Considering I don't know anyone in Florida that well, I took my job hunting online. I can't be seen just out like that anyway, not my own words.
Jahseh just came from his studio. We never leave the house but I understand why and it's not a problem for me. Everything I need is already here.
"What you doin today?" He quietly spoke. He was trying to burp Azahir, who spent most of the whole day with him downstairs. They probably got songs together and shit.
"Um," I hated hiding stuff from him. "I don't think modeling is working out so I'm looking for something else." I shrug. He smacked his lips.
"Girl, put that stuff up, I gotchu."
"No, Sehseh. I wanna make my own money." I frown at him. "I'm not living off of you alone. I want to bring something in too."
"Then I'll help you get the perfect job." And I know he could.
"Jahseh. No."
Zah burped hella loud, taking some tension away. "Good job, papa." Jah smiled down at him as he yawned and began to sleep.
After situating him in his crib, he sits next to me and puts his arms around me. "What?"
"Can I show you something?" His voice was soft and his eyes never left mine.
I nod, trying not to jump to a any conclusions. He unexpectedly picked me over his shoulder and took me to the guest room. "Jahseh we aren't about to fuck every day. My pussy still hurts-"
"Would you hold up a second?" He chuckled and opens the door. I jump from his grasp and look in the room seeing a bunch of different art supplies, I couldn't even name it all. It looked like heaven on easels.
Then I looked at jahseh. My heaven on earth. My love.
"You didn't even have to do this!" I hit his arm extra hard and jumped on him, hugging him tight.
"Now, you remember that spark you used to tell me about?" He puts his hand on my face. I nod while leaning into his touch. "Find it. Turn it into a fire that burns, aight. Make sure it stings a little. I want you to make another masterpiece for me. I'll be in our room watching the other one." He kissed my lips and fluffed my hair. "Good?"
"I love you."
"Baby, you are my love. I cherish you. You'll see." He smiled one last time before leaving. I couldn't stop smiling. I knew exactly what to make.
——-
Jahseh
"Baby? You still in here?" I knocked on the door to Azzys new art room. She's been here for hours.
"Mhm. I just finished, I think." She answered. I open the door and she was still in her element with canvas facing away from me.
"You said that an hour ago," I chuckled. "Can I see now?"
"Uh, I don't-" I walked over anyway. I can't wait. "Alright."
"Oh my god.." that's all I could say. Even my thoughts were speechless.
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"It's me." I muttered taking in ever detail and brushstroke. She spent so much time on it but now that I see it, I see why and I'm surprised she finished in only a day.
"Do you like it?" She asked, biting her lip. She looked so tired.
"Yes, bubba. I love it. You did amazing. See? Wasn't this better than looking for jobs all day? And stressing? I knew you could do it. What sparked you?" I started to clean the area a little before grabbing her hand.
"You." Her confession made my heart skip a luh beat or two. The only girl to ever give me butterflies. I thought that shit was just for girls.
"C'mon let's go lay down." I kissed her and led her to our room. We undress and get in bed.
"I'm taking us somewhere tomorrow. Should we bring the baby?" He asked.
"Not yet. Could anybody babysit?"
"I got some family that would pay US to babysit him, ta ha." I laughed, pulling my baby mama closer to me. That painting... I can't stop thinking about it. I looked... beautiful. Just like she used to call me. I know I'm ugly but when she drew me or something, it didn't look like the person I saw everyday.
I could see all the good in me. Is that what she sees?
"Goodnight, Daddy Jah."
"See you in the morning, my queen." Mama Riah... please have all my children.
I went to sleep dreaming of my love and our future. I hope she does the same.
••••••
Azariah
The next morning I was so tired still. It's fine though. I'm relieved. I get knocked out of my morning daydream hearing baby noises. Looking at his crib, I see baby Jahmeir holding his feet in his hands and talking to himself in his own words. I get up and take him back to bed with me.
"Good morning, sweet baby." He laughs at me and tries to pull my face off. I kiss his little hands and snuggle further into Jahseh's side as he sleeps.
Us three have become almost inseparable and I couldn't imagine something happening to either of them. Lately I've been having these dreams about growing old in this house with like 10 kids. All with Jahseh.
I let Zah climb over our bodies until he took it upon himself to start smacking Jahseh in the face while he slept. He slowly opens his eyes and smiles when he see us. Instead of saying anything he just sits and stares.
"You alright?" He nods, still smiling.
"You hungry?" I asked. "I'm about to go downstairs and get him a bottle ready."
"We'll eat breakfast out later. Im fine, baby." He kissed both of us before stretching and getting out of bed, not forgetting his journal. He yawns while stretching on his way to the bathroom. Such a cutie.
"I gotta take a shit." He mutters. Nvm.
My phone rings just as I stand up to go downstairs. It's Cleo.
"Hello?" I answer while descending the stairs.
"Hey, love. I didn't wake you, did I?" I smile at her concern.
"No mama, we just got up a minute ago."
"Aw that's good. Do you guys mind if I take Azahir for the day? I understand if you guys don't want me to yet."
"Oh no it's fine! Jah says we were going somewhere today anyway. I might have called you if you hadn't called me first." I tell her truthfully.
"Okay. That works. I'll be there in an hour or so to pick him up. Where you guys going?"
"He won't tell me." I pout while opening the fridge and getting out food.
"Oh I'm asking the wrong person." She laughed. I smile through the phone. "Well I'll let you get your day started. Be there soon. Bye, daughter."
"Bye mama." I laugh and hang up.
"You gon spend the day with g-mama Cleoo! Yuh Huh!" I tickle baby Zahir's stomach and put him in his high chair.
"My mama call you?" Jahseh comes into the kitchen yawning still.
