Federie

8

Amryl

I was excited about today's dinner. I invited Omir and Amari as guests. They were practically family so, no one would consider them guests. I had a new table brought in with chairs for our growing dinner. I worked really hard to make sure everything was perfect for today. I'd been up early getting everything ready.

A few years ago I was on my way out of the mall and out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone following me. I quickly phoned my daddy to tell him. He answered after two rings. "Princess-" I cut him off. "Daddy someone is following me" I said quietly.

For a few seconds he was quiet. He started talking in a rushed tone. Where are you?

I'm downtown LA leaving the mall from the south entrance. I heard clicking.

What does he look like? He finally said

I don't know daddy I'm not trying to look at him. I'm scared and trying to make it to my car. It's dark but I can tell he's really tall. Six feet five maybe. Black, really black. Has on black. I don't know I panicked. I got someone in the area.

I saw the person head towards me. Daddy!

I got her sir I heard him say as I closed my eyes waiting to die. I don't see anyone though. I heard my daddy's voice on this person's phone.

"Daddy?" I finally said as I opened my eyes. "How are you on his phone?"

Princess this is Chris, I hired him to watch over you when your mom signed you away. I'm sorry I scared you by asking him to watch over you tonight. I wasn't going to make it to you and I asked him to work today.

You've had me followed? Daddy I thought your bodyguard was going to kill me.

I'm sorry Princess. He's only there to keep you safe. I'm older now and can't keep up with you anymore. Please don't turn him away as it helps me sleep at night knowing he's watching over you.

Hello Chris I said as he ended the call with my father.

Hello he said. I'm sorry I scared you. I lost you coming down the escalators and wasn't expecting on running directly into you once outside the doors. The tint on the exit doors blocked me from seeing you were right outside the door.

No problem. Okay my car is over here. How long do you watch me?

Just until you're in for the night. I usually stay and hour or so after you get home to make sure you don't come back out and go elsewhere. I noticed you're pretty good about once you get home, staying.

_

This had originally freaked me out, but I knew it calmed my daddy. Made him feel like he was protecting me, so I allowed Chris to follow me.

He was a great help! He was moving stuff for me without hesitation. He ran errands for me and even drove me when I needed him to. He was more like an assistant.

One day a few months ago he asked me if he could hire an extra person to help out as his wife was pregnant and he wanted to be able to go with her to appointments and care for her during this wonderful experience. I agreed.

Devin was like an exact replica of Chris when it came to watching over me and helping with tasks.

They both were helping me get everything set up for the dinner later tonight. They got the table in and setup for me. Devin went to get the extra groceries, I made him a list.

Tonight we were having seafood broil. It was a new sauce I wanted to make and I wanted to try it with tonight's food. I also made old fashioned banana pudding and a pound cake.

I remember when I use to spend a lot of time at Amari's, I always saw Omir pestering his Nana for more banana pudding. I believed she made it everyday for him. I set the table as 5 pm was approaching fast. It was 4:15 and I still needed to get dressed.

I ran upstairs while Devin and Chris greeted everyone coming in. I could hear them as I continued getting dressed. I stood in the mirror. Red dress or blue? I went with the red one and silver heels. I wanted to look really nice as Omir would be here. I let my naturally curly hair fall over my shoulders. I pulled the fly away hairs back and pinned them. My hair had really blossomed when I moved out of my parents home. It was in the middle of my back when I was last there. It now was hanging over my butt. I pushed it all back and spun around to see.

I put on my ear rings, the necklace Omir gave me for my birthday years ago, and a bracelet. I tried not to splurge on myself with the money I made from the law firm. I wanted to always remain humble.

I heard someone coming up the stairs. I looked one last time in the mirror. I grabbed carmex for my lips. Done.

I opened the door to see Chris standing at the top of the stairs. They're waiting boss. I thanked him and watch him grab his chair from the hall closet. He would sit at the top of the stairs while Devin guarded the outside. They blended in well. No one even noticed them.

I walked down the stairs and it was as if everyone stopped to watch. Daddy was smiling from ear to ear. I looked up to see all their happy faces.

Stop it you guys! You're making me nervous I finally said. Serena was the first to tell me how pretty I looked. Everyone was in conversations of their own. I heard someone say this food smells great. I didn't see Omir right off. It made me kind of sad.

I took my seat next to daddy who sat at the top of the table. Mom was sitting on the opposite end. Everyone began sitting down. I heard Jme say who's that headed for Am? I looked to see Omir heading to sit right next to me. Jaye greeted Amari as he pulled the chair out for Selena. All the kids immediately found a seat at the table Chris helped me set for the kids.

Omir: You look amazing! Beautiful as always. You smell like heaven. I don't need any food, I'm full off your beauty. Thank you for inviting me and Mari.

Me: Thanks. You guys are family! Stop it. Come by any time to fill your bellies.

I blushed at his comments. I was hoping no one noticed. Jme never took his eyes off of us, though as he replied almost instantly.

Jme: Who are you sir? Why are you sitting next to my sister?

Omir: I'm Aryan-

Jme: Oh you're the boyfriend that she doesn't have huh? Right sis?

Me: Jme knock it off before I knock your teeth out of your mouth okay? He's my guest tonight, not that I need a reason to invite anyone to MY HOUSE. Mind your business and respect my company. For your information he is now my boyfriend and guess what I've kissed him!

Jme: You f**king my sister?

Omir spit his water out.

Me: Come on Jme seriously knock it off. It's none of your business who I'm sharing a bed with. Just so you know I've slept alone since moving in here. Now stop before your conversation reach the wrong ears.

Mom: You mean mine? I invited someone too. I hope you don't mind. You know her Aryan.

We all turned to see his mom walking in lastly to be seated. Jaye moved over to the other side of his wife to let her sit next to mom. Hello I greeted her. She smiled and looked suspiciously at Omir.

I could see him tense up and get nervous. Wonder what this was all about.

I placed all the food on the table just prior to the first arrival. I ran up and down the stairs getting ready putting things on the table. It kind of tired me out.

Jme: So Aryan how long you and Am been a thing?

Me: Jme leave him alone

Omir: We've been friends since we were kids. She helped my siblings and I with our school work. She's the reason most of us graduated.

Amari: Yes we still send you blessings for it baby sister

Jme: Who are you?

Amari: I'm Amari, Aryan's brother. 

Jaye: He's my friend. So Jeremy, like Am already asked you mind your business.

Jme: Okay I was just wanting to know who these new faces were.

Allyssa: Don't mind him, he's really upset with me over nothing.

Jme: Not now Lyssa.

Allyssa: Don't talk to me like I'm one of the kids.

Me: Jme! Lyssa! What's going on?

Allyssa: I wrecked my car trying to stop Nova from choking on a veggie stick. I asked Jeremy not to give them to her. He snuck her a bag when he put her in the car for me as we were headed to the Mart for a few groceries.

Jme: She eats them fine! You're making this bigger than it needs to be.

Allyssa: I'm sorry our kid choking is so small to you.

Me: Guys! Lyssa we can get you a new car tomorrow. Jme stop being a d**k. The packaging on those things specifically say choking hazard for small children. So Lyssa is not overreacting. Can we not argue with the kids watching us?

Jme: I never seen that on there

Jaye: Yeah bro it's on their

Amari: Yup the top back of the bag. I almost gave Ethan a handful until I seen that.

Me: How are the babies Amari? Thank you for always watching out for me.

Amari: Growing so fast.I'm actually expecting another in November. You know it was nothing for you, baby sister.

Me: Congrats! So happy for you.

Omir: Congrats bro!

Jaye: Congrats!

Everyone else: Congratulations!

Mom: So why don't I know about your boyfriend here? David never told me about him.

Daddy: Because I didn't know about him. Nice to meet you Aryan. You complement my daughter well.

Omir: I only recently told her how I felt about her. I think she was being sarcastic when she spoke to Jeremy about me being her boyfriend. I do hope she'll let me be the man that keeps the smile she has on face, there always.

Me: Aw Omir! Thank You! 

Mom: So what do you do Aryan? Why does she keep calling you Omir?

Cali: I named him Aryan Omir. She is calling him by his middle name which I think is cute. She's beautiful son. Chris I didn't know you had a daughter this gorgeous.

Mom: My only girl. Oh I'm sorry Amryl, this is Cali Grand. I'm sure you know her face as they've already mentioned you helped so many of them with schooling.

Me: Yes, I didn't mind at all. Mrs Grand paid me well for it. I told her I would do it for free.

Nana: I told her she didn't give you enough. You did the job of a mother and you have no kids yet.

I hadn't even saw Nana come in! I quickly browsed everyone sitting at the table. I'm really glad I bought the bigger table now that we had more people. I looked forward to this dinner on Sundays.

Me: Nana you made it!!

I got out of my seat to hug her.

Nana: Yes, I wanted to meet this great cook. I didn't know it was my already granddaughter in love.

Me: I hope you love it.

Everyone began fixing their plates. Soon after everyone began eating, all you could hear was forks scraping the plates.

Jaye: Sis you out did yourself with this sauce.

Jme: Did lover boy help you make this? Because this don't taste like no woman made it

Jaxs: Jeremy shut the h*ll up before I smack you. Sis you did great. My stomach is in heaven right now

Me: Jme whats your problem with me tonight? Did I pee in your cereal this morning or something

Jme: Or something! You're little miss perfect.

Lyssa: Jeremy stop embarrassing yourself. Tell me what's wrong and stop acting like your daughters.

Jme: Shut up Ly-

Daddy: You will not speak to your wife like that! I did not raise you to speak to women this way. Whatever your problem is the HOST has asked you what is the issue. Tell her or shut your mouth, either way you better not disrespect another woman at this table tonight. Or my belt is coming off and your little princesses can watch daddy get a whooping. Understood?

Jme: Yes sir. I'm sorry Lyssa. I'm just stressed. I sorry too Am. Aryanamir I'm sorry for being a d**k.

Omir: I have 5 brothers. You're good.

Lyssa: Stressed about what?

Jme: We can finish this conversation at home, not in front of my family.

Me: Jme I love you and I pray you will let us help you alleviate this stress you're feeling.

I already knew what he was stressing about. He didn't know I had already paid for its replacement. Lyssa's new Jeep Cherokee would be delivered tonight after dinner. I asked them to come around 7pm.

I hired Dave, a personal lawyer, to help me with my firm. I kept him for personal use. Considering what I paid him he didn't take any other clients. I presented him with a proposition, I wanted to pay off the debt of all my family. He searched all of their records and we paid off any debt they had, that we could fine.

When my lease expired at the firm, the owner said I was his best tenant. He presented me with a counter offer. For 100K he would give me the bill of sale for the building. I checked with Dave to finalize everything and purchased it. I hired some IT grads I met while working on my undergraduate studies. They were so good the FEDS consulted us from time to time. We worked closely with the DA's office on a lot of side projects. They paid me government contract money for my services. I, in turn, paid my employees very well for their expertise.

Selena: Am you look absolutely stunning tonight. I hope my future brother is the reason you look about 10 shades happier.

Omir: I hope so too

Cali: You do look very beautiful. I couldn't help but notice that you were glowing.

Nana: Cali don't start your prodding. She's been beautiful. You never paid it attention when she was doing your job and making nice with the school work for your kids.

Cali: Mom I was seconding the compliment she just received. Nothing more. I wasn't implying anything

Omir: Mom, Nana please don't do this tonight. We are guests here.

Amari: Yes mom, Nana save your drama for our house.

Me: Oh you're staying back with your mom Amari?

Amari: Yeah. I didn't like being in a house by myself. It was mad lonely. Also, you know I got really sad when Ella and I split after Emi. I found happiness in being closer to my family. 

Me: I bet Nana loves having you back home.

I tried to keep the atmosphere positive as I know this was a dark time for him. He looked stressed. I see my mom isn't the only one who's sons have to remind her she's in public settings. 

Amari: Yes, you helped me even then, during my dark times. I'm so appreciative for you. I'm so glad my brother is making you smile more. I heard you were sad a little while ago. I was hurt I didn't hear it from you. Congrats to you and my brother. I told him he better not hurt you or I would hurt him, baby sister

Jaye: You wanna die? That's the quickest way to. Hurt our sister and you'll be dead before you can blink

Jme: Training day style. My man!!

Jaxs: I don't even want to think about it! Keep her happy. She's had enough pain. She's only 20 and other than the moms and our dad sitting here, she handled it better than any of us could've.

Selena: Warrior. Mighty. Loving.

Kelly: What does all that mean

Allyssa: Kelly we can explain at a later time. Not tonight. She's been through enough

Mom: They are all referring to me! I hurt her growing up. My mother didn't protect me nor did I protect her. As a matter of fact I was the source of her pain. I'm sorry Amryl. I do love you like I love my sons. You've made your dad and I so proud. I found it hard to love you because I was afraid I'd allow you to be hurt like I was. I was wrong to take my anger out on you and not love you like a daughter's suppose to be loved by her mother. Kelly, I was a terrible mother to her. I was not the mother she needed. I directed my childhood anger towards her from the time she was conceived. I'm so sorry baby girl.

Daddy: Chris! This is why I love you. You're always doing things to surprise me, woman!

By this time I was already crying. Mom never admitted to anyone what she did to me. Let alone apologized for it. Omir put his arm around me pulling me into a hug. I melted in his embrace. Thank you I said as I wiped my face with tissues Selena passed him. I could tell she liked him.

Apryl: Mrs Federie I think that meant a lot to Am. I'm sorry you didn't feel safe as a young girl

Lena: Am you okay?

Nina: Am I don't ever think I have ever seen you cry in person

Rena: Am you've never cried in front of anyone

Ray: Aryan you're doing great. Take care of our girl

Serena: Aryan you that DJ from the party at the summit a few weeks ago?

Omir: Yes that's me.

Serena: You were bomb on the 1's and 2's! NICE!! Thanks for showing us a great time.

Omir: Glad you ladies enjoyed yourselves. To answer your question from earlier Mrs Federie, I have my own business Dj'ing and a clothing line. I have worked with celebrities, other than my brother of course. I love networking.

Mom: Aryan don't be like me and hurt my daughter. She is strong. Even strong people have a weakness,ok? I want to see you more if you're going to date our daughter. Businessman huh? You two are perfectly matched then. She has great business etiquette. I agree with David, you complement each other well.

Daddy: I agree with my wife. We want to see you more. I want to know your intentions with my Princess. Princess are you okay?

Jaye: Sis you good?

Jme: Sis please say something. I'm sorry for being difficult when I got here. I was just stressing about finances and it was getting the best of me. You know I didn't mean it. The last thing I want to do is hurt you too. 

Jaxs: Sis what do you need?

Omir: Love you okay. You want to go outside?

I glanced down at her seeing her sobbing hard quietly. I don't know what everyone is talking about, but I hoped one day she would share with me in more details. I thought the fight was the only thing in her past that pained her, I was wrong. He wounds were deep. She pulled herself together and finally spoke.

Me: Thank you everyone. I always wanted to know what it felt like Mom to hear you say something nice to me. It took me by surprise to hear you apologizing to me. I'm sorry for crying like I am. 

Daddy: Princess I'm sorry too, I didn't protect you better. I failed you as a father. I should've done more. I used unsuccessful tactics to try to persuade your mom to stop. When they didn't work I should've removed you completely from the source of pain. I'm so sorry.

Mom: David I'm sorry I was against you wanting to get me help. I put you in an awkward position. I was difficult to deal with at times, but you still loved me. You didn't deserve how I treated you nor did Am. I'm sorry baby. I love you with all of my being. 

Me: I didn't expect dinner to go like this, but Mom thank you for being vulnerable tonight. Daddy thank you for always knowing what to say. You've always protected me. Mom your ways helped me be tough out here and I needed that pushing. I don't dislike all of what you did. I shouldn't have added fuel to the flames. I am sorry, I couldn't see that you were hurting in your own way. I love you guys so much.

Jaye: Baby sister we love you!

Amari: Yes baby sister, we love you!

Me: I love you all as well.

I finally stopped crying and was alerted of the time. While everyone was enjoying dessert, I asked Lyssa if her and Jme could help me with something in the kitchen. I saw lights outside. They followed me. Devin knocked on the door and I asked Lyssa to get it for me. When she opened the door. He said I have a delivery for an Allyssa Johnson. She told him it was her.

Her face lit up as she saw an exact replica of her wrecked vehicle, he gave her a set of keys. I even bought the girls car seats for it. She ran over and hugged me. Jme just looked at me with tear filled eyes. The older kids had taken the smaller children to the den after eating when they heard Jme and I going back and forth. I hadn't noticed until Lyssa got her delivery knock on the door.

Everyone complimented how good dessert was. Omir ate half of the pudding by himself. He asked if I could make him another pan. I told him I would. 

Everyone cleared out one by one. The rest of the dinner ended with eruptions of laughter. It was good to see everyone smiling and laughing. I loved having my family and friends over. Omir was unusually quiet, total opposite of the other night.

I thought everyone was gone as I cleaned off the table. Then I looked up to see Omir coming to help me. Where did you come from? I was seeing that Nana and mom got home safely. I also made sure your mom got in the car with your dad safely. She thanked me with a kiss on the forehead, just in case lipstick was there.

I hadn't even noticed until he said it. I grabbed a wash cloth and wiped it off. He stared at me the whole time.

Omir: What was everyone talking about tonight?

Me: My mom was verbally abusive growing up. She treated me poorly. My daddy was the one I would turn to when she lashed out at me, but he worked a lot. 

Omir: I thought you two just had a fight and she put you out. I didn't know there was more. I guess that's what I should've been talking about when I came over the other night. I'm sorry.

Me: Don't be. There's more. I'm not ready to share it yet. I hope you don't mind. Thank you for staying by my side tonight. I really do appreciate it. I noticed you were quiet tonight, different from the other night. 

Omir: Don't mention it. About that....my mom always praises Mari. She makes me feel like she love him more than I. Mari and I are really close, despite this though. I don't mind waiting until you're ready to tell me anything you want to tell me. 

We finished cleaning the dining area. Chris and Devin helped. I didn't even know them until she explained why they were here. We got done much quicker when they came in and helped us. It was after midnight. I'm not going to lie I didn't want to leave.

All done boss, Chris said. He and Devin left or I thought. She told me he would sit out there for an hour or so.

Omir: Amryl, you looked so beautiful tonight. Did you wear that for me?

Me: Maybe? You looked handsome tonight as well.

He was nicely dressed. He wore a button down shirt tucked into his slacks with a tie. That tie was my favorite part of his attire. It looked good on him. We spent the rest of the night, well morning laughing. Talking just like the other night.

I began dosing off laying in his arms. I had intentions to get up. He must've been fallen asleep too because later that morning he was cuddling me on the couch. His phone ringing woke us.

Omir: I'm sorry.

Me: No it's okay.

Omir: I got to go, but I hope to see you again tonight?

Me: I hope so Love

Omir: I'll miss you, Love.

I kissed her passionately before taking my exit. I phoned the number that woke us back.