In His Mind

13.

MICHIKO

The party was in full swing and the venue we rented out was covered with toddlers. It was mostly children from the daycare and some of Joy's family who had small children. I was exhausted but excited as hell seeing my baby run around enjoying her day. She hadn't stop moving since we arrived and only would give drive by hugs and thank you to me and her grandparents. Everything was going so smoothly that I had relaxed and almost forgot about Rashaad and his mother coming... almost.

I stood off to the side talking with Joy when I saw them walk through the door. There was a couple behind them that I assumed were the friends he mentioned to Joy that morning. I didn't care as long as his pet stayed home. Papi greeted them all, taking the gift they brought and directing them to me and Joy. I sighed unsure of what to do or how to feel. Today was a big day even if only a few of us new it.

"Adrian" Joy hugged Rashaads mother as soon as she was in arms reach "How are you?"

"Pretty good... considering"

I sighed before looking over at her, allowing our eyes to meet. We hadn't seen each other in years. She came to talk shortly after I gave birth right before my mom passed. I didn't have any ill feelings towards his mother, but our relationship was far from what it use to be.

"Hey Ms. Adrian" I smiled

"Michiko" she returned the smile "You've grown into womanhood for sure"

I laughed before moving to hug her. I didn't want it to be awkward between us. Reign loved Joy and I wanted her to love Adrian just the same. I let her go and was quickly side hugged by Rashaad.

"Hey Michi"

"Hey"

"This is my boy Vincent and his wife Laila or Lala"

"Nice too meet you both" I shook their hands

"Same" Laila smiled

"How far along are you?"

"Girl this is month nine! I'm just waiting for little man to pop out"

"Ooh I remember that feeling" I smiled "It'll happen before you know it. And if it doesn't just hop like a Que"

"What?" She laughed

"Yes girl" I laughed at my own memory "Five years ago yesterday, I was at a cook out with my friends joking around with a few bruhz. We started joking around hopping and shit. Next day my water broke"

"Yooo I can't wait to get home" Vincent laughed "Baby you gotta let me record it"

"Shut up!"

"So where's the birthday girl" Adrian spoke

"Oh good luck catching her" Papi walked up "I tried to grab her and she took off like lightening"

"She did run before she walked" Joy joked

"Leave my baby alone" I smiled "They've been going for an hour and a half so I'm gone to real them in soon for food and cake"

"This party is dope" Rashaad looked around

"You know she's extra" Papi laughed

I jokingly rolled my eyes before hearing my name. I turn to see Amir and KD with the cake. I walked over and help set it up on the table. I gave them both hugs, only for Amir to linger longer.

"I see baby dad came"

"Yeah" I smirked "I don't know how I feel just yet but I'm good. I think I'm starting to wish this happen sooner. Explaining it all to Reign is not something I'm looking forward to"