Take Me As I Am: Book Three

Stone Cold

New York City, New York

Kastynn

"I remember the day you called me crying because your back was hurting." My mom says chuckling. "And I was sitting here thinking 'Oh Lord, she's complaining about her back problems when she doesn't even realize that giving birth hurts way worse.'"

"So you're calling me a wimp low key, mama." I chuckle at her.

Looking down at Kaiden's wide eyes, I smile at him and tickle his small belly and watch his eyes widen more as he continues to suck on him pacifier.

My night with Kris was beautiful, and it felt as if we hadn't been apart from each other at all. We've definitely grown up way more, and he's showing me that he's turning into the man that I need for him to be.

I'm sure that I love him and always will, but as of now I just don't think that with both of our situations going on that we even need to stress ourselves out with trying to be together again.

There's no doubt in my mind that I want to be with Kris, but as of now the only thing I'm worried about is being a mother to Kaiden, school, and working on my career.

"So what did you and Ti'Ron do with grand baby yesterday? Y'all bet not be havin' sec with him in the room."

"We had a play date with him and went out into the city to shop. And no mama," I chuckle again. "We do it in every other room but this one."

"Mhmm..." She hums, sighing at the end. "Kori moved back in."

"Why am I surprised?"

If you were to ask me last year if I ever thought Kori would move back in with my mama and daddy, then I woulda said 'Fuck no! You crazy?' As of now, I'm not surprised at all that he's moved back in. This guy, my crazy brother, dropped out of college to be a club promoter. And since he disappeared on us over the summertime and decided to come back right when Kaiden is born, I honestly have no words for him at this point.

I feel like he's throwing his entire life down the drain for a bitch who comes around every blue moon. I know my mama is tired of them, especially the maid, and my dad. If Kori even dared to fuck up with him, then he'll be out on the corner in no time.

"How is him and pops getting along?" I ask my mom, picking Kaiden up and carrying him to the changing table in his room next to ours.

"Baby, they don't even know what that word means."

"When did he move back in?"

"Two weeks ago. Your father doesn't want to see his son fall flat on his ass like he once did. As for your dad, he didn't go off and sell drugs once he did drop out of college the first time. He worked for his dad at this construction site, and held a second job working at the Marriott."

My eyes widen and a smirk forms at the crook of my mouth. "I know he must've been tired then, all the time."

"Girl you don't know half of it. I had to do the same thing when I graduated. It's hard trying I start your career when you're fresh out of college with a degree, even one as promising at mines. I wasn't told that not everyone who gets a degree in Journalism will have a job starting out right after graduation. But... had to learn the hard way. I was working at the Marriott with your dad, and at Walgreens part-time."

"I just want to make sure that doesn't happen to me. I don't even wanna live in New York for the rest of my life, and with you saying that then it just makes me want to stand taller and make sure I don't fall flat on my behind and have to start over-- but smaller."