Priority

Chapter Two: Promises

“Naomi you’re going a little overboard over a fucking small bag of weed!” Laith raised his voice.

Naomi tangled her eyes. “Do you not hear yourself right now? You’re almost thirty still acting like a child.” She scolded. “Can you tell me what in world did you need drugs for?”

“I was stressing okay!” Laith barked.

“So you think the sun rises and sets on your ass because you’re stressing? You’re not the only one stressing in this household!” Naomi cleared.

“So tell me why are you stressing?” Laith interrogated.

Naomi sat on their bed. “I’m playing both mommy and daddy, my husband has to get his shit together because we have a child in our lives, I want our daughter to be in school and I want to stop lying to our daughter about your lack of efforts of being a father to her.”

“Naomi I’m trying.” Laith admitted.

Naomi chuckled. “You’re not trying hard enough.”

Laith kissed his teeth in annoyance. “I’m trying my best to provide for this family.”

“Mommy! Daddy!” Layla sauntered into the room wiping her eyes. “Why are you fighting?”

“Mommy and daddy aren’t fighting Layla bug… We were only debating.” Laith picked up Layla and smooched her cheeks.

Naomi blew air out of her cheeks and went outside on their bedroom balcony to cool off.

“Daddy?” Layla tapped on Laith’s chest. “Is mommy mad at you?”

“Yes Layla bug mommy is mad at me and she has every right to be. I know it’s not fair to the both of you that I’m not home often to spend time with my two favorite girls in the world and I know that I can’t keep neglecting my responsibilities as a father and a husband.” Laith stated.

Layla glanced up at Laith. “Um… I don’t know what you’re saying daddy. Can I have some ice cream?”

“Did you have ice cream today?” Laith peered down at Layla awaiting her answer.

“Uh…” Layla tried to remember. “Yes… oops I pinky swore mommy.” She covered her mouth.

Laith took Layla down into the kitchen to fix her a bowl of ice cream like she wanted. He then escorted her into her room and turned on a Disney princess movie for her to watch as he and Naomi talked in private.

Layla sat on the bed and enjoyed her ice cream as Laith returned back upstairs to their bedroom. He went out onto the balcony where he spotted Naomi gazing at the night sky.

“Naomi we’re not done talking about this.” Laith informed.

“Well I’m done talking about it.” Naomi dismissed.

Laith sauntered over to Naomi. “You're having our daughter lie to me?”

Naomi turned around and pushed her hair back. “Laith please. I’m done arguing with you.”

“You’re not listening to me! You’re telling Layla to lie to me!” Laith told.

“UGH! Laith it was only over ice cream! You’re not even trying to take the time to get to know our daughter!” Naomi gushed.

Laith did a small laugh. “You’re trying to flip the script and pin this all on me.”

“It started because of you anyways!” Naomi got in Laith’s face.

“Naomi get out my face.” Laith looked down at Naomi.

Naomi twisted her eyes. “I can’t stand you sometimes Laith! It’s the same shit with you.”