Amelia’s jaws were tight the entire ride to the mall. She tried to figure out how Baylynn still had enough money to refurnish her house if she was giving her money a few times a month. Just when she thought that she was finally ahead of Baylynn, she realized that even with all the money she had, Amelia still wasn’t on her level. When they arrived at the Christina Mall, Fateema placed Brandi in her stroller and they walked inside going their separate ways. Amelia shopped at Nordstrom’s, Coach, Baby Gap, Pandora and Victoria’s Secret in hopes that it would make her feel better. The retail therapy helped a little but it wasn’t enough to mask the hate that she felt towards her friend.
With plenty of bags in her hand, she headed towards the food court. After finding a table near the restroom, she pulled out her cellphone and texted Baylynn telling her where she was. In response, she texted back that she would meet her in a few. Amelia ordered sandwiches for them from Subway and when she walked back to the table, she spotted Baylynn and they sat down at the table. She passed her friend her food and by the way she snatched the sandwich out of her hand, Amelia knew something was wrong.
“You okay, Bay?”
“Do you really care if I’m okay, Amelia?” she snapped.
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”
The two women stared at each other until Baylynn looked away shaking her head. They ate their food in silence until Fateema walked over smiling from ear to ear. Amelia watched as Baylynn and her mother interacted with each and it reminded her of the relationship she used to have with her mom. Amelia kept her whorish ways a secret because she knew her mother wouldn’t approve but she cherished the relationship they had. A good relationship with her mother was the one thing she had that Baylynn didn’t but as she continued to watch them, she could tell that they were building a strong mother daughter bond.
They decided to leave the mall after they finished their food and headed back to Baylynn’s house. Amelia tried to make small talk with Baylynn but she didn’t respond to anything she asked her. Fateema asked her daughter what was wrong multiple times but she remained silent. Arriving at the house, Baylynn parked the car and grabbed Brandi taking her inside. Amelia helped Fateema with the bags. As she closed the door behind them, Baylynn two pieced her in the face causing her nose to bleed.
“Bitch, what the fuck is your problem!” she wiped the blood from her lip.
“You’re my fuckin’ problem, hoe! All this time, I was wonderin’ who would want to fuck up my relationship with Ramsey and who was blackmailin’ me for bread. I never thought that it was ya ass!” Baylynn let the jabs and haymakers fly sending Amelia to the floor.
Fateema rushed over standing in between them and dodging her daughter’s blows in the process.
“Baylynn, baby. What is goin’ on? Why are you doin’ this to Amelia? She’s like family.”
“Fuck that bitch! She ain’t no family of mine!” she yelled as she tried to go around her mother. “That bitch been blackmailin’ me for weeks. Threatin’ to give up my location to Ramsey just to get money out of me with her hatin’ ass!”
Amelia struggled to get back on her feet. Once she got her balance together, she charged for Baylynn but Fateema interfered.
“Y’all better chill the fuck before I start throwin’ bows up in this motherfucka and neither one of y’all can beat me!”
When Fateema got them calm, Amelia decided not to play dumb and come clean.
“How did you know it was me?”
“Because the text you sent me earlier came from the same phone you sent the photos and the threatnin’ text from.” Baylynn huffed. “You really let your jealousy turn to hate over a nigga that didn’t want you?”
“I let my jealousy turn to hate because I was tired of bein’ second to you! You had a man that came home to you every night and spoiled you rotten while I still had to fuck for money. I fucked Nysir in hopes that he would choose me over you but he didn’t. I couldn’t handle the rejection from him. So, I started sendin’ the pictures to fuck up your relationship with Ramsey. Then, when I put two and two together, I realized that you were the one who set up Ramsey. So, I used that against you to get money so I can move. I came here because you wanted me to come but to be honest, I don’t wanna be nowhere near you. I will always be second to you and I no longer want to be in your shadow.”
“That’s fine with me. I don’t need you as a friend and we damn sure ain’t family. Now get the fuck out my house and make sure you leave everythin’ you bought right here since you brought it with my bread.”
“I hope you rot in hell, you coke fiend.”
“I’ll meet your bitter ass there. With ya hatin’ ass.”
Amelia left the house and didn’t bother closing the door. Jumping in her car, she started the engine and backed out of the driveway with screeching tires. She drove to a nearby hotel and arrived minutes later. After she parked in the lot, she turned the car off and took a minute to get herself together. The argument she had with Baylynn had her blood pressure through the roof and she needed a moment to calm down. Glancing over, she noticed the paper that she snatched off her windshield earlier that day. Amelia opened it and was taken aback by the message.
You think you can do whatever you want and get away with it, you got another fuckin’ thing comin’. Enjoy the your last few days on Earth because after the New Year, you’re a dead bitch.
Amelia checked her surroundings before she balled up the letter and tossed it in her backseat. Her heartbeat increased as she was suddenly scared to get out her car. She had spent so much time putting fear into Baylynn that she didn’t take the time to put herself in her shoes and now that the shoe was on the other foot, she was on the verge of pissing herself. Amelia was clueless as to who left her the death threat but she had to go into hiding until after the New Year.
43
It was a couple of days before Christmas and Cashmere wasn’t in the holiday spirit at all. Although she had decorated her apartment with festive lights and decorated the tree, she was depressed more than ever. Ramsey’s absence was starting to take a toll on her and no matter how much she tried to smile through her pain, the hurt just increased. Cashmere put on the face of bravery when she was around her family and sounded cheery on the phone when they called but when she was alone, all she did was reminisce about the times her and Ramsey shared when he was home. She tried not to get emotional at the thought of him but the tears always managed to fall when she thought of all the times he told her he loved her, the crazy sex sessions they encountered and the laughs they shared. Cashmere was missing the hell out of her man and even though she had thoughts of breaking the promise she made, she never did.
Cashmere had spoken to Ramsey earlier that morning, which put a smile on her face as well as Cassi’s. She expressed how much she missed him and how she was ready for him to come home and Ramsey did the same. He informed her that he would be coming home soon but he didn’t give her a date, which pissed her off but when he told her that he had something special planned for his home coming, she eased up and just went with it. When the call ended, she was feeling a little better and decided to bake some cookies for her and Cassi to snack on.
After placing the chocolate chip cookie dough on the baking pan and placing the pan in the pre-heated oven, her phone began to ring. She looked to see who was calling her and when she saw it was Ryan, she answered.
“Hey honey.”
“Hey preggers. What’s up with you?”
“Nothing much. Just baking some cookies for me and Cassi. How about you?”
“Chilling with Tiffany at Randall’s. I’ve been so busy helping Ramsey’s lawyer gather up all this paperwork for his case while working my other cases that I haven’t had the chance to catch up with my girls.”
“Yeah. Ramsey told me that he will be coming home soon but he didn’t say exactly when. He said something about it being a surprise. Do you know anything about that, Ryan?” Cashmere quizzed.
“I know when he’s c
oming home but I don’t know nothing about a surprise.”
“Mmm hmmm. I know your ass is lying. He told you not to tell me. Didn’t he?”
“You know he did,” she laughed.
“I can’t believe this shit.”
“You’re going to love your surprise though.”
“Whatever. Anyway, what y’all doing today?”
“Just chilling. I did all of my Christmas shopping already. We just got to decorate for the Christmas party Renee is throwing at Randall’s house on Christmas Eve. You and Tamia should help out.”
“That’s cool with me. I need to get out of the house anyway.”
“Cool. We’ll run to the store and get some decorations and the food and I’ll call you when we’re on our way back from the store.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Talk to you later.”
“Aight, Boo.”
Cashmere placed her phone back on the counter before walking in the living room to check on Cassi who was sitting on the floor playing with her toys and watching TV. She was about to sit on the floor with her when someone knocked on her door. Looking through the peep hole, she was surprised to see her mother, Cassandra, on the other side with Tamia standing next to her. She opened the door and moved to side to let them.
“Did y’all come here together?”
“No. Your mom caught me in the parking lot. I was about to call you to let you know she was here but she told me not to.” Tamia took her coat off hanging it the rack.
“I was afraid that if you knew I was here, you wouldn’t want to see me. I really need to talk to you, Cashmere.”
She looked at her mother and then Tamia who was waiting for Cashmere to give her a signal.
“Tamia, can you take Cassi her room for a minute?”
“Sure.”
Tamia placed Cassi on her hip and carried her down the hall. When the door closed, she spoke.
“I’m assuming grandma gave you my address.” Cashmere took a seat on the couch.
“Your assumption is right. Don’t be mad at her, Cash.” Cassandra sat beside her.
“I’m not mad at anybody. I’m just curious as to why you are here.”
“To be honest, I’m here because I miss you, baby.”
Cashmere didn’t respond. She just looked at her mother in disbelief.
“You don’t believe me?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Well, I do, Cashmere. When I left you here with grandma, I didn’t realize what I was walking away from or how it would affect you. I looked at it as you were starting a new life and I felt like it was time for me to start one as well. I had been your father’s mistress for so long and when he walked away from us to become a judge, all I cared about was my freedom. I thought that my job as a mother was over once you turned eighteen but what I didn’t realize was that a mother’s job is never done. I left you for my own selfish reasons and I just want to apologize for that Cash.” Her mother’s voice quivered.
“And how did you come to this realization because I know you didn’t think of this shit yourself.” She got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen.
“Your grandmother explained some things to me after you left that day. She told me that you graduated from college, about your bookstore and that you’re expecting another baby.” Her mother followed behind her. “I can’t believe that I’m a grandmother.” She smiled.
Cashmere rolled her eyes.
“Baby, I know you’re mad at me and you have every right to be but I want to make things right with us. We were so close before I left. I want us to get back to that point.”
“Why? So, you can up and leave me again when you’re tired of being a parent?”
“I’m not going anywhere Cashmere. I’m here to stay. I’ve been away from my family too long and I want to be with y’all. All of y’all.”
“What you mean all of us?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I don’t have any other children beside you but your sisters are my family because they are connected to you. I know that I was wrong for messing with a married man but that was my choice. I loved your father and being as though that you are his daughter, I need to get use to the other two as well.”
“That’s very mature of you but I’m not sure if I’m ready to forgive you or dad. Y’all are the most selfish ass parents I’ve ever known and to be honest, I think I’m better off without y’all.”
“Please don’t say that, Cashmere. I know that you’re angry at me and your father for walking away from you but you have to understand that parents aren’t perfect. We make mistakes sometimes too but as long as we learn from our mistakes, that’s all that matters. You may think that you’re better off without us but I can reassure you that you’re not. I know deep down that you miss us and I’m here right now telling you I miss you. I can’t change the past, honey. All I want to do is make things better for the future.” Her mother began to cry.
Cashmere didn’t know if it was the hormones that had her so emotional or Casandra’s heart felt words. Whichever one it was made her start crying as well. Embracing in hug, Cashmere hugged her mother tightly and vice versa. They hugged each other for a moment and wiped their tears when they were finished. After crying her eyes out, Cashmere felt like a heavy load was lifted off her shoulders. She thought that her depressing state was from Ramsey being gone. She never factored in the hate and angry she had towards her parents. Knowing that it was going to take some time for them to get close again, Cashmere was willing to best her foot forward to rebuild the bond she once had with her mother.
Minutes later, she called for Tamia to bring Cassi out so her mother could meet her granddaughter. They ate cookies and chilled together for the next couple of hours before her mother had to leave. Cashmere kissed her mother goodbye and locked the door behind her.
“So, how do you feel about your mother being back in the picture?”
“I’m still undecided but I’m willing to try and make things right with her. My damn hormones are all over the place. One minute, I’m mad as hell then the next, I’m all crying and shit.” She chuckled.
“Well, since you’re taking baby steps with your mom, how about you do the same thing with dad?”
“Tamia?”
“He’s been asking about you lately. Plus, I think you should at least tell him thank you for what he did for you?”
“What are you talking about?” she tilted her head to the side.
“I told dad about Ramsey being in jail and that he was set up by his ex. I also told him how much you loved Ramsey and how you were raising his grandchild all by yourself. So, he made a few calls and got his case thrown out. I can’t tell you when he’s coming home but that’s why he’s being released early.” Tamia beamed.
“You got dad to do that for me?”
“Hell yeah! You’re my sister and I’m tired of seeing you suffer. I told you to talk to dad but I knew your stubborn ass wasn’t going to do it. So, I did.”
“I can’t believe he actually did that. I don’t know what to say.” She smiled
“You can go and visit him at his office to tell him thank you.”
“I will as soon as Ramsey comes home. I need to see him with my own two eyes before I thank anybody for anything but thank you for putting the bug in dad’s ear, sis.” Cashmere hugged her.
“No problem, girl. Oh and dad found the girl that might be our sister and they did an at home DNA test. He got the results the other day.”
“Well, what’s the verdict?”
“We definitely have another sister.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“We can reach out to her or wait for dad to set something up.”
“You can reach out to her and tell me what you think of her,” Cashmere insisted.
“Why do I have to do it?”
“Because you’re the oldest.” She laughed.
“Fine.” Tamia rolled her eyes
Cashmere couldn’t believe that her father
had gotten Ramsey an early release and his case thrown out. Her mood did a 360 degree turn around and her heart was overwhelmed with joy. The ill feelings that she had towards her father didn’t fade away completely but because of what he did for her, they were slowly starting to subside. Cashmere was feeling good about making amends with her family and the secrets that were exposed while they were trying find out about their sister no longer hurt as much. She was looking forward to meeting her sister and starting a new chapter in her life.
44
The days leading up to Christmas, Baylynn was no longer in the holiday spirit after learning that the person that was closest to her betrayed her in the worst way. She couldn’t believe that Amelia was the one who was praying on her downfall and the lengths she went through to make her life miserable. Words couldn’t describe her hurt but she was glad that she found out about Amelia and her fuckery before things got any worse.
Christmas day brought her a little bit of joy as she watched Brandi and her mother open their gifts and was surprised when her mother gave her numerous of gifts to open. It had been years since she received anything from her mother and just the thought of her mother buying her anything warmed her heart. Baylynn was blown shocked when she unwrapped her Pandora charmed bracelet, earrings, necklace, a couple of purses and a few pairs of heels. Fateema also brought clothes, jewelry and Ugg boots for Brandi. Baylynn brought her mother the latest Gucci purse and filled it with money and an all-expense paid trip to the Bahamas. Her mother had never traveled anywhere outside of Philly before and she figured that her mother needed to start seeing the world. Brandi was happy with all the new clothes, toys and jewelry she received.
My Other Baby Mama Box Set Page 19
