a few weeks old?" Nkechi said, cradling Deborah. "I feel like we just brought them home yesterday."

"It's wild," I said, leaning in to kiss Elijah's forehead. "But it's the best kind of wild."

As the day wore on, the house filled with the scents of Nkechi's delicious cooking. I watched her move around the kitchen, her energy contagious. I couldn't resist wrapping my arms around her waist from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder.

"What are you making?" I asked, inhaling deeply.

"Jollof rice and grilled chicken. I thought we could have a little family feast to celebrate you before the party tonight," she replied, turning to meet my gaze. "You deserve it."

"You spoil me," I said, playfully pinching her side. "But I'm not complaining."

After lunch, we decided to take the twins out for a stroll. I strapped Elijah into the baby carrier while Nkechi held Deborah in her arms. As we walked through the neighborhood, I felt a surge of pride. This was my family. This was my life. 

As the sun began to set, we returned home, preparing for the evening's celebrations. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This birthday was different—being a new father added a new layer of meaning to the day.

"Are you ready for tonight?" Nkechi asked, checking her reflection in the mirror.

"I think so. I just hope the twins will be okay with the sitter," I replied, glancing nervously at the sleeping babies. "I don't want to miss their first moments if they wake up."