The Art of Us

Chapter Twenty-Two

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter Twenty-Two

XXXXXXXXX

Camila's POV

I was changing Noah while Normani and Lauren got ready to go to the hospital so Dinah could meet Noah.

"Mama, how come we can't go?" Asher asked, sitting on the changing table beside Noah.

"Because Mom is still weak and seeing all of you might be a bit much for her." I said softly.

Frowning, Asher tilts his head to the side. "But you're taking Avery, Jace, Phoebe, and Aiden too."

I sighed. "Next time, you can come Asher." I said softly.

"No." Asher yelled, throwing a toy car at me.

I caught the car before it could hit me or Noah. "Asher, go to your room right now young man. You are grounded." I said.

"No!" He yells, crossing his arms and glaring at me.

"Yes." I said, pointing towards his room. "Room, now!"

Shaking his head, he stayed where he was sitting. "You're not my boss no more!"

Sighing, I turned away, trying not to get angry with him. I picked Noah up and walked out of the room.

"What's wrong?" Normani asked softly, looking at me.

"Asher's acting up." I said, cradling Noah close to my chest as he falls asleep.

Jace runs over and begins reaching for Lauren. "Up."

"I don't know what's gotten into them." Normani sighed.

"Neither do I." I sighed, watching Lauren pick Jace up without saying a word.

Laying his head on her shoulder, Jace grips onto her cross necklace and closes his eyes.

Lauren rubbed his back softly with her left hand, supporting Jace's weight with her right arm. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

"What's wrong Laur?" I asked softly, stepping closer to her.

She opened her eyes and looked at me, she shook her head.

"Mila, she snapped at Zayn." Normani whispered in my ear.

Frowning, I turn to look at Normani. "When?"

"Last week, after Dinah woke up." She said softly.

Sighing, I pass Noah to Normani before walking over to Lauren and pulling her into my arms, being cautious of Jace.

She buried her face in my shoulder, closing her eyes and leaning into my touch.

"What did he say that upset you?" I whispered in her ear.

She didn't say anything but I felt a tear land on my shoulder.

Kissing her forehead, I sigh and rub her back. "Whatever he did, he's wrong."

She didn't reply and another tear landed on my shoulder.

****

"He's so beautiful." Dinah said softly, running her hand over Noah's cheek.

"He's all you." I said running my fingers through her hair.

Looking up at me, she smiles before looking back down at Noah. "He's got your lips."

"Yeah. But everything else he got from you." I said, smiling at our son.

Noah opened his mouth in a wide yawn and shook his head, kicking his feet, his eyes widening.