A Chance for Growth

It's Always Something

A Few Months Later

Taraji hung up the phone, putting in the cake order for Brey's 7th birthday. Since Terry was still out of town filming, she was making sure this party would be something Aubrey would love. The little girl was already sad that Terry wouldn't be able to come back and celebrate with them. Cel sat on the floor, watching Taraji check off her list. "Why does she get to have this big party? She's just turning 7. What's the big deal?" He asked, sulking since Taraji wasn't paying him any mind all day.

"Well when your 8th birthday comes around, I don't want to hear what kind of party you want. You're getting a single cupcake and 1 scoop of ice cream that's it," Taraji said, not looking at her whining son. "That's not fair!" He shouted. She glared at him, making him cower, apologizing for raising his voice. "Fine, she can have her dumb party," he stood up, going to his room. Taraji sighed, glad that he got out of her face. She picked up the phone again, calling Terry. "Hey baby. Perfect timing, I'm just leaving set. What's up?" He asked, sounding excited.

"Your son is driving me up the wall about Brey's party. He acts like he doesn't get the parties he want for his birthday too," she vented, going to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. "He'll get over it. How are you my beautiful queen?" He said in a low tone. "Tired. I miss you daddy. You've been gone too long," she pouted. He chuckled, biting his lip as he thought about the things he was going to do to her when he got back home. "Just 2 and a half months left babe. That's all. Is everything in order?" He questioned, getting into a car, heading back to his hotel.

"Yeah, pretty much. I decided to leave the vanity in the room. She can decorate it and do whatever she wants to it. It's cute. You'll love her room. She's already started putting up her Pocahontas posters on the wall," her voice carrying so much love for the girl. Terry smiled, loving how happy Taraji was, even if Brey wasn't her biological daughter. It started him thinking about having another baby again. He wanted a second child with Taraji, and the desire was burning wild within himself. He wished he was home now so they could get some baby making practice in.

"I'll see it when I come home. I put some more money into your account. Should be enough to get her gifts and what not. Are you sure you don't want to fly out here for a couple of days? I'm going through withdrawals and I know you miss daddy dick," he spat out in a sultry tone. She blushed, trying to hide her face as if someone was watching her. "I'm sure. It's getting close to the holidays and I already have to take off around Christmas to go film. I don't need to lose anymore hours," Terry huffed in the phone. He had something he wanted to run by her. "You know, you don't need that job," he started his rant.

"Yeaaaaahhh whatever. I'm not quitting until I start getting real movie roles. I gotta make real money, so get off me," she shut him down. He let out a chuckle, "I wish I was on you, but you won't bring yo ass to Cali." She placed her cup of tea down, holding a big smile. "Bye Terrence, I have to go pick up my child," she let out, looking at the time. Terry paused, catching the "my" term. "Your child?" He fed into the urge to mess with her. "Brey. I have to go pick up Brey. Bye I love you," she rushed out, not giving him time to respond before hanging up.

She didn't know why she thought he would make a big deal about her saying it, but she didn't want him to know that she sees Aubrey as her own child, because he would go overboard with future plans. As much as the little girl was around and had grown attached to her, she couldn't help but to see Aubrey as her child. She fights for her just as much she does for Marcel and if that wasn't a true mother, then what was? She grabbed her purse and keys, yelling for Marcel to come downstairs. "Why do we have to go get her? She can just stay at Grandma Alice house for once," he complained.

"Marcel, zip it. You act like you don't know the routine. Imma leave you at Alice's house if you keep it up. Now move to the car. Let's go," she bossed. He marched out the door, leaving her to lock up the house. They made their way to Alice's, seeing Chris outside. "Hey Cel!" She waved as they got out the car. "Chris! Tell mama that yall want to keep Aubrey," Cel pouted, hugging Chris. She shook her head, looking at Taraji. "Nah yall can take that little cock block. She's too needy when you aren't around for her to bother. I mean you are her big brother. She misses you," Chris told the boy. He let her go and stormed in the house, mad that no one would support his desire to keep Aubrey away from the house.