Omniscient
After revealing the gender, Saint Josiah broke down, tears filling his eyes. He was finally getting his son—a moment that felt like a chance at redemption. His life had been anything but ordinary, but now it seemed like things could fall into place. His parents pulled him into a comforting embrace, while Ambrosine stood nearby, watching in awe. She let them have their moment, reflecting on her own emotions. Her biological mother and Camilla sobbed quietly, the weight of the moment settling over them. This was a pivotal time for Ambrosine—one she hadn't missed out on. She had been denied the natural bond between a mother and daughter for so long, but she wanted to change that.
Without hesitation, she hugged Camilla and Apryl tightly.
"I love you both," she whispered with a soft smile.
"We love you too," they replied, their arms wrapped around her just as tightly.
"You all need to play some of that classic music! I'm so tired of this new stuff. Let me show you what real music sounds like," Camilla spoke up with a playful grin, causing the older guests to nod in agreement.
Moments later, the DJ switched to a timeless tune, one that had everyone up on their feet. Zora was the first to jump in, dancing with Saint Josiah's father, then with Nav. Holding onto a wine cooler, she sang along while two-stepping across the floor.
"You better get down, Z!" one guest shouted.
"These young folks don't know anything about this," Jameson, Saint Josiah's father, chuckled.
"They swear they're ancient," Sabre shook her head, talking to her sisters as she fed her daughter, Sage.
"Right, like we didn't grow up with some real music," Ava, Sabre's sister, added with a laugh.
Apryl danced with Nova and Logan before the DJ transitioned to a fun, energetic line dance, bringing everyone together. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and a sense of unity. This was what made a song, and a moment, unforgettable.
Ambrosine settled onto Saint Josiah's lap, nibbling at her food while swaying to the beat. He wasn't much of a dancer, more of a subtle head-bob kind of guy, but he let her have her moment. Besides, she seemed more focused on the food than the dancing anyway.
The sun was setting, but the energy of the gathering didn't falter. More of Saint Josiah's family arrived after work, their presence adding to the warmth of the evening. For Ambrosine, this night was a turning point—a moment when she truly felt like she had found her place, surrounded by love. She wasn't concerned anymore about getting to know her biological family. God had shown her that sometimes, the people who love you most aren't bound by blood. Strangers had filled her heart in ways her own family never could.
One of those who arrived late was Pablo. He had always been loyal to Apryl, but the idea of expanding their family beyond her frightened him. He was wary of letting Ambrosine and her children in, fearing that if something went wrong with Saint Josiah, the fallout would be severe. Apryl's deep desire for a mother-daughter bond only added to his unease. He wasn't thrilled about her pregnancy either, especially with the possibility of Saint Josiah going legit and leaving the streets behind. That would leave Pablo in a bind, running things alone until he found someone as smart and trustworthy—a rare combination.
As the DJ played a slower, more soothing tune, Apryl, Camilla, and Zora mockingly imitated the long intro, causing laughter to ripple through the crowd. Chasity watched her mother glow, knowing it was nearly time to meet the man who had taken her father's place in Camilla's life. No matter how happy her mother was, Chasity knew no man could ever replace her father's love. But still, she was curious to meet him.
Jah stood nearby, watching Chasity, but his gaze quickly turned heavy with guilt. He had been seeing someone else—Lucki—while keeping Chasity in his life. He kissed Chasity now and then but hadn't let things progress further, scarred from a past betrayal. He knew stringing them both along was wrong, but he craved control over something in his life. His heart was torn between the familiar comfort of Chasity and the excitement of someone new.
Deep down, Chasity knew something was off. She had fallen hard, and now, everything she'd once said about Ambrosine loving too deeply echoed back at her. She was going through the same thing.
Jah, feeling the weight of his actions, grabbed Chasity to dance with her, hoping to gauge her mood. As she sang and drunkenly danced, kissing his face with abandon, the guilt gnawed at him. He knew she was falling harder every day.
"You two look so cute! I better see some grandbabies soon, Chasity!" Camilla joked, kissing Chasity's forehead before heading to pack up some leftovers.
Jah forced a nervous smile, knowing full well that there was a chance he'd never be intimate with Chasity again. In a strange way, the lack of children between them made the situation feel slightly easier to navigate.
Saint Josiah observed the scene, smiling at Ambrosine as she laughed and enjoyed the night. He was glad he had organized this gathering on short notice; everyone was having a good time. But there was something else he needed to say. Making his way toward the DJ booth, he was intercepted by Jah and Nav.
"Yo, Sai, you gotta hear what this fool just told me," Nav glanced at Jah with a smirk.
"Nah, come on, let him enjoy the night," Jah protested.
"What's up?" Saint Josiah asked with a grin.
"Step over here, don't make a scene. There are way too many people around."
"This nigga talking to Lucki," Nav said, raising an eyebrow.
"Lucki? Wait, from high school?" Saint Josiah tried to place the name.
"Yeah, the one with the wide hips," Nav laughed.
"Wait, does Chasity know this?" Saint Josiah asked, his tone serious now.
"No!" Nav blurted out, causing Jah to shift uncomfortably.
"And he's here all cozy with Chas. Lucki ain't valid around here, bro," Nav added, staring Jah down.
Jah sighed, clearly conflicted. "Man, I don't even know how I feel."
"None of us can make the choice for you. Do what's right for you," Saint Josiah said.
"Mannnn listen, Y'all too soft now," Nav shook his head.
"Yeah? And you're always up under Sabre. We hardly see you anymore," Saint Josiah teased.
"Hey, man, she's worth it," Nav smirked.
"Don't talk about my cousin like that," Saint Josiah warned, his face serious.
Moments later, Nova ran up to Saint Josiah, tugging at his shirt, and he scooped her up with a smile.
"Y'all want to meet up tomorrow to talk? Too many open ears here, and I'm trying to clear out my place anyway," Saint Josiah said, shifting the conversation.
"Your place?" Nav raised an eyebrow.
Saint Josiah smirked. "According to my email confirmation this is my place for the weekend."
Jah sighed, running his hand over his face. "Ain't nothing to discuss. Y'all dragging it."
Saint Josiah watched the exchange, shaking his head. "You better get your shit together before this turns into a real issue for you."
"Man, it's already an issue," Nav added, his tone dropping. "You can't play with people's hearts like that, Jah. Especially not family. Yall always around each other. It's gon' get real awkward."
Jah looked down, knowing they were right, but unwilling to admit it. "I'll figure it out."
"Better do it quick, bro," Saint Josiah said. "Before it gets figured out for you."
The tension between the group thickened for a moment, but as the night wore on, it eased into laughter and dancing again. Saint Josiah held Ambrosine close, her laughter echoing as the music played.
He had an announcement to make soon, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy this moment.
