Exchange (Sequel)

°Chapter 5

"Happy Birthdayyy tooo youuu----," everyone sang to Tyla.

She was finally two years old.

"Oh now I'm getting old," Tyler said.

"Yeah I know baby." Lamia giggled.

"Mia here go another gift for Tyla. Booger said he couldn't make it, but dropped this off earlier." He handed his girlfriend the gift.

"You know he'll kill you if he hear you calling him that. And, he ain't come because? Prolly with some hoe I'm going to kill him for missing my baby party."

"Mommy, mommy," Tyler Jr tugged at her shirt.

"What little boy?"

"When are all these people leaving? I'm sleepy."

"They'll be leaving soon. You can just go to sleep. I promise no one will ruin your sleep."

"Otay," he walked off into their home.

They all enjoyed one another company for the rest of the evening. Just friends and family.

••6 months later••

"And, Mister Armin you need to make dinner tonight. I'm tired of cooking sir."

"What's on the menu what would you like to eat baby?" He kissed her lips.

Ever since Tyla birthday they've been dating now going on 6 months. He's grown a strong bond with everyone in her life. Especially Armani.

"Doesn't matter. I'm just tired I had a very long day. So, anything would do just fine." She dragged herself to the couch.

"What's the matter? You had a tough day?"

"Yeah. I'm just really tired. Someone called off work last minute and I had to take over their shift so it wasn't the best day ever."

"How about a massage. I'll order some food and feed and bathe Mani."

"NOOO," she jumped up so quick.

"What? What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing. I'll just take care of Armani. Everything else would be fine though." She walked to a giggling Armani and took him to the bathroom.

She knew as a parent her number 1 job was to protect her child. And, despite her and Armin dating for six months she still wasn't comfortable letting someone see her child naked or even dress him.

A mother's duty is to protect while you can. And that's what Elia's trying to accomplish.

"Okay. But, you know I'm here to help. I don't want you to be to stressed out."

"Yeah I know, and I appreciate the fact that you care. I just have a barrier up that's hard to come down. I just need time."

"I understand. Go take care of Armani. I'll straighten up and call for some food."

~~~~~~~~
"Awnnn and look at the love birds," Lamia said. "Y'all out here looking like the first family."

"Girl whoa."

"What's on the agenda?"

"I need to find out what I'm going to do for Mani second birthday. Mickey Mouse or Ninja turtles?"

"Ninja Turtles Elia. He'll die over that."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Elia agreed with her friend.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go plan!" She dragged her friend into the house.

Lamia has always been known to go head over hills for everything. Especially for someone or something she deeply and sincerely cares about.

After about almost two hours of planning Elia, Armin, and Armani went back to Elia home.

"Elia you know I can help out with Armani party. How much do you need?"

"I don't need any help. I want to do this on my own and be independent about it."

"No! I'm done hearing no from you. I want to help, allow me to help you. Your independent and strong because you've been taking care of him since birth.

And for that you are a good mother. I'm not asking to be his father. I'm asking to help out two people I love. So, regardless of what your answer is I'm going to let it be known I'm helping you out."

Elia didn't know what got into her she jumped into his arms. Kissing him passionately.

"Lia," he said between kisses. "What are we doing?" He looked her in her eyes.

"We're making love." He asked no further questions as he carried her to her room bridal style.

Elia was so happy and thankful that Armani wore himself out playing with Tj and Tyla. So he was knocked out for the rest of the night.

She was finally happy to feel a real man touch. The respect and love Armin showed was the many reasons she was falling for him.....