Mama

Chapter Seven

July 2001:

Aaliyah has been here for hours, and we opened up some gifts, she brought me. I decided not to have a baby shower, because I don't like attention on me. Yes, I'm famous, but attention comes with the job.

"I know my godson is going to be so cute and precious." Aaliyah cooed, at my stomach.

"Yeah, cause I'm his mama." I said, drinking my water. I finally chose a name for the baby, and Aaliyah was the first to know.

"Anyways, what's the baby's name?" Aaliyah asked. Perfect timing.

"His name will be Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis." I said, in complete awe.

"You're a black girl from Baltimore, naming your child, who happens to be MY godchild, a weird and stupid name like that? Are you mad?" Aaliyah asked. I became really sensitive, because I really love that name.

"You--you hate me, don't you?" I said, in between tears. I took some Kleenex tissues, and dried my face.

"Look Tone..I'm sorry. I just don't think that's a proper name, for your kid. He's going to get bullied, by many kids." Aaliyah said, wiping my stray tears.

"You're looking out for me and your godbaby, which I love about you, but Keri wanted to have a unique name, starting with the letter 'D', okay?" I said.

"Oh alright, it's whatever," Aaliyah said. "I gotta go now, Damon and I gotta date, later on so..we'll catch up. Bye Denim, I love you." Aaliyah continued, rubbing and kissing my stomach.

"Alright, girl..send Damon my love." I shouted, while she left my bedroom.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll tell him that his biggest fan misses him." Aaliyah joked. She's such a clown, but I love her.

I'm not too sure about this Bahamas trip, I'll see how I will feel; emotionally and physically. Everyday, I feel like I'm going to pop even more, and I'm due in the next five months.

I know that Babygirl is looking out for me, but I just want to be in a happy mindset, and have a great time; not to burden anyone. I also know for SURE, that Aaliyah is bringing Damon, but knowing him, he's going to leave a few days early cause he is a complete work horse.

I'm forever grateful for my family and the love from Aaliyah. I'm a little sadden that Keri's family, besides his youngest sister, Karen has YET to reach me, since his death. According to tabloids, his mother and sister blame me for his death, saying that I said 'he ain't worth shit.' I loved my husband, and I supported his dreams and aspirations.

They always thought that I, Toni Michele, wanted him to work crazy hard, so his bank account could match mine. The truth is that, Keri was always different from the other guys I've dated. Keri was the ultimate gentleman, and he always had a smile on his face, no matter how bad his day was. He supported me through everything. From my bankruptcy, to the abortion, he loved me through it. His mom didn't show up to the wedding, but hey..her loss. We saved $95 thanks to her.

His youngest sister, Karen, loves me. We just had the same vibe and I respected her drive to be an actress. She and I are both Libras, so we really understand each other. She calls me everyday, making sure that the baby and I, are both okay. She's offered me plenty of rides to the doctors, and my Lamaze classes. She's even been my coach, so when I'm in labor, she'll be there to hold my hand.

I asked her to be the baby's godmother, because of her love and dedication towards me. Karen and Keri had the closest relationship, and I never wanted to get in the way. She calls me her big sister, and we're seven years apart. I love her and she loves me.