by Cydney Rax
“Take her where?” he asked.
“I still haven’t held her,” said Eddison.
“Give her to me now,” the nurse demanded.
But Rashad refused to let go. He asked, “Is this a conspiracy?”
“What?” Kiara said, completely horrified.
“How do I know who this woman is?” Rashad said. “She could have went to a uniform store and walked in this place wearing that outfit and flashing a fake badge. It’s not like it’s never happened before.”
“Rashad, you’re crazy.”
“This so-called nurse could be one of this dude’s relatives plotting to steal my daughter from me.”
“You sound like such a fool,” Adina snapped as she stepped back into the room. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve stood outside that door listening. And I’ve had enough of your buffoonery. This baby is your daughter, all right? And if you keep it up, today will be the last time you ever see her again.”
“How dare you threaten me, Adina, over my own child? See, this is why I wish my wife had kicked you to the curb permanently. You’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“I knew her first, Rashad. Who do you think she called when you were treating her like crap, huh? Unlike you, Kiara can’t divorce me. I will always be there.”
“Bull, pure BS,” Rashad told her.
Kiara sat up in bed. “Leave my dear friend out of this, Rashad. Plus you should be more worried about the next baby of yours that’s about to pop out of that awful woman you’re living with. Now hand over Jazz to me. I’m demanding that you leave my room right now. Security is on its way.”
Rashad was tempted to run out of the door holding his daughter in his arms. She was fifty percent his. And he was sick of Kiara’s imperious behavior. He held onto the child for a brief moment longer. The only reason he decided to smile at the baby, tell her he loved her and hand her over to the nurse was because he didn’t want to hurt anymore. He didn’t want to hurt Kiara anymore. For in some strange way, he still loved her.
* * *
Several days later, after Kiara got released, Adina came to pick her up from the hospital. Jazz Eason was in great health and Kiara’s spirits were soaring.
“I feel like I’m in a dream,” she gushed on their way to her house.
“I’m sure you do. I’m glad for you, girl. A lot of women wish they could have one child, let alone two.”
“Well, these tubes will be tied soon.” Kiara laughed.
“Oh, does this mean that you and Eddison are done for good? Because I was really hoping that even though Jazz’s daddy is you-know-who, I still wanted that good man to stay in your life.”
“What man in his right mind would want to be a part of my complicated world, Adina?”
“A man who loves you for you. And if you decide to get your tubes tied, you would completely and totally kill the dream that he might have of being with you and having a child of your own together.”
“I haven’t made a final decision about getting my tubes tied yet. And Eddison has his choice of eligible women who don’t have my issues. I’m sure he’ll find someone else in time.”
“Kiara, it sounds like you’re giving up.”
“I am facing reality. I can’t bear the thought of hurting him any longer. He’s been too good to me.”
“Why not let him continue being good to you? Think about it, all right, sweetie?”
“I’ll think about it later. Leave me alone,” she pouted.
“I will back off. Your life is yours to live.”
Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Kiara’s house. Instead of going through the garage, Adina insisted they enter through the front entrance. Adina led the way and quietly rang the doorbell.
“You’re so silly. Just use my key. It’s in my purse.”
“No, thank you.”
The door swung open. Mama Flora, the woman who raised Kiara, was there to greet them. And John, her grand pop, was standing there, too. Married over forty years, at one time the couple had inspired her with their long union. And although Grand Pop at one time threatened to leave his wife, there he was, still in the picture.
“There’s my Sugah and my new great-grandbaby,” he said. “And my beautiful granddaughter.”
“Hello, you guys. I’m so surprised. And here I am looking like who did it and why.” Kiara grinned at her grandparents.
“You look like a new mom. Now hand her over.” Mama Flora took Jazz from her hands and resisted the urge to kiss the baby.
Myles dashed out from hiding behind Grand Pop.
“Mommy, did you miss me?” he asked. “I missed you. Where’s my baby sister? I made her a present.” She had wanted Myles to visit her while she was in the hospital but due to the emergency surgery, she decided to wait to see her son until she got home.
“Ohhh, my precious Myles, God, I missed you sooo much. I hope you were a good boy while I was in the hospital.”
Kiara bit her bottom lip. Seeing her family surround her with their love and support made her so incredibly thankful. And in that moment, she felt hopeful that she’d have the strength she’d need to get through this season of her life. Kiara had always been incredibly independent. Maybe it was time she learned to let those who loved her give her a helping hand.
“You all are a lifesaver,” she hollered to Flora and John.
“That’s why we are here,” said Grand Pop.
Kiara ventured farther inside the house and ran into Tony Fu, her favorite employee among those that worked for her at TSWU. He was in the kitchen, wearing his headphones and putting the finishing touches on some cupcakes that he baked with the help of Myles. When he spotted Kiara, he broke out in a shuffle and made Kiara laugh. “What the hell? Tony, hello, my friend.” She couldn’t stop giggling. “I never expected all these people to be up in my house. Y’all some sneaky-ass devious people.”
Adina had hauled in her travel bag from the car. “Tony, please be a sweetie and go get some more of Kiara’s things. They’re in the trunk.”
Kiara walked into the media room, which was decorated from floor to ceiling with dozens of balloons and streamers.
A huge banner with the words “Welcome Home, Jazz and Kiara” was strung across one wall.
“You all outdid yourselves. And I love you for it.”
“Kiara, we’ll take care of the baby and settle her in the nursery. You go to your room and maybe get into a nice change of clothes. We’ve cooked and we’re sure you’re starving by now.” That was Grandma Flora.
“Yes, ma’am. And thank you.” She stared at Mama Flora and noticed her maternal ways; Mama Flora loved to dote on Kiara. If she noted a hair out of place, she was standing at her granddaughter’s side, putting each strand of hair into place. She was always offering her something to eat, offering her spending money, or just being there when she needed her.
Flora’s nurturing presence instantly made Kiara think about her biological mother. Even though she never really knew what it was like to have a mother, Kiara wished so badly that her mom was around to share in this moment.
Pamela Banks had been dead thirty-five years. Kiara had no true memories of her, yet each time a special occasion happened in her life, Kiara yearned for Pamela. She imagined that her mom would be so happy that their family now consisted of three generations.
Kiara took that moment to go and find her daughter. She wished she could tell her everything Flora had told her about the woman. Her daughter was awake. When Kiara looked into Jazz’s eyes, she knew it was a reflection of her mother Pamela staring back at her. It was her mom’s way of letting her know that, although she was gone, she still knew what was happening in her daughter’s life.
“You’re a special little girl and I love you very much.”
Kiara softly said good-bye to Jazz and handed her over to Mama Flora. As she walked down the hall and into her bedroom, she wiped away a stray tear. Mourning for something you lost was a lifelong proces
s.
Kiara quietly shut her bedroom door and placed her purse on top of her bed. She heard noise in her bathroom.
“What the hell?”
When she opened the door to her bathroom, she saw petals floating on top of some bathwater. Smooth jazz music played in the background.
“You finally decided to come back where you belong,” he said, “with me.”
Eddison grabbed Kiara in his arms and lovingly kissed her forehead.
“Oh my God. I-I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.”
“You know me better than that,” he told her.
Kiara threw her arms tightly around Eddison’s neck. “I swear you must be the best man, or the craziest man, in the entire world.”
“I love you, man,” he said teasingly.
Kiara lost it. She slumped to the floor and had a good cry. Her world felt so unreal and it finally hit her. “I think I’ve wanted this type of love for so long, that when I finally got it, I could not recognize it. But I get it now, I get it!”
“Babe, everything is going to be all right,” Eddison told her in a soothing tone. “Okay, the kid is not my child. We are going to figure out a way to get through this. But the first order of business is for you to take off those clothes. Wait. You don’t even have to do that. I’ll take them off for you.”
And he did. Eddison helped Kiara to her feet. He unbuttoned her loose-fitting blouse and placed it on the bed. He pulled the skirt she wore over her legs. He unhooked her bra and kissed her shoulders. “I feel too dirty,” she complained. He hugged her anyway.
Eddison stood in front of her and without his eyes ever leaving hers, he slid her big maternity underwear down her thighs, over her knees, and down to her ankles. He took in her nakedness. The fullness of her breasts, the broadness of her shoulders. Her delicate arms, shapely legs and hips, and even the scar left from her being stitched up after surgery. Eddison’s facial expression said he appreciated everything he saw. When Kiara tried to cover her incision, he playfully slapped at her hands.
“You are beautiful.”
She willingly fell in his arms. “I don’t know why you’re feeling me the way you do, but I’m so happy that I have you.” She felt grateful that she had a good man whose love was real, genuine, and unconditional.
“I love you, Kiara.”
She nodded, kissed his lips. They were hungry for each other, and it felt good to open up her heart and let love in.
They bathed together and she enjoyed every second. Kiara carefully washed Eddison’s body just like he washed hers. She noticed some freckles that she’d never seen before. She saw some scrapes and blemishes on his legs. She recognized her man wasn’t perfect; he had minor flaws, but the love he had for her seemed to erase his imperfections. His love made Kiara want to try to love again and give it her all.
She felt she deserved that and knew that Eddison deserved it, too.
Chapter 12
Eminence Forever
Five weeks after Kiara gave birth to Jahzara, everyone in the Communications Department received pink, green, and white card stock invitations in their office mailboxes. Even Alexis got one. She stood with her mouth wide open as she read the wording:
You Are Cordially Invited to the Baby Shower
Honoring Nicole Kelly Greene
To Welcome
Her Baby Girl
Eminence Forever
Hosted by Shyla Perry-Fallender
On
Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m.
at 8423 Dashwood Lane, Houston, TX
Nicole is registered at
Eddie Bauer, Babies “R” Us, and Target
Later that day after work, Alexis decided to pay Kiara a visit. She wanted to see Jazzy and check on how the new mom was doing. After they gossiped a bit and retreated to the large family room, Alexis made sure that the baby was sleep and that Kiara was sitting down before she handed her the envelope.
“What’s this?” Kiara asked.
“You’ll see.”
Kiara read the invite. She stood up. She sat back down.
“What?”
“Yes. Yes.”
“She’s naming her baby Eminence?”
“Can you believe that?”
“And they are having the shower at her place? Where Rashad stays?”
“I was afraid to tell you, but I thought you should know—”
“How utterly disrespectful. The judge is scheduled to grant the divorce in a few weeks, but for right now we’re still legally attached. What would it look like if people come to her baby shower and see that Eason and Son van up in her driveway? Why can’t she have her shower somewhere else? That burns me up. I don’t know where my phone is. Can you please get Rashad on your cell phone for me?”
Alexis paused and chose her words carefully.
“Kiara, I know you’re freaking out about Nicole’s insensitivity and you’re right to feel that way, but isn’t it time that you truly let him go?”
“What are you talking about? I’m not thinking about that man.”
“Then why are some of his things still in this house? Little things I’ve noticed; but with all due respect, stuff that should not be here.”
Kiara was tongue-tied as she examined her surroundings. Her eyes rested on the pine bookcase with six wide shelves. It held at least fifteen dusty construction industry reference books. Funny! She hadn’t noticed them until now. Upon further scrutiny, she even detected a few mementos that prominently displayed the Eason & Son logo. When she thought about it, she actually still had some of Rashad’s personal effects in the closet of her bedroom: Valentine’s Day celebration photos, touching little notes and greeting cards, and a couple of giant teddy bears that meant everything to her years ago but disgusted her now. Making a mental note, she realized it was way past time to completely be free of anything that reminded her of Rashad’s time as her spouse.
“Alexis, thanks for opening up my blinded eyes. I’ve been so busy and probably never would have noticed,” Kiara said in all sincerity. “All of his shit has got to go. Now I need you to get him on the phone, because I still won’t have Nicole Greene continue to act slick and do this highly inappropriate baby shower.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Alexis was more than willing to do whatever Kiara asked. Ever since little Jazz was born, she and Kiara had made a truce.
It happened unexpectedly.
Kiara’s body was healing and she was still on maternity leave, but she had cabin fever. When her daughter was four weeks old, she bundled up the baby. They went for a long ride. She ended up outside the building where she worked on the college campus. Shyla Perry-Fallender happened to be walking past just as Kiara arrived and parked. Shyla texted Nicole that the baby just arrived and she should come see. It wasn’t long before a tiny crowd of Kiara’s staff had gathered next to her vehicle, smiling and waving at Jazz.
When Nicole blurted, “I’m not sure who this baby looks like,” Alexis jumped in.
“Little Jazz is legitimate. She’s born inside of a marriage. That’s the only thing that sensible people need to know.”
Nicole shut her mouth. And Kiara knew Alexis had her back from then on. And she promised to do the same for Alexis, no hard feelings.
So after Alexis spoke with Rashad on the phone, the two women chatted and took care of Jazz. Less than twenty minutes later, Rashad pulled up in the driveway of the Fresno house. He got out of the car and felt a jolt of nostalgia. There were the potted plants that he’d bought for Kiara a couple years ago. And he recognized the wooden bench that a carpenter friend had made especially for him.
“Pieces of me are still here,” he said with pride as he traveled up the walkway and rang the doorbell.
Alexis let him in.
“Well, damn, it’s like that?”
“It’s like that,” she said.
“And knowing Kiara, she’s probably the one that gave you the bright idea to file for child support. I was already taking care of Ha
yley. So did Kiara put you up to getting the courts involved?”
“You’re so off base, Rashad, it’s laughable.”
“Why’d you have to go and do something like that when we had our own financial arrangement?”
“Because of that insane chick that you live with . . . I had to protect my daughter. Couldn’t take any chances. Plus the extra hundreds of dollars a month truly helps out.”
“I love my daughter and will do whatever to help her, but don’t remind me.”
“Bye, Rashad.”
At that, Alexis made herself disappear so he and Kiara could have some privacy.
Rashad looked around the house, scoping out anything that seemed foreign and different.
Kiara was waiting on him. He said hello to her before he started rambling. “Man, I miss this house. I can remember the day we closed on this place and moved in. All those damned boxes scattered everywhere. Remember that, Ki?”
“Ki? You haven’t called me that in I don’t know when.”
“Tell me about it.”
Kiara discreetly looked at his left hand. He wasn’t wearing his wedding band. Good!
“Anyway, it feels weird to be back in this house. It kind of smells the same . . . except more like a baby . . .”
He kept babbling on and on until Kiara said, “Please be quiet, Rashad.”
She invited him to go sit in the dining room.
“Have a seat.”
He sat.
“There’d be very few reasons that I’d want to see you back on these premises, Rashad, but something has happened that I think you need to handle.”
“What? What happened? Are the kids all right?”
“Here, look at this.”
She handed him the shower invitation.
“This,” she said, “is an insult.”
“What? Oh. Yeah.”
“What’s up with that name?”
