#3 :: Royal By Name, Loyal By Blood Pt. 3

4.

I Truly Did Love This Man

TANAYAH.

Just as everything is going good a bulldozer comes and wrecks everything. That's how I felt leaving the cemetery. I couldn't believe I lost my brother Reese. On top of that Jayden, Mica and MJ never escaped the fire. Thinking back to that day I'm sure I could have done more to help.

Today was men's day so whenever they get together we'd do our own ladies day. Layla wouldn't be around 'til later though because it was her and Reese's first anniversary. Who would have thought it? Never in my life did I think that Reese would settle down; not only has he settled down they are the only couple who hasn't fallen out. I was proud and happy for them.

Mica and MJ hadn't been feeling well so Jayden stayed at the family home with us. This was the first time we had been at the family home in a while. It felt nice. I always missed this place. I went into my room and it was just how I had left it. I had plans to re-do this room when given the chance.

Mica gave up her room and stayed in Jayden's room with him and MJ so I was going to convert her room to the kid's room. The kids were asleep so I kept them upstairs with Hope. I had really taken a shine to her. As she got older she looked just like Romaine. She was gonna be one in a couple of months. Time flies so quickly. I went downstairs and caught up with the girls. It was nice to catch up. Even Mica came down. She was really sick but she wanted to hang with us.

It was approaching night and we had just finished eating. We were watching a film and I wasn't sure what really happened next. I just know I woke up to smoke. A whole lot of it. I was choking and couldn't see. I could hear screaming. I could hear Chelle. She was screaming "Fire!!! Fire!!!" I couldn't see a fire but I could smell burning. I tried to talk but kept choking. I got up and started hitting everyone.

Everyone was choking but once realization hit, we hit panic mode. All of a sudden I heard a loud explosion. I didn't know where it came from but I ran to the door. I opened it while struggling to breathe. Eventually I caught my breath. Everyone had ran outside to do the same. Then it hit me.

"THE KIDS." I shouted. I went to run back in but my mom stopped me.

"No. The fire men are on their way." She pleaded.

"MOM! I heard Chelle shout fire. I got my twins and Hope inside...if you ain't noticed JAYDEN ain't with us. I can't and won't wait for no damn fire truck."

I pushed past her and ran upstairs. The kids were screaming their lungs off. I grabbed the twins but couldn't see Hope. I panicked. Where was she? I got down the stairs and saw the fire was coming from the back. That was where Jayden's room and the kid's games room was.

As I got to the bottom of the stairs I thanked God knowing I got my kids out in one piece. Then it hit me. I still didn't know what happened to Hope. I turned to go back in and my mom grabbed me again. I didn't know what her problem was.

Why wasn't she helping?

"No. My step daughter is missing I have to find her." I said and pushed her again.

I heard my mom scream my name but I didn't care. I saw Mica run inside. I grabbed her.

"Where you going?" I said choking.

"Jayden and MJ are at the back I need to get them."

Just then there was a massive explosion and the impact flung us across the hallway. As I was trying to get back up I saw Princess and Rochelle run out with Ebony, Chelle, TJ and Marcus. I was glad they were okay. As I ran to help Mica with Jayden and MJ we passed the kitchen where I saw Robin and Hope on the floor.