DESTINED

Chapter 26

The ride from the airport was Naila talking Fatima's ear's off, Zac was focused on the road but Fatima could see that he was hurting.

Fatima: Are you okay baby?

Zac nodded.

Fatima: You're not. Do you need me to drive?

Zac: I'm good, it is what it is. Death happens.

Fatima: Okay, we will talk later when Naila is asleep. I didn't take off work so I have to fly out tomorrow evening.

Zac: I'm just glad you're here now.

Fatima: Always. I just need another nap, I'm exhausted.

Zac: I'm guessing girls night went great.

Fatima: It went I just- where are we going?

Zac: To my family home. Everyone's there and they want to meet you.

Fatima: Who's everyone?

Zac: Uncles, Aunts, cousins and friends.

Fatima: Nope, take me to a hotel.

Naila: No mommy, Ms Karen said she's going to do my nails.

Fatima: Karen?

Zac: She just took her to get breakfast, nothing else.

Fatima: I didn't say anything. You can't paint your nails, you still have school.

Naila: But daddy said it's cool.

Zac: I think mommy is right.

Naila: All the other kids did their nails, I'm the only one. It's not fair.

Fatima: Naila, please not - pull over now! 

Zac: Why?

Fatima covered her mouth and tapped him on the thigh.

Naila: Pull over.

Zac put the blinkers on and drove to the side of the road. Fatima threw up a couple of times.

Zac: How much did you drink?

Fatima: A lot. It was a fun night.

Zac: You can rest when we get there.

Fatima nodded. They arrived at the Taylor home and everyone was in the house discussing the funeral, the family of 3 walked in and it went silent.

Zac: Are we interrupting something?

Bruce: You're just in time.

Zac: Everyone, this is my wife Fatima. Fatima, this is everyone.

Lola: We have names Zac.

Zac: I'm not about to name everyone. What's the topic.

Bruce: Funeral details.

Zac: Let me take my wife upstairs and I'll be down soon. Naila, go join the kids outside.

Naila: I'm going to sleep with mom.

Zac took Fatima to his bedroom and went to join the family.

Bruce: Since the lost son is here, can we continue.

Uncle Joe: Funeral should be Saturday, gives time for those who come from out of state.

Mrs Taylor: Okay. Settled, I'm going to take a nap. Bruce, Zac, please don't kill each other and please don't call me, I'm not in the mood for guests.