Epilogue.
Three Years Later.
"Kehlani, can you please turn that down? Please."
"But Ma..." the whine and pout combination is brought into play. "This is my favourite song."
"Kehlani."
"Fine." The photographer huffs as the model uses one hand to control the steering wheel, and the other to rub at her head to try and relieve the pain.
"Grandma, where are we going?" A thin voice from the backseat adds to the conversation.
"It's a surprise babygirl." Ashanti closes her eyes tightly to rid herself of the head pain, but it doesn't work. "Just because you did such a good job today."
"Can I know what it is?" The question is accompanied by some kicking of the feet, and Ashanti laughs at her granddaughter's impatience.
"No, because then it won't be a surprise."
"Okay." The combination is used again. "Is Mommy going to be there?" The child's face lights up at the prospect of being able to see her mother again since a few hours ago. There was a void in her life with the gap created from Dinah, and she wanted as much parent time as she could get.
"No sweetie, she's still busy at work." Ashanti watches as the child visibly deflates through the rearview mirror.
"Oh, okay."
She decides not to respond and instead shoots a glance over at the younger woman, who is asleep in the passenger seat. She then moves her eyes back over to the road and is inwardly delighted to find the place she was looking for - not that the bright colours made it hard to find - and pulled into the parking lot.
As soon as the car shut down, the locks opened, alerting a sleeping Kehlani to wake up. "It's funny how you wanted to put the radio on it's loudest, then you ended up falling asleep." Ashanti comments as Kehlani removes the seatbelt from it's hold.
"Yeah, well, not every song is my song." The light skinned woman smacks her lips before reaching for her phone in the cubby. "Are we here?"
"Yup."
"We're here?" Lilly asks, her voice picking up in the excitement of a surprise.
"Yes." The eldest woman smiles at Lilly's tone. "Are your shoes on?"
"Yes." Lilly responds with an obedient tone as she frees herself from the car's hold on her.
"And do you have your bag?" Ashanti questions as she steps out of the car, following Kehlani's lead.
"Yup." The youngest pops the 'p' as she shows her grandmother the rabbit shaped carrier.
"Good." She holds her hand out for Lilly to take. "Let's go then." Lilly follows behind a sleep Kehlani, and next to a still sore Ashanti. "Don't be so sad babygirl, you'll see your mother later."
"I know." Lilly avoids the puddle as she steps onto the sidewalk. "But I miss Mama too."
"I miss her as well sweetie." Ashanti bites her lip as she leads Lilly around the wet patches on the ground. "But she'll be back soon, I'm sure."
"Mhm." Lilly hums and grows quiet as the walk continues. Ashanti sucks her lips in as they approach the building. As soon as Lilly's eyes fall on the end of the journey, they grow wide and light up. "Oh My - Grandma - you took me to the Unicorn Cafe?"
Ashanti smiles at the child's sudden excitement, happy that she's no longer in the sullen mood. "Yes baby. Well, it was a request." She lets up as a waitress comes to the door to assist them. "Hi."
