Black Rose

Forty Four

"Ugh." I groaned as I forcefully pulled myself out of bed for the third time tonight. The twins were literally taking turns when it came to disturbing my peaceful sleep. Cayden started it out with a wet diaper while his sister slept through his cries. I cleaned him up and he went back to sleep shortly after, only for Amandla to wake me up with her hysterical cries an hour later. We stayed up close to an hour because I had to breastfeed her and change her diaper. Now, Cayden is wailing obnoxiously loud, giving me no choice but to get up. The time is six thirty in the morning and I probably have slept a total of two hours, if that long. 

"Ok, ok. Mama's here, mama's here." I tried to simmer him down as I cradled him in my arms. His face was wet from the crocodile tears spilling from his eyes.  Peeking in the crib to check on Amandla, I smiled once I saw how she slept without a care in the world. Cayden's cried didn't bother her in the least. I climbed back in bed with him and lifted my shirt to prepare for another breastfeeding. Cayden must have smelled my milk because he moved his head vigorously in search of my boobs. "What's wrong? Are you hungry?" Giggling at his failed attempt, I positioned him on the pillow for support and help latch him onto my breast. I winced as he sucked on my nipple for dear life. Amandla had already sucked me dry earlier, leaving them sore. I stared in his beautiful brown eyes, seeing his father's features in him. It's crazy  how much they resemble one another and Amandla, me. You'd have sworn Raine birth him out of his asshole. Speaking of which, he didn't sleep in the room last night. I honestly don't remember him coming home from work. Hell, I didn't see him at all yesterday. Venus called him for me since I was busy settling in with the babies and he responded saying he'd be home soon, but never showed up. I tried to keep from getting upset because I know he had to play catch up at work, however a call or a simple text informing me of his whereabouts would have sufficed. 

Looking down, I noticed Cayden unlatched himself and dozed back off to sleep with his mouth wide open. I put him on my shoulder and patted his back until a hefty burp escaped his mouth. I checked his diaper and he was still dry, so I lightly placed him back in the crib on the opposite end of his sister. At this rate, I was worn out, however what good would an hour of sleep do me? I went ahead and brushed my teeth and jumped in the shower while I had the chance to. 

My mind randomly went to Bailey and I wondered if she'd gotten arrested out in Bali. We haven't heard from her or saw her around Seattle in months--not that we're waiting for her visit because her disappearance has been pleasant. For the first time I don't have to look over my shoulder, expecting drama to come flying from around the nearest corner. The only chaos that's mandatory for me to deal with is those two in my room and of course Raine when he acts a plump fool. Thinking about him had me rushing to get out of the shower, so I can scour the house for him. With the exception of Mario, he doesn't have any friends who would've let him crashed at their place, so he has to be in here somewhere. I've learned to hear his side of the story now before lashing out about the situation. 

I washed up thoroughly, stepping out of the steaming shower and wrapping my towel around me. Quietly, I opened my closet door in search of something to wear today. A white loose v-neck and gray joggers would work since I had no plans of going anywhere. After I dressed myself, I checked on my babies one more time before looking for their father. He wasn't in either of the upstairs room because Venus and Kelsi were occupying those guestrooms. The game room was empty, the theater was empty, so there is only one other room I'm for sure he has to be. His man cave. Pushing the door open, there he was sleeping in the recliner with his work clothes on. Poor man snores were so loud you'd think he was congested. The fact that he and Cayden slept just alike tickled me. Raine's head was tilted back with his mouth gaped wide open. Since I had no idea when he came in, I left him to his somber and went upstairs to get breakfast started for everyone.