IX. A Day Out with Amias

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Chapter Nine... A Day Out with Amias

Liked by emilyb_, trinity_fatu, uceyjucey, and 432,373 otherscharmbarbeau A day with Amias 🩵View all 2,173 comments

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Liked by emilyb_, trinity_fatu, uceyjucey, and 432,373 others
charmbarbeau A day with Amias 🩵
View all 2,173 comments

The sun shone brightly on our mother-son day out, wrapping us in warmth as Amias and I explored the local park. He giggled with delight, darting between the swings and slides, his laughter echoing in the crisp air.

Today was about us, about enjoying the little moments together. I took in the sight of him, his big brown eyes, and felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Every day with him was a reminder of the joy he brought into my life.

After a fun-filled morning, we returned to the car, both of us a bit weary but happy. I secured him back into his car seat, and as I drove home, I replayed the day's highlights in my mind—the way he squealed on the swings, the little races we had, his insistence on sharing his snack. This was the life I had envisioned for us, a life filled with laughter and love.

However, our peaceful outing came to an abrupt halt as we pulled into our driveway. There, waiting for us, were Joshua and Jeyce.

The sight of Jeyce made Amias' face light up. "Jeyce!" he shouted, excitement bubbling in his voice. I unbuckled Amias from his seat, and he dashed towards his big brother, laughter spilling from his lips.

Joshua approached me, a friendly smile on his face. "I came to see if you and Amias would like to come to my house for a little gathering," he said.

"A little gathering?" I echoed, watching Jeyce chase Amias around the driveway. I could hear the delighted shrieks and giggles as they played, their joy infectious.

"Yeah, just some of my siblings and a few friends," Joshua replied.

I hesitated for just a moment. After our lovely day, part of me wanted to keep that serene vibe, but I knew Joshua's gathering would be filled with love and laughter.

"Okay, let's go!" I decided, excitement tinging my voice.

We climbed into Joshua's car, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation as we made our way to his house.

As we arrived, I was greeted by a lively scene. Joshua's gatherings were never small—friends and family filled the space, the air thick with warmth and noise. Amias wasted no time; he bolted towards the crowd, instantly engulfed by loving arms.

"Okay, you knew to go get my nephew!" Jonathan exclaimed as he scooped Amias into his arms.

Amias hugged him tightly, the two of them a perfect picture of joy. "Hey, buddy, you missed your favorite uncle!" Jonathan said with a playful grin.

"Oh no, I'm his favorite uncle!" Sefa chimed in, tickling Amias, who erupted into a fit of giggles.

The banter continued as all seven of Joshua's brothers playfully argued over who Amias loved the most. I watched, my heart swelling with happiness. It was beautiful to see how wrapped up they all were in Amias' laughter.

"Let me get my nephew!" Thavana said, breaking through the group of men to lift Amias into her arms.

He squealed, clearly enjoying the attention. I stood back, soaking in the moment. It felt good to see Amias be part of this large, boisterous family.

Amidst the chaos, I spotted Jayla, holding her DJI Osmo Pocket 3. She directed the camera at me and Joshua. "Let me get a video of you and Auntie Charm!" she laughed, capturing the moment as Joshua wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"Oh, this is the type of family that teases you to death," I joked, glancing at Joshua.

"Get used to it," Trinity chimed in as she handed me a cup of juice.

I raised an eyebrow at Joshua, who tightened his grip around my shoulders, a hint of possessiveness that made my heart flutter.

"You good?" I asked him, curious.

"Yeah, I'm good. You good?" he replied, his expression sincere.

"I'm hungry, actually," I admitted, my stomach grumbling.

Joshua's arm slipped from my shoulders as he headed towards the kitchen, and I watched him go, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiarity of this setting.

Tookie walked over, a friendly smile on her face. "You two are cute," she said, nudging me lightly.

"If you say so," I replied, a hint of bashfulness creeping in.

"Oh, you in the same boat as me then, where everyone is telling you should be with him but you're like, what the fuck are you all seeing that I'm not?" Tookie laughed, and I nodded in agreement.

"Exactly," I said, chuckling. It was refreshing to connect with someone who understood the dynamics of family and relationships, especially in such a large group.

"I think we're going to be good friends," Tookie concluded, and I felt a warm sense of camaraderie forming.

"Well, our kids are cousins, so we need to stick together," I added, grinning.

Trinity approached with a concerned look on her face, insisting Tookie sit down and handing her a bottle of water. "You get a little dizzy, and now you are being treated like a child," Tookie teased, but I could see the exhaustion on her face.

"Morning sickness?" I asked, understanding.

"Yeah," Tookie replied, looking a bit defeated.

"Oh, my morning sickness was so bad when I was pregnant with Amias, I had to be put on bed rest," I told them, recalling the difficult weeks.

"Really?" Trinity asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, I lost a lot of weight and was in the hospital for a month, then had to get IV fluids and anti-nausea medication," I shared, the memories still vivid.

"I think I need that," Tookie admitted, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Is your morning sickness that bad?" Trinity pressed, concern etched across her features.

"This is the worst case of morning sickness I have ever had," Tookie confessed, her eyes heavy.

"If you suspect you might have hyperemesis gravidarum, you should schedule an appointment with your provider immediately so you can get treatment," I advised. It was important to take these symptoms seriously.

Just then, Joshua returned, a plate piled high with food. "Here you go," he said, handing it to me. I thanked him and took a bite, savoring the flavors.

"Josh, can you make Tookie ginger tea?" I asked, looking at him earnestly.

"I'll make it," Trinity jumped in, already moving toward the kitchen.

"Thanks," Tookie said gratefully.

"You can drink ginger tea 2-3 times daily," I advised her. "I remember when I found out I was pregnant, it was all fun and exciting until I couldn't hold anything down. Ginger was a lifesaver for me. I loved ginger drinks—make sure they contain real ginger, ginger candy, and ginger slices. Once I started feeling nauseated, I would pop a ginger candy in my mouth, and I would immediately feel better."

Joshua frowned, his brow furrowing. "Did you have bad morning sickness?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Yeah, but it was gone by the time I was six months pregnant," I assured him, remembering how relieved I felt when that phase passed.

The gathering continued, filled with laughter and playful teasing, as Amias ran between the arms of his uncles and aunts, oblivious to the adult conversations swirling around him.

I felt content in this moment, surrounded by family, my heart full as I watched my son play.

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