Don't Leave Me

Part One

Chidi Anagonye was living a pretty good life if he did say so himself. It had been two years that he and his wife had been married, and they now had a beautiful baby girl. Phoenix Simone Anagonye had almost been put up for adoption, out of Eleanor Shellstrop-Anagonye's frantic worries if she would be a good parent. But after a conversation with her husband and Tahani Al- Jamil (her best friend), she had finally agreed to keep it.

"You're being ridiculous." The blonde said to him the next morning, taking a gentle sip of her coffee as she fed the baby with the other hand. He phone rested in between her cheek and her shoulder, "There's no reason to panic, babe. I'm sure everything is alright."

The blonde paused for a moment, "Are you sure?" The shorter girl sighed and shook her head, "Fine, I'll be there. What time again? You know what, just text me the details and I'll leave as soon as I can. Is it alright if I bring Phini? I don't think I have time to call a sitter in such a short amount of time. Oh, awesome! Yeah, I'll be there as soon as I can." The call ended and she set her phone down next to her mug.

"Tahani?"

"Yep." Eleanor answered, "Apparently there's this big event and Kamilah is going to be there. I guess he doesn't want to go alone."

"I thought she and her sister worked everything out, though?"

"Maybe. But I don't think her parents know that." The blonde rolled her eyes, "And God forbid it sure would be terrible if two sisters got along." She said sarcastically, "So I guess I'm there for support or something. To be there in case her parents or sister get out of line."

"...And you're bringing Phoenix with you?"

"Chill man, she'll be fine. I'm bringing my big tote and I'll be filling it with all her crap. Food, diapers, toys, all that shit. Which reminds me, I need her car seat. It's in your Handa, right?"

Chidi nodded and went to go grab it, clicking it in the backseat of Eleanor's own car. He came back in and smiled as he watched her packing everything up (even a first aid kit).

"And who said you wouldn't be a good Mom?" He quipped.

"Basically everybody." She said.

He laughed at his wife, "Well, I have to head off to work. I'll see you two when I get back, alright?" He kissed her goodbye and drove off in his own car. Eleanor swooped into action, getting dressed business-casual as quickly as she could. She carried Phoenix gently in her arms, strapping her into her carrier in the backseat.

Then she drove off.

She arrived at the Al-Jamil mansion in no less than 15 minutes. The family had rented it on HeirB&B, so it was much more convenient for the blonde. She picked up her baby's carrier and brought her inside, smiling at the sight of her best friend.

"So glad you could come, darling," Tahani said, kissing the blonde on both cheeks in the polite British way, "How is Phoenix?"

"Pretty good. Heads up though, I'll probably have to duck outta here if she gets too cranky. That's how you know she's tired. You don't mind, right?"

"Oh, no darling, not at all!" The taller girl brushed it off with a wave of her hand, "I completely understand."

A waiter walked towards the two offering champagne, and the blonde quickly picked up a champagne flute and swallowed it down quickly. She set it down on a nearby table, and then was soon greeted by the Al-Jamil parents.