“I’m not finishing shit unless you promise me Tamia will remain unharmed.”
Simon let out a sigh of frustration before responding.
“I give you my word. Tamia will remain unharmed.”
Olivia nodded before she walked into the bathroom and filled the Jacuzzi tub with hot water and bubbles. She sat on the edge of the tub as she thought about Charles and the affairs he’d had before he became a judge. Olivia considered herself lucky to have a man like Charles Mitchell on her arms. They met their sophomore year of college and got married right after graduation. Olivia knew Charles had a healthy appetite for women, but she thought his whorish ways would subside when they got married. She thought they did until she discovered his mistress a few years after their daughter was born. Olivia was devastated about his affair, but leaving wasn’t an option for her. When he told her he had another daughter, she dealt with it and encouraged him to be there for her the best he could. Even though she encouraged it, it didn’t mean she liked the fact that her husband had an outside baby.
When Charles decided to become a judge, Olivia was excited about the change, especially since he was going to cut off his mistress and other child. She was happy with the change and was able to put all of his mistakes and infidelities behind her. Everything was finally perfect between them for about two and half years. That was when Olivia noticed that Charles was no longer as happy as she was. Deep down, she knew a part of him was missing either his child or his mistress, but that didn’t stop her from trying to keep her marriage alive. When Tamia connected with Cashmere, his joy came back and that was the day she felt as though she had lost her husband.
Olivia was snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Simon yelling. Turning off the water, she rushed out to the bedroom where Simon was pacing the floor.
“Simon, what’s wrong?”
“They’re alive!”
“Who?”
“Tamia’s sisters. One of them is in a coma, but they’re alive! What the fuck!” He threw his phone across the room.
Olivia couldn’t help the smirk that spread across her face. She admired how strong the girls were and it reminded her of Charles. Charles was one of the strongest men she knew. Not just physically, but mentally, and the fact that both girls had survived tragic incidents let her know where they got their strength from.
“Don’t worry about it, Simon. We’ll figure something out.”
She turned on her heels and walked back into the bathroom. Olivia untied her robe, letting it fall to the floor before she got in the tub. She laid her head back and closed her eyes as she thought of a plan of her own. Olivia felt that since the girls survived, it was a sign that it wasn’t their time to go. She knew she was wrong for being a part of such a treacherous plan and that it was time for her to make this situation right. Her relationship with Tamia was already ruined, and she was sure that Charles was never going to forgive her for what she had done. So, Olivia figured she would put a plan together that would save her daughter’s newfound family, get rid of Simon and set her free from the miserable life she lived. Although she wouldn’t have her daughter or husband in it, Olivia would have a chance to start her life all over and finally be happy.
61
A week had passed since Cashmere’s car accident and Ramsey hadn’t left his fiancée’s side. Randall brought him everything he’d asked for and his family never missed a day to visit. Each day that passed, he prayed that God would show him a sign that Cashmere would start breathing on her own. When the doctor did her final rounds for the night, she turned the ventilator off to see if she would do just that, and after seconds of waiting, the monitor indicated that she was in fact breathing on her own. Ramsey said a silent prayer and the doctor informed him that it took some people a lot longer to breathe on their own while they were in a coma. Dr. Jordan told him that his wife was strong and was hopeful that Cashmere would wake up from her coma. She just couldn't predict when.
It was Friday morning and Ramsey had just gotten finished getting dressed for the day. He was watching TV when the nurse came in to check on Cashmere. After spending a few moments in the room, the nurse asked Ramsey if he needed anything before she left, but Ramsey declined. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and was about to place a call to Cassandra to ask if she could bring Cassi by, but before he could make the call, the room door opened, and in walked Cassandra and his little princess.
“Daddy!” Cassi ran towards him as soon as she was placed on her feet.
“Hey, baby girl!” He scooped her up in his arms, hugging her tightly.
“How are you doin’, Ms. Cassandra?” He stood to hug her.
“I’m doing my best to hold it all together, sweetie. I haven't slept all week. I’ve been too worried about my girls.” She fought back tears.
Ramsey looked at her a little confused because he didn't know who she was referring to when she said “girls.”
“Tamia and Baylynn. They’re my girls, too. When Cashmere and I began to rebuild our relationship, I decided I would treat her sisters like they were my own, no matter who their mothers were, and nothing will ever change that.”
He nodded in understanding, but hearing Baylynn’s name made his balls itch.
“Oh my goodness. When did she start breathing on her own?” Cassandra smiled.
“Last night. The doctor said she’s hopeful that she will wake up from her coma. She just doesn’t know when.”
“That is wonderful news.” She hugged him again.
“Yes, it is. I’m not gonna lie, I was startin’ to think the worse, Ms. Cassandra. I know it’s only been a week, but seein’ her hooked up to that machine was makin’ me depressed.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, but you can’t think like that. Do you hear me? If you are going to marry my daughter, you have to be prepared to be strong for her in her weakest and darkest moments, and that started last week when she got into that accident. I know this is a lot to handle, but you have to be strong for Cash and your little ones, okay?”
Ramsey nodded.
“Now, you go ahead and spend some time with Cassi. I’ll stay here with Cashmere, and don't worry about rushing back. I’ll be fine, so take your time.” Cassandra handed him his coat and Cassi’s baby bag before pushing them out the door.
He saw Dr. Jordan when he was leaving the hospital and informed her that Cassandra was upstairs. Ramsey found his car in the parking lot and unlocked the doors with the remote. After strapping Cassi into her car seat, he jumped behind the wheel, bringing the car to life. As he waited for his car to warm up, his phone began to ring. Pulling the phone out of his pocket and checking the screen, he answered when he saw it was Tamia.
“Hey, sis. What’s goin’ on with you?”
“I’m good. How are Cash and the twins?”
“Cash is breathin’ on her own and the babies gained like three pounds since they were born,” he beamed.
“That’s what’s up! You don't know how worried I’ve been about them,” she admitted.
“So, what’s new on your end?”
“Well, I got something I need to ask you, and something I need to tell you.”
“A’ight.”
“I wanted to ask you if it would be a problem if Baylynn came to the hospital to see Cash?”
He pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it for a moment before placing it back to his ear.
“I know how you feel about her, Ramsey, but at the end of the day, she is still our sister.”
“Yeah. She can come through whenever she’s ready,” he responded dryly.
“Thanks, bro.”
“Yeah, yeah. What else?”
“I found out that my mother is with the man who tried to have us killed.”
“What you mean, us? Somethin’ happened to you, too?”
“Yeah. The night I left the hospital, I went home looking for my mom and ended up being knocked unconscious. If it wasn't for Nick, I’d be dead right now.”
“This shit is crazy. Ya own mother tried to kill you? That’s fucked up!”
“Who you telling? You can’t even imagine how I feel right now, but we need to have a family meeting like asap. We need to discuss how we’re going to handle this situation.”
“I agree because this shit has gone too far. I don't even care about why it happened no more. I’m just ready to put an end to this shit.”
They talked for a few minutes and decided they would have their family meeting that upcoming Monday. When the call ended, he pulled out of the parking lot and decided to get some breakfast from the nearest IHOP. He parked in the closest spot, grabbed Cassi and headed inside. As he approached the hostess booth, the lustful stares that came from the waitresses and customers had him ready to leave, but his hunger made him think twice. As the hostess escorted them to their table, he spotted Manny and Brandi at a nearby table. Without hesitation, he walked over to their table to speak.
“Wassup, cuz?” Ramsey greeted with Cassi in his arms.
“Aw, shit. Wassup with you?” Manny stood, giving him a handshake and a quick hug.
“Have a seat, man.”
Ramsey took a seat on the other side of the booth and the two girls were more than happy to see each other. The men gave the waitress their food and juice orders before she sauntered off. Brandi waved at Ramsey with a smile and he couldn't help but to smile and wave back. The last time he saw Brandi was when they were locked up and Cassi ran over to Manny’s table to see Brandi. Cassi and Brandi could still pass for sisters, but each of the girls resembled their dads.
“They grow up fast, don’t they?” Manny stared at the girls.
“Yeah, they do. I remember when they were first born, and now they’re one year old.”
There was a moment of silence before Ramsey spoke again.
“When the hell did you get out, cuz?”
“I’ve been home for a few weeks now. I’ve been stayin’ with Baylynn and her mom over in Delaware, but shit is a li’l rocky back home,” he sighed.
“What’s goin’ on?”
“Baylynn wants me to tell her the details of her shootin’, but I don't know all the details. I want to tell her, but I don't want her worrying about this shit. I just wanna find out who’s responsible and dead this shit,” he expressed with anger.
“I hear you, and I feel the same way because the niggas who are responsible for her shootin’ are the same niggas that got my shorty laid up in the hospital in a fuckin’ coma,” Ramsey stated through gritted teeth.
“Word?
“Word, bruh.”
“I gots to hear this shit.”
Ramsey explained everything to his cousin, making sure not to leave out any important information. He told him about the meeting that would be taking place on Monday and asked him if he wanted to be there, and Manny agreed. The situation at hand had both of the men’s temper boiling over. Just like Ramsey, Manny had a reputation in the streets as being trigger happy. He didn't need a reason to kill. If a nigga’s handshake didn’t match his smile, he’d peel a nigga’s muffin cap back blue with no hesitation. After learning that someone had it out for the mother of his child, everybody involved had bullets with their names on it.
The waitress arrived minutes later with their food and drinks. They each had an order of pancakes and they cut them into small pieces, poured syrup on them and gave them to the girls. They continued to talk as they ate their food and glanced over at the girls a few times. When they were finished eating, they looked at the girls and their faces were covered with syrup and little pieces of pancakes. Their hands were sticky, and they’d somehow managed to get syrup in their hair. After paying the tab, they gathered their daughters and left the restaurant. The girls began to whine as they tried to jump out of their fathers’ arms, so Ramsey invited them to his house so the girls could finish playing.
When they arrived at the house, they went upstairs to give the girls baths, and once they got them dressed, they grabbed some toys for them to play with and carried them downstairs. Ramsey and Manny watched TV while the girls played on the floor. It felt a little weird for him to be back home without Cashmere being there, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t getting a kick out of watching the girls play together. It reminded him of the times when he used to take both of the girls to his mother’s house so they could spend time with each other. He couldn't help but shake his head at the things he did and how he used to be. It amazed him how he’d grown in the past few months.
After feeding the girls lunch, the girls had fallen asleep and Manny decided it was a good time to hit the road. With Brandi asleep, she wouldn't be able to put up a fight about leaving Cassi. Manny told Ramsey he would hit him up to get the place and time of the meeting before he dipped. Ramsey locked the door before carrying his baby girl upstairs to his room so they could sleep for a couple of hours. He laid Cassi down in his bed and pulled his phone out to call Cassandra. She answered on the second ring.
“Hey, Ramsey. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everythin’ is cool. I’m just callin’ to check in.”
“Cash is the same, but the flowers you had delivered really brightens up the room.”
“Flowers? I didn't have any flowers delivered there.”
“Then who would be sending my baby flowers other than you?”
“Did it come with a card or somethin’?”
“No. No card. No note. Nothing. I’ll get rid of them.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
Ramsey laid on his side of the bed and stared at the ceiling with his jaws tight. The fact that an unknown person had the balls to send his woman flowers added fuel to the fire that was already burning. He felt like someone was trying to play him for sweet. He was getting fed up with this whole ordeal, and the sooner he got this shit over with, the better.
62
Baylynn was chilling on the couch with her mom, watching TV, trying to calm her nerves. The argument she’d had with Manny earlier that day had her heated, and no matter what she did, nothing would calm her down. She was tired of the people she called family avoiding her questions about her accident, and she was beyond pissed. Baylynn was ready to throw a whole tantrum until she got the information she needed.
Fateema was busy doing something on her phone when a call came through on hers. When she saw that it was Tamia, she snatched the phone off the table and walked upstairs to her room where she answered her phone.
“Wassup, sis?” she let her irritation be known.
“Damn, girl. What the hell is wrong with you?”
“I want to know the details of my shootin’, Tamia. I’m tired of y’all swervin’ my questions and shit. You better tell me somethin’,” she fussed.
“Bay, I know you’re frustrated, but I need you to wait until Monday and everything will be explained then.”
“Nah. Fuck that, Tamia. I want to know. RIGHT NOW!”
“Fine.”
Baylynn listened to her sister as she started from the beginning when Olivia told Tamia about her plan to kill her sisters and their mothers. When Tamia got to the part when she called Baylynn to warn her, she was ready to snap, but she didn’t because when she heard what happened to Tamia, she instantly felt bad.
“Damn, Tamia! Ya own mother tried to have you killed, too?”
“I don't think I was supposed to be part of the plan because when she found out the person who was hired to kill me got killed, my mother sounded pretty pissed off when her partner told her it was me.”
“You talked to her?”
“No. Her phone picked up when I was calling her and I heard the convo. You don’t know how hurt I am behind this.” She began to sob.
“Ya mother got some issues, Mia, but don't start blamin’ yourself for what happened. We’re alive and I’m positive that Cashmere is goin’ to pull through.” She tried to cheer her sister up.
“I know, you’re right, but I think thi
s thing goes a little deeper than just my mother’s bitterness. The man said that everything that nigga gave life to has to die. This might have something to do with dad.”
“Dad? What could he have to do with this?”
“I don't know, but I told him about the meeting on Monday and he said he has some info to share with us. Oh, and I spoke to Rams. He said it’s cool for you to visit Cashmere.”
“That’s good. I’ll go see her first thing in the mornin’.”
“Cool, but be prepared to see his family there. They know we’re sisters, but I know the last time you saw them, it wasn't all that great.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m not goin’ to let them stop me from seein’ my damn sister.”
“And don't forget to go to the nursery to see the twins. They’re so adorable,” she cooed.
“A’ight, Mia. Talk to you later.”
Baylynn ended the call, tossing her phone on the bed. As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, everything started making sense to her about the night her family came to see her at the hospital and how her mother said she would handle things her way. Knowing that her mother wanted to seek vengeance on her behalf, as well as her father, made her feel loved. The relationship she had created with her mother was better than ever, and she was glad she had her mother in her life.
A few hours later, Baylynn was back downstairs with her mother, playing Word Cookie on her phone when Manny walked through the door with a sleeping Brandi in his arms. After he placed her in the pack ‘n play, he walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead. Seconds later, Fateema went upstairs, leaving them alone. When her door closed, Manny started the conversation.
“Look, are we good, Baylynn?”
“Yes, bae,” she smiled.
“I’m not mad at you anymore. Tamia told me everythin’.”
“Didn't I tell ya ass I would tell you when I found out everythin’?”
“Yeah, but I felt like you were lyin’ to me, so I took matters into my own hands. Now, how was your day?”
My Other Baby Mama Box Set Page 28
